Thinking about getting an American Express card? That's a fantastic idea! Amex cards are renowned for their premium benefits, excellent customer service, and valuable rewards programs. But a common question we hear is, how quickly can I actually get one in my hands?
The good news is, American Express is often one of the quicker issuers when it comes to application processing and even getting your card to you. In some cases, you can even start using your card instantly! Let's dive into a step-by-step guide to understand the timeline and how to potentially speed things up.
How Quickly Can I Get an American Express Card? A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Are You Ready for American Express? (Engage!)
Before we even talk about how fast you can get an Amex, let's consider if you're in the best position to apply. Have you checked your credit score recently? Do you have a good understanding of the different Amex cards and their requirements? Taking a moment now to ensure you're a strong candidate can significantly speed up the entire process and increase your approval odds!
American Express generally looks for applicants with good to excellent credit scores. This typically means a FICO score of 670 or higher, with the best premium cards often requiring scores in the 740+ range. They also consider your payment history, credit utilization, and income. If you're unsure about your creditworthiness, it's wise to obtain a copy of your credit report from all three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) and check your scores.
Step 2: Choosing Your Perfect Amex Card
American Express offers a wide variety of cards, from travel rewards powerhouses like The Platinum Card® and Gold Card® to everyday cash-back options and business cards. Each card has its own unique benefits, annual fees, and eligibility criteria.
Research is Key: Spend some time exploring the different Amex cards. Consider your spending habits, travel preferences, and what kind of rewards you're looking for. Do you want airport lounge access, dining credits, or cash back on everyday purchases?
"Apply with Confidence" Feature: American Express has a fantastic tool called "Apply with Confidence" for personal cards. This allows you to see if you're likely to be approved for a specific card without a hard inquiry on your credit report. This means no impact on your credit score just for checking! If you're pre-approved and decide to accept the offer, then a hard inquiry will be made. This is an invaluable step for understanding your approval odds quickly.
Pre-qualified Offers: You might also receive pre-qualified offers directly from American Express based on your existing financial profile. While these don't guarantee approval, they indicate you're a good fit for certain cards.
Step 3: The Application Process – Often Instant!
This is where the "quickly" aspect really comes into play.
Online Application: The fastest way to apply for an American Express card is online. The application forms are generally straightforward and can be completed in 10 minutes or less.
Instant Decision: For many applicants with strong credit and clear financial histories, American Express can provide an instant approval decision within 60 seconds of submitting your online application. This is a common scenario, especially if all your information can be readily verified.
"Pending" Status: In some cases, your application might go into a "pending" status. This typically happens if Amex needs to verify some information, if there's something unusual on your credit report, or if they can't instantly authenticate your identity. Don't panic if this happens! It simply means they need a little more time to review your application. You'll usually be notified of the outcome via email within 5-10 business days.
Required Documents: If your application is conditionally approved or goes into pending, you might be asked to submit supporting documents (like proof of income or address). Submitting these promptly through their secure document upload site will help expedite the final approval.
Step 4: The Game-Changer: Instant Card Number
One of the most impressive features that truly allows you to get an Amex card quickly is their Instant Card Number program.
Immediate Access: If you're approved and eligible, American Express can provide you with your actual 15-digit card number immediately after approval. This isn't a temporary number; it's the same number that will be on your physical card when it arrives.
How to Get It:
If you apply online, you might see your Instant Card Number directly on the application screen after approval.
You'll also typically receive a Welcome Email shortly after approval with a link to retrieve your Instant Card Number.
What You Can Do With It:
Shop Online Instantly: Use your Instant Card Number, expiration date, and CVV/CVC to make online purchases right away.
Add to Digital Wallets: You can add your Instant Card Number to digital wallets like Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, or Samsung Pay® for in-store purchases wherever American Express is accepted.
Start Earning Rewards: Begin earning rewards points, miles, or cashback from your very first purchase!
Important Note: While you can start spending, in some instances, Amex might have temporary restrictions on your full credit line until you confirm receipt of your physical card, especially if they couldn't instantly authenticate you.
