If you’re ready to apply for your first American Express card, follow these steps below:
1. Choose Your Desired Card and Navigate to the Application Page
Amex offers many different cards with different rewards structures, benefits and annual fees, so do your research to find the one that fits your lifestyle and budget. If you want expert guidance before applying for your first American Express card, our best Amex cards list and credit card reviews are here to help.
Once you’ve found the card you want to apply for, navigate to the application page either from the American Express website or by clicking the “Apply Now” button in the card details box on a Forbes Advisor card review or list, which will take you directly to the card’s application page on the Amex website.
2. Fill Out Your Personal Details
Fill out the application with the required information, including your name, date of birth, contact information, address, income and Social Security number. If you’re new to the U.S. but have a credit history or history with American Express in certain other countries, you can opt-in to have Amex consider your international account history or share your international credit history with Nova credit (a third-party vendor) to help Amex better evaluate your application.
3. Review the Terms and Submit the Application
Next, you’ll be prompted to review the card’s terms and conditions and submit your application. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully, as they include important information about rates, fees and card details.
If you’re not eligible to receive the welcome bonus on the card you’re applying for, you’ll be notified after you click submit on this step. If that happens, you’ll be given the option to either withdraw your application or continue with it.
4. Get a Decision and Accept the Card
Once you submit the application, you’ll be notified as to whether your application was approved. If your application was approved, you can choose to accept the card—at which point Amex may report information to the credit bureaus that will affect your credit score—or withdraw your application, with no effect on your credit.