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American Express is one of the biggest card companies in the country, but Amex users have far fewer options for funding a legal sportsbook account.

That has become even more noticeable in 2026. Several major sportsbooks have eliminated credit-card deposits, while others accept only Visa and Mastercard.

A few options still exist for American Express users, but you need to know whether the sportsbook accepts an Amex credit card, an Amex debit card or both.

BetRivers is one of the most notable sportsbooks currently listing American Express as a deposit option, while bet365 explicitly accepts Amex debit cards.

Here’s everything you need to know about the best Amex betting sites, current sportsbook promos, deposit speeds, withdrawals, and why an American Express transaction might be declined. Plus, new users can bet $10 on any qualifying wager and get $200 in Bonus Bets win or lose at bet365 Sportsbook.

MORE: Everything to know about moneyline betting

Best Amex betting sites

American Express isn’t nearly as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard at legal U.S. sportsbooks.

These are two of the strongest current options for bettors looking to fund an account with Amex.

BetRivers Sportsbook

American Express: Yes, listed as a deposit method
Deposit speed: Typically instant after approval
Withdrawal speed: Most BetRivers withdrawals are eligible for rapid approval through RushPay
Welcome offer: Get a second-chance bonus bet up to $500

BetRivers is probably the first sportsbook I would check if American Express is your preferred payment method.

BetRivers currently lists American Express alongside Visa, Mastercard, Discover, PayPal, online banking, and several other payment options on its sportsbook deposit pages. The exact options can vary by state, so you should still check the cashier after creating an account.

Card deposits are generally one of the fastest ways to get money into a sportsbook account. Once the transaction is approved, the funds are typically available immediately.

Withdrawals are a little different.

You shouldn’t assume that because your Amex card works for a deposit, winnings can automatically be sent back to it. BetRivers offers several withdrawal methods, and its RushPay system is designed to approve as many withdrawal requests as possible automatically. BetRivers says most withdrawals are processed instantly on its side through RushPay, although the actual arrival time depends on the payment method.

bet365 Sportsbook

American Express: Yes, Amex debit cards
Amex credit: Not listed as a U.S. deposit option
Deposit speed: Instant
Withdrawal speed: bet365 aims to process withdrawals within two hours; card providers can take up to two banking days
Welcome offer: Bet $10, get $200 win or lose

bet365 is another solid option, but there is an important distinction.

The sportsbook specifically lists Amex debit cards among its accepted U.S. payment methods. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Electron, and Maestro debit cards are also accepted.

That means an American Express Rewards Checking debit card can potentially fund the sportsbook. American Express offers Rewards Checking customers an Amex-branded debit card, so not every Amex card is necessarily a credit card anymore.

bet365 lists debit-card deposits as instant, with a minimum deposit of $10. Your card must be registered in your name, and American Express can still decline the gaming transaction.

Where possible, bet365 sends withdrawals back to the same payment method used for the deposit. If it can’t send the withdrawal back to your card, you will need to use online banking instead.

bet365 aims to process withdrawals within two hours, although internal review can occasionally take up to 48 hours. Card withdrawals can then take up to two banking days to reach your account.

MORE: Reviewing the best DFS promos and app bonuses

Best Amex sportsbook promos and welcome bonuses

Here are some of the current sportsbook welcome offers to consider when comparing legal betting sites. Promotions change frequently and depend on state eligibility.

MORE: Best sportsbook promos and betting app bonuses

Can you use American Express for sports betting?

Yes, but your options are limited. This is where Amex betting differs from using Visa or Mastercard.

BetRivers currently lists American Express as a sportsbook deposit option in multiple states, while bet365 explicitly supports American Express debit cards.

Most of the country’s biggest sportsbooks, however, do not currently accept Amex credit cards.

That isn’t necessarily because of American Express alone. Credit-card funding has been disappearing throughout the legal sports betting industry.

States can prohibit sportsbooks from accepting credit cards, banks can block gambling transactions, and sportsbooks can decide to stop accepting credit entirely.

So just because you have an American Express card does not mean you’ll see Amex in your sportsbook cashier.

MORE: Read our full DraftKings promo code review

Which sportsbooks don’t accept American Express?