Step 5: Receiving Your Physical Card
Even with an Instant Card Number, you'll still receive a physical card in the mail.
Standard Delivery: After approval, your physical American Express card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. It will come in a plain white envelope with the American Express logo and an Omaha, NE return address for security reasons.
Expedited Shipping: If you need your card even faster and the Instant Card Number isn't sufficient for your immediate needs, you may be able to request expedited shipping. This option might incur an additional fee and may not be available for all cards or in all regions. It's best to contact American Express customer service immediately after approval to inquire about this.
Activation: Once your physical card arrives, you'll need to activate it, usually through the Amex app or by calling customer service. This confirms you've received it and often unlocks your full credit line if any temporary restrictions were in place.
Factors That Can Affect Speed
While American Express aims for quick approvals and delivery, several factors can influence the timeline:
Creditworthiness: A strong credit score and a clean credit history lead to faster, often instant, approvals.
Application Accuracy: Ensure all information on your application is accurate and matches your official records. Any discrepancies can lead to delays as Amex verifies the details.
Identity Verification: If Amex has difficulty verifying your identity, your application may be delayed or require additional documentation.
High Application Volume: During peak periods, processing times might be slightly longer due to a high volume of applications.
Card Type: Some specialized or premium cards might have a slightly longer review process due to their unique requirements.
Existing Amex Relationship: If you're an existing American Express cardmember with a good payment history, your application for a new card might be processed even more quickly.
Conclusion
So, how quickly can you get an American Express card? In many cases, you can get approved instantly and start using your Instant Card Number for online and digital wallet purchases on the same day you apply! The physical card typically follows within 7-10 business days. By preparing properly, choosing the right card, and utilizing Amex's digital features, you can significantly streamline the process and enjoy the benefits of your new American Express card in no time.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my American Express application status?
You can easily check your American Express card application status online on the Amex website by entering your 14-digit application reference number (found in your confirmation email) or your registered mobile number. You can also call American Express customer care for an update.
How to improve my credit score for an American Express card?
To improve your credit score, focus on paying bills on time, keeping your credit utilization low (ideally below 30%), avoiding opening too many new accounts at once, and checking your credit report for errors.
How to get an Instant Card Number from American Express?
If you are approved for an eligible American Express card online and American Express can instantly authenticate you, you will often be provided with your Instant Card Number directly on the approval screen or via a link in your welcome email shortly after approval.
How to use my American Express Instant Card Number for in-store purchases?
You can use your Instant Card Number for in-store purchases by adding it to your digital wallet (like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) on your smartphone or smartwatch, and then using your device to pay at contactless terminals.
How to activate my new American Express physical card?
Once your physical American Express card arrives, you can activate it quickly through the American Express mobile app, by logging into your online account on the Amex website, or by calling the activation number provided with your card.
How to know if I'm eligible for a specific American Express card?
You can check your eligibility and approval odds for many personal Amex cards without a hard credit inquiry by using their "Apply with Confidence" tool on the American Express website.
How to avoid foreign transaction fees on American Express cards?
Many premium American Express travel cards (like The Platinum Card or the American Express® Gold Card) do not charge foreign transaction fees. If you frequently travel or make international purchases, choose a card that explicitly states it has no foreign transaction fees.
How to contact American Express customer service for application inquiries?
You can typically find the relevant customer service number on the American Express website for your region. For application inquiries, look for a dedicated credit card application status line.
How to handle a denied American Express card application?
If your application is denied, American Express will send you a letter explaining the reasons. You can review these reasons and, if you believe there's been a mistake or you have additional information, you can call their reconsideration line to discuss your application. It's often recommended to wait 3-6 months before reapplying if you were denied due to credit issues.
How to find out what benefits an American Express card offers?
The best way to find out what benefits a specific American Express card offers is to visit the official American Express website and navigate to the details page for that particular card. All benefits, annual fees, and rewards structures are clearly outlined there.
