Yes, American Express does give you an instant card number when you’re approved for a card, as long as they can instantly authenticate you. To see if an instant card number is available, click the link in the welcome email that you’ll receive after approval. You should also see your card number immediately after you’re approved if you apply for a card online, if you’re eligible. If you don’t see your card number, you may have to wait for your physical card before you can begin making purchases.
Generally, new American Express credit cards arrive within 7-10 business days after you’re approved. If this isn’t fast enough, you can call American Express at 1-888-297-1244 to request expedited shipping. The faster shipping option is 2-3 business days instead. If you aren’t eligible for an instant card number, this will likely be the fastest way to start using your American Express card.
This answer was first published on 03/01/24. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.
FAQs
Yes, American Express does give you an instant card number when you're approved for a card, as long as they can instantly authenticate you.
Does American Express give you an instant card number? ›
If you're approved for an American Express Card, and you're eligible, you'll be invited to get your Card number instantly.
Which credit cards give you an instant card number? ›
American Express offers instant use numbers to eligible Card Members, based on their ability to authenticate you. Capital One offers a virtual card number through Eno, their virtual assistant. This is available to most new cardholders.
Can I get my credit card number before it arrives? ›
Not every issuer offers instant-use credit cards, but some that do include American Express, Capital One and Chase. Depending on the card, these issuers generally give you your card numbers online or via a digital wallet so you can shop in-person or online right after being approved.
How to get virtual card number Amex? ›
By using Google Chrome browser at checkout on desktop or Android mobile devices, and where available, in Android apps: If you've already added a Card to your Google account, at checkout simply complete any purchase using your Card and you will be prompted to enroll for a virtual card number.
Can I see my full Amex card number online? ›
Your account number can only be found on your physical Card. To protect your security, we can't provide you with this information. If your Card has been lost or stolen, you can request a replacement Card through your online account.
What is the easiest credit card to get instant approval? ›
5 Best Instant Approval Credit Cards (August 2024)
- OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card.
- Discover it® Secured Credit Card.
- Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit.
How to find a Credit Card account number without your card?
- Billing statement: Your Credit Card account number is often printed on your billing statement along with other account details.
- Digital wallet: If you've added your Credit Card to a digital wallet app, you can easily view the account number within the app.
Depending on the issuer, you may not have to wait at all. That's because some issuers provide instant credit card numbers that allow you to charge purchases on a new card immediately after being approved.
What is the easiest American Express card to get? ›
The easiest American Express cards to get are those that require a minimum of good credit for approval as opposed to excellent credit only. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express and the American Express Cash Magnet® Card are two of the easiest Amex cards to get because they only require good credit.
Only certain issuers offer the ability to generate a virtual card number at this time, and that includes American Express, Capital One and Citi. The process will vary depending on the exact card you hold, but you'll want to visit your online account settings and enroll to retrieve a virtual card number.
What credit score do you need for an American Express card? ›
In most cases, you need at least good credit to get approved for an American Express card, which FICO typically defines as a score of 670 or higher. Other banks also issue American Express cards.
How to get a credit card asap? ›
The fastest way to get a credit card is to apply online. You could be approved instantly, and you may even receive a card number that can be used online right away, allowing you to make purchases before your actual card arrives. You can also request expedited shipping to get your actual card as quickly as possible.
Can I get a virtual credit card instantly? ›
Post successful validation of your KYC and other documents your Virtual credit card will be ready instantly. Log into Internet Banking using the temp ID and password sent on your registered mobile number and get your virtual card details. Use your credit card details for safe and secure online transactions.
Can I use my credit one American Express card before it arrives? ›
No, you cannot use your Credit One Bank American Express® Card instantly after approval. Credit One does not disclose the card's information and does not offer virtual card numbers prior to the card's arrival. After approval, you'll have to wait about 7-10 business days to receive the card before you can use it.
What is the hardest American Express card to get approved for? ›
Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: The hardest credit card to get is the American Express Centurion Card. Known simply as the “Black Card,” you need an invitation to get Amex Centurion.
How long does it take to get an instant card? ›
Key Facts About How Instant Credit Cards Work
Since you will only have the card's information but not the physical card, you can only use it for purchases online and over the phone. You will typically get your physical credit card in the mail around 7 to 10 business days after approval.
