How to activate your American Express Card (US)
Activate your American Express card (US) online, in the app or by phone — what you need, step-by-step instructions and fixes if activation fails.
Quick answer: Activate your American Express Card (US) online at americanexpress.com, in the Amex (American Express App) app or by phone using the number on the card sticker. Have ready: Card number; 4-digit security code (CID) printed on the FRONT of the card. Use only americanexpress.com or the official app, never a link sent by text or email.
What you need
- Card number
- 4-digit security code (CID) printed on the FRONT of the card
- Some personal details for security
Activate your American Express Card (US) online
- Go to americanexpress.com/confirmcard
- Sign in, or continue without an online account
- Enter the card number
- Enter the 4-digit security code from the front of the card
- Verify your personal details
- Confirm. You can use the card straight away
Activate in the Amex (American Express App) app
- Open the Amex app and sign in
- Choose to confirm or activate your new card
- Hold the card near your phone (NFC), or type in the card number and 4-digit code
- Confirm activation
Activate by phone
Call the activation number printed on the sticker on the front of your new card (or the customer-service number on the back) and follow the automated prompts. You will usually be asked for the card number and a piece of identity information such as the last four digits of your Social Security number or your ZIP code.
After you activate
- Update recurring charges if this is a replacement card
- Add the card to your digital wallet
- Set up account alerts in the Amex app
- Eligible card members can use Instant Card Numbers before the physical card arrives
If your American Express card won't activate
- Security code rejected: Amex uses the 4-digit code on the front, not the 3 digits on the back
- Tap-to-activate not working: check the phone's NFC is on, or type the numbers in instead
- Card not recognised online: call the number on the back of the card
American Express Card (US) activation FAQs
How do I activate my American Express Card (US)?
You can activate it online at americanexpress.com, in the Amex (American Express App) app, by phone. Online or in-app activation is usually fastest: sign in, choose the new card, and confirm the details requested.
Is there a phone number to activate a American Express card?
Use the activation number printed on the sticker on the front of your new card, or the number on the back of the card. Only call numbers shown on the card itself or on americanexpress.com — scammers publish look-alike numbers.
Can I use my American Express card before activating it?
Generally no. A new card is blocked until it is activated, although some issuers activate a replacement automatically the first time you use it with your PIN, and some let you use a virtual card number in the app straight away.
Does activating a American Express Card (US) affect my credit score?
No. Activation is not a credit check. Any hard inquiry happened when you applied; activating simply switches the card on. Not activating a new account does not close it, so it can still appear on your credit report.
Why won't my American Express card activate?
Security code rejected: Amex uses the 4-digit code on the front, not the 3 digits on the back Tap-to-activate not working: check the phone's NFC is on, or type the numbers in instead
Is it safe to activate my card online?
Yes, provided you are on the issuer's real website (americanexpress.com) or official app. Type the address yourself rather than following links in texts or emails. Your bank will never ask for your full PIN or a one-time passcode by phone or text.
American Express cards we review
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards | Intro APR | Foreign fee | Credit needed | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Platinum Card from American ExpressFrequent flyers who'll exhaust the lounge access and statement credits |
$895/yr | 5x flights booked with airlines or Amex Travel; 5x prepaid hotels via… | None | None | Excellent (740+) | |
American Express Gold CardBig dining and U.S. supermarket spenders who'll use the monthly credits |
$325/yr | 4x at restaurants worldwide, 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to cap), 3x f… | None | None | Good to Excellent (700+) | |
American ExpressBlue Cash Preferred 3488 297728 06483 VALID THRU 06/31ALEX MORGAN Blue Cash Preferred Card from American ExpressFamilies with heavy supermarket and streaming spend |
$95/yr | 6% U.S. supermarkets (up to $6k/yr), 6% select U.S. streaming, 3% tran… | 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months | 2.7% | Good to Excellent (700+) | |
The Business Platinum Card from American ExpressFrequent-flying business owners who'll use the lounges and credits |
$895/yr | 5x on flights and prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, 1.5x on eligible pur… | None | None | Good to Excellent (700+) |
Sources: www.americanexpress.com · www.americanexpress.com. Steps change; if your screen looks different, follow the official instructions.