How to Activate Your American Express® Card
Have you received your brand new American Express Card in the mail yet? There’s just one more step before you can start using your Card - you will need to activate your Card and select a PIN if you haven’t already! Luckily, there are 3 simple and convenient ways you can choose to activate your Card.
February 19, 2021 in Benefits
Activate your American Express Card on the Amex App
One way to activate your American Express Card is by downloading the Amex App and following these steps:
- Download the Amex App from Google Play or the App Store onto your mobile device.
- Select “Activate Card and Online Account” to start or log in to an existing account to add a Card.
- Enter your Card details.
- Verify your identity by completing the security questions that appear.
Activate your American Express Card online
You can also choose to activate your Card online at americanexpress.ca/activate. You will need to have your Card ready in hand to input the required information. Follow these steps to activate your American Express Card online:
- Visit americanexpress.ca/activate to begin.
- Enter your 15-digit Card number and 4-digit Card ID.
- Verify your identity and create a PIN.
- Set up your account preferences when prompted.
- Complete your American Express account registration.
Activate your American Express Card over the phone
Another way to activate your American Express Card is by calling us. You can call toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7-days a week. You will be asked to provide your Card number (if this is a replacement Card, this refers to your new Card number) as well as some personal information in order to verify your ID.
What to do after you activate your American Express Card
Once you have activated your American Express Card, it’s time to enjoy the security features and benefits on your new Card. Here’s a quick list of what to do after activation:
Set your PIN
If you missed this step during activation, you can still easily create a PIN through the Amex App or your Online Services Account. Simply tap “Manage Card PIN” in the app or log into your account online to begin. With an Online Services, you can also view your statements, track and manage expenses, and set up any alerts for your account.
Add your Card to mobile wallets
Navigate to any Mobile Wallet App on your mobile device and register your new American Express Card to enable quick and contactless payment wherever American Express contactless payments are accepted.
Download the Amex App
If you haven’t already, downloading the Amex App on your device allows you to set up notifications and alerts, making it easy to monitor your account and access your benefits on the go.
Get Rewarded with Amex Offers
Register your eligible Card for offers with one click on your Online Services Account or on the Amex App so you get rewarded at the places you like to shop, dine, travel, and more1.
Set up recurring bill payments
On your Online Account, you can also set up pre-authorized payments2 to automatically manage your account balance each month from your bank account.
Review your American Express Cardmember Agreement
Take the time to read your Cardmember Agreement, where you can find information specific to your Card as well as the terms you’ve agreed to by using your account (or by signing and keeping the card).
1. Eligible cards will vary by offer and are subject to change. Select American Express Cards issued by Amex Bank of Canada are eligible cards for the offer. The following cards are not eligible: American Express Corporate Cards, American Express® Gift Cards and Prepaid Cards. Subject to offer terms and conditions, and full program terms.
2. With the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan, a predetermined amount is debited from your bank account on the payment due date each month. This payment option is only available to Consumer or Small Business Accounts. The Pre-Authorized Payment Plan is currently not available for Corporate Accounts.
Any Canadian dollar deposit bank account held at a Canadian financial institution is eligible for enrollment in the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan. The account must belong to you or, for joint accounts, you must have signing authority for the account. Foreign accounts are not eligible. If you choose to register a business account, you must be a signatory on that account.
Your enrollment in pre-authorized payments or changes made to your enrollment will not take effect until your next billing cycle. You are still required to make a manual payment for the current billing period.
Depending on your financial institution, it may take up to 3 business days for your deposit account to be debited by your financial institution. Please check with your financial institution for details. Please ensure there are sufficient funds in your bank account when making payments. Fees for a returned payment are listed within your disclosure statement. For full terms and conditions of the Electronic Payment Program Agreement, visit americanexpress.ca/AutomaticPaymentTerms.
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