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Can You Pay American Express with A Credit Card?
July 1, 2025
Quick Answer
American Express does not permit direct payments on your card balance using another credit card.
Should You Pay American Express With A Credit Card?
Let's weigh the potential advantages against the drawbacks of this payment method.
Benefits
- Earning Rewards: You could earn points, miles, or cash back on the payment transaction.
- Meeting Spending Requirements: It can help you meet the minimum spend for a new card’s sign-up bonus.
- Utilizing 0% APR Offers: A card with an introductory 0% APR can provide a short-term, interest-free way to manage the debt.
Costs
- Third-Party Fees: American Express does not accept direct credit card payments, requiring a third-party service that charges processing fees, typically 2.9% or more.
- Cash Advance Risk: Your card issuer might process the transaction as a cash advance, which incurs high fees and immediate, high-interest accrual.
- Negated Rewards: The third-party service fees often outweigh the value of any rewards earned on the transaction.
How to Pay American Express With A Credit Card
Paying your American Express bill with another credit card can be a strategic move to manage cash flow or earn rewards. Here’s a general guide to navigating the process.
- Contact Your Card Issuer: Before proceeding, verify with the issuer of the card you intend to use. Not all credit cards permit payments to other credit accounts, and those that do often treat it as a cash advance or balance transfer.
- Understand Fees and Interest: Be aware of the costs. Cash advances and balance transfers typically come with upfront fees (a percentage of the transaction) and higher interest rates that start accruing immediately, without a grace period.
- Choose the Right Card: Select a card with favorable terms, such as one offering a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers. To find a card that fits your needs, you can use a comparison resource like the Kudos explore cards tool.
- Initiate the Transfer: You will typically need to request a balance transfer through your new card issuer's online portal or by calling customer service. You will need your American Express account number and the amount you wish to pay.
- Confirm the Transaction: After initiating the transfer, monitor both accounts. It can take several days or even weeks to process. Confirm that American Express has received the payment and that the balance appears on your new card.
Impact On Your Credit Score
Using another credit card to pay your American Express bill, typically through a third-party service or balance transfer, can affect your credit in several ways. Here are the key factors to consider for your credit score.
- Credit Utilization Ratio. This payment increases the balance on the card you use, which can raise your credit utilization ratio. A higher ratio may negatively impact your credit score.
- Increased Debt. You are essentially shifting debt from one card to another, not paying it off. This can lead to a cycle of debt if not managed carefully, which is a risk to your financial health.
Alternative Ways To Pay American Express
Direct Bank Payments
You can pay your American Express bill directly from a checking or savings account. Most financial institutions offer an online bill pay service that allows you to schedule payments. Alternatively, you can initiate a payment through the American Express website or mobile app by linking your bank account. This method provides a clear record of the transaction and avoids any potential fees associated with using other payment platforms.
Automated Payments
To ensure timely payments and avoid late fees, consider enrolling in AutoPay. This feature allows you to authorize American Express to automatically withdraw funds from your linked bank account on your due date each month. You can configure AutoPay to cover the minimum payment, the full statement balance, or a fixed amount, offering a convenient way to manage your account without manual intervention.
Choose the Right Card to Pay American Express
Choosing the right card isn't a one-size-fits-all decision; it hinges on your unique spending habits and financial goals. Kudos’s AI-powered Explore Tool simplifies the search, helping you sift through nearly 3,000 options to find the best card for your needs. The tool uses preference matching to deliver personalized, transparent recommendations, allowing you to compare features and choose with confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the fees for paying an Amex bill with a credit card?
Third-party payment services typically charge a fee, usually between 2-3% of the total transaction amount processed.
Does paying an Amex bill with a credit card count as a cash advance?
Often, yes. It's crucial to check with your card issuer, as cash advances have high fees and interest.
Can I earn rewards on the credit card used to pay my Amex bill?
Generally, no. Most credit card issuers do not award points or cash back on cash advance transactions.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
