American Express Credit Card Eligibility

Certain factors play a vital role in determining whether you will be able to meet the American Express Credit Card® eligibility criteria. These are:

Age: You must be at least 18 years of age to get yourself an American Express® Credit Card.

Income: The income requirement is dependent upon the American Express® credit card that you are applying for. Premium cards offer many benefits and tend to have a high income requirement. However, at Rs. 4.5 lakh p.a. the American Express SmartEarn™ Credit Card has the lowest income requirement of all the American Express® credit cards. Income plays a big part in establishing your credit limit. Hence, applicants with a higher income are more than likely to get a higher credit limit.

The income requirement for Top American Express® Credit Cards is listed as follows:

Check Eligibility for Top American Express® Credit Cards | Apply for a Credit Card

Residence: While American Express® Credit Cards are offered to Individuals with current or permanent addresses in India, the card is offered in selected cities. Check the list of serviceable cities for American Express® Credit Cards.

Credit Score: American Express® credit cards are given only to those individuals who have a good credit score. A good credit score (700 or above) lets the card provider know that you are financially responsible and more than able to repay the borrowed money. However, if you have a low credit score or no credit history your application might be rejected.

Payment Defaults:  If you have defaulted on a loan or credit card payment then you will have a hard time getting a card from American Express®. Even if you manage to improve your credit score, the default will show up for years to come.

Debt to Income Ratio (DTI): It is the ratio between your debts and monthly income. Applicants with a low DTI score will have a higher chance of securing an American Express® credit card.

Number of Credit Cards Owned: American Express® will look into the details of your previously owned credit cards. Those who have more than one card have a better chance of getting approval. Also, the credit limit on the new American Express® credit card will be dependent on the credit limit of previous cards.

In addition to a duly filled application form, you will be required to submit identity, address and income proofs to get American Express® Credit Card, as listed below:

Please Note: American Express® may ask for documents other than those mentioned above, as per their internal policies.

What is the criteria for American Express® card?
American Express® credit cards are offered keeping in view various eligibility parameters such as minimum age requirement of 18 years and minimum income requirement of Rs. 4.5 Lakhs for salaried and Rs. 6 Lakhs for self employed (may vary from card to card, check card specific income eligibility).  Additionally, you must have a current or permanent residential address in India with a good credit history and no payment defaults.

What is the minimum salary required for American Express® credit card?
The minimum salary requirement for American Express® Credit Cards may vary from card to card. It may range from Rs. 4.5 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh for salaried & Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 15 Lakhs for self employed.  Click here to check the minimum annual income requirement for all American Express® Credit Card.

Is it difficult to get American Express card?
If you meet the eligibility criteria and hold a good credit history and score with no payment defaults, then it is not difficult to get an American Express® Credit Card, provided you fulfill the card specific income requirement. However, if you have a bad credit history and poor credit report, the chances of approval for an American Express® Credit card are less. Also, American Express® offers its credit card in selected cities in India, so it might be difficult to get a card if your city is not covered under the list of sourcing cities.

What is the easiest American Express® card to get approved for?
American Express SmartEarn™ Credit Card has the most relaxed eligibility criteria. To get this card, you have to be over 18 years of age with an annual income of Rs. 4.5 lakh. If you are self-employed you must be earning Rs. 6  lakh annually.

What credit score do you need for American Express® card?
To get an American Express® credit card you need a good credit score of 700 and above, with no history of payment defaults. A poor credit score indicates a higher chance of failure of bill payment, thus, the approval chances are limited.

In India, who can get the credit card of American Express®?
In India, you can get an American Express® Credit Card if you are aged above 18, and hold a good credit history with no history of default in payments. However, you must fulfill the minimum annual income criteria for the American Express® credit card you are applying for. In general, you require a minimum income of Rs. 4.5 lakh or above if you are salaried, and Rs. 6 Lakh or above if you are self employed.