Everything you need to know about the American Express mobile app
The American Express mobile app is an incredibly useful tool, and it’s also one that boasts an overall excellent customer satisfaction rate.
In fact, the Amex App scored the top spot in J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Credit Card Mobile App Satisfaction Study with 886 out of 1,000 possible points. The app also has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars within the Apple store.
But how do you use the American Express mobile app to your advantage? And more important, why would you bother with an app since you can manage your American Express credit card accounts using your online account page?
At the end of the day, the American Express app has features that can save you time, hassle and stress. Read on to find out about the Amex App’s most important features and how you can use them to your advantage.
American Express mobile app features
The Amex credit card app lets you track your credit card purchases, rewards and payments in real-time using your mobile device.
You can also use the app to redeem your Amex credit card rewards, whether you took the time to rack up cash back or American Express Membership Rewards points. And plenty of other app features boost its functionality and value.
Amex Offers
Amex Offers are special bonus offers that let you earn more cash back or points on eligible purchases. The Amex App lets you browse Amex Offers and add them to your cards as needed.
Pay It, Plan It®
Amex Pay It, Plan It is an American Express credit card feature that lets you pay off smaller purchases (less than $100) quickly or create a payment plan for larger purchases over $100, then pay them off in fixed monthly payments with no interest. The Amex mobile app enables you to seamlessly use this feature on the go.
Account alerts
Set up account alerts that notify you when a purchase is made, payment is due or suspicious activity is noted. You can get these notifications throughout the day on your mobile device once you download the Amex App.
Mobile chat option
Gone are the days of having to call into credit card customer service hotlines. The American Express mobile app lets you chat with an Amex customer service agent using your mobile device.
Send & Split
This feature on the Amex App lets you split purchases with Venmo and PayPal users and makes it easy to split the bill when you go out to dinner with friends or make a group purchase.
How to navigate the American Express mobile app
The American Express mobile app is easy to navigate and use, and you can get started as soon as you download the mobile app to your favorite device. From there, all you have to do is connect the app, which is available for iPhone or Android, with your Amex account.
Keep in mind that the Amex App is available for all American Express credit cards issued in the United States and that it’s set up for ease and convenience. The intuitive interface makes it easy to perform various tasks, from checking your rewards balance to setting up notifications for purchases.
American Express mobile app security
If you’re making a mobile app comparison among top card issuers, you’ll notice that the Amex App comes with plenty of security features.
These include purchase alerts that can notify you each time your Amex credit card is used, instant fraud alerts that notify you of suspicious activity and reminders that let you know when a payment is due.
Also, note that the Amex App lets you secure your account with a fingerprint or FaceID login, and you can use the app to freeze your card instantly if it’s lost or stolen.
Bankrate’s take: Pros and cons of the American Express mobile app
The American Express credit card app is insanely useful if you’re an Amex credit card customer, and that’s especially true for people who take care of most of their banking on the go.
There are some potential downsides to consider, however, including weaknesses that make the Amex App slightly inferior to some of the competition.
Amex mobile app strengths
- Lets you monitor your purchases and payments on the go
- Advanced security features help you protect your account
- Can utilize Amex Offers to earn more cash back or other rewards
- Check your rewards balance or redeem your points
- Use Amex Pay It, Plan It to quickly make a payment or to set up a fixed payment plan
- Set up account alerts that can help you track your spending and purchases or identify fraud right away
Amex mobile app weaknesses
- American Express does not offer a checking account option, and you cannot currently access savings accounts from the American Express mobile app
- Lack of banking integration makes it a poor option if you want just one mobile banking app for your credit cards and bank accounts
- Some users complain about glitches that occur with the fingerprint login, annoying pop-ups and lack of online banking features
The bottom line
The American Express mobile app can make keeping track of credit card purchases and payments a whole lot easier. Fortunately, the app is entirely free to use, so you can give it a try without a big commitment.
Of course, you’ll need an American Express credit card before you can put the app to the test. If you’re not an American Express customer or you’re looking for a new Amex credit card to try, make sure to compare all the top options before you decide.
