Alright, let's get you set up to fund your American Express card!
Step 1: Ready to Power Up Your Amex? Let's Get Started!
Ever wondered how to add funds to your American Express card and unlock a world of spending power? It's a common question, and thankfully, it's not nearly as complicated as you might think. Whether you're topping up a reloadable prepaid card, making a payment to your credit card, or adding money to a gift card, understanding the process is key. So, let's dive in and get your American Express card ready for action!
Before we jump into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand which type of American Express card you have, as the methods for "putting money on" it can vary significantly. Are we talking about:
An American Express Credit Card? (Where you're making a payment to reduce your balance)
An American Express Prepaid Card? (Reloadable, like the Serve or Bluebird cards)
An American Express Gift Card? (These are typically pre-loaded and not reloadable after initial purchase, but we'll touch on managing them).
Once you've identified your card type, the path becomes much clearer. Let's explore each scenario.
Step 2: Understanding Your American Express Card Type
This is the foundational step. "Putting money on" means different things for different Amex products.
2a: American Express Credit Cards
If you have a traditional American Express credit card (like the Platinum, Gold, Green, Everyday, Delta SkyMiles, Hilton Honors, etc.), you're not "putting money on" it in the sense of adding a balance for spending. Instead, you're making a payment to reduce your outstanding balance. This frees up your credit limit for future purchases. Think of it as repaying a loan.
2b: American Express Prepaid Cards (Serve, Bluebird)
These are reloadable prepaid debit cards offered by American Express. With these cards, you do add money directly to the card's balance, which you can then spend like a regular debit card. These are excellent alternatives for those who might not qualify for a traditional credit card or prefer not to use one.
2c: American Express Gift Cards
American Express gift cards are pre-loaded with a specific amount of money when purchased. Generally, these are not reloadable. Once the balance is spent, the card is typically discarded. You "put money on" them at the time of purchase.
Step 3: How to Put Money on an American Express Credit Card (Making Payments)
For American Express credit cards, the process is about making a payment to your account. There are several convenient ways to do this:
3a: Online Payment (Recommended)
This is by far the easiest and most common method.
Log In to Your Online Account: Go to the official American Express website (
americanexpress.com Navigate to Payments: Once logged in, look for a "Payments" or "Make a Payment" section. It's usually prominently displayed on your account dashboard.
Choose Your Payment Source: You'll typically link a checking or savings account from which the funds will be drawn. You'll need your bank's routing number and your account number.
Enter Payment Amount: You can usually choose to pay:
Minimum Payment Due: The smallest amount required to keep your account in good standing.
Statement Balance: The total amount due from your last billing cycle.
Current Balance: Your total outstanding balance, including recent transactions.
Other Amount: A custom amount you wish to pay.
Select Payment Date: You can usually schedule a payment for the current day or a future date.
Review and Confirm: Double-check all the details before confirming your payment. You'll usually receive an email confirmation.
3b: American Express Mobile App
The Amex mobile app offers the same functionality as the website, often with an even more streamlined experience.
Download and Log In: Get the official American Express app from your app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) and log in.
Go to Payments: Similar to the website, find the "Payments" section.
Follow On-Screen Prompts: The app will guide you through selecting the payment amount, source, and date.
3c: AutoPay (Automated Payments)
For ultimate convenience, set up AutoPay.
Log In Online or via App: Access your account.
Find AutoPay Settings: Look for "AutoPay" or "Automatic Payments" in the payment section.
Configure AutoPay: You can typically choose to pay your minimum payment due, statement balance, or full balance on a specific date each month. This ensures you never miss a payment.
3d: By Phone
You can call American Express directly to make a payment.
Find the Number: The customer service number is usually on the back of your card or on your statement.
Follow Prompts: Be prepared to provide your card details and bank account information.
Note: Some payments made over the phone might incur a small fee, though this is less common for standard payments.
3e: By Mail
While less common now, you can still mail a check or money order.
Find the Payment Address: The payment address is usually listed on your monthly statement.
Include Your Account Number: Always write your American Express account number on your check or money order.
Mail Early: Allow ample time for your payment to be received and processed before your due date.
Step 4: How to Put Money on American Express Prepaid Cards (Serve, Bluebird)
This is where "putting money on" truly means adding funds to your card's balance. American Express offers several convenient ways to reload these cards.
4a: Direct Deposit (Recommended for Regular Funding)
This is an excellent option for recurring funds like paychecks or government benefits.
Get Your Account Information: Log in to your Serve or Bluebird account online or via the app. You'll find your unique direct deposit routing number and account number.
Provide to Payer: Give this information to your employer, government agency, or benefits provider. They will then directly deposit funds onto your prepaid card.
Benefit: Usually free and funds are often available quickly.
4b: Add Cash at Retail Locations
This is a popular method for immediate cash reloads.
Find a Reload Location: Use the American Express Serve or Bluebird website/app to find participating retailers near you. Common locations include:
Walmart
CVS
Dollar General
Family Dollar
Rite Aid
Check the specific card's website for an up-to-date list.
Go to the Register: Tell the cashier you want to "add cash" or "reload" your American Express Serve/Bluebird card.
Swipe Your Card and Pay: Hand your card to the cashier, tell them the amount you want to add, and pay with cash.
Keep Your Receipt: Always keep your receipt as proof of the transaction.
Fee Alert: Many retailers charge a small fee (e.g., $3.95 to $5.95) for cash reloads.
