American Express Credit Cards in India: Things You Should Know

When it comes to premium brands like American Express, clarity matters more than glamour. So, let’s walk through what Amex India offers today, what’s changing, and how to decide whether it fits your lifestyle.

American Express currently offers a curated range of credit cards in India, tailored to different.

Though Amex had temporarily paused new applications for most proprietary cards, it has recently upgraded its domestic card-issuing platform and is moving fast in India. 

Best American Express Credit Cards in India

From user perception, value, and benefits, the top American Express cards currently making waves in India are:

Features & Benefits of American Express Credit Cards

Across all cards, a few core strengths define Amex India: a strong Membership Rewards® ecosystem, helpful customer service, and a focus on lifestyle perks. Here are some shared highlights:

• Accelerated Rewards Categories: Extra Membership Reward (MR) points on partnered merchants like Zomato, Ajio, Flipkart (SmartEarn gives up to 10X points).
• Welcome Bonuses: Cards extend bonus points or cashback when you meet early spend milestones.
• Annual Fee Waivers: For example, the SmartEarn renewal fee is waived if you spend ₹40,000 in the previous year.
• Luxury Privileges: Lounge access, hotel tie-ups, and dining perks under the Platinum range.
• Flexible Redemptions: Use MR points for vouchers, flights, hotel stays, or transfers to partner programs.

Top Card Reviews: What People Are Saying

I’ve spent time reading and listening to real user opinions, not just marketing material. Here’s the ground reality I’ve seen repeating across forums and feedback circles:

• SmartEarn: A favourite for online shoppers—strength lies in partner bonuses, but watch out for monthly caps.
• Membership Rewards Card: Good milestone rewards; some users aren’t thrilled with its renewal fee.
• Gold Card: Practical and versatile, though users note that fuel spends no longer earn MR points after June 2025.
• Platinum Travel & Reserve: Loved for premium travel features and concierge services, but fees are on the higher side, and availability is limited to metro regions.
• General Use: Some still find Amex acceptance spotty outside big cities, and based on my own experience in a tier-2 town, smaller stores may decline Amex due to higher merchant charges.

Card Against Fixed Deposit: Does Amex Offer One?

Unlike some Indian banks, American Express doesn’t offer a “secured” or FD-backed credit card. For beginners or those building a credit profile, there isn’t a known public alternative through Amex. If this ever changes, it’ll likely be communicated directly on their offers page.

Rewards, Cashback & Offers on Amex Credit Cards in India

Amex’s signature loyalty bean is the Membership Rewards® Point. You’ll see various earning accelerators and milestones: 

• SmartEarn: ₹500 cashback for ₹10,000 spend in 90 days; 10X MR on select merchants.
• Gold Card: Monthly bonus MR points if you make qualifying transactions; up to 5X on the Rewards Multiplier portal.
• Platinum Cards: Premium travel vouchers and milestone-based bonuses.

I personally find MR points more rewarding when redeemed for high-quality vouchers or gift cards rather than flight upgrades, especially if you’re a practical spender who doesn’t chase miles.

Eligibility Criteria for American Express Credit Cards in India

• Minimum age: 18 years
• Resident Indian status required
• Minimum annual income: usually ₹4.5 lakh+ for salaried; higher thresholds for premium cards
• Good credit history with no defaults
• Must have a valid bank account and proof of address
• American Express credit cards are only issued in select major Indian cities (Metros and Tier-I). 

Documents Required

• Proof of identity (PAN, Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID)
• Address proof (Aadhaar, passport, or recent utility bill)
• Proof of income (salary slips, Form 16, or ITR for self-employed)
• Bank details and passport-sized photos

How to Apply for American Express Credit Cards in India?

1. Visit the official Amex India cards page.
2. Check eligibility—especially city coverage and income level.
3. Select a card and click Apply Now.
4. Fill in personal and financial details, upload KYC documents.
5. Complete video KYC if requested.
6. Wait about 15 days for approval or further verification emails.

Checking Status of Your Amex Credit Card Application

Once applied, you can track your status using the Amex status tracker online or through email updates. I’ve noticed responses usually come within 2 weeks, sometimes faster for salaried profiles in metro cities.

Activating Your American Express Credit Card

• Login to the Amex App and activate your card by setting a PIN.
• You can also activate via the Amex Online Account dashboard.
• Or simply call the helpline listed in your welcome kit.

Login / Online Account Access for Amex Credit Card

• Register online with your card number and date of birth.
• Download the Amex Mobile App for real-time statement and redemption tracking.
• Set up spend alerts or auto payments easily in the app.

American Express Credit Card Customer Care

For most service needs, you can reach Amex India at 1800‑419‑2122 or 0124‑673‑6600. They’re known for responsive 24×7 support and emergency card replacement services, something I personally value after once misplacing my wallet during a trip.

Recent Devaluations & Discontinuations

• Fuel spends on Gold Card stopped earning MR Points from 12 June 2025.
• Amex Centurion Lounges in Delhi and Mumbai are now closed for Platinum Reserve holders.
• Pause on new applications while Amex revamps its domestic systems is still in place for some cards.

Latest News & Updates

As of late 2025, Amex is still modernizing its India issuing operations. Some existing members report seeing certain card options like Platinum Reserve and Gold open again for applications. I’d suggest checking their official site or calling customer support for clarity before applying.

Domestic Lounge Status

American Express runs its own branded lounges like The Centurion Lounge at T3 Domestic, New Delhi (Near Gate # 27 & 28) and The Centurion Lounge at T2 Domestic, Mumbai (Level 3 across Burger King). 

Access to these lounges is restricted to higher-tier Amex cards, like Platinum or Centurion cards. 

Click here to find if your existing card offers lounge access in 1 minute

FAQs about American Express Credit Cards

What are the current welcome offers on American Express Credit Cards?

SmartEarn gives ₹500 cashback on ₹10,000 spend in 90 days. Gold and premium cards award bonus MR points for reaching welcome milestones.

Can I waive my annual fee?

Spend-based waivers apply like ₹40,000 annual spend on SmartEarn or milestone spends on Gold and Membership Rewards cards.

Are Amex cards widely accepted?

Acceptance is improving, though smaller-town merchants still lean towards Visa/Mastercard due to lower fees. In my city, online spending and large stores work fine, but local stores still refuse Amex.

What happens if reward categories change?

Points you’ve already earned remain safe; new earning rules start on future transactions only.

Can I apply from a non-serviceable city?

No. Amex limits cards to serviceable PIN codes. Always verify beforehand to avoid wasted application efforts.

Personal Thoughts on Amex Credit Cards

American Express cards stand for premium service and reliable rewards, but they aren’t a “must-have” for everyone. 

From my perspective in a tier-2 town, they make sense if you travel often, spend on big-brand ecommerce sites, and value service assurance over pure cashback. If your lifestyle fits those boxes, Amex can genuinely elevate your experience. 

But if your goals are simplicity and universal acceptance, other bank cards may serve you better.

I see my role less as an online influencer and more as a person reminding you to choose the card that fits your needs, not one marketed for its luxury shine. Keep the focus on your spending patterns, maintain low utilization, and use your Amex (or any card) to simplify life, not complicate it.