GET STARTED
INSTANTLY
WITH
INSTANT CARD NUMBER

There's no need to wait for your new American Express® Card to arrive in the mail – if eligible, you get access to your new Card details right away. That means making purchases, exploring new Amex® Card Member benefits, and more. Right from the moment you accept the Card.

Make the Most of Membership With
Instant Card Number

See all the ways Instant Card Number gives eligible Card Members access to
Membership with their new Amex® Card from the moment the accept.

Group of young people at dinner, paying on a mobile payment device.Group of young people at dinner, paying on a mobile payment device.

Streamline Spending With Your Digital Wallet

Add your Instant Card Number to your digital wallet in just a few steps. There's no need to re-add the physical Card once it arrives.

Man looking at his phone with city buildings in the background.Man looking at his phone with city buildings in the background.

Start Spending Immediately

You'll receive access to your Instant Card Number as soon as your new Amex® Card is approved, so you can start making purchases with it right away. It's that simple.

Two woman in a boutique store shopping for clothes.Two woman in a boutique store shopping for clothes.

Start Earning Rewards Sooner

Looking to build a points balance or make a time-sensitive purchase? With Instant Card Number, you can begin your journey right away wherever you're going.

Woman on a call, speaking into a headset.Woman on a call, speaking into a headset.

Card Member Support Begins Immediately

Make purchases with the world-class security and customer service of American Express right from the start – just as you would with your physical Card.

Use Your Instant Card Number Anywhere Tap to Pay and
American Express Are Accepted

How Instant Card
Number Works

1

Apply for the Card you want and receive your Instant Card Number, if eligible.

2

Add your new Instant Card Number to your digital wallet – like Apple Pay®, Google Pay or Samsung Pay®. You can also shop online with PayPal and Amazon.

3

Start shopping online or where digital wallets are accepted before your Card arrives in the mail.

A carousel of various American Express Cards.

Unlock a World of
Benefits with
American Express

Not an Amex® Card Member yet? Find the Card that fits your lifestyle and start earning rewards.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Instant Card Number?

Instant Card Number by American Express provides eligible Card Members access to their Card Number after approval for digital use prior to physical Card delivery.

What Cards are available for Instant Card Number?

Instant Card Number is available for all Personal and Business Cards, except for the Amazon Business Card and the Amazon Business Prime Card.

How can I get an Instant Card Number?

If you are eligible, you can get your Instant Card Number if you apply for a Card online (via desktop or mobile device) or over the phone with a customer service representative.

  • For Card applications online, you can retrieve your Instant Card Number online immediately following application approval or via a link provided in your Welcome Email that you will receive shortly after you are approved.
  • For Card applications over the phone, you can retrieve your Instant Card Number via a link provided in your Welcome Email that you will receive shortly after you are approved.

 

How can I add my Instant Card Number to
a digital wallet?

You can add your Instant Card Number to Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, PayPal or Amazon Pay. See Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, PayPal and Amazon Pay for step-by-step directions.

Will I still receive my Card in the mail?

Yes, your Card will arrive in the mail within 5-7 business days of account approval.

Will my Instant Card Number be the same number
as my physical Card when it arrives in the mail?

Yes, you will receive the same 15 digit Instant Card Number that will be on the physical Card when it arrives in the mail.

What determines whether I am eligible to get an Instant Card Number?

Instant Card Number eligibility is based on our ability to authenticate you.

Terms & Conditions

Instant Card Number eligibility is based on our ability to instantly authenticate you. If you are eligible for Instant Card Number, you will receive an Instant Card Number that you may be able to use virtually anywhere American Express is accepted and a physical Card will not be required. In certain instances, you may not be able to use your Instant Card Number at a select merchant (for example, if the merchant requires your physical Card). You may not have access to your full credit line until after you confirm receipt of your physical Card. We will mail your physical Card within 5–7 business days of account approval.

Digital wallets are Apple Pay®, Google PayTM or Samsung Pay®