What Credit Score Do You Need for American Express Cards?

American Express offers a wide range of credit cards to suit different credit profiles and lifestyles. With options for no annual fee, travel rewards, cash back, and more, many wonder what credit score they need to qualify for an Amex card. This article will explain Amex’s credit score requirements and how you can get approved, even if you’re rebuilding credit.

How American Express Evaluates Your Credit

When you apply for an American Express card Amex will check your credit report and FICO credit score. They want to see that you’ve used credit responsibly in the past and will likely continue to do so.

Specifically, Amex considers these factors:

• Payment history – Have you made at least the minimum payment on time consistently? Late payments will hurt your chances

• Credit utilization – What percentages of your credit limits are you using? The lower, the better.

• Credit history length – How long have you had access to credit? A longer history helps.

• New credit applications – Too many new accounts can be seen as risky.

• Credit mix – Experience with different types of credit (credit cards, loans, etc) is ideal.

Your FICO credit score summarizes all these factors into one three-digit number. Generally, the higher your score, the better your approval odds.

Minimum Credit Scores for American Express Cards

While each application is evaluated individually, Amex does have some baseline credit requirements:

• For most personal cards, you’ll likely need a FICO score of 660 or higher. Applicants with scores under 660 may still get approved but usually need to meet other criteria.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express is more exclusive, often requiring 700+. The Centurion “Black Card” is even more elite.

• Business card applicants should have scores of 670+. Financial documents may be requested to prove the business’s viability.

• Those new to credit can get approved as authorized users on someone else’s account. Adding your name as an AU builds credit history.

So while a 660 FICO score seems to be American Express’s general cutoff, having a higher score in the Good to Excellent range (670-850) will lead to instant approvals and better terms.

Factors That Improve Your Chances

Even if your score is below 660, you can strengthen your Amex application through:

• Income – Amex wants to see you can manage payments. A stable job and income, whether from salary, investments or other sources, helps demonstrate that.

• Existing accounts in good standing – Proving you use other credit cards responsibly boosts your case. Keep balances low and make payments on time.

• Length of credit history – The longer your history, the more data Amex has to judge you favorably.

• Recent account opening – Wait at least 6 months between opening a new account and applying with Amex. Too many new accounts is seen as risky.

• Credit mix – Experience with installment loans and credit cards looks better than just credit cards alone.

Meeting most of the above criteria can help secure approval if your score is on the lower end.

Steps to Take If Denied for American Express

If your credit score needs work, don’t get discouraged. Here are some steps to improve your chances for approval down the road:

• Request your credit reports and check for errors dragging your score down. Dispute any inaccuracies with the bureaus.

• Become an authorized user on someone else’s account to build credit history. Make sure they have excellent payment habits.

• Open a secured card and use it responsibly by keeping the balance low and paying on time. This demonstrates you can handle credit.

• Pay all bills on time. Payment history is the biggest factor in your credit scores.

• Pay down balances. High utilization hurts your score. Try to keep balances under 30% of the credit limit.

• Allow time to pass. Credit scoring models like to see a consistent pattern of responsible behavior over time.

With diligence and patience, you can improve your credit health and become an eligible Amex cardholder. Monitor your credit scores so you’ll know when your profile is ready for approval.

American Express Card Options for Different Credit Profiles

American Express offers cards suitable for those across the credit spectrum. Here are some top picks based on your situation:

Rebuilding Credit

• AMEX EveryDay® Credit Card – No annual fee and opportunity to boost rewards through purchases

• Blue from American Express® – Solid cash back earnings on up to $50,000 in annual spending

• AMEX EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card – Earn extra points at US supermarkets

Fair Credit

• Blue Cash Everyday® Card – 3% cash back at US supermarkets (up to $6,000 yearly)

• Cash Magnet® Card – Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases

Good Credit

• American Express® Gold Card – 4x points on dining and groceries (up to $25,000 annually)

• Blue Cash Preferred® Card – 6% cash back at US supermarkets (up to $6,000 yearly)

Excellent Credit

• The Platinum Card® from American Express – Elite travel perks, lounge access, statement credits

• American Express® Green Card – 3x points on travel and transit, lounge access

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card – Great for Delta flyers seeking free checked bags, priority boarding

The above are just a sampling of the many excellent Amex cards. Be sure to compare rewards rates, fees, and benefits to find one matching your spending.

Get the Most from Your American Express Card

Once approved, you’ll want to use your Amex card to maximize value. Follow these tips:

• Pay the statement balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

• Set up autopay for at least the minimum due to avoid late fees and credit score damage.

• Use Amex Offers for additional statement credits at select merchants. Add offers to your enrolled card.

• Spend strategically based on bonus category rewards to earn the most points or cash back.

• Combine points from multiple American Express cards for greater redemption value.

• Use Membership Rewards® Pay with Points to redeem points for charges on your statement.

The higher your credit score when you apply, the more likely you’ll be approved and qualify for Amex’s top-tier cards. But even if your score needs work, taking a few proactive steps can set you on the path to approval. Monitor your credit, demonstrate responsible behaviors, and choose an Amex card that matches your spending to enjoy valuable rewards.