Have you been searching for a credit card that accepts people with fair credit while offering rewards? The credit one american express card might have caught your attention. But here’s the thing many people get confused about what this card actually is and whether it’s worth the annual fee.
Let me be straight with you. The credit one american express isn’t issued by American Express itself. Instead, it’s issued by Credit One Bank and runs on the American Express payment network. Think of it like wearing Nike shoes that were made by a different company you get some Nike benefits, but it’s not the same as shoes made directly by Nike.
In today’s articles, I’ll walk you through everything about the credit one american express card. You’ll learn about fees, rewards, credit limits, customer reviews, and most importantly, whether this card makes sense for your financial situation. By the end, you’ll know exactly if applying for this card is a smart move or if better options exist. Lets gets started!
Quick Comparison: Credit One American Express
| Feature | Details |
| Card Name | Credit One Bank Premier American Express Card |
| Annual Fee | $0 (excellent credit) or $39 (fair credit) |
| APR | Above 29% (variable) |
| Credit Score Needed | Fair to Excellent (640+) |
| Rewards Rate | 1% cash back on all purchases |
| Sign-Up Bonus | None available |
| Credit Limit | $300+ (varies by creditworthiness) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | Not specified |
| Balance Transfer | Not available |
| 0% Intro APR | No promotional rates |
| Best For | Fair credit holders rebuilding credit |
| Customer Service | 24/7 phone support available |
| Mobile App | Yes (iOS and Android) |
What is Credit One American Express Card?
The credit one american express card is officially called the Credit One Bank Premier American Express Card. It’s a credit-building card designed for people with fair credit scores (typically 640-689) who want to earn rewards while improving their credit.
Is credit one american express the same as american express? Absolutely not. This is where confusion happens. American Express (Amex) is both a card issuer and a payment network. Credit One Bank issues this card, but it runs on the Amex network. You get some Amex benefits like Amex Offers and purchase protection, but you’re not getting a true American Express card with premium perks like concierge service or airport lounge access.
The card earns 1% cash back on all purchases a solid feature for fair credit cards since many options don’t offer rewards at all. However, that benefit comes with trade-offs we’ll discuss throughout this guide.
Annual Fees: What You’ll Actually Pay
Here’s where things get interesting with the credit one american express. Your annual fee depends entirely on your credit score when approved.
Excellent Credit (690+): You pay $0 annual fee. This makes the card somewhat competitive if you qualify with excellent credit, though frankly, if you have excellent credit, you should probably look at better cards.
Fair Credit (640-689): You’ll pay a $39 annual fee. This means you need to spend at least $3,900 annually to break even on the fee through 1% cash back rewards.
Compared to other fair credit cards, a $39 fee isn’t terrible. Some secured cards charge similar or higher fees. However, the Credit One American Express is around 44% more expensive than the average credit card offer with a $26.75 annual fee. That’s worth considering when comparing options.
Interest Rates and APR Warnings
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. As of 2025, the interest rate for the credit one american express card is above 29%, with no 0% APR promotions for purchases or balance transfers. That’s extremely high, even for fair credit cards.
Here’s my honest advice: If you carry balances month-to-month, this card will cost you a fortune in interest charges. The 1% cash back you earn will be completely wiped out by interest fees if you don’t pay your balance in full every month.
This card only makes sense if you commit to paying your full balance every billing cycle. Use it like a debit card only charge what you can afford to pay off immediately. Otherwise, you’re throwing money away on interest that could be going toward your financial goals.
Credit One American Express Credit Limit Explained
One positive aspect of the credit one american express is that it’s not a secured card. You’ll receive a credit limit of $300 or more with no deposit required. Your exact limit depends on factors like your credit history, income, and existing debt levels.
For people rebuilding credit, starting with a $300-$500 limit is common. The good news? Credit One reviews accounts for credit limit increases if you manage your account responsibly. Pay on time, keep utilization low (ideally under 30%), and you might see increases after six months or so.
Pro tip: Even if you receive a $500 limit, try keeping your balance below $150. This 30% utilization ratio helps your credit score improve faster. Many people make the mistake of maxing out their cards, which hurts their scores even if they pay on time.
Rewards Program: 1% Cash Back Breakdown
The credit one american express card earns an unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases. There are no bonus categories, no rotating categories, no complicated math. Spend $100, earn $1 back. Simple.
How do you redeem? Your account defaults to manual redemption, meaning you log into the credit one american express login portal and choose how to use your rewards—statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise. You can also enable automatic redemption, and your earned cash back applies as a statement credit on the first day of each month.
However, cards like the Wells Fargo Active Cash or Citi Double Cash earn 2% back on everything with no annual fee. If you have good credit, those cards deliver double the rewards without the fee. The 1% rate only looks decent when compared to other fair credit cards, many of which offer zero rewards.
Credit One American Express Login and Account Management
Managing your credit one american express account happens through their website or mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices. The credit one american express login process is straightforward:
- Visit CreditOneBank.com or open the mobile app
- Enter your username and password
- Access your account dashboard showing balance, available credit, payment due dates, and rewards
The mobile app lets you make payments, check transactions, set up alerts, and redeem rewards from your phone. Most users report the app works fine for basic functions, though it’s not as polished as apps from major banks.
