You can link a high yield savings account to your American Express app in three steps through the account settings menu

Open the American Express mobile app and go to Settings (usually a gear icon at the bottom or top of the screen). Select Accounts or Linked Accounts, then choose Add Account. You'll be asked to enter your savings account number and routing number, which you can find on a check, your bank statement, or by logging into your savings account online. American Express will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into that account within one to two business days.

Once you see those deposits appear in your savings account, return to the app and confirm the two amounts in the verification step. This confirms you own the account. After verification, the savings account will appear in your app's account list, and you can view the balance and transfer money between your American Express account and the linked savings account.

The entire process typically takes two to three business days from start to finish, though the verification deposits sometimes arrive faster. If you don't see the deposits after three business days, check that you entered the routing number correctly—a single digit wrong will send them to the wrong bank.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your savings account number and routing number to link the account, both of which appear on checks or in your online banking portal.
  • American Express verifies the account by depositing two small amounts and asking you to confirm those amounts in the app.
  • The verification process takes one to three business days, and you cannot transfer money until both deposits have arrived and been confirmed.
  • If verification deposits don't arrive after three business days, double-check the routing number—it is the most common source of errors.

What information you need before you start

Gather your savings account details before opening the app. You need the account number (usually 8 to 12 digits) and the routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank). Both appear on the bottom left of any check from that account. If you don't have checks, log into your savings account's website or app and look for account details, account information, or routing number in the settings or account summary section.

Write down both numbers before you start, or have your savings account open in another browser tab or app so you can copy them quickly. Entering them incorrectly is the main reason the verification deposits go to the wrong place, which delays the whole process by several days.

Understanding the verification deposit step

After you enter your account details, American Express sends two small deposits (usually between 1 and 99 cents each) to your savings account. These deposits are real money—you keep them—but their purpose is to prove you own the account. This step prevents someone from linking an account that doesn't belong to them.

The deposits typically arrive within one to two business days, though they can take up to three. Once they appear in your savings account, go back to the American Express app and enter the two amounts you see. The app will confirm the account is yours, and linking is complete. If you enter the amounts wrong, you usually get two or three attempts before the app locks you out temporarily and asks you to try again later.

Do not transfer money to or from the account during the verification period. Some banks flag unusual activity, and moving money while verification is pending can delay the deposits or cause them to be held.

Transferring money between accounts once linking is complete

Once the account is verified, you can transfer money between your American Express account and the linked savings account directly from the app. Look for a Transfer button or option in the Accounts section. Select the account you want to transfer from, the account you want to transfer to, and the amount. Most transfers between American Express and a linked savings account complete within one business day, though some banks process them the same day.

There are usually no fees for transfers between your own accounts, but check your savings bank's terms—some institutions charge for frequent transfers out of savings accounts. American Express does not charge for linking or transferring to a linked account.

What to do if the verification deposits don't arrive

If you don't see the two small deposits in your savings account after three business days, the routing number was likely entered incorrectly. Go back to the American Express app and check what number you entered. Compare it to the routing number from your bank's website or a check. If they don't match, you'll need to remove the account and start over with the correct number.

To remove the account, go to Settings > Linked Accounts, find the account that didn't verify, and select Remove or Delete. Then add the account again with the correct routing number. The verification deposits from the first attempt may still arrive days later—you can keep that money, but it won't complete the linking process.

If the routing number is correct and the deposits still haven't arrived after five business days, contact your savings bank's customer service. Ask them to check whether deposits from American Express are being blocked or held. Some banks flag transfers from new sources as suspicious and require you to confirm them before they post.

Removing a linked account from the app

If you want to unlink a savings account, open the American Express app and go to Settings > Linked Accounts. Find the account you want to remove and select the delete or remove option. The account will disappear from the app when ready, and you won't be able to transfer money to it from American Express anymore. The savings account itself is not affected—your money stays in it, and you can still access it through your bank's app or website.

You can link and unlink accounts as many times as you want. There's no penalty for removing an account and adding it back later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link a savings account from a different bank?

Yes. You can link a savings account from any U.S. bank that has a routing number. The account doesn't have to be at the same bank where you have your American Express account. The verification process is the same regardless of which bank holds the savings account.

What if I enter the verification amounts wrong?

The app usually allows two or three attempts to enter the correct amounts. If you exceed that, you'll see a message asking you to try again later—usually after 24 hours. You can then re-enter the amounts. If you genuinely can't remember the amounts, remove the account and start the linking process over.

Do I need to keep the linked account open forever?

No. You can unlink the account at any time from the app settings. If you close the savings account at your bank, the link in the American Express app will stop working, and you'll need to remove it from the app manually.

How long does a transfer take once I request it?

Most transfers between American Express and a linked savings account complete within one business day. Some banks process them the same day if you initiate the transfer before their cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m.). Transfers initiated on weekends or holidays process on the next business day.

Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?

American Express and your savings bank may each have transfer limits. Check your American Express account terms and your savings bank's account agreement for specific limits. These limits vary by account type and are usually listed in your account settings or by contacting customer service.