American Express (Amex) is one of the most popular credit cards in the world for online gambling. It offers great banking security, quick deposits, and a loyalty program that gives players more rewards for online spending. It's no surprise then that players prefer to use American Express in online casinos and betting sites.
For those new to gambling online, our Amex guide will explain everything players should know about using American Express cards with betting sites. We'll help you find the best casinos that accept Amex, and how to deposit and withdraw funds when playing real money games online.
American Express, or Amex, is a premium financial services company that offers credit cards, corporate cards, currency cards, and more. It's one of the largest credit card providers in the world, with 110 million users worldwide. Given its global reach and strong security measures, American Express is widely accepted at established online gaming sites worldwide.
Players can make deposits and withdrawals using Amex on online casinos and betting sites within minutes. The American Express mobile app can also notify users when funds have been deposited or withdrawn from their account through their mobile. This means they can manage their online casino accounts regardless of their location.
Given the strong security protocols and lucrative rewards scheme cardholders enjoy with American Express, it's obvious why they would choose to use Amex with online casinos. Unlike other online purchases however, legislation around online gambling can make Amex transactions complicated for some cardholders.
A large percentage of American Express cardholders are based in the US, which has complex online gambling restrictions that vary between states. Some players have tried to circumvent these restrictions by using Amex gift cards, thinking that the funds on these cards are untraceable. Others have tried activating their American Express card for international transactions to use at offshore casino sites.
American Express cancelled its gift cards back in 2015 and those remaining are only accepted at select retailers. As for international transactions, if Amex notices funds being illegally sent from a US-based account to a foreign betting site, it may cancel the transaction, and then freeze or close your account.
As a result, only a handful of online casinos and betting sites in the US accept American Express. In these situations, we recommend players follow their local legislation concerning gambling online. Otherwise, players could lose access to their winnings in their online casino account, and even face charges.
Players outside of the US should check if their country of residence has any banking restrictions related to online gaming. Starting April 2020 for instance, UK players can no longer make deposits at online betting sites using credit cards.
There's a variety of credit and debit cards, not to mention cryptocurrency options available to players. Using American Express online gives cardholders several unique benefits over other banking options though.
Here are just a few perks players can receive when using their Amex online with casino sites:
As most American Express cardholders know, Amex isn't accepted everywhere. The card charges an annual fee to users, and transaction fees for Amex cards are usually more expensive for businesses than other credit cards. Here are a few factors players should know before using Amex for online gaming transactions:
When it comes to finding gambling sites that accept American Express, a little sleuthing is sometimes required. Some online gaming sites will feature this information on their homepage, others will hide it in the hope players choose a different card that charges lower transaction fees. Discover how to find whether Amex is accepted at casinos, poker sites, and sportsbooks below. Players can also find whether these sites offer specific Amex perks, too.
There are a range of poker sites that accept Amex, including the sites on our real money poker page. To find whether a poker site accepts Amex, players should check the website's footer, or the payment methods on registration. The American Express logo will be clearly displayed in these sections if the poker site offers it as a banking method.
There are several benefits to using American Express on poker sites. Along with the casino benefits mentioned above, Amex poker sites generally offer higher limits than other credit cards. Not only that, but poker players can sometimes receive a 5% cashback deposit on American Express transactions, which can earn players other incentives from Amex.
American Express sports betting sites are harder to find online. Many sportsbooks cover US sports, and as an American company Amex follows strict protocol around online gambling transactions from the US. However non-US bettors can still find sportsbooks that accept American Express transactions. Just look for the Amex logo under banking methods or in the footer of the sportsbook's website.
Amex betting sites make it easier for players to manage their bankroll with instant deposits and notifications. For bettors, using Amex with sportsbooks generally offers fewer restrictions than other credit cards, too. Find the best sportsbooks that accept Amex on our online sports betting page.
Amex casinos can be found online through the best Amex casinos listed on this page. Players can determine whether an online casino accepts American Express in the banking options listed during registration, or in the footer of their website. Given players are keen to use Amex online, the more established casino sites will clearly display whether they accept this payment method on their homepage.