Several major sportsbooks that bettors might expect to accept Amex no longer do.

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings does not allow American Express cards to fund its U.S. Sportsbook.

Its current payment information limits Amex to Fantasy products in situations where credit cards are permitted. DraftKings also specifically states that Amex cards added through Apple Pay are only available for Fantasy deposits.

If you’re betting through DraftKings Sportsbook, you’ll need to use another option such as a debit card, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay or online banking, depending on your state.

FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel no longer accepts credit cards for sportsbook deposits anywhere in the United States.

That rules out standard American Express credit cards.

FanDuel’s current support page states that credit cards cannot be used for deposits on its U.S. Sportsbook, Casino, Racing, or PokerStars products.

Debit cards and other banking options remain available.

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars no longer accepts credit-card deposits on its U.S. sportsbook outside Puerto Rico.

That includes American Express.

Caesars currently lists American Express credit cards as an option only in Puerto Rico, while U.S. sportsbook customers must use debit cards or alternative payment methods.

MORE: Full guide to the best sports betting sites

theScore Bet

theScore Bet accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards in eligible U.S. jurisdictions, but American Express is limited to Canadian customers.

That means U.S. theScore Bet customers cannot use a standard Amex credit card to fund the sportsbook.

How to deposit at a sportsbook with American Express

The process is essentially the same as depositing with another card.

1. Choose an Amex-friendly sportsbook: Make sure American Express is listed in the sportsbook’s cashier before going any further.
2. Create an account: Enter your personal information and complete the sportsbook’s identity verification process.
3. Open the cashier: Go to the Deposit or Banking section.
4. Select the card option: Choose American Express or the applicable debit/credit-card option.
5. Enter your card information: Add the card number, expiration date, security code, and billing information.
6. Choose your deposit amount: Make sure you meet any minimum deposit requirement tied to the sportsbook or welcome bonus.
7. Confirm the transaction: American Express may require an additional security step before approving the payment.
8. Check your sportsbook balance: Successful card deposits are generally available immediately. bet365, for example, lists accepted Amex debit deposits as instant.

MORE: Read our full FanDuel promo code review

Amex credit vs. Amex debit for sports betting

This distinction has become much more important. Most people hear American Express and immediately think of a credit card. American Express now also offers checking accounts with Amex-branded debit cards.

An Amex credit card uses borrowed funds provided by American Express.

An Amex debit card pulls money directly from your checking account.

For sports betting, the debit card is the better option.

bet365 explicitly accepts Amex debit cards. A traditional Amex credit card has far fewer sportsbook options and can potentially create additional fees if the transaction is treated as a cash advance.

If you have both options available, I would rather use debit.

You don’t have to worry about borrowing money to gamble, and you’re much less likely to run into the additional costs associated with a cash advance.

MORE: How to build a winning prop betting strategy

Does American Express charge sportsbook deposits as cash advances?

It can.

This is probably the biggest thing Amex credit-card users need to know before making a deposit.

American Express notes that gambling transactions can be treated as cash advances rather than normal purchases. Its current card agreements can classify casino gaming, racetrack wagering, and similar online or offline betting transactions as cash equivalents.

Cash advances can carry different fees and interest rates than normal purchases. One current American Express card agreement lists a cash-advance fee of 5% of the transaction, with a minimum fee. The exact cost depends on the specific card agreement. So, if you’re thinking about depositing $500 with an Amex credit card, check the terms first.

Even if the sportsbook itself doesn’t charge a deposit fee, American Express could.

MORE: State-by-state guide to where sports betting is legal

Are Amex sportsbook deposits instant?

Generally, yes. The actual payment is one of the faster parts of using a card to fund a sportsbook.

bet365 lists its Amex debit-card deposits as instant after authorization.

BetRivers also lists American Express among its standard deposit methods, which are designed to fund the account quickly once approved.

The biggest issue isn’t usually speed. It’s getting the transaction approved in the first place. American Express, the sportsbook’s payment processor, or state regulations can block the transaction before the money reaches your betting account.

Can you withdraw sportsbook winnings to American Express?

