How to apply for a Credit Card or Charge Card?

Whether you need financial flexibility for a big purchase, or just a safe and easy way to make every-day transactions, a Credit Card or Charge Card is your loyal companion.

Here’s all the information you’ll need to help find the right product for you, and on how to apply.

How to apply for a Credit Card online

You can apply for an American Express Credit Card or Charge Card online in as little as 10 minutes. Here’s how:

1. Start by visiting the American Express Credit Card page or Charge Card page
   
2. Study and compare the Cards on offer and select the one that best suits your requirements.
   
3. Click on the ‘Apply now’ button
4. The application form will open in a separate window. You’ll need to provide your personal details; including your name, date of birth, income, PAN and address. Click ‘Save’ and continue to the next page.
5. Here you’ll be asked for further financial information, such as your bank details. You can fill in the information, save and review it before you apply.
6. After submitting, you’ll get confirmation that we’ve received your application
7. We’ll then ask for any necessary documents to prove your legal status and identity 

If your application is successful, you’ll hear from us within 15 days. If not, we’ll notify you on a decision within 90 days.

To help speed up the process, please double check your application and eligibility and make sure that you have all the necessary documents ready.

How to get a Credit Card for the first time

You can use a Credit Card account to start building a credit history. This should help boost your credit score, showing that you’re a responsible and trusted borrower. 

The process for a first-time Credit Card applicant is the same as if you’ve had one before. Follow the steps above.

What do I need to apply for a Credit Card?

When you submit your Card application you’ll be asked for the following:

• Personal information: including your name, email address, date of birth and nationality.
  
  
• Contact details: including your phone number and current address. If you’ve lived at your current address for less than three years, we’ll also need your previous address.
  
  
• Financial information: including your annual personal income (and any other household income), your employment status and employer contact details, as well as how long you’ve been with your bank or building society.

Credit Card requirements and how to get approved for a Credit Card

Before you apply for a Card, check the basic eligibility criteria. The critical requirements for American Express Credit and Charge Cards (and most Credit Cards in India) are:

• Legal age
  You must be aged 18 or above to apply for a Credit Card in India
  
  
• Indian residency
  You must qualify as an Indian resident and have a permanent residential address
  
  
• A good credit score
  You should have a good credit score and no history of bad credit, such as any earlier loans or outstanding Credit Card balances that you failed to repay on time.
  
  Credit Card providers want to know your creditworthiness before approving your Credit Card application. To understand this, they’ll look at your credit score as an indicator of how likely you are to repay your Credit Card bills on time.
  
  Your credit score determines the interest rates you’re offered when applying for a Credit Card. If you have a good Credit history, you’ll enjoy better interest rates and a higher credit limit. You can find your Credit score by visiting the CIBIL website.
  
  
• Indian or multinational bank savings or current account in India       
  
  
• Not filed for bankruptcy in the past 7 years

How to choose a Credit Card

Unsure of which Card to go for? The best Card for you will depend on your financial situation and how you intend to use it. Start by understanding your income and spending habits each month and thinking about how you’ll repay the balance.

Credit Cards

Credit Cards charge monthly interest based on the Annual Percentage Rate (APR). They allow you to repay your Card balance either in full or partially each month. Partial payment will attract extra charges/interest.

Credit Cards also allow you to build rewards and take advantage of additional benefits, so opt for a Card that suits your lifestyle.

View All Our Credit Cards.

Charge Cards

The outstanding balance on a Charge Card is repaid in full at the end of every month. So if you’re certain you’ll always have sufficient balance to make these monthly repayments, a Charge Card is a useful way to manage your finances.

As with Credit Cards, a Charge Card allows you to earn Membership Reward Points to spend on a variety of benefits.

View all our Charge Cards.

Both Credit Cards and Charge Cards will help you build a Credit rating. But remember: applying for a Card may not be a good idea for those in poor financial health. If you often reach the Credit limit of your existing Cards and can’t always pay bills on time, then it’s best not to consider another until those are balanced. Also, if your credit score is already low, another inquiry by the prospective Credit Card provider might negatively affect it.

Understanding our Cards, your credit and how to manage debt can help you get the most out of your money. Before you apply for a Card, look at the interest rates, fees, and individual rewards and bonuses to see what suits you best.

Discover more about our different Card types here. Or explore our full range of Cards; you're bound to find something that suits you.