How to Turn On Amex Notifications

Where to find notification settings in the Amex app

Open the American Express app on your phone and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select Settings, then tap Notifications. You'll see a list of notification types you can turn on or off. Each one has a toggle switch next to it — tap the switch to turn a notification type on or off.

If you use Amex online through a web browser instead of the app, log into your account at americanexpress.com, go to Settings in the top right, then select Notification Preferences. The web version works the same way: you'll see toggles for each notification type.

The changes take effect when ready. You don't need to restart the app or log out and back in.

Key Takeaways

• Notifications are turned on through the Settings menu in either the Amex app or your online account at americanexpress.com.
• You can choose which types of notifications you want — purchase alerts, payment reminders, rewards updates, and security alerts are common options.
• Each notification type has its own toggle switch, so you can turn on some and leave others off based on what matters to you.
• Changes to your notification settings happen right away and don't require you to log out or restart the app.

What notification types Amex offers

American Express typically offers several notification categories. Transaction alerts notify you when a purchase is made on your card — you choose the dollar amount that triggers an alert. Payment reminders tell you when a payment is due. Rewards notifications let you know about points earned, bonus offers, or expiring rewards. Security alerts notify you of unusual activity or sign-in attempts from a new device.

The exact notification types available depend on your card type and account settings. Some cards offer more notification options than others. When you open the Notifications menu, you'll see only the options available for your specific card and account.

Setting up purchase alerts with a dollar threshold

Purchase alerts let you get a notification every time someone uses your card, or only when purchases exceed a certain amount. In the Notifications menu, find Transaction Alerts or Purchase Alerts and tap it. You'll see an option to set a dollar threshold — for example, you might choose to receive alerts only for purchases over $50.

If you want to be notified of every single purchase no matter the amount, set the threshold to $0 or $1. If you only want alerts for larger purchases, set it higher. You can change this threshold anytime by going back to the same menu.

Turning on security and fraud alerts

Security alerts notify you when Amex detects something unusual — a purchase in a different country, a sign-in from a new device, or activity that doesn't match your normal spending pattern. These alerts are important because they help you catch fraud early. In most cases, security alerts are turned on by default, but you can verify this in your Notifications settings.

If you see a security alert and don't recognize the activity, contact Amex right away. The number is on the back of your card. Do not ignore these alerts — they're one of your best defenses against unauthorized use.

Choosing how Amex sends you notifications

American Express can send notifications through the app, by text message (SMS), or by email. When you turn on a notification type, you'll usually see options for which delivery method you prefer. You might receive purchase alerts through the app but payment reminders by text, for example.

Check your notification settings to see which delivery methods are available for each alert type. If you don't see a text message option, it may not be set up yet — you can usually add your phone number in the Settings menu under Contact Information or Communication Preferences.

Troubleshooting notifications that aren't working

If you turned on notifications but aren't receiving them, first check that notifications are actually enabled in your phone's settings. Go to your phone's main Settings app, find the American Express app, and make sure you've given it permission to send notifications. On iPhone, this is under Settings > Notifications > American Express. On Android, it's Settings > Apps > American Express > Notifications.

If phone permissions are on but you still aren't getting alerts, try logging out of the Amex app completely and logging back in. Sometimes this refreshes the connection. If notifications still don't arrive after that, contact American Express customer service — the number is on your card or in the app under Help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get notifications for a card I'm an authorized user on?

Yes. Authorized users can set up their own notification preferences in the Amex app or online account. Your settings are separate from the primary cardholder's settings, so you can choose which alerts you want to receive without affecting anyone else's account.

Will turning off notifications affect my account or card?

No. Turning off notifications only stops you from receiving alerts — it doesn't change how your card works, your account status, or your rewards. You can turn notifications back on anytime by going to Settings and toggling them on again.

What if I'm not getting text message notifications?

First, make sure your phone number is correct in your account settings. Then check that you've given the Amex app permission to send SMS messages in your phone's settings. If your number is correct and permissions are on, contact Amex customer service — there may be an issue with your carrier or account that they can fix.

Can I set different notifications for different cards if I have multiple Amex cards?

Yes. Each card can have its own notification settings. When you open the Notifications menu, you'll see an option to choose which card you're adjusting settings for. This lets you get alerts on one card but not another, or set different purchase thresholds for each card.