Sometimes, but don’t count on it. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of using a credit card for sports betting. Credit cards are generally designed to pay a merchant, not receive sportsbook payouts. Even sportsbooks that accept Amex deposits may require you to withdraw through a different method.

bet365 says it attempts to return winnings to the original payment method where possible. If the card cannot accept the withdrawal, bettors are instructed to use online banking.

BetRivers also offers several other withdrawal methods if the American Express card isn’t eligible to receive funds.

If quick withdrawals are important to you, I would make sure you have another option ready, such as:

• Online banking
• ACH
• PayPal
• Play+
• Eligible debit card

Don’t assume the Amex logo appearing on the deposit screen means it will also appear when you hit Withdraw.

MORE: Key terms and sports betting glossary

How fast are Amex sportsbook withdrawals?

The sportsbook usually has two separate steps when processing a withdrawal. First, it has to approve the request. Then the payment provider or bank delivers the funds.

bet365 aims to process withdrawals within two hours. In some situations, that review can take up to 48 hours. Once the sportsbook sends a card withdrawal, the payment provider can take up to two banking days to credit the account.

BetRivers uses RushPay to approve as many withdrawals as possible automatically. The sportsbook says most can be processed instantly on its side, although your payment method determines when the money arrives.

If your Amex card cannot receive the withdrawal, you’ll need to choose another available method, which can change the processing time.

Why was my Amex sportsbook deposit declined?

American Express deposits are more likely to run into issues than a standard Visa or Mastercard debit transaction. Several things can cause this.

The sportsbook doesn’t accept Amex

This is the obvious one. DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars and theScore Bet do not currently accept standard Amex cards for U.S. sportsbook deposits.

Check the sportsbook cashier before entering the card.

You’re using Amex credit instead of Amex debit

. bet365 accepts Amex debit cards, but that doesn’t mean a standard American Express credit card will work. Make sure you’re looking at the correct card type.

American Express blocked the transaction

Card issuers can decline gambling-related transactions even when the sportsbook accepts the card. American Express notes that gambling can be categorized differently from a traditional retail purchase, including as a potential cash advance.

Your state restricts credit-card betting

Sportsbook banking rules can change depending on your location.

Some states prohibit the use of credit cards for sports betting entirely, so an Amex credit card won’t work regardless of what the sportsbook accepts in another jurisdiction.

Your account information doesn’t match

Sportsbooks require payment methods to belong to the registered account holder.

The name, billing address, and other information tied to the Amex account should match your sportsbook information.

You’ve reached a deposit limit

The sportsbook, American Express, or your own responsible gambling settings can limit how much you’re allowed to deposit. Check your account limits before assuming the card has been blocked.

Does using Amex at a sportsbook earn Membership Rewards points?

Don’t assume it will. Sportsbook deposits can be categorized as cash advances or cash-equivalent transactions rather than eligible purchases. American Express reward programs generally exclude cash advances from qualifying purchases.

That means using an Amex credit card to fund a sportsbook isn’t some easy way to rack up Membership Rewards points. You could potentially get the opposite result: no rewards and a cash-advance fee.

Amex Rewards Checking debit cards can earn Membership Rewards points on eligible debit-card purchases, but you should check the account terms to determine whether a gambling transaction qualifies. American Express says Rewards Checking earns one Membership Rewards point for every $2 in eligible debit-card purchases.

Pros and cons of using American Express at sportsbooks

American Express can work for sports betting, but it isn’t my first choice.

Advantages of Amex betting sites

• Fast deposits: Accepted card transactions are generally credited immediately.
• Amex debit is available: Rewards Checking gives Amex customers a debit-card option that can work at books such as bet365.
• BetRivers supports Amex: BetRivers currently lists American Express as a deposit method.
• Welcome offers still apply: Using an accepted Amex payment method doesn’t prevent you from claiming the sportsbook’s standard new-user offer.
• Disadvantages of Amex betting sites
• Limited sportsbook availability: Most major books don’t accept Amex.
• Credit-card restrictions: FanDuel, DraftKings and Caesars have moved away from U.S. sportsbook credit-card deposits.
• Potential cash-advance fees: Amex can categorize betting transactions as cash advances.
• Withdrawals can be tricky: An Amex card that works for a deposit might not be available for your cashout.
• State restrictions: Credit-card wagering isn’t legal everywhere.

