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American Express Refund Policy

Last verified: 2026-03-20

Official American Express PolicyVerified

www.americanexpress.com/us/customer-service/faq.credit-balance-refund.html

Summary

American Express offers refunds within American Express may proactively refund credit balances; for disputes, Card Members have up to 120 days. Processing time: Refunds are typically returned within 15 working days, though additional time may be needed if proof of payment is requested.. Refund methods include online and phone. Credit balances must be refunded to the original source of the funds, such as the bank account or card from which the payment was made..

Refund Window

American Express may proactively refund credit balances; for disputes, Card Members have up to 120 days

Processing Time

Refunds are typically returned within 15 working days, though additional time may be needed if proof of payment is requested.

Refund Method

Online

How to Get a Refund — Step by Step

  1. 1To request a refund online, log in to your account, choose the account with the credit balance, and select 'Open a Payment Dispute'.
  2. 2Choose the option 'I have a credit balance on my account' and click 'Continue'.
  3. 3Alternatively, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card to initiate the refund process.
  4. 4You may be asked to provide your bank name, account number, and account name.
  5. 5A Customer Care Professional will validate the credit balance and investigate to ensure the bank account information matches the source of payment.

When You Can Get a Refund

  • Credit balances must be refunded to the original source of the funds, such as the bank account or card from which the payment was made.
  • You may be required to provide proof of payment, such as a bank statement showing the original payment that resulted in the credit balance.
  • Cardmembers or nominated Programme Administrators can request a credit balance refund.

All Refund Methods

  • Online
  • Phone

Dispute Process

  • To dispute a charge, you should first contact the merchant directly.
  • You can dispute a charge online by viewing your transactions and selecting the one you want to dispute.
  • Card Members generally have up to 120 days from the transaction date to dispute a charge.

Additional Notes

  • American Express may proactively initiate the return of outstanding credits on accounts.
  • If you have a cancelled American Express Card with a credit balance, you should contact customer service.

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