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Amex Cracks Down: Social Security Numbers Now Required for Authorized Users!
Published on December 16, 2025, 2:11 AM

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Heads up, Amex users! It looks like the days of easily adding authorized users to your American Express cards without a Social Security Number (SSN) are officially over. Word on the street is that Amex is now requiring an SSN at the time of application. In the past, this wasn't always the case, and some folks (especially those into maximizing Amex Offers) added tons of authorized users to their accounts.

Why does this matter to you? Well, if you were planning on racking up extra rewards or taking advantage of Amex Offers by adding family or friends without their SSN, those plans are likely dashed. This also impacts those without SSNs, though Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) are still accepted. It's just another sign that banks are tightening up their rules, so it's always good to stay informed!

Why This Matters for Your Strategy

News in the points-and-miles world moves fast, and promotional changes often have a short window. If this announcement affects a card or program you hold, log into your awardtrail dashboard to check your current benefit usage, bonus progress, and whether a transfer or redemption makes sense right now — before terms change.

As a general rule: transfer points only when you have a specific redemption in mind — transfers are almost always one-way and non-reversible. If you're unsure of the value, check our redemption guides before acting.

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