American Express Credit Card Eligibility

Before applying for an American Express® Credit Card, it is crucial to understand the eligibility criteria that play a key role in the approval process. These criteria include factors such as age, residency, employment, income, and credit history. Familiarizing yourself with these requirements can help you ensure that you meet the conditions and avoid the disappointment of a rejected application. On this page, we will provide detailed information about the top American Express® Credit Cards eligibility to help guide you through the application process. Read on to learn more.

Criteria Details
Minimum Age 18 Years
Banking Requirements Indian or multinational bank’s savings or current account in India
Credit History Good credit history, with no payment defaults
Residence Current/Permanent Residence Address in India
Minimum Income Salaried: Annual income of Rs. 4.5 Lakhs or above Self Employed: Annual income of Rs. 6 Lakhs or above
Serviceable Cities May vary from card to card.

American Express® Credit Card Eligibility Factors:

Here are the key eligibility factors that play a vital role in determining your eligibility for an American Express® Credit Card:

  1. Age: You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for an American Express® Credit Card.
  2. Income:
    • The income requirement varies depending on the card you're applying for. Premium cards have a higher income requirement.
    • For example, the American Express SmartEarn™ Credit Card has the lowest income requirement at Rs. 4.5 Lakhs p.a. for salaried individuals.
    • The income requirements for other top American Express® Credit Cards are:
      • American Express® Platinum Card: Rs. 25 Lakhs (Salaried), Rs. 15 Lakhs (Self-Employed)
      • American Express Membership Rewards® Credit Card: Rs. 6 Lakhs (both Salaried and Self-Employed)
      • American Express® Platinum ReserveSM Credit Card: Rs. 6 Lakhs (both Salaried and Self-Employed)
      • American Express® Gold Card: Rs. 6 Lakhs (both Salaried and Self-Employed)
      • American Express® Platinum Travel Credit Card: Rs. 6 Lakhs (both Salaried and Self-Employed)
  3. Credit Score: A good credit score (700 or above) is required for approval. A strong credit score demonstrates financial responsibility and the ability to repay debt. Low credit scores or lack of credit history may result in rejection.
  4. Residence: American Express® Credit Cards are offered to individuals with current or permanent addresses in India. These cards are available in selected cities, so it's essential to check the list of serviceable cities.
  5. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): A low DTI indicates that you are managing your debt efficiently and will improve your chances of approval.
  6. Number of Credit Cards Owned: Applicants with multiple existing credit cards tend to have a better chance of approval. The credit limit on the new American Express® credit card is often based on the credit limit of previously owned cards.
  7. Payment Defaults: If you have a history of loan or credit card payment defaults, getting approved for an American Express® Credit Card will be difficult, even if your credit score improves.

By meeting these eligibility factors, you increase your chances of a successful application for an American Express® Credit Card.

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Documents Required for American Express® Credit Card Application

To apply for an American Express® Credit Card, along with the completed application form, you will need to submit the following documents as proof of identity, address, and income:

  • Identity Proof: PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Driver’s License, Passport, Voter’s ID, Overseas Citizen of India Card, Person of Indian Origin Card, Job Card issued by NREGA, Letters issued by UIDAI, or any other government-approved photo ID.
  • Income Proof: Latest one or two salary slips (not more than 3 months old), Latest Form 16, Last 3 months’ bank statement.
  • Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Driver’s License, Passport, Utility Bill (not older than 3 months), Ration Card, Property Registration Document, Person of Indian Origin Card, Job Card issued by NREGA, Bank Account Statement, or any other government-approved address proof.
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FAQs

To be eligible for an American Express® Credit Card, you must meet certain criteria that include age, income, credit history, and residence. The minimum age for applicants is 18 years. A good credit history with no defaults is essential. Income requirements vary by card type: for salaried individuals, the minimum income starts at Rs. 4.5 Lakhs per annum, while self-employed individuals need a minimum of Rs. 6 Lakhs per annum. Additionally, you must have a current or permanent residence in India.

The minimum income requirement for an American Express® Credit Card depends on the card variant. For salaried individuals, the income requirement starts at Rs. 4.5 Lakhs annually for the SmartEarn™ Credit Card. For premium cards like the American Express® Platinum Card, salaried applicants must earn Rs. 25 Lakhs annually. Self-employed individuals generally need to earn at least Rs. 6 Lakhs per year for most American Express® credit cards, except for the Platinum Card, which requires Rs. 15 Lakhs.

A good credit score (typically 700 or above) is crucial for approval when applying for an American Express® Credit Card. A high credit score demonstrates your financial responsibility and ability to repay debt, increasing your chances of getting approved. A low credit score or a lack of credit history can result in a rejection, so it’s important to ensure your credit report is in good standing before applying.

When applying for an American Express® Credit Card, you will need to provide proof of identity, address, and income. Acceptable identity proofs include a PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Driver's License. For address proof, you can submit documents like an Aadhaar Card, utility bill (not older than 3 months), or bank statement. Income proof typically involves submitting your latest salary slips, Form 16, or the last three months’ bank statements.

Having a history of payment defaults can make it challenging to get approved for an American Express® Credit Card, even if your credit score improves. American Express® typically requires a good credit history with no defaults on loans or credit cards. If you have previous payment issues, it is advisable to work on improving your credit history before applying for a card.

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Please click the links below to find details and instructions related to American Express® Credit Cards that can help you in easily managing your card:

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