How to Apply American Express Rewards Credit Card

This guide explains how to apply for the American Express Rewards Credit Card in the UK. It covers eligibility, required documents, and the online steps.

You’ll find a step-by-step walkthrough, a documents checklist, and clear explanations of fees, APR and how rewards work in GBP. Sources: Amex UK and the FCA.

Follow the checklist to complete your online application. Expect a credit search before final decision. Read FCA guidance on responsible lending and data use.

Eligibility criteria and credit score

In the UK, to be eligible for the Amex Rewards card you must be 18+, a UK resident with a permanent address, and able to provide proof of identity and income.

American Express will check your UK credit file. A hard search is typical for new cards, which may affect your credit score briefly; affordability is assessed.

Provide recent payslips or a P60 and your annual income. Self-employed applicants should supply SA302s or tax-year accounts to confirm earnings to Amex.

A longer UK credit history improves chances. If you’ve recently moved, provide previous addresses for the last three years to help identity and credit checks.

Register on the electoral roll, keep low credit utilisation, and correct any errors on your credit file. These steps may increase Amex approval odds.

Documents and information you’ll need

Gather original photo ID such as a valid UK passport or driving licence, plus proof of address like a recent utility bill or Council Tax letter.

Provide proof of income: recent payslips or a P60 for employed applicants, SA302s or tax accounts if self-employed, and recent bank statements.

Acceptable proof of address includes a Council Tax bill, recent bank or credit card statement, or a mortgage statement dated within the last three months.

You should supply your current email, mobile number and National Insurance number. Also list previous addresses for the past three years if requested.

Check all documents are accurate and up to date. Consent to a credit check and use Amex’s secure upload or post options for sensitive paperwork.

Step-by-step online application (mobile-first)

Open the American Express UK mobile site or app, choose the Rewards Card, sign in or create an Amex ID, then begin the online application form.

Enter your full name, date of birth, National Insurance number, current and previous UK addresses and your annual income accurately to avoid delays.

Use your phone camera to upload documents securely via Amex’s mobile portal. Ensure files are clear, in colour, and match the details on your application.

Review the terms, fees and representative APR carefully. You must consent to a hard credit search; this helps Amex assess affordability and reach a decision.

After submission, Amex typically gives a decision within days. Track application in your account, accept offers, then activate the card when it arrives.

What happens after you apply: checks and timelines

American Express carries out identity and affordability checks, including a hard credit search on your UK credit file. Expect an initial decision within days.

Amex may request supporting documents or a proof of income, verify bank statements and ID. Additional checks can add a few working days to the process.

If approved, Amex usually issues a decision quickly then posts the card securely. Expect delivery within five to seven working days to your UK address.

A hard credit search is visible to lenders and listed on your credit file; multiple applications can impact future approvals. Soft checks leave no record.

If your application is declined, Amex will explain reasons and you can appeal or reapply later. Consider waiting six months and check your credit report first.

Fees, APR, interest and regulatory notes (FCA)

Check the annual fee, representative APR and interest rates before applying. Amex UK lists fees in GBP; compare benefits to cost. Read T&Cs.

Interest is charged on unpaid balances and cash advances; balance transfer offers vary. Check representative APR and how interest is calculated daily.

Foreign transaction fees may apply when spending abroad; Amex may charge a percentage on transactions in non-GBP currency. Check FX rates and fees.

The card is regulated under UK consumer credit rules and overseen by the FCA. Amex must follow fair lending, clear disclosures and complaint procedures.

Review the representative example and repayments. Pay balances in full to avoid interest. Contact Amex for payment plans or raise disputes under FCA rules.

Tips to improve approval chances and manage the card

Register on the electoral roll, lower existing balances, and avoid multiple new credit applications to improve your chances when applying for Amex in the UK.

Keep credit utilisation under 30%, pay down high-rate debt, and set up Direct Debit to show reliable repayments and reduce risk keep statements handy.

Check your UK credit file with Experian or Equifax, correct errors quickly, and use soft-check services before applying to avoid hard searches.

Keep clear income records and recent payslips saved; avoid misstating earnings. Budget for repayments and maintain an emergency fund to manage the card.

Use rewards strategically: redeem points for better value, set spending alerts, and aim to pay balances in full each month to avoid interest and fees.

Click the button below to be redirected to the official American Express UK site and start your secure application. Have your ID and proof of address ready to complete the process quickly.