You can transfer money from American Express to your bank account, but the method depends on which Amex product you have
American Express offers different transfer options depending on whether you hold a charge card, a credit card, or an Amex bank account. If you have an Amex credit card or charge card, you cannot transfer your available credit directly to a bank account — that is not how credit works. What you can do is use a cash advance, pay bills from your bank account using Amex as the payment method, or transfer funds if you have an American Express savings or money market account.
The confusion usually comes from mixing up two different things: moving money you owe Amex (paying your bill) and moving money Amex owes you (a refund or a balance from a deposit account). The first is a payment out of your bank account. The second is what we cover here.
Key Takeaways
- If you have an Amex credit or charge card, you cannot transfer available credit to your bank account, but you can request a cash advance, which appears as a charge on your statement.
- If you have money in an American Express savings or money market account, you can transfer it to an external bank account through the Amex website or mobile app.
- Refunds from Amex purchases typically return to the original payment method within 5 to 7 business days.
- Cash advances from Amex cards carry a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount) and begin accruing interest when ready, even if you have a 0% introductory rate on purchases.
Transferring from an Amex savings or money market account
If you opened an American Express Personal Savings Account or Money Market Account, you can move funds to an external bank account. Log into your Amex account online or through the mobile app, navigate to the account you want to transfer from, and select the transfer or withdrawal option. You will be asked to provide the routing number and account number of the bank account where you want the money to go.
The first time you transfer to a new external account, Amex typically verifies ownership by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into that account. You will need to confirm those amounts in your Amex account before the transfer completes. This verification step takes 1 to 2 business days. After that, future transfers to the same account process without the verification step.
Once verified, transfers from Amex deposit accounts to your bank account usually arrive within 1 to 3 business days. Amex does not charge a fee for these transfers.
Cash advances from Amex credit or charge cards
A cash advance lets you borrow against your available credit and receive cash or a deposit to your bank account. You request the advance through your Amex account, at an Amex ATM, or by calling the number on the back of your card. The amount appears as a charge on your statement, not as a credit transfer.
Cash advances are expensive. Amex charges a cash advance fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw (check your card agreement for your specific rate), and interest starts accruing when ready — even if you have a promotional 0% rate on purchases. The interest rate for cash advances is typically higher than the purchase rate. If you withdraw $500, you might pay $15 to $25 in fees alone, plus interest from day one.
The cash advance appears in your account within 1 to 2 business days if you request it online or by phone. ATM withdrawals are available when ready but are limited to a smaller amount (often $500 to $1,000 per day, depending on your credit limit and card type).
Refunds from Amex purchases returning to your bank account
If you made a purchase with your Amex card using a bank account as the payment method, and the merchant issues a refund, the money returns to that original bank account. This is automatic — you do not need to request it. Refunds typically post within 5 to 7 business days, though some merchants process them faster.
If you paid the purchase with a different payment method (another card, a check, or a transfer from a different account), the refund will return to that method instead. Amex does not redirect refunds to a different account than the one you used to pay.
Why you cannot transfer available credit directly
Your available credit on an Amex card is a line of credit, not money sitting in an account. It is the amount Amex has agreed to lend you when you make purchases or take a cash advance. Transferring available credit would be the same as borrowing money and depositing it into your bank account — which is what a cash advance does, but with fees and interest attached.
If you need to move money from Amex to your bank account without paying cash advance fees, your only option is to have money already sitting in an Amex deposit account (like a savings account), not available credit on a card.
Comparing your options: deposit account transfer vs. cash advance
| Method | Cost | Speed | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer from Amex savings or money market account | No fee | 1 to 3 business days (after account verification) | An Amex deposit account with funds in it |
| Cash advance from Amex card | 3 to 5% fee plus interest from day one | 1 to 2 business days (online/phone) or when ready (ATM) | Available credit on your Amex card |
| Refund from a purchase | No fee | 5 to 7 business days | A merchant refund to your original payment method |
What happens if you do not have an Amex deposit account
If you only have an Amex credit or charge card and no savings account with Amex, a cash advance is your only option for moving money to your bank account. The alternative is to use your Amex card to pay bills or make purchases directly, which keeps the money in your bank account rather than moving it to Amex first.
Some people open an Amex savings account specifically to take advantage of the higher interest rate (which varies by market conditions) and the ability to transfer funds without fees. If you are regularly moving money between Amex and your bank, opening a deposit account may be worth the setup time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to transfer money from Amex to my bank account?
From an Amex deposit account, transfers take 1 to 3 business days after the account is verified. From a cash advance, the money arrives in 1 to 2 business days if you request it online or by phone, or when ready if you withdraw from an ATM. Refunds from purchases take 5 to 7 business days.
Can I transfer my Amex rewards points to my bank account?
No, Amex points cannot be transferred directly to a bank account. You can redeem points for statement credits (which reduce your Amex bill), transfers to airline or hotel partners, or purchases through the Amex shopping portal. Some cards offer a points-to-cash option that credits your Amex account, but that is not the same as moving money to your bank.
Is there a limit on how much I can transfer from Amex to my bank account?
From a deposit account, the limit is usually your account balance. From a cash advance, the limit is your available credit, though ATM withdrawals have a daily cap (often $500 to $1,000). Check your specific card agreement or contact Amex for your limits.
What if my transfer fails or gets stuck?
If a transfer does not arrive within the stated timeframe, contact Amex with your transfer confirmation number. They can check the status with your bank and resubmit if needed. Delays usually happen because of incorrect routing or account numbers, so double-check those details before initiating a transfer.
Do I have to pay taxes on money I transfer from Amex to my bank account?
No. Transferring your own money or receiving a refund is not taxable income. A cash advance is a loan, not income. Only interest you pay on a cash advance or rewards you redeem for cash may have tax implications in specific situations — consult a tax professional if you are unsure.