Why you might link your American Express card to a savings account
Linking your American Express card to a savings account lets you move money between the two without visiting a branch or using a third-party service. The most common reason to do this is to set up automatic payments — American Express can pull money directly from your savings account on your due date, which helps you avoid late fees and missed payments.
Another reason is to transfer a balance or move funds quickly if you need cash. Some people also link accounts to keep their finances organized in one place, especially if they use American Express for both credit and savings products.
The process differs slightly depending on whether your savings account is with American Express Bank or with another bank. This guide covers both paths.
Key Takeaways
- You can link an American Express card to a savings account through the American Express website or mobile app in your account settings.
- If your savings account is with American Express Bank, the linking process is usually faster because both accounts are in the same system.
- If your savings account is with a different bank, American Express will verify the account by depositing two small amounts, which takes three to five business days.
- Once linked, you can set up automatic monthly payments or transfer money manually whenever you need to.
- You will need your savings account number and routing number to complete the link if the account is at a different bank.
Linking an American Express card to an American Express Bank savings account
If both your credit card and savings account are with American Express Bank, the connection is the simplest path. Log into your American Express account online or open the mobile app, then go to your account settings or profile section. Look for an option labeled "Linked Accounts," "Payment Methods," or "Manage Accounts" — the exact wording varies depending on which version of the site or app you are using.
Select the option to add or link a new account. American Express will show you a list of savings accounts already registered under your name. Choose the one you want to connect. The system recognizes it when ready because it is already in American Express's records, so no verification deposits are needed. You should be able to use the linked account right away for payments or transfers.
Linking an American Express card to a savings account at another bank
If your savings account is at a different bank — Chase, Bank of America, a credit union, or any other institution — the process takes longer but follows the same starting steps. Log into your American Express account and navigate to the linked accounts or payment methods section. Select the option to add an external account.
You will be asked to enter your savings account number and the routing number for your bank. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch; you can find it on a check, on your bank's website, or by calling your bank directly. Enter both numbers carefully, as mistakes will cause the verification to fail.
After you submit this information, American Express will deposit two small amounts — usually between one and five cents each — into your savings account within one to three business days. These are not fees; they are verification deposits. Check your savings account statement for these two deposits and note the exact amounts.
Return to your American Express account and enter the two amounts when prompted. Once American Express confirms they match, your savings account is linked and ready to use. The entire process typically takes three to five business days from the time you enter your account number.
Setting up automatic payments from your linked savings account
Once your savings account is linked, you can arrange for American Express to automatically withdraw your payment each month. In your American Express account, find the payments or billing section. Look for an option to set up automatic or recurring payments.
Choose your linked savings account as the payment source. You will then decide how much to pay each month — you can choose to pay your full statement balance, a fixed amount, or just the minimum payment. Select the date each month when you want the payment to come out; most people choose a date shortly after they receive income or know funds will be available.
American Express will send you a confirmation showing the payment amount, the account it will draw from, and the date it will occur. Review this carefully before confirming. Once set up, the payment will happen automatically on that date each month unless you change or cancel it.
Making manual transfers from your linked savings account
You do not have to set up automatic payments to use a linked account. You can also transfer money manually whenever you need to. In your American Express account, go to the payments section and select "Make a Payment" or "Transfer Funds."
Choose your linked savings account as the source, enter the amount you want to transfer, and confirm. The money will move to your American Express account within one to two business days. This is useful if you want to pay down your balance at times other than your regular payment date, or if you prefer to control each payment rather than automating it.
What to do if the link fails or verification deposits do not arrive
If you entered your account number or routing number incorrectly, the verification deposits may not arrive. Check your entry for typos — routing numbers especially are straightforward to mistype. If you are certain the numbers are correct but the deposits have not appeared after five business days, contact your bank to confirm the account is active and can receive deposits.
If your bank blocks the deposits for security reasons, call American Express customer service and explain the situation. They can sometimes resend the verification deposits or use an alternative verification method. Have your savings account number and routing number ready when you call.
If you want to try again with a different account or bank, you can delete the failed link from your American Express account settings and start over. There is no penalty for unsuccessful attempts.
Security and what happens if your linked account information changes
American Express stores your linked account information securely, but you should update it if your savings account number or bank changes. If you close your savings account and open a new one at the same bank, the routing number stays the same but your account number changes — you will need to update this in your American Express settings.
If you switch to a different bank entirely, delete the old linked account from your American Express profile and add the new one using the same process described above. Do not leave old account links active if you no longer use those accounts, as this can cause payment failures or confusion.
If you notice unauthorized transfers or suspect fraud, contact American Express when ready. You can also remove a linked account at any time from your account settings, which stops any automatic payments from that account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for money to move between my American Express card and my linked savings account?
Transfers between accounts at American Express Bank usually happen within one business day. Transfers to or from a savings account at another bank typically take one to two business days. Automatic payments scheduled for a specific date will process on that date, though the money may take an extra day to appear in your American Express account depending on your bank.
Can I link multiple savings accounts to one American Express card?
Yes, most American Express accounts allow you to link more than one savings account. You can then choose which account to draw from when you make a payment or transfer. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep separate savings for different purposes.
What if I do not have my routing number?
You can find your routing number on a check from your savings account — it is the first set of numbers on the bottom left. You can also log into your bank's website or app and look for account details, or call your bank's customer service line and ask them to provide it. Have your account number ready when you call.
Will linking my accounts affect my credit score?
Linking a savings account to your American Express card does not affect your credit score. It is an internal connection between accounts and does not show up on your credit report. Your credit score is based on your payment history, credit utilization, and other factors — not on which accounts you have linked together.
Can I unlink my savings account whenever I want?
Yes, you can remove a linked account from your American Express profile at any time through your account settings. If you have automatic payments set up from that account, they will stop once you unlink it. You will need to set up a new payment method if you want to continue making payments to American Express.