American Express offers a variety of card products, each with different ways to add money. The method for "putting money on" your American Express card depends entirely on the type of card you have. Are we talking about a credit card, a prepaid card (like Amex Serve or Bluebird), or perhaps an Amex Rewards Checking Account debit card? Let's break down the common scenarios to help you navigate this.
Understanding Your American Express Card Type
Before we dive into the steps, it's crucial to identify which type of American Express card you possess.
 |
| How Do I Put Money On My American Express Card |
Sub-heading: American Express Credit Cards and Charge Cards
For American Express credit cards and charge cards, you don't "add money" to them in the traditional sense like a debit card. Instead, you make payments to reduce your outstanding balance. These cards offer a line of credit, and your goal is to pay off what you've spent.
Sub-heading: American Express Prepaid Cards (Serve, Bluebird, etc.)
Prepaid cards are different. They function much like a debit card where you load funds onto them to spend. These are often used for budgeting, for those without traditional bank accounts, or as an alternative to cash. Examples include Amex Serve and Bluebird.
Sub-heading: American Express Debit Cards (e.g., Amex Rewards Checking)
If you have an American Express debit card linked to a checking account (like the Amex Rewards Checking Account), you'll add money to the underlying checking account, which then becomes accessible via your debit card.
Step 1: Identify Your Card and Its Purpose
Let's start by clarifying what kind of American Express card you have. Take a moment to look at your card. Is it a credit card with a credit limit? Or is it a prepaid card that you loaded with funds initially? This distinction is paramount to choosing the correct method.
-
Is it a Credit Card (or Charge Card)? If your card allows you to make purchases and then receive a bill, it's a credit or charge card. You'll be "putting money on" it by paying your bill.
-
Is it a Prepaid Card (like Serve or Bluebird)? These cards typically say "Prepaid" or have the product name clearly visible (e.g., "Serve" or "Bluebird"). You load funds onto these to spend.
-
Is it an Amex Rewards Checking Debit Card? This would be linked to a checking account with American Express.
Step 2: Putting Money on Your American Express Credit Card (Paying Your Bill)
For American Express credit cards and charge cards, "putting money on" essentially means making a payment to decrease your balance or pay off your statement. This is how you ensure your account remains in good standing and you avoid interest charges.
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
Sub-heading: Online Payment (Recommended & Most Common)
This is the most popular and often the easiest method.
-
Log In to Your American Express Online Account:
-
Go to the official American Express website (americanexpress.com).
-
Enter your User ID and Password. If you don't have an online account, you'll need to register your card first.
-
-
Navigate to the Payments Section:
-
Once logged in, look for a section like "Payments," "Pay My Bill," or "Account Summary."
-
-
Select Payment Method:
-
You'll typically have options to pay from your linked bank account. If you haven't linked one, you'll be prompted to do so. This usually involves providing your bank's routing number and your account number.
-
You might also have options for one-time payments from a different bank account.
-
-
Enter Payment Amount:
-
You can usually choose to pay the statement balance, the current balance, the minimum payment due, or a custom amount.
-
Always aim to pay the full statement balance to avoid interest charges.
-
-
Confirm and Submit:
-
Review all the details carefully: payment amount, payment date, and the bank account it's coming from.
-
Click "Submit Payment" or "Confirm." You'll usually receive an instant confirmation.
-
Note: While your bank might debit the amount immediately, it can take 1-2 business days for the payment to reflect on your American Express card account.
-
Sub-heading: Via the Amex Mobile App
The American Express mobile app offers a convenient way to manage your card and make payments on the go.
-
Download and Log In:
-
Download the official American Express App from your smartphone's app store (App Store for iOS, Google Play Store for Android).
-
Log in with your existing Amex online account credentials.
-
-
Access Payment Options:
-
Look for a "Payments" or "Pay Bill" option within the app.
-
-
Follow On-Screen Prompts:
-
The app will guide you through selecting your linked bank account (or adding a new one), entering the payment amount, and confirming the transaction.
-
Sub-heading: Bank Bill Pay Service
Many banks offer an online bill pay service that allows you to set up payments to various creditors, including American Express.
-
Log In to Your Bank's Online Banking Portal:
-
Access your personal bank account online.
-
-
Set Up American Express as a Payee:
-
Look for a "Bill Pay" or "Payments" section. You'll typically need to add American Express as a new payee, providing your Amex card number as the account number.
