Wire transfers from American Express Bank savings accounts are possible, but not through American Express directly
American Express Bank does not offer wire transfer services from its savings accounts. If you need to move money out of your American Express savings account to another bank or person, you have three working routes: transfer the funds to an external bank account you own, use that bank account to send the wire, withdraw cash and deposit it elsewhere, or close the account and receive a check.
The most common path is an internal transfer to your linked checking account at another bank, then initiating the wire from there. This takes one to two business days and costs nothing. The alternative—closing your American Express savings account and requesting a check—takes longer but requires no external bank account.
Key Takeaways
- American Express Bank savings accounts cannot send wires directly; you must move money to an external bank account first.
- The fastest method is transferring funds to a linked checking account at another bank, then wiring from that account.
- Internal transfers between American Express and an external bank typically complete within one to two business days.
- If you have no external bank account, you can close the American Express account and request a check by mail.
- Wire fees vary by the receiving bank, not by American Express, so check your external bank's wire transfer costs before you transfer.
How to move money from American Express to another bank account
Log into your American Express Bank account online or through the mobile app. Look for the "Transfer" or "Move Money" option, usually found in the main menu or under account services. Select your American Express savings account as the source and choose the external bank account you want to receive the funds.
American Express will ask you to confirm the receiving bank's routing number and your account number at that bank. If this is your first transfer to that account, American Express may require verification—they may deposit two small test amounts (usually under $1 each) and ask you to confirm the exact amounts. This verification step adds one to two business days but only happens once per external account.
Once verified, the transfer itself typically completes within one business day. On weekends or holidays, it may take until the next business day. There is no fee from American Express for this transfer.
Sending the wire from your external bank account
Once the funds arrive in your external bank account, you can initiate a wire transfer through that bank. Most banks allow you to do this online, by phone, or in person at a branch. You will need the recipient's full name, bank name, routing number, account number, and the amount you want to send.
Wire transfer fees charged by your external bank typically range from $15 to $30 for domestic wires and $35 to $50 for international wires, though this varies by bank. Some banks waive fees for certain account types or minimum balances. Check your bank's fee schedule or call before you initiate the wire.
Domestic wires usually complete the same business day if sent before the bank's cutoff time (often 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. local time). International wires take one to three business days depending on the receiving country and bank.
What to do if you don't have an external bank account
If you have no other bank account linked to your American Express savings account, you have two options: open a checking account at another bank first, or close your American Express account and request a check.
Opening a checking account takes one to three business days at most banks and requires an initial deposit (often $25 to $100). Once open, you can follow the transfer process above. This is faster than waiting for a check by mail.
If you prefer not to open another account, contact American Express Bank customer service and request to close your savings account. They will mail you a check for the full balance. Checks typically arrive within five to ten business days. You can then deposit the check at any bank or cash it at a check-cashing service.
Why American Express doesn't offer direct wires
American Express Bank is primarily a savings and money market account provider, not a full-service bank with checking accounts or wire infrastructure. The company focuses on competitive interest rates rather than transaction services like wires, bill pay, or debit cards.
This is by design: American Express keeps costs low by offering fewer services, which allows them to pay higher interest rates on savings balances. If you need frequent wire capability, a traditional bank with both savings and checking accounts may be a better fit for your needs.
Timing and fees at a glance
| Step | Time Required | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer from American Express to external bank (first time, with verification) | 3–4 business days | $0 |
| Transfer from American Express to external bank (subsequent transfers) | 1 business day | $0 |
| Wire from external bank (domestic) | Same business day | $15–$30 |
| Wire from external bank (international) | 1–3 business days | $35–$50 |
| Close account and receive check by mail | 5–10 business days | $0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wire money directly from American Express to someone else's bank account?
No. American Express Bank does not offer wire transfer services. You must first transfer your funds to a checking account at another bank, then send the wire from that bank. The entire process takes two to four business days if it is your first transfer to that external account.
What if my wire is urgent and I don't have time for a transfer?
If you need funds to move very quickly, withdraw cash from an American Express ATM and deposit it at your external bank in person. This works only for amounts under your daily ATM withdrawal limit (typically $500 to $1,000, depending on your account). For larger urgent amounts, call American Express customer service to ask about expedited transfer options, though none are may provide.
Do I have to pay a fee to transfer money from American Express to another bank?
American Express charges no fee for transfers to external accounts. However, your external bank may charge a fee to receive an incoming wire transfer—typically $10 to $15. Check with your bank before the wire arrives.
How long does the first transfer to a new external bank account take?
The first transfer includes a verification step where American Express deposits two small test amounts and asks you to confirm them. This adds one to two business days. Once verified, future transfers to that same account take one business day.
What information do I need to transfer money to another bank?
You will need the routing number and account number of the external bank account. You can find the routing number on your external bank's website, on a check, or by calling the bank. Have your account number from that bank ready as well.