By DialHelpUSA Editorial Team · 200-word guide
Lock blocks all transactions immediately. Recurring payments and Apple Pay (using a tokenized number) continue. Found the card? Tap unlock.
Call 1-800-528-4800 24/7. Press the option for "Lost or stolen card."
The agent will:
For travelers abroad, Amex can wire emergency cash up to several thousand dollars to a Western Union or your hotel. This is a unique Amex perk.
For full Amex contact details: American Express Customer Service.
While on the call, ask the agent to walk through the last 30 days. Amex's $0 Fraud Liability covers unauthorized charges - usually credited immediately while they investigate.
Amex is famous for resolving fraud disputes in your favor more often than other issuers. They invest heavily in customer-loyalty rather than fee fighting.
The new card has a different number / expiration / CVV. Services that auto-bill the old card need updating:
Amex's Card Account Updater service automatically pushes new card details to most major recurring billers (Netflix, Hulu, etc.) within 24-48 hours.
If your Amex is lost while traveling internationally, call +1-336-393-1111 (Amex Global Assist - 24/7). They can:
Amex Platinum / Centurion members get this service for free. Other Amex cardholders can use it for nominal fees.
Yes - Amex's $0 Fraud Liability is among the most cardholder-friendly. Most fraud disputes resolved in your favor; provisional credit usually within 24-48 hours.
Free overnight worldwide for most cards. Available at most U.S. addresses by next business day; international next 24-48 hours.
Yes - the Mobile app provides a digital card for Apple Pay / Google Pay. Use immediately.
Premium card replacements get expedited handling and a dedicated concierge. Plus emergency cash advances and global assist services.
Other questions our readers commonly ask about this topic:
Yes - American Express customer service is reachable on a toll-free U.S. number that does not charge a per-minute fee. Standard mobile-carrier minutes may apply on metered cellular plans. International callers may pay long-distance charges depending on country and carrier. Visit our American Express contact page for current toll-free numbers and hours.
Simple problems (account access, password resets, basic billing questions) typically resolve in a single 10-15 minute call. Complex issues (refund disputes, identity verification, escalated complaints) usually take 3-7 business days because they need supervisor review or document submission. If your case has stalled past 7 business days, escalate to a supervisor or the executive customer service team.
First, politely ask to escalate to a supervisor or to the executive customer service team. Most brands have an internal "office of the president" that handles complex complaints. If escalation does not resolve it, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org), your state Attorney General consumer-protection portal, and - for finance, telecom, or airline issues - the relevant federal agency (CFPB, FCC, or DOT). Our American Express customer service guide lists the alternate channels.