Whether American Express Checking Accounts Come With Physical Checks

American Express does not provide physical checks with its checking accounts

American Express Bank's checking account—called the American Express Personal Savings account—does not include a checkbook. You cannot order checks or write checks against this account. If you need to pay someone by check, you will have to use a different account at another bank, or use one of the other payment methods American Express offers.

This is a deliberate design choice. American Express built this account around digital and card-based payments rather than paper checks. The account comes with a debit card and access to transfers, bill pay, and ACH payments—all electronic methods. For most people, this works fine. For people who still need checks regularly, it means keeping a second account elsewhere or finding another way to make those payments.

Key Takeaways

• American Express checking accounts do not come with checks and do not allow you to order them.
• You can pay bills and send money using the debit card, bill pay through the online portal, or ACH transfers instead.
• If you write checks regularly, you will need a checking account at a traditional bank in addition to an American Express account.
• The account does include a debit card for in-person and online purchases, which covers many of the situations where people once used checks.

What payment methods the account actually includes

The American Express Personal Savings account gives you a debit card, which works at ATMs and for purchases anywhere Amex cards are accepted. You also get access to bill pay through the online banking portal, where you can schedule payments to companies and individuals. The account supports ACH transfers—the electronic system banks use to move money between accounts—so you can send money to another person's bank account directly.

For most routine payments, these methods cover what checks used to do. You can pay utilities, insurance, and subscriptions through bill pay. You can send money to family or friends through ACH transfer. You can buy things with the debit card. The main gap is when someone specifically asks for a check—a landlord who does not accept electronic payment, a contractor who wants a check, or a situation where you need a physical record of payment in check form.

When you might need checks and what to do instead

Checks are less common than they used to be, but some situations still call for them. Landlords sometimes accept only checks for rent. Some contractors and small businesses prefer checks. Certain government offices or institutions may ask for a check as payment. If you run into one of these situations and have an American Express checking account, you have a few options.

The simplest is to open a checking account at a traditional bank—one that does provide checks—and keep both accounts. You do not need to close the American Express account. You can transfer money from American Express to your other bank when you need to write a check. Another option is to ask the person or organization whether they accept ACH transfer or bill pay instead. Many have moved away from checks and will accept electronic payment if you ask. A third option is to use a money order or cashier's check from a bank or post office, though this costs a small fee and takes more time than writing a check.

How American Express bill pay works as a check alternative

Bill pay is the closest electronic equivalent to writing a check. You log into your American Express account online or through the mobile app, go to the bill pay section, and enter the recipient's name and address. You specify the amount and the date you want the payment sent. American Express then mails a check from its account to that recipient, or in some cases processes it as an electronic payment if the recipient is set up to receive them.

The process usually takes three to five business days, similar to how long a mailed check takes to arrive and clear. There is no fee for bill pay through American Express. The main limitation is that you cannot hand-deliver a check or give someone a physical check on the spot—the payment goes through American Express's system. For planned payments like rent or bills, this works well. For situations where you need to hand someone a check when ready, bill pay does not solve the problem.

Why American Express designed the account without checks

American Express made this choice because checks are declining in use. The Federal Reserve's payments study shows that check volume has dropped significantly over the past two decades as people shifted to digital payments, debit cards, and online transfers. By not including checks, American Express reduced its operational costs and kept the account simpler to manage.

This also fits American Express's broader business model. The company makes money partly from interchange fees when you use the debit card—the small percentage that merchants pay when you swipe or tap. Checks do not generate that revenue. Encouraging card and electronic payments aligns with how American Express profits. For customers, the trade-off is a lower-cost account with higher interest rates on savings, but without the option to write checks.

Opening a second account if you need checks

If you want to keep the American Express account for its savings rate and features but also need access to checks, opening a second checking account at a bank that provides them is straightforward. Many banks offer free checking with no minimum balance. You can choose to keep very little money in that account—just enough to cover checks when you need them—and keep the bulk of your savings in the American Express account.

When you need to write a check, you transfer money from American Express to your other bank account using ACH transfer, which typically takes one to two business days. Once the money arrives, you can write the check. This approach lets you use both accounts for what they do best: American Express for savings and digital payments, and your other bank for checks and any other services you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request checks from American Express even though they do not offer them?

No. American Express does not provide checks or allow you to order them for this account. The account is designed around digital and card-based payments only. If you need checks, you will need to use a different bank.

Does the debit card work everywhere a check would?

For most purchases, yes. You can use the debit card at stores, online, and for subscriptions. For situations where someone specifically requires a check—certain landlords, contractors, or government offices—the debit card does not work as a substitute.

How long does bill pay take to reach someone?

Bill pay typically takes three to five business days from the date you schedule it. This is similar to mailing a physical check. If you need payment to arrive faster, you would need to use a different method like ACH transfer or a wire transfer through another bank.

If I open another bank account for checks, do I have to close my American Express account?

No. You can keep both accounts open at the same time. Many people maintain multiple accounts for different purposes—one for savings, one for checking with checks, one for spending. There is no requirement to close the American Express account.

What is the fastest way to pay someone if I do not have checks?

ACH transfer is usually fastest if the person has a bank account—it takes one to two business days and is free. If you need same-day payment, a wire transfer through another bank works but costs a fee. For in-person payment, the debit card is when ready.