4c: From Your Bank Account (Online Transfer)
You can link your bank account to your prepaid card and transfer funds.
Link Account: Log in to your Serve or Bluebird account online. Find the option to "Add Money" or "Transfer Funds" and select "From Bank Account."
Enter Bank Details: You'll need your bank's routing number and your checking/savings account number. There might be a small verification process (e.g., small deposits to your bank account that you need to confirm).
Initiate Transfer: Enter the amount you wish to transfer.
Processing Time: Transfers from a bank account can take 2-3 business days to clear. Usually no fee from Amex's side, but check your bank.
4c: From a Debit Card
Some prepaid cards allow you to add funds from an external debit card.
Log In and Select Debit Card Option: Access your Serve or Bluebird account online or via the app.
Enter Debit Card Details: Input your external debit card number, expiration date, and CVV.
Enter Amount: Specify how much you want to add.
Fee Alert: There is often a fee associated with loading funds via an external debit card, and daily/monthly limits may apply.
4d: Mobile Check Deposit
For select prepaid cards (like Serve), you might be able to deposit checks using your phone's camera.
Use the App: Open the American Express Serve mobile app.
Select Mobile Deposit: Follow the prompts to take photos of the front and back of your endorsed check.
Processing Time: Funds may be available in minutes for a fee, or typically within 5-10 business days for free.
Step 5: American Express Gift Cards (Initial Funding)
As mentioned, Amex Gift Cards are generally pre-loaded at the time of purchase and are not reloadable. "Putting money on" an Amex Gift Card means buying it with a specific denomination.
5a: Purchasing a Gift Card Online
Visit Amex Gift Card Website: Go to the official American Express Gift Card website (https://www.google.com/search?q=gifts.americanexpress.com).
Select Card and Denomination: Choose the design and the amount you want to load onto the card (e.g., $25, $50, $100, $500).
Add to Cart and Purchase: Proceed to checkout, where you'll pay for the gift card using a credit card, debit card, or bank account.
Fees: There's often a purchase fee per card, which varies based on the denomination.
5b: Purchasing a Gift Card at Retailers
Many major retailers carry American Express Gift Cards.
Visit Participating Stores: Look for them at grocery stores, pharmacies (like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid), and general merchandise stores (like Walmart, Target).
Select and Purchase: Choose the desired denomination from the rack and purchase it at the register.
Fees: Retailers may also charge a small activation fee.
Step 6: Important Considerations and Tips
Fees: Always be aware of any fees associated with adding money to your card, especially for prepaid cards at retail locations or using debit card transfers.
Limits: Prepaid cards often have daily, weekly, or monthly reload limits. Check your card's terms and conditions.
Processing Time: Funds may not be available immediately, especially for bank transfers or mailed payments. Plan accordingly.
Security: Always use official American Express channels (website, app, customer service) for making payments or adding funds. Be wary of third-party services.
Receipts: Keep all receipts for cash loads or in-person payments until the funds appear on your account.
Check Your Balance: Regularly check your American Express account balance (for credit cards) or card balance (for prepaid cards) to confirm that your funds have been successfully added or payments processed.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check my American Express card balance?
Quick Answer: For credit cards, log into your Amex online account or mobile app. For prepaid cards (Serve/Bluebird), log into their respective online accounts or check the mobile app. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card.
How to link my bank account to my American Express card?
Quick Answer: For credit cards, navigate to the "Payments" section in your online account and choose to add a new bank account. For prepaid cards, go to the "Add Money" or "Transfer Funds" section and select the option to link a bank account; you'll need your bank's routing and account numbers.
How to pay my American Express credit card bill without logging in?
Quick Answer: You can usually make a "Quick Pay" or "Guest Payment" directly on the Amex website by entering your card number and banking details, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
How to avoid fees when putting money on an Amex prepaid card?
Quick Answer: The best ways to avoid fees are usually by setting up direct deposit of paychecks/benefits, or by transferring funds from a linked bank account online (though bank transfers may take longer).
How to find American Express prepaid card reload locations near me?
Quick Answer: Use the "Find a Location" or "Reload Locations" tool on the official American Express Serve or Bluebird website or their respective mobile apps.
How to set up automatic payments for my American Express credit card?
Quick Answer: Log in to your American Express online account or mobile app, go to the "Payments" section, and look for "AutoPay" or "Automatic Payments" to configure recurring payments.
How to get cash from my American Express prepaid card?
Quick Answer: You can withdraw cash from your American Express prepaid card at ATMs that display the Amex, Visa, or Mastercard logo (depending on your card network) for a fee, or get cash back at participating retail locations with a purchase.
How to cancel a pending payment on my American Express credit card?
Quick Answer: If a payment is still pending, you may be able to cancel it by logging into your online account or mobile app and going to the "Payments" section. If you cannot, or if it's too late, you'll need to call American Express customer service immediately.
How to use an American Express gift card?
Quick Answer: Use it like a credit card anywhere American Express is accepted. Select "Credit" or "Debit" at checkout, and sign the receipt. You cannot use it at ATMs for cash withdrawals.
How to check the balance on an American Express gift card?
Quick Answer: Visit the American Express Gift Card website (https://www.google.com/search?q=gifts.americanexpress.com) and enter the 15-digit card number and 4-digit security code. You can also call the customer service number printed on the back of the gift card.