-
-
Schedule Your Payment:
-
Enter the amount you wish to pay and the desired payment date. Your bank will then send the payment to American Express.
-
Allow a few business days for the payment to process and appear on your Amex statement.
-
Sub-heading: Mail a Check ✉️
While less common now, you can still mail a check to American Express.
-
Locate Your Payment Slip:
-
Your monthly statement typically includes a payment slip.
-
-
Write a Check:
-
Make the check payable to "American Express" and write your 15-digit card number in the memo line.
-
-
Mail It:
-
Send the check along with the payment slip to the address provided on your statement.
-
This method is the slowest, so mail your payment well in advance of your due date.
-
Sub-heading: Phone Payment
You can call American Express directly to make a payment.
-
Call Customer Service:
-
Dial the customer service number on the back of your card or found on the American Express website.
-
-
Follow Prompts:
-
You'll likely be guided through an automated system or connected to a representative who can process your payment using your bank account details.
-
Be aware that some phone payments might incur a small fee.
-
Step 3: Putting Money on Your American Express Prepaid Card (Serve, Bluebird, etc.)
Prepaid cards are designed to be loaded with funds. Here's how you can do it for products like American Express Serve or Bluebird.
Sub-heading: Direct Deposit
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
One of the most convenient ways to add money to a prepaid card is via direct deposit.
-
Retrieve Account Information:
-
Log in to your Serve or Bluebird online account or app.
-
Find the "Direct Deposit" section, which will provide you with a routing number and account number specific to your prepaid card.
-
-
Provide Information to Your Employer/Benefits Provider:
-
Give these details to your employer for your paycheck or to a government agency for benefits (e.g., Social Security).
-
This allows your funds to be directly deposited onto your prepaid card, often up to two days faster than traditional banks.
-
Sub-heading: Add Cash at Retail Locations
Many prepaid cards allow you to load cash at participating retail stores.
-
Find Participating Retailers:
-
Check the American Express Serve or Bluebird website/app for a list of retail locations where you can add cash. Common stores include Walmart, CVS Pharmacy, Dollar General, and Rite Aid.
-
-
Go to the Register:
-
Tell the cashier you want to add money to your American Express prepaid card.
-
-
Present Your Card and Cash:
-
Give the cashier your prepaid card and the amount of cash you wish to load.
-
There might be a small fee charged by the retailer for this service (often up to $3.95 for out-of-network locations, free for in-network locations like Family Dollar for Bluebird or select retailers for Serve).
-
Your money should be available almost immediately. Some apps even offer a barcode reload feature for convenience.
-
Sub-heading: Transfer from a Bank Account
You can link an external checking or savings account to your prepaid card and transfer funds.
-
Link Your Bank Account:
-
Log in to your Serve or Bluebird account online or via the app.
-
Go to the "Add Money" or "Money In" section and select "Bank Account."
-
Follow the prompts to link your external bank account. This often involves verifying small trial deposits made by American Express to your bank account.
-
-
Initiate Transfer:
-
Once linked, you can initiate transfers from your bank account to your prepaid card.
-
Transfers may take 3-5 business days to process.
-
Sub-heading: Transfer from a Debit Card or American Express Credit Card
For Serve prepaid accounts, you can often add money from an external debit card or even an American Express credit card.
-
Link Card:
-
In your Serve account, go to "Add Money" and select "Debit Card" or "American Express Credit Card."
-
Enter the card details.
-
-
Transfer Funds:
-
Once linked, you can transfer money.
-
Be aware that loading funds from a credit card may be treated as a cash advance by your credit card issuer, which can incur fees and higher interest rates immediately.
-
Sub-heading: Mobile Check Deposit (via App)
Both Serve and Bluebird offer the ability to deposit checks using their mobile apps.
-
Open the App and Select Mobile Check Deposit:
-
Ensure your app is updated.
-
-
Endorse and Photograph the Check:
-
Sign the back of your check and follow the app's instructions to take clear photos of the front and back.
-
-
Choose Funding Option:
-
You'll typically have two options:
-
Money in Minutes (Fee applies): Your funds are available very quickly (usually within minutes, but can take up to an hour) for a percentage fee of the check amount.
-
Money in Days (No Fee): Funds are usually available within 10 days, provided the check is approved and doesn't return unpaid.
