What Credit Score Do You Need To Get an American Express Card?

You generally need at least a 670 credit score to get an American Express card. Applying for a credit card can be a nerve-wracking process. The fear of rejection is real, and it can be quite disheartening to imagine being turned down for a card that promises great rewards and benefits.

Knowing the specific credit score requirements can significantly improve your chances of approval. It can help you prepare your application better, boost your confidence, and ultimately enjoy the perks of being an American Express cardholder. Whether you’re aiming to build your credit, travel the world, or utilize the benefits on everyday purchases, this article will help you discover the credit score you need for American Express cards.

What Credit Score Do You Need for American Express?

American Express cards are known for their premium benefits and exclusive perks, which means they typically require higher credit scores compared to other cards. While there’s no exact credit score requirement, American Express generally targets individuals with good to excellent credit scores.

According to the FICO score range, here’s a breakdown of what is typically considered:

• Exceptional: 800 and above
• Very Good: 740-799
• Good: 670-739
• Fair: 580-669
• Poor: 300-579

That means that to get an American Express card, you would need at least a 670 credit score. While it is possible to qualify for a new credit card with poor credit, American Express says that a better credit score will give you a broader range of options for credit cards with great perks and rewards.

For most AmEx cards, a good credit score will be enough. However, for cards with more perks and higher rewards, a score of 800 or above is often required. The specific credit score needed for AmEx cards can vary based on the type of card you’re applying for.

Note: If you have a credit score of 650 and below, it may be quite challenging for you to get approved. So, consider improving it before applying to increase your chances of approval.

Understanding the FICO Score

But where do these scores come from? To give you a clearer understanding of these FICO scores, here is how your credit score is calculated based on five main factors:

• Payment History (35%): Your record of on-time payments.
• Amounts Owed (30%): Your credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total available credit.
• Length of Credit History (15%): The age of your credit accounts.
• Credit Mix (10%): The variety of credit accounts you have (e.g., credit cards, mortgages, loans).
• New Credit (10%): The number of recently opened credit accounts and inquiries.

A higher FICO score generally indicates better credit management and a lower risk to lenders, which is why American Express and other issuers favor applicants with higher scores.

American Express Cards and Their Credit Score Requirements

Different American Express cards cater to various needs and have specific credit score requirements. Here are some popular American Express cards and the credit scores you might need to get approved:

American Express® Gold Card

• Credit Score Requirement: Good to excellent (670-850)
• Median Credit Score of Approved Members: 810
• Annual Fee: $250
• Benefits:
  • 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
  • 3x points on flights
  • 1x points on other eligible purchases
  • $120 Dining Credit
  • $120 Uber Cash

Blue Cash Everyday® Card

• Credit Score Requirement: Good to excellent (670-850)
• Median Credit Score of Approved Members: 763
• Annual Fee: $0
• Benefits:
  • 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, online retail purchases, and gas stations, up to $6,000 per year (then 1%)
  • 1% cash back on other purchases
  • $84 Disney Bundle Credit
  • $180 Home Chef Credit

Blue Cash Preferred® Card

• Credit Score Requirement: Good to excellent (670-850)
• Median Credit Score of Approved Members: 813
• Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $95
• Benefits:
  • 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year
  • 6% cash back on select streaming subscriptions
  • 3% on transit and U.S. gas stations
  • 1% on other purchases
  • $84 Disney Bundle Credit

The Platinum Card®

• Credit Score Requirement: Excellent (700 and above)
• Median Credit Score of Approved Members: 763
• Annual Fee: $695
• Benefits:
  • Access to airport lounges
  • 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels
  • $200 Hotel Credit
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit
  • $200 Uber Cash
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit

Amex EveryDay® Credit Card

• Credit Score Requirement: Good (at least 670)
• Median Credit Score of Approved Members: 807
• Annual Fee: $0
• Benefits:
  • 2x points at U.S. supermarkets for up to $6,000 per year
  • 1x points on other purchases

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

• Credit Score Requirement: Good to excellent (670-850)
• Median Credit Score of Approved Members: 810
• Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $150
• Benefits:
  • 2x Miles for Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets, and restaurants worldwide
  • $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year
  • A free first checked bag

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

• Credit Score Requirement: Good to excellent (670-850)
• Median Credit Score of Approved Members: 813
• Annual Fee: $150
• Benefits:
  • 12x points on hotels and resorts
  • 6x points on dining, groceries, and gas
  • 4x points on online retail purchases
  • 3x for each dollar spent on other eligible purchases
  • Hilton Honors Gold status
  • Ability to upgrade to Diamond status with substantial spending
  • $200 Hilton credit
  • Annual free night reward

How to Improve Your Credit Score to Get an American Express Card

If your credit score is not where it needs to be to qualify for an American Express card, there are several strategies you can employ to improve it:

• Pay your bills on time: Your payment history is the most significant factor in your credit score. Ensure all your bills, not just credit cards, are paid on time every month.
• Reduce credit card balances: Pay down existing balances to lower your credit utilization ratio. Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit.
• Increase your credit limit: If possible, request a higher credit limit from your current credit card issuers. This can help lower your credit utilization ratio.
• Avoid opening new credit accounts: Each new credit inquiry can slightly lower your score. Only apply for new credit when necessary.
• Check your credit report for errors: Regularly review your credit report for inaccuracies that could be dragging your score down. Dispute any errors with the credit bureaus.
• Keep old accounts open: The length of your credit history matters, so keep your oldest accounts open even if you don’t use them frequently.

If you’re looking to improve your credit score, try using Cushion. This app helps build your credit history by reporting your bill payments and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) transactions to Experian. Simply use the virtual Cushion card for your regular payments, and Cushion will report them each month. This way, your everyday expenses can positively impact your credit score and easily increase your chances of getting an American Express card.

Summary

A good to excellent credit score is typically required for American Express cards. By understanding the FICO score components and following strategies to improve your credit, you can position yourself for approval. Whether you’re aiming for the prestigious Platinum Card or a more accessible option like the Amex EveryDay Credit Card, maintaining a healthy credit score is your key to unlocking the benefits and rewards of American Express.