What are the credit score requirements for American Express credit cards?

American Express is often viewed as "exclusive," yet some of its cards are more attainable than you might expect.

While the issuer provides premium cards like the The Platinum Card® from American Express, there are also beginner-friendly options such as the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express available in their diverse range.

What credit score is necessary for Amex cards?

American Express features a diverse selection of credit cards, ranging from introductory cash-back options to high-end travel rewards. As such, there isn’t a universal credit score required for all Amex credit cards. Typically, it’s advisable to have some credit history before applying for the top Amex credit cards, though you don’t necessarily need an 800+ score for approval.

Naturally, the more elite the card, the higher credit score you typically need. For example, cards like the The Platinum Card® from American Express and American Express® Gold Card generally require good to excellent credit, usually starting at a minimum score of 680. While there are rare cases of approvals for applicants with scores in the mid-600s, it's uncommon. Even for the American Express® Green Card, aimed at beginner travelers, a score of at least 670 is likely necessary.

The details for the American Express Green Card have been independently gathered by Dinogo. This page's card information has not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

For entry-level and cash-back cards from American Express, it’s sometimes possible to qualify with a shorter credit history and a lower score, although aiming for a solid credit score is still advisable. Cards like the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express and Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express typically suggest a score of 670 or above. Nonetheless, there are anecdotal instances of approvals for those with lower 600s scores. If you're a beginner with little to no credit, you're more likely to gain approval for a no-annual-fee credit card, like the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (see rates and fees).

The information for the Amex EveryDay Preferred card has been independently collected by Dinogo. The card specifics on this page have not been reviewed or authorized by the card issuer.

Ways to enhance your credit score

The five key components in determining your credit score include payment history, credit utilization ratio, length of credit history, new accounts, and types of accounts. Among these, payment history holds the most weight, and it can take time to establish as a beginner.

If your current score isn't great, consider these steps to boost it:

• Review your credit report — Occasionally, your credit report may contain errors that can harm your score. By regularly checking your credit report, you can address any inaccuracies, which can lead to a quicker score improvement. You are entitled to one free report each year from each of the major credit bureaus.
• Make timely and full payments every month — Try to only spend what you can reliably pay off at the end of each month. Establishing a reputation as a reliable borrower is essential for maintaining a healthy credit score over time. Moreover, paying your balance in full helps avoid interest charges and keeps your debt-to-credit ratio low.
• Reduce existing debt — If you have credit card debt, paying it down can significantly impact your score positively. There are various methods for reducing debt. Select the approach that suits you best and prioritize it. As your debt-to-credit ratio improves, so should your score.

Achieving excellent credit requires time and patience. It's a long journey, not a quick dash, and even if you implement all these strategies, it may still take a while for your score to reflect your efforts. Continue to practice good credit habits, and you will eventually see the results.

What elements influence credit card approval?

Unlike common belief, your credit score isn't the sole factor that issuers consider when deciding on your credit card application. While it's a significant element, banks also evaluate your credit history, the number of active accounts, the condition of those accounts, and more.

Additionally, just because you were approved for a card five years ago with a particular score, it doesn't guarantee that you will be approved again with that same score. Issuers frequently revise the criteria they use for credit card approvals.

Don’t let discouragement hold you back from applying. If there's a card you're interested in and your score is in the mid-600s, you might still get approved. Even if you are turned down, the impact on your credit score is not severe — in fact, many TPGers have faced denials for at least one credit card at some point.

That said, you can't rely on a particular credit score to guarantee approval. Those with excellent credit scores of 780 or above have a much higher chance of getting a credit card, but there’s never a 100% assurance until you receive the issuer's decision.

Keep in mind that American Express has its own application restrictions — including a rule that limits customers to receiving one bonus per card in their lifetime. Even individuals with outstanding scores might not qualify for a card if Amex’s unique criteria determine otherwise.

Key takeaways

There isn't a straightforward answer to what credit score is required for an American Express card, but hopefully, this provides some insight into what you might need when applying. Amex does not disclose specific score thresholds, so having a certain score won't assure approval, nor will it prevent you from obtaining the card you desire.

If you're just starting out but are interested in a more premium card such as the Platinum Card® from American Express, consider applying for a starter credit card first, or you might become an authorized user on a relative's account. Once you've demonstrated to issuers that you're a responsible credit card holder, gaining approval for future credit cards will become easier.