American Express: verified facts and rating
Licensed since: 1989 Checked 2026-10-30
Score breakdown
88% backed by facts · How we rank
American Express against the market
The dot is the company, the line is the median of all companies in this ranking.
Published rate, % of country reference82%125%85% · median 100%
Support hours a week52 h168 h60 h · median 83 h
Maximum amount, % of country reference70%300%100% · median 100%
Longest term60 mo84 mo60 mo · median 60 mo
American Express strengths and weaknesses
Pros
- Long licence history
- Licence confirmed by the official list or a stated licence number
- Fees or full loan terms are readable without login
- No arrangement fee in the standard terms
Cons
- Online application is not open to new customers
All facts
| Fact | Value | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed since | 1989 ESTYMD 03/20/1989 | api.fdic.gov | 2026-10-30 |
| Licensed by the regulator | Yes FDIC cert 27471, ACTIVE 1 | api.fdic.gov | 2026-10-30 |
| Published rate, % of country reference | 85% fixed rates ranging from 6.99% to 19.99% APR (rates as of 07-19-26); no autopay discount stated · APR 6.99% · index 100 = 8.2% (median at launch) | americanexpress.com | 2026-10-30 |
| Free early repayment | Yes there are no pre-payment penalties | americanexpress.com | 2026-10-30 |
| No arrangement fee | Yes no application or origination fees | americanexpress.com | 2026-10-30 |
| Fees or terms published | Yes No application or origination fees; $39 late fee; see also public Terms & Conditions page | americanexpress.com | 2026-10-30 |
| Complaints procedure | Not verified | — | |
| Online application for new customers | No You must be an eligible Basic Card Member; only by offer in the online account (existing clients only) | americanexpress.com | 2026-10-30 |
| Support hours a week | 60 h 1-844-273-1384, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am-9:00 pm EST | americanexpress.com | 2026-10-30 |
| Maximum amount, % of country reference | 100% loans starting at $3,500; Personal Loans up to $50,000 (page title) · max 50000 USD · index 100 = 50000 USD (median at launch) | americanexpress.com | 2026-10-30 |
| Longest term | 60 mo terms of 12-60 months | americanexpress.com | 2026-10-30 |