Understanding AMEX Statement Payments & Dates

[Anonymous]

You were right about this - I added a new bank account and if you do so AMEX won't allow you to pay more than your current balance....

If I want to pay, I have to send a physical check

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@Anonymous wrote:

I'm new with Amex as well, and here are some rules I've read on the forums:

1. Amex doesn't like more than one payment source the first statement cycle.
2. Amex won't report until the second statement, so your balance the first statement doesn't matter as it won't report.

So there's really no reason for you to worry.  Make your first payment on time, whenever, and then play utilization reporting games before the 2nd statement posts.

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[HeavenOhio]

During the first month that your payment account is hooked up, there are some (somewhat complicated) payment restrictions. You can pay as many times as you want as long as you haven't yet paid your statement balance. And I believe you can make one prepayment beyond that.

The restrictions will rinse and repeat if you set up a new payment account. However, they won't repeat if you use an existing payment account on a new card. If you set up a new payment account, the best thing is to still be able to use your previous account during the transition. That way, the restrictions on the new account shouldn't get in the way.

If you set up your payment account immediately after opening your AMEX card, you'll be fine. As mentioned, the first statement balance is very unlikely to hit the bureaus. And the restrictions will be lifted well before your first due date and second statement date. The only people who might be significantly inconvenienced are those with low limits and are relying on multiple payments in order to meet a sign-up bonus.

[Dalmus]

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Edit:

Nevermind.  OP got her answer.  Customer Service I assume. 

[thornback]

Great data points - thanks for taking the time to update! I set up my payment account at time of activation and have never changed it, I guess that's why I never ran into any issues. Good thing they don't report right away! Enjoy your card...

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

You were right about this - I added a new bank account and if you do so AMEX won't allow you to pay more than your current balance....

If I want to pay, I have to send a physical check

---

@Anonymous wrote:

I'm new with Amex as well, and here are some rules I've read on the forums:

1. Amex doesn't like more than one payment source the first statement cycle.
2. Amex won't report until the second statement, so your balance the first statement doesn't matter as it won't report.

So there's really no reason for you to worry.  Make your first payment on time, whenever, and then play utilization reporting games before the 2nd statement posts.

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You don't have to send a check, you can use your bank's "bill pay" to submit a payment and they may do it electronically and quickly.  This is called "pushing" a payment.

[HeavenOhio]

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@thornback wrote:
Great data points - thanks for taking the time to update! I set up my payment account at time of activation and have never changed it, I guess that's why I never ran into any issues. Good thing they don't report right away! Enjoy your card...

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I set mine up a couple of hours after being approved for the card.

[RicHowe]

Just call the number on the back of your card. Ask to make a payment. The CSR will not be able to make it and will transfer you to a payment specialist, who will be happy to process your payment from your bank account.

[expatCanuck]

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@Dalmus wrote:
...

Also, if this is your first month with the card, you'll only be able to make ONE payment for the month.  After the first statement cuts, you can make multiple payments.

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Perhaps the BCE is different.  It's new -- and I made five payments during my first statement period (4 pushes & 1 pull).

I'll add that I'm not a fan of the Amex musical due dates or the statement (which, IMHO, obfuscates the statement period dates).  It's easily the least straightforward statement of the 7 cards I've been issued (surpassed in lack of clarity only by the Amex website).