What happened
American Express will enroll charge cardholders in Pay Over Time automatically on February 1, 2027 and freeze the setting at Active, with no ability to reverse it. Interest can apply to carried balances.
A charge card is due in full every month, unlike a credit card. Pay Over Time allows a balance to be carried on some or all purchases, which is how Amex charges interest. Language on the American Express site states that the feature will be locked as Active from that date, and that cardholders cannot change the setting. Enrollment used to come with bonuses.
Holders who pay in full lose the option to disable it. Pay each charge card in full after February 1, 2027 to avoid interest.
- Starts
- Feb 1, 2027
- Who qualifies
- American Express charge cardholders
- Links
- Offer page American Express Pay Over Time page americanexpress.com
- Takeaway
- Expect Pay Over Time to be locked on from February 1, 2027, and plan to pay charge cards in full if you want to avoid interest.