Amex’s New Authorized User Activation Scheme & My Interesting Activation Mistake

New Authorized User Process on Amex Business Cards

American Express has long been one of the few banks that requires an authorized user’s Social Security Number and Date of Birth. In the past, they have required this information when adding the AUs. While the process still remains that way for personal cards, American Express has changed it on business accounts. I’ll walk you through the process, share some observations and a simple mistake that I made when activating a card.

The Old & New Process

Before I show you the new process, here is the screen to add an authorized user on a personal card. This is basically how business cards worked as well before this recent change.

Now here is the new screen when you add an authorized user (or employee) on a business account:

As you can see, American Express no longer requires the authorized user’s address, Social Security Number or Date of Birth when requesting the card. Instead you receive the card in the mail with the following message:

But that only shows a phone number. American Express also has an activation website that doesn’t require that information. What happens if you try to activate the card there? Perhaps you can get around the Social Security Number and Date of Birth requirement. Well unfortunately Amex isn’t stupid.

So you have to call 1-800-362-6033 to activate. Thankfully it is just an automated system. It will ask for the card number followed by the “Employee” or authorized user’s Social Security Number followed by their date of birth.

I Screwed Up – Oops!

As I wrote about recently, my wife was approved for the American Express Business Gold Rewards card with a 75K bonus! Her card arrived yesterday along with an authorized user card in my name and one in a family member’s. When I called to activate the family member’s card, for some reason I stupidly mixed up a digit on their Social Security Number. (And it still worked.) I have never done that before so I don’t know if it has to do with the new system or not. Either way, I’ll make sure to be more careful next time.

Takeaways

• You no longer need to provide a Social Security Number and Date of Birth when requesting an authorized user card for a business credit or charge card.
• Authorized user business cards must be activated via the telephone.
• The Social Security Number and Date of Birth of the authorized user must be provided when activating.

Conclusion

Since I know a lot of you were able to pick up the Business Gold card during yesterday’s 75K deal, I thought it would be worthwhile to share this new process with you. Adding authorized users can be a great way to take advantage of Amex Offers. A big thanks to Vinh at Miles Per Day for originally pointing out this new process. Happy activating!

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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