Card Basics

Keep your debt level low.
In reviewing Cardmembers’ credit limits, the driving factor American Express uses in making credit decisions is the Cardmember’s overall debt level relative to financial resources known to us. Overall debt levels are often increased by taking out a car loan, not paying down your revolving balances or taking on new debt.

Always pay on time.
Making timely payments is an important factor in maintaining good credit. Late payments can result in declined services at the point of sale, late fees, penalty APRs or a credit limit reduction. Accounts that are continually delinquent may be reported to the credit bureaus and can be canceled and sent to collections. You can pay your bill online anytime.

Use our account management tools to manage your account.
We offer several tools at no charge that can help you avoid missing your Card payment due date:

• Account Alerts sent via e-mail or text message remind you when your bill is due and when you are approaching your Account limit. (Carrier charges may apply for receiving and sending text messages and mobile web browsing.)
• AutoPay gives you a range of options for having your monthly Card payments automatically deducted from your bank account.
• Pay By Computer or Pay By Phone can help ensure that your payment goes through quickly and securely.

Avoid penalty APRs.
Penalty or default APRs are penalty interest rates that may be imposed when you fail to follow the terms and conditions associated with your card. You can keep your APRs from increasing to a penalty rate by paying your bill on time, staying within your credit limit and making sure that you have sufficient funds in your bank account to ensure payments are not returned for insufficient funds. Keep in mind that once your rate goes to a default rate, it may stay at a default rate for a minimum of 12 months. While it is always important to manage all of your credit card accounts prudently, American Express will not raise your APR or assess fees based on late payments with credit card issuers other than American Express.

Understand your Cardmember Agreement.
By signing up for an American Express Card, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions associated with the Card. Understanding that unlike mortgage or auto loans, which are secured loans backed by collateral and have and conditions that are set when you sign the loan agreement, credit card “loans” are unsecured, and rates and terms can change over time. Credit card loans may change as a result of changes in the economy or marketplace, or if you do not comply with the terms of the agreement. For example, a late payment to American Express may result in a higher interest rate or a decreased line of credit. To help you understand these terms, read Credit Cards: What You Need to Know

Make sure your contact information is up-to-date
Make a point of always keeping your contact information up to date so that you can pay your bills on time. To update your contact information with American Express, call the number on the back of your Card or log in to your account online and visit the Account Services section.

Let us know if your plans to use your Card will be out of the ordinary.
If you plan to make a purchase that is larger than your routine purchases, call the number on the back of your Card to let American Express know. Additionally, calling American Express to alert us when you’ll be traveling abroad lets us know to expect charges on your account that are out of your normal pattern.

Check your bill to review your charges, at least once a month.
Make sure there are no errors or unauthorized charges. If you do find anything out of the ordinary, it is essential to report them as soon as possible. You can check your statement anytime online or call the number on the back of your Card to speak with us.