Want to settle your American Express bill the good old-fashioned way? Sending a check through the mail is a perfectly valid method, though it requires a bit more foresight than an online payment. Don't worry, we'll walk you through every step to ensure your payment reaches American Express smoothly and on time.
Step 1: Gather Your Essentials
Before you put pen to paper, let's make sure you have everything you need. Think of it as preparing your payment toolkit!
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Your American Express Billing Statement: This is crucial! It contains your account number, the payment due date, and the correct mailing address for payments.
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A Check from Your Bank Account: Make sure it's from a checking account with sufficient funds.
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A Pen: A reliable one, preferably black or blue ink.
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A Standard Business Envelope: A #10 envelope (standard size, 4 ⅛ inches by 9 ½ inches) is ideal.
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Postage Stamps: Enough to cover the weight of your envelope. A standard first-class stamp usually suffices for a single check and statement stub.
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| How To Send A Check To American Express |
Step 2: Fill Out Your Check Accurately ✍️
This is where precision counts! Any errors here could delay your payment.
Sub-heading: Date Your Check Correctly
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Date: Write the current date on the top right corner of the check. Do not post-date it, as this can cause issues with processing.
Sub-heading: Make it Payable to American Express
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Pay to the Order of: Write "American Express" in this field. Do not write "Amex," your card number, or any other variation. American Express requires the full, official name.
Sub-heading: Write Out the Payment Amount
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Numerical Amount: In the box next to the dollar sign ($), write the exact numerical amount you intend to pay. For example, if you're paying $500.00, write "500.00".
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Written Amount: On the line below "Pay to the Order of," write out the amount in words, followed by "and 00/100 dollars" (or "no/100 dollars"). For example, "Five Hundred and 00/100 Dollars." Be sure the numerical and written amounts match exactly. If they differ, the bank will typically refer to the written amount.
Sub-heading: Include Your Account Number in the Memo Line
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Memo Line: This is extremely important. On the memo line (usually in the bottom left corner), write your full 15-digit American Express account number. This ensures your payment is credited to the correct account. Without it, your payment could be significantly delayed or even returned.
Sub-heading: Sign Your Check
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Signature: Sign your check on the bottom right line, making sure your signature matches the one on file with your bank.
Step 3: Prepare Your Payment Stub
Your billing statement typically includes a payment stub that you should send along with your check.
Sub-heading: Detach the Payment Stub
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Carefully detach the payment stub from your American Express billing statement. This stub often has perforations for easy removal.
Sub-heading: Verify Information on the Stub
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Ensure the payment stub includes your account number and the payment amount (if you're paying a different amount than the "Total New Balance," you might need to write in the amount you are sending).
Step 4: Assemble and Address Your Envelope ✉️
Proper addressing ensures your payment reaches American Express and not a dead-letter office!
Sub-heading: Place Contents in Envelope
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Fold your check and the payment stub neatly.
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Place them inside the standard business envelope.
Sub-heading: Address the Envelope to American Express
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American Express Mailing Address: You'll find the correct payment address on your billing statement. It's crucial to use the address provided on your statement, as different types of payments or locations might have different addresses.
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For regular bill payments in the US, a common address is:
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American Express
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P.O. Box 96001
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Los Angeles, CA 90096-8000
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For overnight mail/express delivery, a different physical address is often required. Check your statement or the American Express website for the specific address, which might be:
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American Express
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Attn: Express Mail Remittance Processing
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20500 Belshaw Ave
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Carson, CA 90746
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Always double-check your most recent statement for the precise mailing address, as these can sometimes change.
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Sub-heading: Add Your Return Address and Postage
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Your Return Address: Write your full name and address in the top left corner of the envelope.
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Postage: Affix the necessary postage stamps to the upper right corner of the envelope. Insufficient postage will cause delays.
Step 5: Mail Your Payment
Now it's time to send it off!
Sub-heading: Mail Early!
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Timing is Key: Mail your check at least 7-10 business days before your due date to allow for processing and mail delivery time. Payments sent close to the due date risk being considered late, which can incur late fees and negatively impact your credit score.
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Keep in mind that weekends and holidays do not count as business days for mail processing.
Sub-heading: Consider Tracking (Optional)
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For very large payments or if you're particularly concerned, you might consider sending your check via certified mail with a return receipt. This provides proof of mailing and delivery.
Step 6: Verify Your Payment ️♀️
Once you've mailed your payment, it's a good idea to confirm it was received and processed.
Sub-heading: Check Your Online Account
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Log in to your American Express online account a few days after your expected delivery date. Your payment should be reflected in your transaction history and account balance.
Sub-heading: Monitor Your Bank Account
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Keep an eye on your bank account to see when the check is debited. This is usually a good indication that American Express has received and processed your payment.
Sub-heading: Check Your Next Statement
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Your next billing statement will also show the payment received and applied to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Find the Correct American Express Mailing Address for Payments?
The most accurate payment mailing address for your American Express account will always be on your most recent billing statement.
How to Ensure My Check Payment Isn't Lost in the Mail?
To minimize risk, ensure your envelope is properly addressed with sufficient postage, and consider mailing it from a secure USPS mailbox or post office. For critical payments, certified mail with a return receipt offers tracking.
How to Know When American Express Receives My Check?
You can usually confirm receipt by checking your American Express online account for payment updates or by monitoring your bank account to see when the check clears.
How to Avoid Late Fees When Paying by Check?
Mail your check well in advance of your due date, ideally 7-10 business days prior, to account for mail delivery and processing time.
How to Write My American Express Account Number on the Check?
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
Write your full 15-digit American Express account number clearly on the memo line of your check.
How to Get a Payment Stub if I Lost My Statement?
You can typically access and print a digital copy of your billing statement, including the payment stub, by logging into your American Express online account.
How to Pay My American Express Bill Faster Than by Mail?
For faster payments, consider online payments through your American Express account, setting up an electronic bill pay through your bank, or using the Amex mobile app.
How to Handle a Returned Check from American Express?
If your check is returned, immediately contact American Express customer service to understand the reason and make an alternative payment. Be aware that returned checks may incur fees from both your bank and American Express.
How to Pay My American Express Savings Account by Check?
If depositing a check into an American Express Savings account, make the check payable to "American Express National Bank" and write your savings account number on the memo line. The mailing address for deposits is different from credit card payments; check their banking FAQ or statement.
How to Get Proof of Payment if I Mail a Check?
The cancelled check (or an image of it) from your bank statement serves as proof of payment. For additional security, you can use certified mail with a return receipt, which provides a physical record of delivery.
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