-
-
Step 4: Putting Money on Your American Express Debit Card (Amex Rewards Checking)
If you have an Amex Rewards Checking Account, your debit card draws from this account. Therefore, "putting money on" your debit card means adding funds to your Amex Rewards Checking Account.
Sub-heading: Digital Transfers from Linked Accounts
This is the primary way to fund your Amex Rewards Checking Account.
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
-
Link External Bank Accounts:
-
Through your American Express online banking portal or the Amex App, you can link your existing external checking or savings accounts.
-
-
Initiate Transfers:
-
Once linked, you can easily transfer funds from your external bank account to your Amex Rewards Checking Account.
-
These transfers are usually electronic and can take a few business days to clear.
-
Sub-heading: Mobile Check Deposits
Similar to prepaid cards, you can deposit checks using the Amex App for your Rewards Checking Account.
-
Use the Amex App:
-
Open the American Express App.
-
Select the "Mobile Check Deposit" feature.
-
-
Capture Check Images:
-
Follow the prompts to photograph the front and back of your endorsed check.
-
Mobile check deposits are subject to limits and availability, typically appearing within 48 hours.
-
Sub-heading: Direct Deposit
Set up direct deposit for your paycheck or government benefits to go directly into your Amex Rewards Checking Account.
-
Obtain Account Details:
-
Find your routing and account numbers for your Amex Rewards Checking Account within your online banking portal or app.
-
-
Provide to Payer:
-
Give these details to your employer's payroll department or your benefits provider.
-
Sub-heading: Zelle® Transfers
The Amex Rewards Checking Account supports Zelle, allowing for quick money transfers.
-
Enroll in Zelle:
-
Enroll in Zelle through the Amex App or online banking.
-
-
Send or Receive Money:
-
You can then send or receive money to/from friends, family, or other individuals directly from your Amex Rewards Checking Account using just an email address or U.S. mobile number.
-
Zelle transfers are typically fast, often within minutes.
-
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to check my American Express card balance?
You can check your balance by logging into your American Express online account, using the Amex mobile app, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
How to link a bank account to my American Express card?
To link a bank account, log in to your American Express online account (or prepaid card account like Serve/Bluebird), navigate to the "Payments" or "Money In" section, and follow the instructions to add a new bank account by providing your bank's routing and account numbers. You may need to verify small trial deposits.
How to avoid fees when loading money on an American Express prepaid card?
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
To avoid fees on prepaid cards, opt for direct deposit, or choose in-network retail locations for cash loads (like Family Dollar for Bluebird or select partners for Serve, if applicable) which are often free. Transfers from linked bank accounts are also typically free.
How to use my American Express card to get cash?
For credit cards, you can perform a cash advance at an ATM, but this usually incurs high fees and immediate interest. For prepaid cards or debit cards, you can withdraw cash at ATMs using your PIN. Be aware of any ATM fees charged by the operator or American Express.
How to set up direct deposit for my American Express prepaid card?
Log in to your online account for your prepaid card (Serve or Bluebird), locate the "Direct Deposit" information (routing and account numbers), and provide these details to your employer or benefits provider.
How to know if my American Express card is a credit, charge, or prepaid card?
Credit cards have a credit limit and you receive a monthly bill to pay down your balance. Charge cards require you to pay the full balance each month. Prepaid cards require you to load money onto them before you can spend, and they typically say "Prepaid" on the card.
How to make an expedited payment to my American Express credit card?
Most online payment methods through American Express's website or app are quite fast. For credit cards, some banks offer faster payment services, or you might be able to call Amex customer service for options, though a fee might apply for truly expedited processing. NEFT payments (in India) are also a fast option.
How to transfer money from one American Express card to another?
Generally, you cannot directly transfer funds between two different American Express credit cards or from a credit card to a prepaid card. However, for prepaid cards like Serve or Bluebird, you might be able to send money to another accountholder of the same product.
How to use the Amex mobile app for payments/loading?
Download the official American Express App, log in with your credentials, and navigate to the "Payments" or "Add Money" section. The app will guide you through the process, allowing you to link accounts or initiate transfers.
How to get help if I have issues putting money on my American Express card?
If you encounter any problems, contact American Express customer service directly. The phone number is usually on the back of your card or readily available on the American Express website.
 |
