Chip and PIN
What is Chip & PIN?
Your PIN identifies you as the Card’s rightful user, which ensures safe shopping and complete peace of mind. And, unlike contactless payments, you can use Chip & PIN for purchases of any amount.
How does Chip and PIN work?
Insert your Card into the terminal
Enter your four-digit PIN to
authorize the transaction
Changing, viewing and unlocking your PIN
It’s important to know your PIN. These videos show how you can change, view and unlock your PIN:
How to change your PIN using the Amex App
Go to the Account tab in the Amex App, click Manage Card PIN, then click Change PIN. Follow the prompts to change your PIN.
How to change your PIN using your Online Services Account
Log into your Online Services account, click on Manage Account, then Change PIN.
How to view your PIN using the Amex App
Go to the Account tab in the Amex App, click Manage Card PIN, then click View PIN. Follow the prompts to view your PIN.
How to view your PIN using your Online Services Account
Log into your Online Services account, click on Manage Account, then View PIN.
How to unlock your PIN using the Amex App
Go to the Account tab in the Amex App, click Manage Card PIN, then click View PIN. If your PIN is locked, an alert will appear to unlock it. Follow the prompts to unlock your PIN.
How to unlock your PIN using your Online Services Account
Log into your Online Services account, click on Manage Account, then view PIN. If your PIN has been locked an alert will appear to unlock it. Follow the prompts to unlock your PIN.
Security Tips
Never share your PIN with anyone, including family, friends or retailers. We'll never ask you for your PIN either.
Don't record your PIN anywhere,
memorize it.
Protect your PIN when entering it at a cash machine or shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the case that your Card is lost or stolen, you should always call American Express immediately: Call 1-800-869-3016. Outside of Canada (please call collect) 905-474-0870. For Corporate Cardmembers, please call 1-800-716-6661, or for outside of Canada (please call collect) 905-474-9329.
You can view or change your PIN through the Online Services account.
To view your PIN:
a. Login using your username and password. Once logged in, click on the Manage Accounts section.
b. Click on the Card Management tab, followed by View PIN. You’ll then be asked some security questions. Please answer and follow the steps as prompted on screen.
To change your PIN:
a. Login using your username and password. Once logged in, click on the Manage Accounts section.
b. Click on the Card Management tab, followed by Change PIN. You’ll then be asked some security questions. Please answer and follow the steps as prompted on screen.
Or you can view or change your PIN through the Amex App. Head to the app and select ‘Activate and Manage Cards’ found in the ‘Account’ tab, then select ‘Manage Card PIN’ and follow the prompts to view or change PIN.
You can choose a PIN for your American Express Card on the American Express® Mobile App, via Online Services, or by calling the number on the back of your Card and following the simple prompts.
If you have not selected a PIN within 60 days of receiving your card, we will assign a randomly-generated confidential PIN to your Card. You will receive a letter containing this PIN.
In the event you’ve locked your PIN, you may receive an email to confirm your PIN has been locked and an alert will appear in your Online Services account to unlock your PIN.
If you use an incorrect PIN, you may be prompted to enter your PIN again. In case you have forgotten your PIN, please visit your Online Services account or the Amex App to View PIN and follow the prompts on screen. Once you have viewed your PIN, your card can be used for future transactions.
If you are still experiencing problems, please call the number located on the back of your Card.
Yes, if your previous Card already had a PIN in use - you will continue to have the same PIN on the re-issued card.
To activate your new PIN on your Card, you need to complete one more transaction with your old PIN. Although unlikely, you may be required to enter your old PIN for more than one transaction before using your new PIN. Following that, you can use your new PIN for all transactions.
No, a contactless transaction after changing your PIN will not activate the new PIN for your Card. To complete your PIN change, please insert your Card into the checkout terminal on your next transaction, if you are required to enter a PIN, please enter your old PIN. After this step, your new PIN should be ready for use for all your subsequent transactions. If your new PIN is accepted in your next transaction, your PIN change is complete. If your new PIN is not accepted, you will be required to use your old PIN again to re-attempt the PIN change.
Related Pages
Mobile Wallets
Pay with your eligible mobile device using secure mobile Wallets.
Tap to Pay
Your Card is tap enabled for quick and easy payments1. Just tap to pay and be on your way!
®: Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.
1. At participating American Express contactless merchants. Transaction limits may apply.