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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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The types of relief credit card companies are offering during the coronavirus crisis
Katie Genter is a digital nomad who has traveled full time since June 2017. She writes and edits stories about points and miles, and loyalty programs, often letting her personal experiences color these stories.
April 7, 2020 • 9 min read
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Quick summary
Major credit card issuers are offering relief options for cardholders financially impacted by the coronavirus crisis, but assistance is not automatic and must be requested.
Relief measures may include waiving late fees, refunding certain charges, deferring payments or providing forbearance, with eligibility and terms varying by provider.
Most issuers require cardholders to contact customer service directly—via phone, online account, or app—to discuss their situation and determine available support.
Some issuers are extending the window to meet minimum spending requirements for new cardholder bonuses on accounts opened within a specific timeframe.
What to consider
Eligibility for relief is typically determined case-by-case and may require proof of financial hardship related to COVID-19.
Approval timelines and relief specifics, such as the duration of payment waivers or fee refunds, can differ by issuer and may involve waiting periods.
Relief programs and terms are subject to change as the situation evolves, so it is important to check issuer websites or contact support for the latest updates.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of relief options and step-by-step instructions for requesting assistance from each major issuer.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
The coronavirus crisis is affecting us in many ways, from canceled trips to lost jobs to closed businesses. If you've been adversely affected by the coronavirus crisis and are struggling to make payments on your credit cards, you may be wondering what type of relief credit card companies are offering to their cardholders.
Credit card relief is available for those struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic -- but you have to ask for it. (Photo by Shutterstock)
There is one constant across all of the issuers: relief won't be provided automatically. You'll need to actively seek out relief if you need it. Here's what we know about the types of relief being provided by the major issuers.
American Express has a coronavirus support page. No advice regarding relief is provided on it. But, if you're having trouble paying your Amex credit card bills, you may be able to get relief on a case-by-case basis.
After several TPG readers commented in our Facebook groups that they'd received relief from interest, late fees and other fees on both their personal and business American Express cards, TPG reached out to American Express to confirm this and ask how cardmembers can gain assistance. An Amex spokesperson provided the following response:
Yes, American Express is ready to assist our customers having financial difficulties due to the effects of COVID-19. They can reach our Customer Care Professionals anytime by calling the number on the back of their card or through our digital servicing channels – online chat or the Amex app.
As you know, the situation is changing rapidly, so our approach to providing the best possible support and service to our customers is also evolving in real-time. We will work together to find a solution for each customers’ particular situation, which can include waiving late fees, return check fees, and interest charges. We have several financial hardship programs offering a range of short-term to long-term assistance. Details can be found here about these programs.
Who qualifies for this relief
Qualification decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, but the Amex spokesperson's statement references "customers having financial difficulties due to the effects of COVID-19."
How to claim relief
You'll need to call the number on the back of your card, log in to your online account or use the Amex App to discuss your situation with an Amex customer care representative. This representative can determine what relief, if any, is available to you.
Extra time to earn welcome bonuses
Amex announced on April 2 that the period to make purchases to earn a welcome bonus on eligible card accounts approved from Dec. 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020, will be extended for an additional three months. So, if you've opened an Amex card since Dec. 1, 2019 -- or if you do so by May 31 -- you will have extra time to reach your minimum spending requirement.
Chase has a dedicated coronavirus webpage and JPMorgan Chase's CEO Jamie Dimon recently announced various coronavirus-related relief measures in his annual letter to shareholders. In his letter, he noted the following types of relief may be available to Chase cardholders:
Removing minimum payment requirements on credit cards and waiving associated late fees
Not reporting payment deferrals such as late payments to credit bureaus for up-to-date clients
Waiving or refunding some fees
Indeed, I could enroll each of my Chase cards -- either individually or all at once -- in a payment-assistance relief program that would allow me to delay three monthly payments. However, you can request this assistance only one time per account, so you may not be eligible if you've requested this type of assistance previously.
Here are the terms and conditions that were listed for all of my Chase consumer and small business cards:
Who qualifies for this relief
In the letter to shareholders, Chase's CEO said Chase cardholders "who tell us about their financial struggles as a result of the crisis" may be eligible for relief. If you request relief online, you'll need to click a checkbox asserting that "I acknowledge that I'm experiencing a hardship related to COVID-19."
How to claim relief
You can visit Chase’s dedicated coronavirus webpage to determine how to get general assistance with Chase products. But, if you're looking to delay payments on a credit card for yourself or your business, you'll want to go directly to Chase's credit card payment assistance page. You can enroll online for assistance without needing to visit a branch or wait for an account specialist online or over the phone.
Citi has a webpage with information for cardholders looking for assistance related to the coronavirus crisis. Two main types of relief may be available to Citi credit cardholders upon request:
Waiver of the minimum payment due requirement and late fees for two statement cycles. Citi will report your account as current to the credit bureaus during the waiver period unless your account was delinquent before the waiver period began.
Collection forbearance program
Who qualifies for this relief
Citi's webpage states that you may be eligible for relief if you've been impacted by COVID-19.
How to claim relief
You can request assistance digitally for a waiver of the minimum payment due requirement and late fees for two statement cycles. Simply follow the link for this assistance from Citi's main coronavirus assistance page and log in to your account. However, note that you'll have to wait seven to 10 days to see if you've been approved for this assistance.
Here's some additional information that's provided about this relief.
Meanwhile, if you're looking to use the collection forbearance program, Citi encourages you to use the Citi Mobile App to send a secure message asking for relief.
Bank of America has a coronavirus help page detailing the support it's offering to cardholders through its Client Assistance Program. From this page, you can submit an online request for a payment deferral if you need help making credit card payments.
You can also call the number on the back of your card to work with a specialist from the client services team on a case-by-case basis to provide relief. In particular, consumer and small business credit card clients may be eligible to get late fees refunded.
Who qualifies for this relief
There are no published guidelines on who can get relief. So if you've been affected by the coronavirus crisis and need relief, it is worth submitting an online request for a payment deferral or calling the number on the back of your card to determine your options.
How to claim relief
You can submit an online request for a payment deferral. But you'll need to call the number on the back of your card to discuss your specific situation with a specialist if you're seeking any other type of relief.
We also understand that there may be instances where customers find themselves facing financial difficulties. We encourage customers who may be impacted or need assistance to reach out.
However, no specific relief is noted. So customers will need to contact Capital One to discuss options on a case-by-case basis.
Who qualifies for this relief
There are no published guidelines on who can get relief. So, if you've been affected by the coronavirus crisis and need relief it is worth calling the number on the back of your card to determine your options.
How to claim relief
You'll need to call the number on the back of your card to discuss your specific situation with a representative and determine your options.
Many other banks, large and small, are offering various types of relief during the coronavirus crisis. If you need relief for yourself or your business, it doesn't hurt to log in to your account and check to see whether there are any notices. You can also contact your bank via secure chat or phone to see if they're willing to work with you during this crisis. In short, it doesn't hurt to ask.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
