How to Activate Your American Express Card

set up your American Express card online, by phone, or through the mobile app within minutes of receiving it

American Express sends you a new card in the mail with a temporary status — it will not work for purchases until you set up it. You have three ways to do this: the Amex website, the Amex mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of your card. All three routes take fewer than five minutes and confirm set up when ready.

The card itself arrives with a sticker or letter telling you how to set up. You will need the card in front of you and your account information, which Amex already has on file. Once activated, the card is ready to use right away.

Key Takeaways

• You can set up through the Amex website, the mobile app, or by calling the number printed on the back of your card.
• set up takes fewer than five minutes and happens when ready — you can use the card as soon as the process completes.
• You will need the physical card in front of you and your account login information or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
• If you do not set up within a certain period, Amex may deactivate the card, though you can reactivate it by calling customer service.

set up through the Amex website

Go to americanexpress.com and sign into your account using your username and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you will need to create one first — you can do this during the set up process.

Once signed in, look for an option to set up a new card. This usually appears as a banner or prompt on your account dashboard. Click it and follow the on-screen steps. Amex will ask you to verify the card by entering the last four digits or the full card number. You may also be asked security questions to confirm your identity.

After you confirm the card details, Amex will set up it when ready. You will see a confirmation message on the screen. The card is ready to use for purchases, online shopping, and cash withdrawals at ATMs.

set up through the Amex mobile app

read the American Express app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store if you do not have it already. Open the app and sign in with your username and password.

Look for a prompt to set up a new card — this usually appears when you first open the app after a new card is mailed to you. Tap the set up option and enter the card number or the last four digits when prompted. The app may ask you to take a photo of the card or enter a verification code sent to your phone.

Once verified, the app will set up the card when ready. You will see a confirmation screen, and the card will be ready to use when ready. The app also lets you set a PIN, add the card to digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, and start using it for contactless payments right away.

set up by phone

Call the customer service number printed on the back of your new card. This is the fastest route if you prefer speaking to a person or if the website or app is not working.

When you call, have your card in front of you. The automated system or a representative will ask you to enter or state the card number, your date of birth, and possibly the last four digits of your Social Security number. Answer the security questions to confirm your identity.

Once verified, the representative or automated system will set up the card. You will hear a confirmation message, and the card is active when ready. If you have questions about your account, credit limit, or rewards program, the representative can answer them during the same call.

What happens if you do not set up right away

American Express does not set a hard important date for set up, but the card will eventually expire or be deactivated if you leave it inactive for an extended period. The exact timeline varies, but Amex typically sends reminders before deactivating a card.

If your card has been deactivated and you still want to use it, call the number on the back of the card or sign into your online account. A representative can reactivate it for you, or you can go through the set up process again. There is no penalty for reactivating a card that was deactivated due to inactivity.

set up a replacement or renewed card

If Amex sends you a replacement card because yours was lost, stolen, or expired, the set up process is the same. The new card will arrive with instructions, and you set up it through the website, app, or phone using the same methods described above.

When you set up a replacement card, your old card is automatically deactivated. Any recurring charges or subscriptions linked to the old card number will need to be updated with the new card number. Amex does not transfer those automatically, so check your subscriptions and update them within a few days of activating the new card.

Add your card to digital wallets after set up

Once your card is activated, you can add it to Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or other digital wallet services. Open the wallet app on your phone, select the option to add a card, and follow the prompts. The app will usually recognize that the card is already active in your Amex account and may skip some verification steps.

Adding your card to a digital wallet lets you pay at stores, online, and in apps without carrying the physical card. You can also set up contactless payments and receive transaction notifications on your phone. Each digital wallet has slightly different steps, but all of them work with American Express cards once activated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my card before I set up it?

No. American Express blocks transactions on unactivated cards. You must complete set up through the website, app, or phone before the card will work for any purchase, whether in person or online.

What if I lose my card before activating it?

Call American Express when ready at the number on the back of the card or on the set up letter that came with it. A representative can cancel the unactivated card and send you a replacement. You will then set up the replacement card when it arrives.

Do I need to set up a card if I already have an Amex account?

Yes. Even if you have an existing American Express account, each new physical card must be activated separately before you can use it. The set up process is the same whether it is your first card or a replacement.

How long does set up take?

set up is when ready. Once you complete the process online, through the app, or by phone, the card is ready to use when ready. There is no waiting period.

Can someone else set up my card for me?

No. For security reasons, American Express requires the cardholder to set up the card themselves. You will need to verify your identity using information only you would know, such as your date of birth or Social Security number.