The three ways to move money into your Amex savings account

You can add money to an American Express High Yield Savings Account through a bank transfer from another account, a direct deposit from your employer, or a wire transfer. The most common route is a transfer from your existing checking or savings account at another bank — this usually takes one to two business days and costs nothing. Direct deposit is the fastest method if your employer supports it, because the money lands the same day it's sent. Wire transfers work if you need money moved when ready, though some banks charge a fee for sending a wire on your end.

Before you move money, you'll need your Amex savings account number and routing number. American Express uses routing number 011000015 for all their savings accounts. You can find your account number by logging into your Amex account online or calling their customer service line.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank transfers from another account are free and take one to two business days, making them the easiest option for most people.
  • Direct deposit from your paycheck reaches your Amex account on the same day it's sent, with no waiting period.
  • You'll need your Amex account number and the routing number 011000015 to set up any transfer method.
  • Wire transfers move money the same day but may cost money at your other bank, so check before you send.
  • Once you set up a transfer method once, you can repeat it as often as you want without setting it up again.

Setting up a transfer from your other bank

Log into your checking or savings account at your current bank and look for an option called "Transfer Money," "Send Money," or "Pay Bills." Most banks let you add a new account to transfer to by entering the account number and routing number. Enter your Amex account number and the routing number 011000015. Your bank will usually ask you to verify the account by depositing a small amount (usually under a dollar) and then confirming that amount — this takes a few days but only happens the first time.

Once your bank confirms the account, you can transfer money whenever you want. The money typically arrives in one to two business days. If you transfer on a Friday, the money usually lands on Monday or Tuesday. Transfers on weekends or holidays may take longer because banks don't process them until the next business day.

If you can't find the transfer option in your bank's app or website, call your bank's customer service number and ask them how to set up an external transfer. They can walk you through it or do it over the phone.

Setting up direct deposit from your paycheck

Direct deposit is the fastest way to add money because your paycheck lands the same day your employer sends it. To set this up, you'll need to contact your employer's payroll or human resources department and ask for a direct deposit form or authorization. Some employers let you change your direct deposit information through an employee portal or app.

On the form, you'll enter your Amex account number and the routing number 011000015. You can split your paycheck between multiple accounts if you want — for example, sending 80 percent to your checking account and 20 percent to your Amex savings account. Once your employer processes the change, it usually takes one or two pay cycles before the first deposit hits your Amex account.

Using a wire transfer for same-day money

A wire transfer moves money the same day, which is useful if you need cash in your savings account urgently. To send a wire, go to your current bank and ask to wire money to your Amex account. You'll give them your Amex account number and the routing number 011000015. Your bank may ask for the name and address of the receiving bank — American Express Bank's address is in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Most banks charge a fee to send a wire, usually between $15 and $30. Some banks waive the fee if you have a premium checking account or meet other requirements, so ask before you send. The money should arrive in your Amex account by the end of the business day.

What happens if a transfer fails or takes longer than expected

If a transfer doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, log into your Amex account and check the transaction history to see if it shows as pending. If it does, wait another business day — delays happen during holidays or when banks are processing a high volume of transfers. If the transfer shows as completed on your Amex side but you don't see the money, contact Amex customer service with the transfer date and amount.

If your bank rejected the transfer, you'll usually see an error message in your bank's app or receive an email explaining why. Common reasons include entering the wrong account or routing number, or your bank flagging the transfer as suspicious. Fix the information and try again, or call your bank to ask them to manually review the transfer.

Limits on how much you can transfer

American Express does not publish a single transfer limit that applies to all accounts. Some banks limit how much you can transfer in a single day or per month, so check your bank's transfer limits before you send a large amount. If you need to move more than your bank allows in one day, you can split the transfer across multiple days.

Wire transfers sometimes have higher limits than regular bank transfers, but your bank sets those limits. Call your bank if you're moving a large amount and want to know what the maximum is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money from a credit card to my Amex savings account?

No. You can only transfer money from a bank account (checking or savings) to your Amex savings account. Transfers from credit cards are not supported because they are borrowing, not deposits. If you want to move money from a credit card, you would need to pay off the card first using a bank account.

How long does it take for direct deposit to show up?

Direct deposit from your paycheck usually lands the same day your employer sends it, or within one business day. The timing depends on when your employer processes payroll and when American Express receives the deposit. Ask your employer what time of day they send payroll to know roughly when to expect the money.

What if I don't know my account number?

Log into your American Express account online or through their mobile app and look for your account details or statements. Your account number appears on statements and in the account settings. You can also call American Express customer service and they will provide it over the phone.

Can I set up automatic recurring transfers?

Yes. Once you set up a transfer from your bank to your Amex account, most banks let you schedule it to repeat weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Set this up in your bank's transfer settings. You can change or cancel a recurring transfer at any time through your bank.

Is there a fee to transfer money into my Amex savings account?

American Express does not charge a fee to receive transfers. However, your other bank may charge a fee to send a wire transfer (usually $15 to $30). Bank transfers and direct deposit are free on both ends.