Call American Express to close your account

The fastest way to close an American Express checking account is to call their customer service line. You will reach a representative who can process the closure while you are on the phone. Have your account number ready — you can find it on your debit card, checks, or your online banking login.

American Express customer service is available by phone during business hours. When you call, tell them you want to close your checking account. They will ask you a few questions to confirm your identity, then walk you through what happens next with any remaining balance or pending transactions.

Closing over the phone takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The representative will confirm that your account is closed before the call ends, so you will know it is done when ready rather than waiting for written confirmation.

Key Takeaways

  • Call American Express customer service with your account number ready to close your checking account over the phone in one call.
  • If you have money in the account, ask the representative how you will receive it — usually by check or transfer to another bank account.
  • Make sure all automatic payments and direct deposits linked to the account are moved to another bank account before you close it.
  • Request written confirmation of the closure by email or mail so you have a record that the account is closed.

What to do with money still in the account

Before you close the account, you need to decide what happens to any money remaining in it. American Express will not let you close an account with a negative balance, but they can send a remaining positive balance to you in a few different ways.

The most common options are a check mailed to your address on file, or a transfer to another bank account. If you choose a transfer, you will need to provide the routing number and account number of the bank where you want the money to go. A check usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. A transfer to another bank can take 3 to 5 business days.

Ask the representative which option is faster for your situation. If you need the money quickly, a transfer to an account you already have open is usually the better choice.

Stop automatic payments and direct deposits first

If you have automatic bill payments set up through your American Express checking account, or if your paycheck or benefits are deposited directly into it, you must change those before closing the account. If you do not, payments will fail and direct deposits will bounce.

Log into your American Express online banking and look for a section called "Payments" or "Transfers." Cancel any automatic payments you have set up. Then contact your employer, your benefits provider, or whoever deposits money into the account and give them your new bank account number.

For bills you pay automatically, you can either set them up with your new bank or pay them manually for a month or two while you get organized. Do this at least a week before you close the account so there is time for the changes to take effect.

Check for pending transactions

Look at your recent account activity before you close. If you see any transactions that have not cleared yet — like a check you wrote that has not been cashed, or a debit card charge that is still pending — wait for those to finish processing before closing the account.

Pending transactions can take several days to clear. If you close the account while they are still pending, the transactions may fail or bounce. This is especially important for checks you have written, which can take weeks to clear.

If you are unsure whether a transaction has cleared, ask the American Express representative when you call. They can see which transactions are still pending and which have finished.

Request written confirmation

After the representative tells you the account is closed, ask them to send you written confirmation by email or mail. This gives you a record that the closure was completed on a specific date, which can be useful if there are any questions later.

The confirmation should include your account number, the date the account was closed, and the final balance. Keep this document for your records for at least a year.

What happens after closure

Once your American Express checking account is closed, you will no longer be able to use the debit card. If you have checks, they will no longer work. You will not be able to log into the account online.

American Express will keep a record of the closed account for their internal purposes, but you will not have access to it. If you ever need a copy of old statements or transaction history, contact American Express before closing the account and ask them to send those to you or let you read them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

American Express does not reopen closed checking accounts. If you change your mind, you would need to open a new account, which may take a few business days. It is a good idea to make sure you want to close before you call.

What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?

You cannot close an account with a negative balance. You will need to deposit money to bring the balance to zero or positive first. The representative can tell you the exact amount owed.

How long does it take for the account to fully close?

The account is closed when ready when the representative processes it over the phone. However, it can take a few days for the closure to show up in all of American Express's systems, and a few more days if you requested a check or transfer of remaining funds.

Do I need to close my American Express credit card too?

No. Your checking account and any American Express credit cards are separate accounts. Closing the checking account does not affect credit cards. You can keep or close those separately if you choose.

What if I have pending direct deposits after I close?

Direct deposits sent to a closed account will be rejected and returned to the sender. This is why it is important to update your direct deposit information with your employer or benefits provider before closing the account. Contact them as soon as possible if you realize you forgot to change it.