Yes, you can put your Amex Platinum card on a temporary hold through your online account or by calling customer service
A card hold, sometimes called a freeze, stops new charges from going through while keeping your account open. American Express lets you pause your Platinum card for a few days up to several months. The hold doesn't close your account, cancel your rewards, or affect your credit report — it straightforward blocks purchases until you lift it.
You have two ways to do this: through your Amex online account or mobile app (the fastest route), or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. Both take just a few minutes.
Key Takeaways
- You can place a temporary hold on your Platinum card through your Amex account online or by phone without closing the account.
- A hold stops new charges but does not affect existing balances, recurring payments you've already set up, or your annual fee.
- Your rewards points stay in your account during a hold, and you can lift the hold anytime by logging back in or calling customer service.
- Recurring charges like subscriptions or autopay bills will still go through even when the card is on hold.
How to place a hold through your online account
Log into your Amex account at americanexpress.com or open the mobile app. Go to your card settings or account management section — the exact location varies slightly depending on whether you're on desktop or mobile, but look for "Card Controls" or "Manage Your Card."
Find the option to temporarily close or freeze your card. Amex calls this "Temporarily Close Your Account" in some sections and "Card Lock" in others. Select it and confirm. The hold takes effect when ready, and you'll see a confirmation message on screen.
Keep in mind that Amex may still charge your annual fee (currently $695 for the Platinum card) even while the card is on hold. Recurring charges you've already authorized — like gym memberships or subscription services — will continue to process.
How to place a hold by phone
Call the customer service number printed on the back of your Platinum card. A representative will verify your identity by asking for your card number, Social Security number, or other account details.
Tell them you want to place a temporary hold on your card. They'll confirm how long you want the hold to last and explain what will and won't be affected. The hold goes into effect right away, and you'll receive a confirmation number.
This route is useful if you have questions about what happens to pending charges or recurring payments, since you can ask the representative directly.
What happens to charges and payments while your card is on hold
New purchases will be declined. If a merchant tries to charge your card for something new, the transaction will not go through. However, charges you've already authorized before placing the hold — like a pending restaurant bill or online order — may still process.
Recurring charges continue. Any subscription, autopay, or automatic payment you've set up will keep charging your card. This includes your Amex annual fee. If you want to stop a recurring charge, you'll need to cancel it with the merchant or contact Amex separately.
Existing balances stay the same. A hold does not forgive what you already owe. You can still make payments on your current balance, and interest will accrue on unpaid amounts just as it normally would.
How to lift the hold and reactivate your card
Log back into your Amex account and return to the card settings or Card Controls section. Look for the option to reactivate or remove the hold — it's usually labeled "Reactivate Your Account" or "Unlock Card." Click it and confirm.
Your card will be active again within minutes. If you prefer to call, dial the number on the back of your card and ask a representative to lift the hold. They'll verify your identity and reactivate it on the spot.
Once reactivated, your card works normally for new purchases. There's no waiting period or additional steps — you can use it right away.
When a hold is useful and when it's not
A hold makes sense if you've lost your card and want to block charges while you search for it or wait for a replacement. It's also helpful if you're traveling and want to prevent fraud, or if you're taking a break from spending and want a friction point to stop impulse purchases.
A hold is not the same as closing your account. If you want to permanently cancel your Platinum card, you'll need to close it through your account settings or by calling customer service. Closing your account will stop the annual fee and end the card relationship, whereas a hold is temporary.
If you're concerned about fraud or unauthorized charges, a hold can buy you time, but you should also contact Amex directly to report the issue. Amex has fraud protection, and the company may reverse unauthorized charges even if they've already posted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a hold affect my credit score?
No. Placing a temporary hold on your card does not show up on your credit report and will not lower your credit score. Your account remains open and in good standing. Only closing the account permanently could affect your score by reducing your available credit.
Can I still earn rewards while my card is on hold?
You won't earn new rewards because you can't make new purchases. However, any rewards points you've already earned stay in your account. Once you lift the hold and start using the card again, you'll earn points on those new purchases.
What if I forget to lift the hold and my card stays frozen?
Your card will remain on hold until you remove it. There's no automatic expiration date. You can lift it anytime by logging into your account or calling customer service. Your annual fee will still charge during the hold, so if you're not using the card, consider whether you want to keep it open.
Will my pending charges go through if I place a hold?
Charges that have already been authorized before you place the hold may still process, depending on when the merchant submits them. New charges attempted after the hold is active will be declined. If you're worried about a specific pending charge, call Amex to ask about its status.
Is putting my card on hold the same as canceling it?
No. A hold is temporary and reversible. Canceling permanently closes your account, ends your relationship with the card, and stops the annual fee. A hold keeps everything the same except new purchases are blocked.