Don't wait for your Card in the mail.
Get started now with Instant Card Number.
With Instant Card Number by American Express, eligible Card Members can immediately start shopping and using their new Card benefits today. ‡
How it works
Apply
for the Card you want
and receive your
Instant Card Number‡, if eligible.
Add your new actual Card number to your digital wallet, like Apple Pay™, Samsung Pay, Google Pay™, PayPal, or Amazon Pay on your mobile device in a few easy steps.
Start shopping online
or where digital wallets1 are accepted
before your Card arrives in the mail.
Learn More about Instant Card Number
Why get an Instant Card Number?
With your Instant Card Number, you can start making online purchases, or add it to your digital wallet for in-store shopping and select online checkout services.
How to get 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.
Fast, flexible, secure
No matter which Card you’re approved for, if eligible, American Express gives you the option to add your actual Card
number to your digital wallet1 or shop online before your Card arrives in the mail. See FAQs for more information.
What can you do with it today?
Getting your actual Card number now means you can instantly get the most out of your new Card.
Shop Online
You can use your Card number to shop online at places like Amazon, Target, Best Buy®, or where digital wallets1 are accepted.
Earn Rewards Sooner
Whether it’s miles, points or cash back, you can immediately start earning rewards.
Book a Trip Today
Plan your next vacation online and book it right away.
Enjoy It On The Go
Take your Card number with you wherever you go. You can connect your new Card number to Apple Pay™, Google Pay™, Samsung Pay, PayPal or Amazon Pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Instant Card Number by American Express provides eligible Card Members access to their Card Number after approval for digital use prior to physical Card delivery.
Instant Card Number is available for all Personal and Business Cards, except for the Amazon Business Card and the Amazon Business Prime Card.
If you are eligible, you can get your Instant Card Number if you apply for a Card online (via desktop or mobile device) or over the phone with a customer service representative.
- For Card applications online, you can retrieve your Instant Card Number online immediately following application approval or via a link provided in your Welcome Email that you will receive shortly after you are approved.
- For Card applications over the phone, you can retrieve your Instant Card Number via a link provided in your Welcome Email that you will receive shortly after you are approved.
You can add your Instant Card Number to Apple Pay™, Google Pay™, Samsung Pay, PayPal or Amazon Pay. See Apple Pay™, Google Pay™, Samsung Pay, PayPal and Amazon Pay for step-by-step directions.
Yes, your Card will arrive in the mail within 5-7 business days of account approval.
Yes, you will receive the same 15 digit Instant Card Number that will be on the physical Card when it arrives in the mail.
Instant Card Number eligibility is based on our ability to authenticate you.
Terms & Conditions
‡Instant Card Number eligibility is based on our ability to instantly authenticate you. If you are eligible for Instant Card Number, you will receive an Instant Card Number that you may be able to use virtually anywhere American Express is accepted and a physical Card will not be required. In certain instances (for example, if we cannot instantly authenticate you) you may only be able to use your Instant Card Number at a select merchant until you receive your physical Card. You may not have access to your full credit line until after you confirm receipt of your physical Card. We will mail your physical Card within 5-7 business days of account approval.
1Digital wallets are Apple Pay™, Samsung Pay, Google Pay™, PayPal or Amazon Pay.