American Express cards are among the standard credit cards issued by American Express.
They are known for their excellent services related to overseas travel, making them recommended for business travelers who frequently travel abroad.
While one of the attractions of American Express cards is their high status, being fixated on that aspect alone may lead to not fully utilizing the comprehensive services and possibly losing out on savings of over ¥10,000, despite paying the annual fee.
In this article, we will explain American Express cards' features and application process. By reading this article, you will clearly understand what American Express cards offer and whether they are the right choice for you.
- Features of American Express cards
- Pros and cons of American Express cards
- Fees and charges of American Express cards
- Eligibility for American Express card applications
- Application process for American Express cards
- Address and contact information of the company operating American Express cards
American Express Card Features
As the name suggests, the American Express card is issued by American Express. It is well known for its high status and ease of use overseas.
Therefore, it is a credit card suitable for those who travel abroad frequently or for business people who travel abroad often.
The American Express card has an annual fee of 13,200 yen, which is relatively higher than that of credit cards of similar grade.
Still, it stands out for features such as comprehensive insurance coverage. For example, automatic overseas travel accident insurance includes up to 50 million yen coverage.
Furthermore, another distinctive feature is the presence of a specialized desk known as the "Global Desk," which allows for handling emergencies abroad.
The American Express card has received high praise for its Global Desk, which handles emergencies and assists with various services, such as restaurant reservations.
American Express Card: Benefits and Drawbacks
One of the most significant advantages of the American Express Card is its prestige.
Even the standard card is considered a status symbol due to its long-standing reputation for rigorous approval processes. Thus, it is a credit card that elevates one's status by merely owning it.
Moreover, its ease of use is exceptional, with a particular emphasis on robust travel support.
It offers various benefits highly appreciated by business professionals thriving internationally, such as comprehensive insurance and complimentary luggage delivery services.
Additionally, the customer service desk for the American Express Card is reputed for its excellent service.
The only downside is the annual fee. In a market where many credit cards can be obtained for free, the American Express Card, with an annual fee exceeding ¥10,000, may seem less accessible to some.
American Express Card Fees and Charges
- Issuance fee - $0
- Annual fee - $132 (tax included)
- Installment payment interest rate - 14.9%
- Card loan interest rate - Please contact
- ATM fee - Please contact
- Cash advance interest rate - Please contact
- Overseas transfer fee - Please contact
- Late payment fee - 14.6%
The American Express Card has no issuance fee, an annual fee of $132. There are no yearly fee benefits, so $132 will be required from the first year. By the way, the yearly fee for a family card is $66 per card (tax included).
The American Express Card does not offer cash advances, so there is no cash advance interest rate.
If the payment deadline for the outstanding balance is missed, a late % payment fee of 14.6% will be applied. Additionally, if you make installment payments, be cautious as an actual APR of 14.9% will be applied.
American Express Card Eligibility
In order to apply for an American Express card, you must be 20 years old or older, have a permanent address in Japan, and have a stable job and income in Japan.
A stable job generally refers to a full-time regular employee and part-time or temporary jobs are not accepted.
However, contract employees and temporary agency workers, although considered weaker than full-time regular employees, are recognized as having stable jobs.
When applying, it is recommended that you have an annual income of at least 3 million yen, but this is just a guideline.
For example, even if you earn over 4 million yen annually, working for a small—to medium-sized company may be considered weaker than someone earning 3 million yen at a large corporation.
Interestingly, the American Express card's eligibility is based on the applicant's spouse's status rather than the applicant's own status.
This means that homemakers can also apply. Additionally, the application form includes an option for income from pensions, making pension recipients eligible to apply.
How to Apply for an American Express Card
There are online and offline methods for applying for an American Express card.
When applying online, you can choose the card from the card application section on the American Express official website and fill out the application form.
Offline applications can be done through mail or in person at designated locations.
American Express booths can be found at airports or train stations. You can visit them directly, inform the staff of your intention to apply, and proceed with the application.
To apply by mail, you must either request an application form to be sent to you or pick up the form in person. Fill out the necessary information on the form and send it by mail for application, but note that this method may take longer.
1. Go to the official website
2. Click on "Apply here" and go to the application page
3. Agree to the terms and conditions
4. Fill out the required information
5. Evaluation process
6. Card issuance
American Express Card Operating Company Address and Contact Information
American Express is originally an American company, and its headquarters are in the United States.
The address in the United States is Three World Financial Center, Manhattan District, New York, New York.
In Japan, American Express Japan Co., Ltd. was established in Yokohama in 1917. The current office of American Express in Japan is located at 4-1-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
The contact number for American Express card application inquiries is the dedicated application hotline 0120-020222. For other inquiries, please note that the contact numbers are different. Therefore, we recommend visiting the official website.
Summary
American Express Card is recommended for business people who travel frequently overseas or often abroad.
Having an American Express Card alone gives you status, and if you have frequent opportunities to go abroad, it may be worth considering as you won't lose money on the annual fee.
Disclaimer: There are always risks associated with applying for and using a credit card. Before agreeing to apply, refer to the bank's terms and conditions page.