Other sportsbook payment methods

If your American Express card doesn’t work, there are better alternatives available at most legal sportsbooks.

Visa or Mastercard debit

This is the easiest replacement.

Visa and Mastercard debit cards are accepted at virtually every major sportsbook and are much more likely to support both deposits and withdrawals.

Online banking

Online banking connects your sportsbook directly to your checking account.

It eliminates the card network and is often available for both deposits and withdrawals.

PayPal

Major sportsbooks widely support PayPal and can be one of the fastest ways to withdraw winnings.

You’ll generally need to use a PayPal account registered in your own name.

Venmo

Venmo works similarly to PayPal and is offered by several major sportsbooks.

Apple Pay

Apple Pay is an easy deposit method if you already have an eligible card stored in your wallet.

However, adding an Amex card to Apple Pay won’t necessarily bypass a sportsbook’s Amex restrictions. DraftKings, for example, states that Amex cards through Apple Pay are limited to Fantasy deposits.

ACH

ACH transfers money directly between your bank account and sportsbook.

It is a strong option if you want to avoid card issues altogether.

Play+

Play+ gives you a separate prepaid account specifically designed to handle gambling deposits and withdrawals.

It can be useful if your bank or credit card regularly blocks gaming transactions.

American Express sports betting FAQ

Can I use American Express at a sportsbook?

Yes, but only at select sportsbooks.

BetRivers currently lists American Express among its deposit options, while bet365 accepts American Express debit cards.

Availability can still depend on your state and card issuer.

What is the best Amex betting site?

BetRivers is one of the best options for traditional American Express users because the sportsbook currently lists Amex as a deposit method in supported states.

bet365 is another strong choice if you have an American Express debit card through Amex Rewards Checking.

Does DraftKings accept American Express?

Not for U.S. sportsbook deposits.

DraftKings limits American Express credit cards and Amex-funded Apple Pay transactions to eligible Fantasy products.

Does FanDuel accept American Express?

No for U.S. sportsbook deposits.

FanDuel no longer accepts any credit cards for deposits on its U.S. Sportsbook.

Does Caesars Sportsbook accept American Express?

Not for standard U.S. sportsbook deposits.

Caesars no longer accepts credit-card deposits in U.S. states. American Express remains listed only in Puerto Rico among its U.S. jurisdictions.

Does bet365 accept American Express?

Yes, bet365 explicitly lists Amex debit cards as an accepted U.S. deposit method.

Deposits are credited instantly once authorized.

Does BetRivers accept American Express?

Yes.

BetRivers currently lists American Express as one of its available sportsbook deposit methods in supported jurisdictions.

Are Amex sportsbook deposits instant?

Usually.

bet365 lists Amex debit-card deposits as instant after approval.

The bigger concern is whether American Express will approve the transaction and whether it’s permitted in your state.

Can I withdraw sportsbook winnings to an Amex card?

It depends on the sportsbook and type of Amex card.

bet365 attempts to return funds to the original deposit method when possible. If the card can’t accept the payment, you will need another withdrawal option such as online banking. Traditional Amex credit cards should not be treated as a reliable sportsbook withdrawal method.

Does Amex charge a fee for sportsbook deposits?

It can. American Express may classify gambling and similar betting transactions as cash advances. Cash advances can carry separate fees and interest charges depending on your specific card agreement. Check your card’s terms before depositing.

Can I earn Amex points by depositing at a sportsbook?

Don’t count on it.

American Express generally excludes cash advances from eligible rewards purchases, and betting transactions can be treated as cash advances.

Is American Express a good way to deposit at sportsbooks?

It works, but there are better options. If you have an Amex debit card and a sportsbook that accepts it, the process can be perfectly fine. Using an Amex credit card is much less appealing because of limited sportsbook support, potential cash-advance fees, and the difficulty of withdrawing money back to the card.

For most bettors, a Visa or Mastercard debit card, PayPal, or direct online banking will be easier.