Players can enjoy instant deposits and additional security features with Amex casinos. Unlike some credit cards, American Express allows players to withdraw funds onto their Amex card. Given the stringent security measures American Express enforces, players can rest assured they are playing with a reputable online casino.
Aside from the ease of depositing at online casinos using American Express, there are many other reasons why players choose to use this real money payment method when they're doing some gambling online. American Express is already accepted by many online casinos, and the number is only growing. This is important, as some players like to use the same depositing method with multiple gambling sites. By using American Express, this is more than possible.
All transactions are protected by strong encryption technology. What's more, their fraud protection system means that your card can't easily be used by any unauthorised people. To make a deposit with an online gaming site using your American Express card, just follow the steps below:
Make sure your Amex card is registered to your account, or the transaction won't process.
Players will usually find Amex at the top of the list.
Fill out your card information and the amount you wish to deposit in the appropriate boxes. Some casino sites will have minimum deposit limits of $10 or more.
Once the transaction has been approved, players should receive a notification from the casino or American Express.
With their deposited funds, players can now start gambling online.
Not all gaming sites offer American Express online gambling withdrawals, however there are a few that do. Players can find out which ones by taking a look through the casino reviews on this site.
If a site does offer this option, withdrawals can be quick or slow. You'll need to wait between 48 hours and five business days for the site to authorise the withdrawal request. Once authorization has been given though, the money is transferred instantly.
To make a withdrawal using your American Express card, just follow these easy steps:
Sign in and find this area of your account, which is usually found in the top right corner of an online gaming site.
Amex usually appears at the top of the drop-down list.
Compared to other credit cards, American Express offers higher withdrawal limits.
Once the transfer has been approved, you should receive a notification.
If you've decided to use American Express online when betting, you probably know there are a range of cards available. Each one has a different annual fee and unique features. To help you find the right one for your online gaming needs, we've provided an overview of the most popular Amex cards accepted by betting sites:
Credit card
Credit card
Credit card
Mastercard
PayPal
PaysafeCard
We’re committed to ensuring that you have the information, resources, and tools you need for a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. Responsible gambling means enjoying the thrill of gaming while keeping it under control. If you’re ever concerned about your own or a loved one’s gambling habits, we’re here to help with our responsible gambling page.
The National Council on Problem Gambling is one of the leading resources for gambling addiction and awareness. They provide education, prevention strategies, and helpline services.
Gamblers Anonymous is a support group for individuals struggling with compulsive gambling. It fosters long-term healing with a 12-step recovery program supported by peer-led meetings.
GamAnon is a support network of friends and family for problem gamblers. It offers a community to help loved ones navigate the challenges of addiction.
Gamtalk is an online forum where people can share experiences and seek support for gambling-related issues. It's particularly strong in fostering judgment-free discussions and group support.
The ICRG is dedicated to advancing research on gambling-related issues. They support scientific research to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
If your country of residence authorizes gambling online on casinos or poker rooms, and the operator accepts American Express as a payment method, then it is legal. Always check the gambling legislation of your local area before depositing funds in a betting site.
American Express does business with only a handful of US-based gambling operators. Only 12 states allow some form of online gambling in their districts, which severely limits the scope American Express can operate in online casinos, poker, and sports betting sites.
If the gambling operator lists American Express as a payment method, then players can use their card to add funds to their account. Keep in mind some countries ban the use of credit cards with gambling sites, which may prevent players from using their Amex card.
If the online casino lists American Express as a payment option, then bettors can use their Amex card with that operator. Players can find operators that accept American Express through our recommended casinos list on this page.
If the online casino lists American Express as an accept banking method or payment option, then a bettor's Amex card will work.
If an online casino accepts American Express cards as a viable banking method, it will display the Amex logo at the bottom of its website. Alternatively, bettors can access the cashier section of their account and check whether American Express is listed as a payment option.
American Express has strong security protocols with its card and online banking systems, so bettors can feel safe in the knowledge that their funds are secure. With online casino security, players should always check a site has SSL encryption, strong login features and is fully licensed and regulated to ensure their funds are protected.
In addition to the annual fee American Express charges cardholders to use their cards, some online outlets may charge an additional fee for Amex payments. This is because Amex transactions cost operators more to process than other credit cards, so they might pass some of the cost on to buyers.