How to Apply American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
This guide walks you step‑by‑step through applying for the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card in the UK. You’ll get clear, mobile‑first instructions to prepare and submit an application.
You’ll find eligibility criteria, typical documents to have ready, and a concise online application walkthrough. We also cover phone and postal options where available.
We explain fees, rates and rewards in GBP and link to official sources so you can check current terms. See American Express UK and the Financial Conduct Authority for up‑to‑date details: American Express UK and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Use the pre‑application checklist to improve your chances. We do not promise approval—decisions depend on your credit profile and Amex underwriting criteria.
Documents and information you’ll need
Provide a valid photo ID such as a UK passport or driving licence, and have your National Insurance number ready to confirm identity for Amex application.
Supply proof of address such as a recent council tax bill, utility bill or a UK bank statement dated within three months to verify your residence.
Have income evidence ready: recent payslips, a P60 or SA302 tax calculation if self-employed, plus employer details and your average monthly earnings.
You will need a UK bank account with sort code and account number, and a debit card for verification; also provide email, phone and residential address.
If you are recently arrived or have a changed address, include tenancy agreement, council tax or Home Office letters; non-UK nationals may need residency proof.
Step-by-step: Apply online (mobile-friendly)
Open the American Express UK site on mobile, choose Preferred Rewards Gold, tap ‘Apply’, and start the secure online form with your UK contact details ready.
Enter personal details: full name, date of birth, National Insurance, employment and income. Use your UK address and postcode for verification.
Provide documentation: passport or driving licence for ID, recent utility bill or bank statement for address, and payslips or SA302 for income evidence.
Complete the online form carefully, double-check entries, consent to a credit search, and submit. Save confirmation and note any reference number provided.
If approved, follow activation steps in Amex app or online, set a PIN, register for online statements, and link your account to your UK bank.
Phone, postal and in-branch application options
Call American Express UK to apply by phone; have ID, National Insurance, income details and bank info ready. Phone agents can guide you step by step.
Postal application may be available; request a form by phone or download one. Send copies of ID, proof of address and income to the Amex address.
Visit an Amex partner branch or bank adviser for a face-to-face chat. Book ahead, bring ID, proof of address and income documents to hand to staff.
Phone and branch applications often get quicker decisions; postal can take longer. Amex will carry out standard credit and affordability checks.
For postal, use recorded delivery and photocopies unless originals are requested. For phone or branch, verify ID carefully and keep application reference.
Fees, rates and rewards explained (amounts shown in GBP)
Annual fee is £180 for Amex Preferred Rewards Gold; check current GBP terms and any limited-time fee waivers or offers before you apply online or by phone.
Typical purchase and balance transfer rates vary; representative APRs are shown in GBP. Check Amex for the exact variable rates before applying.
Earn Membership Rewards points on purchases; check earn rates, transfer partners and any foreign transaction fees when spending abroad, amounts in GBP.
You may get an interest-free period on purchases if you pay in full each month; otherwise interest applies. Check British terms for billing cycles.
Welcome bonus may require spending £3,000 in 3 months; points value varies by redemption. Read Amex UK terms and GBP thresholds carefully before applying.
Application timeline, decisions and common reasons for decline
Applications are often processed within days, with instant decisions possible online; postal or complex checks can take two to four weeks. in some cases.
A decision may be immediate or require manual review; Amex checks affordability, credit history and identity, and may request extra documents.
Common declines include insufficient income, high existing unsecured debt, recent defaults or CCJ, multiple recent applications, or mismatched identity details.
If declined, review the reason in Amex correspondence, correct errors on your credit file, reduce balances and wait at least three months before reapplying.
Consider alternatives: apply with a joint applicant, use a credit-builder or starter credit card, or improve your file before trying Amex again after 6 months.
After approval: Activate, manage your card and next steps
Activate your Amex once it arrives: call or use the app, set a PIN, sign the back, register online, and add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay. asap.
Set up your online account and download the Amex app, choose paperless statements, create payment alerts and set a UK bank Direct Debit to pay on time.
Register for Membership Rewards link your account, view points in the app, transfer to airline partners, redeem for travel or statement credit in GBP.
Set spending controls, create card alerts and notifications, add an authorised user if needed, and contact Amex UK support for help via app or phone.
Monitor statements monthly, report unfamiliar activity, pay in full where possible to avoid interest, build your credit score and update address with Amex UK.
Click the button below to be redirected to the official American Express UK website and start your application securely.
You will complete the online form on the Amex site and receive confirmation directly from American Express.