Does American Express (Amex) have debit cards?

10 Mar 2023

The answer is Yes. American Express does issue debit cards as part of the American Express Serve card family. You can effectively deposit money onto your card and use it as a checking account with these cards. They do not require a credit check to open but charge small monthly fees.

American Express does not offer debit cards in the United States. American Express is primarily known for its credit card products, which are issued by American Express or by its partner banks.

However, American Express does offer prepaid cards, which are similar to debit cards in that they allow users to make purchases and withdraw cash up to the value loaded onto the card. Prepaid cards can be used at merchants that accept American Express, and some prepaid cards also offer additional benefits such as purchase protection and fraud protection.

One example of an American Express prepaid card is the American Express Serve® Card, which allows users to add money to the card and use it for purchases or ATM withdrawals. The American Express Serve® Card also offers features such as free direct deposit, online bill pay, and free ATM withdrawals at over 30,000 MoneyPass® ATMs.

It's important to note that prepaid cards may have fees associated with them, such as activation fees, monthly fees, and transaction fees, so it's important to review the terms and conditions of a prepaid card before using it.

We considered only Amex brand cards (not co-branded airline and hotel cards) currently available to new applicants and looked at several factors:

• Simplicity — Are the card's rewards program and redemption options simple? Are there any limitations to navigating?
• Earning potential — Is there a generous spending category or a high rewards rate on all purchases, and a welcome bonus offer?
• Annual fee — No-fee cards are appealing, but if the card has annual fees, do the benefits outweigh the cost?

Amex cards also provide additional benefits, including travel insurance and purchase protection. Furthermore, all American Express cardholders can access Amex Offers**, which can earn you bonus points or cash back when you shop at specific retailers.

Before choosing an American Express card, think about what you want to do with your rewards and spending habits. Some cards offer bonus rewards in popular categories, so those may be a better choice.

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