Have you recently been approved for that shiny new American Express card, or perhaps you're eagerly awaiting a replacement, and now the burning question is: When will it arrive?! The wait can feel interminable, especially when you're excited to start enjoying those Amex benefits. But fear not, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about American Express card shipping times, options, and how to stay on top of your delivery!
The Grand Unveiling: How Long Does American Express Take to Ship?
The shipping timeline for an American Express card can vary based on several factors, including whether it's a new card or a replacement, the type of card you're receiving, and your chosen shipping method. Generally, Amex is known for its relatively efficient delivery, often offering expedited options for premium cards.
 |
| How Long Does American Express Take To Ship |
Step 1: Understand Your Card's Journey – New Card vs. Replacement
Before diving into specifics, it's crucial to differentiate between a brand-new card and a replacement card. The process and typical shipping times can be slightly different.
New Card Applications: The Excitement of Approval!
When you apply for a new American Express card, the process usually starts with an online application. Many applicants receive an instant decision within minutes. However, if your application goes into "pending" status, it might take a few days for Amex to review your information.
Once approved, the clock starts ticking on shipping. American Express often provides an Instant Card Number for eligible card members, allowing you to start making online purchases or adding the card to your digital wallet before the physical card even arrives! This is a fantastic feature that many other card issuers don't offer.
Replacement Cards: Getting Back on Track
Whether your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or simply expiring, American Express aims to get a replacement to you quickly. You can often request a replacement directly through your online account or by calling customer service.
Good to know: If your card is just damaged, Amex usually allows you to continue using your current card until the replacement arrives, minimizing any disruption to your spending.
Step 2: Decoding Standard Shipping Times
For most new cards and replacement cards, standard shipping is the default. This is where the "how long" question gets a bit more nuanced.
QuickTip: Highlight useful points as you read.
Typical Standard Delivery Window
For most American Express cards shipped via standard delivery, you can generally expect your card to arrive within:
-
5 to 10 business days: This is a common range for many standard Amex cards.
-
Within 2 weeks: Some users report delivery within this timeframe, especially for newly approved cards.
Keep in mind: "Business days" typically exclude weekends and public holidays. Factors like geographical location and local postal service efficiency can also play a role.
Variations by Card Type
While not a hard and fast rule, some anecdotal evidence suggests that premium cards might sometimes be shipped with a slightly faster standard option due to their inherent benefits. For example:
-
Platinum Card® and Business Platinum Card®: Many users report that these high-tier cards are often automatically expedited by American Express, sometimes arriving within 1-3 business days.
-
Gold Card and other mid-tier cards: These may fall within the 5-10 business day standard delivery, though expedited options might be available upon request.
Step 3: Expedited Shipping – When You Need It ASAP!
American Express understands that sometimes you need your card in a hurry. They often offer expedited shipping options, though availability and cost can vary.
How Expedited Shipping Works
-
Faster Delivery: Expedited shipping typically means your card will arrive much sooner, often within 1 to 3 business days.
-
Availability:
-
For premium cards like the Platinum Card, expedited shipping is often complimentary and automatic.
-
For other cards, you may need to request it during the application process or when ordering a replacement.
-
-
Potential Cost: While some cards may include expedited shipping for free, for others, there might be a fee (e.g., $10) charged to your statement. Always confirm this when requesting expedited delivery.
Important Note for New Applications:
If you are approved for a new card online and want expedited shipping, it's often best to call American Express customer service immediately after approval to see if they can arrange it. Some users report that once an account is approved, changing the shipping method might be difficult for the initial card, though it's easier for replacements.
Step 4: Tracking Your American Express Card Shipment
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
Once your card is on its way, you'll naturally want to track its progress. American Express provides convenient ways to do this.
Online Account Tracking
The most straightforward way to track your card is through your American Express online account:
-
Log In: Go to the American Express website and log in to your account.
-
Navigate to Account Services: Look for a section like "Account Services" or "Card Management."
-
Find "Replace a Card" or "Card Delivery Status": Within this section, you should find an option to track your card delivery or check the status of a replacement.
-
View Status: Here, you'll be able to see the shipping status, estimated delivery date, and often a tracking number if shipped with a major courier.
American Express Mobile App
 |
The Amex mobile app also provides similar tracking functionalities, making it easy to check on the go.
Email Notifications
American Express typically sends email notifications when your card has shipped, often including tracking information. Keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder, just in case!).
Step 5: What to Do If Your Card Hasn't Arrived
Despite best efforts, sometimes cards get delayed or go missing. Don't panic if your card doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe.
Check Tracking First
-
Verify Delivery Status: Use the online tracking methods mentioned above. Has it been marked as delivered?
-
Check with Household Members: Sometimes a card is delivered and picked up by someone else in your household.
-
Look in Unexpected Places: Mail carriers occasionally leave packages in less obvious spots.
Contact American Express Customer Service
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
If tracking shows no movement, or if it says "delivered" but you haven't received it:
-
Wait a Day or Two: Sometimes tracking updates can be slightly ahead of actual delivery. Give it an extra day or two after the "delivered" status.
-
Call Amex Immediately: If it's truly missing after the expected delivery window, contact American Express customer service right away.
-
Security Concern: If your card is marked as delivered but you don't have it, there's a risk it was stolen or misdelivered. Amex will likely cancel the missing card and issue a new one with a different card number for your security.
-
Request Expedited Replacement: When reporting a missing card, you can often request that the replacement be sent via expedited shipping at no additional charge.
-
10 Related FAQ Questions: How to...
Here are some quick answers to common questions about American Express card shipping:
How to get an Amex card instantly?
While you won't get the physical card instantly, eligible applicants can receive an Instant Card Number immediately after approval, allowing for online purchases and digital wallet use before the physical card arrives.
How to track a new American Express card?
Log in to your American Express online account, go to "Account Services" or "Card Management," and look for "Card Delivery Status" or "Replace a Card" to find tracking information.
How to request expedited shipping for an Amex card?
For new cards, try to request it immediately after approval by calling customer service. For replacement cards, you can usually select an expedited option when ordering online or by speaking with a representative. Expedited shipping is often automatic for premium cards.
How to know if my Amex card is being expedited?
For premium cards like Platinum, it's often automatic. For others, you'll be informed during the request process if it's expedited, and your tracking information should reflect faster delivery.
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
How to activate my new American Express card?
Once your physical card arrives, you can activate it through your American Express online account, the Amex mobile app, or by calling the activation number provided on the card or in the accompanying materials.
How to get a replacement Amex card faster?
When ordering a replacement (due to loss, damage, or expiry), you can often choose or request an expedited shipping option, which typically delivers within 1-3 business days.
How to update my shipping address for an Amex card?
You should update your address in your American Express online account well in advance. If your card is already shipped to the wrong address, contact customer service immediately to arrange a re-delivery to the correct address.
How to deal with a lost or stolen Amex card before it arrives?
If your card is lost or stolen before you receive it (e.g., tracking shows delivered but you don't have it), contact American Express customer service immediately. They will cancel the compromised card and issue a new one.
How to find my Amex application status?
You can usually check your application status on the American Express website using your registered mobile number or application reference number through their "Application Tracker" tool.
How to use my Amex card before the physical card arrives?
If you're eligible for an Instant Card Number upon approval, you can use those details for online purchases or by adding them to your digital wallet (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay) for in-store tap-to-pay transactions.
 |
