American Express Bank checking accounts are available only to existing American Express cardholders, and you open one through your Amex online account or by phone

You cannot walk into a branch or call a general number to open an Amex Bank checking account the way you would with a traditional bank. Instead, American Express Bank offers checking to people who already hold an American Express credit card in good standing. The account opens through your existing Amex login, and the process takes place entirely online or over the phone with an Amex representative.

The account itself is a deposit account held at American Express Bank, FSB, a federally chartered savings bank. This means your deposits are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000, the same as at any other bank. However, the availability and specific features of Amex Bank checking have changed over time, and as of now, American Express has paused new account openings for some customers while maintaining accounts for existing holders.

Key Takeaways

  • You must already hold an American Express credit card in good standing to open an Amex Bank checking account.
  • The account opens through your Amex online account or by calling American Express directly—there are no branch locations.
  • Deposits in an Amex Bank checking account are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per account holder.
  • American Express has periodically restricted new checking account openings, so you should verify current availability before attempting to open one.

What you need before you start

You will need an active American Express credit card account. This can be any Amex card—personal, business, or corporate. Your account must be in good standing, meaning no missed payments, no fraud disputes, and no recent account closures. If you have been denied credit by Amex in the past year or have a history of chargebacks, Amex may decline to open a checking account for you.

You will also need a valid government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and a current address. Have your Amex card number and online login credentials ready. If you plan to link the checking account to an existing bank account for transfers, you will need the routing number and account number of that bank.

Opening the account online or by phone

Log into your American Express online account and look for a link or banner related to banking products or checking accounts. The exact location and wording change periodically, but it is usually in the main menu or under "Services" or "Products." If you see an option to open a checking account, click through and follow the prompts. You will be asked to confirm your identity, review the account terms, and choose your account settings.

If you do not see a checking account option online, call American Express customer service at the number on the back of your card and ask to speak with someone about opening a checking account. They will verify your identity, confirm your card is in good standing, and walk you through the process over the phone. This call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Once you submit your information, American Express will review your request. Approval is not automatic—Amex will check your credit history and account standing. If approved, you will receive account details, a routing number, and an account number within a few business days. You may also receive a debit card in the mail within one to two weeks.

What happens after approval

Once your account is open, you can deposit money by transferring from another bank account, having your employer direct-deposit your paycheck, or depositing checks through the Amex mobile app if that feature is available. You can withdraw money by using the debit card at ATMs, requesting a wire transfer, or writing checks if Amex provides checkbooks with your account.

Your Amex Bank checking account will appear in your American Express online account alongside your credit card. You can view your balance, transaction history, and statements through the same login. Interest rates on deposits vary and are set by American Express; as of now, rates are typically very low or zero, so do not open this account expecting to earn meaningful interest.

Current availability and restrictions

American Express has not consistently offered checking accounts to all cardholders. At various points, Amex has paused new account openings, restricted the product to certain customer segments, or limited it to specific card tiers. Before you attempt to open an account, confirm that Amex is currently accepting new checking account applications. You can do this by logging into your account online or calling customer service.

If Amex is not currently accepting new checking accounts, you have no alternative through American Express itself. You would need to open a checking account at a traditional bank, credit union, or online bank instead. Some online banks offer similar features—no branch network, account management through an app, and FDIC insurance—if you are looking for a comparable experience.

Linking your Amex checking account to other banks

Once your account is open, you can transfer money between your Amex Bank checking account and other bank accounts you own. To do this, you will need to add the external bank account in your Amex online account and verify it. Verification usually involves Amex sending two small deposits to that account, which you then confirm in your Amex account. This process takes two to three business days.

After verification, you can initiate transfers from Amex to the external account or request that the external bank pull money from your Amex account. Transfer timing depends on the other bank's processing schedule; most transfers complete within one to two business days. Be aware that some banks charge fees for incoming or outgoing transfers, so check your other bank's fee schedule first.

Fees and account terms

American Express Bank checking accounts typically have no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees if you do not overdraw the account. However, if you do overdraw, Amex may decline the transaction rather than charging a fee. Check your account agreement for the exact terms, as these can change.

You may incur fees for certain services: wire transfers (both incoming and outgoing), stop-payment requests on checks, or replacement debit cards. ATM fees depend on whether you use an Amex-affiliated ATM network or an out-of-network ATM; out-of-network ATM fees are typically $2 to $3 per transaction. Some Amex cardholders have access to a network of fee-free ATMs, but this varies by card type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a specific American Express card to open a checking account?

No. Any American Express credit card in good standing qualifies. You do not need a premium card, a business card, or a specific rewards card. As long as your account is active and current, you should be able to request a checking account if Amex is accepting new applications.

What if my Amex credit card is closed or cancelled?

If you close your credit card after opening a checking account, Amex may close the checking account as well. If your credit card is cancelled by Amex due to non-payment or fraud, your checking account may be frozen or closed. Contact Amex to understand what happens to your checking account if your credit card status changes.

Can I use this account as my primary checking account?

Yes, if Amex is currently offering the product and you are approved. However, because Amex has paused new account openings in the past, you should not rely on this account as your only checking account. Keep a backup account at a traditional bank in case Amex restricts or closes the product in the future.

Is my money safe in an Amex Bank checking account?

Yes. American Express Bank is a federally chartered savings bank, and deposits are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per account holder. This is the same insurance protection you would have at any other bank. Your money is not at risk if Amex changes its checking product offerings.

How long does it take to open an account?

The process itself takes 10 to 15 minutes online or over the phone. Approval typically comes within one to three business days. Once approved, you will receive your account number and routing number when ready, though a physical debit card may take one to two weeks to arrive in the mail.