One helpful feature: You can choose your monthly payment due date for added convenience. This flexibility helps you align your credit card payment with your paycheck schedule, reducing the risk of late payments that damage your credit.
Credit One American Express Reviews: What Customers Say
Is credit one american express a good card? Customer opinions are extremely mixed. On WalletHub, 25% of reviewers give it 5/5 stars, but 50% rate it just 1/5 stars. That’s a massive polarization showing very different experiences.
Positive Reviews Mention:
- Approval with fair credit when other cards declined them
- Rewards on purchases (rare for fair credit cards)
- Credit limit increases after responsible use
- Helpful for rebuilding credit scores
Negative Reviews Complain About:
- High annual fees for fair credit applicants
- Extremely high interest rates above 29%
- Customer service issues and long wait times
- Aggressive marketing and upselling
The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. If you use this card strategically—paying in full monthly, taking advantage of Amex Offers, and focusing on credit building—it can be a useful tool. If you carry balances or expect premium customer service, you’ll likely be disappointed.
American Express Network Benefits
While is credit one american express not a true Amex card, running on the Amex network provides some genuine perks:
Amex Offers: Get deals and discounts at retailers where you shop, dine, and travel. These offers can provide statement credits or bonus points when you shop at participating merchants.
Retail Protection: If an eligible purchase breaks or gets stolen within 90 days, you can file a claim for reimbursement. This benefit adds extra security for your purchases.
Amex Presale Tickets: Access presale tickets or reserved seating for concerts, sporting events, and entertainment experiences.
Wide Acceptance: American Express acceptance has improved dramatically. Most major retailers, restaurants, and online stores now accept Amex cards.
These benefits don’t match what premium American Express cardholders get, but they’re better than nothing and add value beyond the basic 1% cash back.
Credit One American Express Customer Service
Credit one american express customer service operates 24/7 via phone support. You’ll find the number on the back of your card or on their website. Response times vary based on call volume, with some customers reporting waits of 30+ minutes during peak hours.
The customer service experience receives mixed reviews. Some customers praise helpful representatives who resolved issues quickly. Others complain about language barriers, long hold times, and difficulty resolving billing disputes.
My advice: Document everything in writing. If you have a dispute or problem, follow up phone calls with secure messages through your online account. Having written records protects you if issues escalate.
Is Credit One American Express Good for You?
So, is credit one american express good? That depends entirely on your situation and goals.
This card makes sense if:
- You have fair credit (640-689) and need a rewards card
- You commit to paying your balance in full every month
- Other cards have rejected your applications
- You want to rebuild credit while earning modest rewards
- You can benefit from Amex Offers in your area
Skip this card if:
- You have good to excellent credit (better options exist)
- You carry monthly balances (the 29%+ APR will destroy you)
- You want premium benefits or strong customer service
- The $39 annual fee bothers you
Alternatives worth considering: The Discover it Secured card offers 2% cash back on certain categories with your deposit refundable after responsible use. The Capital One Platinum card has no annual fee and helps build credit, though it doesn’t offer rewards.
FAQs
Is credit one american express the same as a regular American Express card?
No. Credit One Bank issues this card on the Amex network, but it’s not issued by American Express itself. You get some Amex benefits but not premium perks like airport lounges or concierge service that come with true Amex cards.
What credit score do I need for credit one american express approval?
You typically need a credit score of 640 or higher for good approval odds. People with fair credit (640-689) usually qualify but pay a $39 annual fee, while those with excellent credit (690+) get the fee waived.
Does credit one american express have an annual fee?
Yes, unless you have excellent credit. The annual fee is $0 for excellent credit scores but $39 for fair credit. There’s no way to get the fee waived for fair credit applicants.
What is the credit one american express credit limit?
Starting credit limits typically range from $300 to $1,000 depending on your creditworthiness. The exact amount considers your credit history, income, and debt levels. Credit limit increases are possible after responsible account management.
Can I do a balance transfer with credit one american express?
No. The credit one american express card doesn’t offer balance transfer options, and there are no promotional 0% APR periods. The card is designed for new purchases only, not for transferring existing debt.
How do I access credit one american express login?
Visit CreditOneBank.com or download their mobile app for iOS or Android. Enter your username and password to access your account dashboard where you can make payments, check balances, and redeem rewards.
Conclusion
The credit one american express card occupies a specific niche it’s for people with fair credit who want rewards while rebuilding their scores. It’s not a premium card, not the best rewards card, and definitely not suitable for carrying balances.
If you understand these limitations and use the card strategically, it can serve as a stepping stone toward better credit and better cards in the future. Pay on time, keep utilization low, never carry balances, and after 12-18 months of responsible use, you might qualify for cards with better rewards and no annual fees.
The key is being honest about your financial habits. If you know you’ll carry balances, the 29%+ APR makes this card a expensive mistake. If you’ll pay in full monthly, it can be a useful credit-building tool with modest rewards.
