Best American Express Betting Sites in 2023
American Express — Don't live bet without it.
Widely considered one of the world's most prestigious brands, Amex is now supported by some of the best betting sites for withdrawal and deposit options in regulated states.
Amex may lag behind other popular methods like Visa and Mastercard, but if you have a Gold Card in your pocket and are looking to place a wager with one of the best sportsbooks in the U.S., our guide to betting with Amex is for you.
Top Amex betting sites
#1 Top-rated sportsbook
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.4/5
- User-friendly mobile app
- Good deposit options
- Offers same-game parlays
Payout Speed:Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.2/5
- Licensed and regulated in New Jersey
- User-friendly interface with live betting and live streaming
- Special promos and odds boosts
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.0/5
- Famed and licensed operator
- Premium SBTech-powered platform
- Impressive range of betting markets
Deposits & withdrawals
What to look for in an Amex betting site
Online betting sites that accept American Express recognize that Amex cardholders have high expectations.
Many sportsbooks that accept American Express offer exciting bonuses and promotions, competitive odds, and impressive customer service to meet these lofty standards. Here's what to look for in an Amex betting site:
Competitive odds
As Amex sites are not as common as sportsbooks that accept Visa and Mastercard, options may be limited in your region. Still, we always recommend taking the time to shop around for sharp odds before making a deposit and placing a wager with your American Express credit card.
Bonuses and promotions
With the U.S. legal sports betting industry experiencing rapid growth, sportsbooks now offer increasingly lucrative bonuses and promotions to keep you coming back for more betting action.
Welcome bonuses typically come in the form of deposit matches or risk-free bets. Deposit match bonuses involve an Amex betting site matching up to 100% of your initial deposit. Meanwhile, risk-free bets give new users two chances to hit on wagers of up to $1,000.
Active bettors can also take advantage of ongoing offers. For example, some American Express sportsbooks offer free bets or other promos that coincide with major sporting events like March Madness, the World Series, and the Super Bowl.
Amex deposit and withdrawal limits
Deposit limits can vary widely from sportsbook to sportsbook. As a result, it is essential to determine how much you'll be required to add to your betting account with each deposit. Some Amex betting sites also place limits on high rollers.
American Express does not support withdrawals, so keep this in mind before funding a sports betting account. Other withdrawal methods, such as e-wallets, online banking, and Play+ are great alternatives here.
Payout speed
Quick withdrawal speeds are paramount for most sports bettors. If timely access to your bankroll is among your primary concerns, visit the banking section of the Amex betting site you're considering or reach out to customer support to learn more about expected wait times.
Depending on your withdrawal method of choice, a withdrawal transaction can be processed in as little as a couple of hours. However, most payouts take 1-5 days to process.
Bet types and sports available
Like other leading sportsbooks, betting sites that accept Amex offer various betting options for all major sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. In addition to game line odds, top Amex betting sites offer a full slate of futures and props, cash-out options, and live betting features that keep you in the game from the opening whistle to the final buzzer.
Security
Many people choose to use an American Express card for safe and secure transactions worldwide. Sports bettors should expect the same commitment to security from their sportsbook of choice. That's why Covers only recommends legal, regulated sportsbooks that will treat your sensitive information with the care it deserves.
Customer support
The top sportsbooks in the U.S. offer safe and trouble-free betting experiences. Still, challenges can arise even when wagering with the best sportsbooks. A betting site offering high-quality customer support, available 24/7, is indispensable. Look for live chat support, email, telephone, and a strong social media presence. Online help centers also enable you to search for answers to commonly asked questions.
The pros and cons of betting with Amex
If you're an American Express cardholder, you'll appreciate the convenience of using your everyday card to fund your sports betting account. Amex also offers purchase protection and keeps you safe from fraudulent charges.
On the flip side, it can be challenging to track down a legal sportsbook that accepts Amex. Additionally, like most cards, you should expect to be charged a fee each time to fund your betting account. A 1% - 5% fee may accompany each deposit.
Not accepted by many legal sportsbooksAmex withdrawals are not supportedSome banks charge feesLatest U.S. betting news
How to start betting with American Express
Using your American Express card at your favorite sportsbook is safe and easy, and can get you into the betting action in a matter of minutes. Here’s how to get started.
Select a sportsbook
Mobile sports betting apps allow you to place bets from the comfort of your office, living room, or front row seats at the game. An Amex sportsbook is only as good as its app, so it is important to select one that offers a stable and responsive iOS or Android app that is user-friendly and packed with all the features and betting options you would expect from a land-based sportsbook.
Register online
Registering with a reputable sportsbook that accepts American Express is a breeze. The sign-up process only takes a few minutes to complete, but be prepared to provide personal details, including your name, address, and proof that you are old enough to engage in sports betting in your state.
Sportsbooks may be subject to state regulations that require them to authenticate your identity and confirm you are physically located in the jurisdiction where the sportsbook is licensed.
Claim a bonus
Amex betting sites offer sign-up bonuses to first-time users, so don’t forget to take advantage of these offers when completing the registration process. Among the most popular forms of welcome bonuses are deposit matches and risk-free bets.
Deposit funds
Topping up your sportsbook account with American Express is as easy as using any other deposit method, including Visa and Mastercard. Click on the appropriate deposit button and fill in your name, card number, expiration date, and CVV (the four-digit code on the front of your card just above your card number).
Start betting
Now that you have done your research, opened your sportsbook account, and made a deposit, it's time to start betting. Before laying that first wager, be sure to understand the conditions of your chosen bet fully. Common wagers include moneylines, Over/Unders (totals), points spreads, props, parlays, futures, live bets, and more.
Covers offers an array of resources designed to help make your betting experience both enjoyable and profitable. Our how-to-bet guides are great resources for beginner bettors.
Withdraw winnings
Withdrawals to American Express are not supported at this time at legal betting sites that accept Amex deposits. However, these websites offer plenty of convenient alternatives for Amex users.
More payment and betting resources
You'll find many more sports betting options if you're comfortable using a payment method other than American Express. Major credit cards and debit cards Visa and Mastercard are among the most widely accepted deposit options, along with PayPal, Play+, and online banking. Crypto betting sites also project to be popular choices when they launch in the U.S.
The following guides offer more insight into popular banking methods found at legal sports betting sites:
Amex betting sites FAQs
Yes. While the list isn't long, there are some legal sportsbooks that accept American Express, including BetMGM, Borgata, and Golden Nugget.
Yes, American Express allows deposits at some legal, reputable sportsbooks.
Not directly. FanDuel permits deposits by American Express only if the deposit is processed via PayPal.
No. American Express is not yet available as a deposit option at bet365.
Some U.S. sportsbooks support Amex deposits, but you cannot withdraw winnings with American Express. As a result, it is crucial to prepare accordingly. Always have an alternative withdrawal method before depositing funds.
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Jeff has been reviewing sportsbooks and covering North American sports betting full-time since 2021. The former NHL prospects writer has crafted over 100 reviews and guides for the Covers community and has been sweating his own picks for over a decade.
