The three ways to move money out of your American Express savings account

You can withdraw money from an American Express High Yield Savings Account in three ways: transfer it to another bank account you own, request a check mailed to you, or withdraw cash at an ATM if you have an Amex debit card linked to the account. The fastest method is usually an electronic transfer to your checking account at another bank, which takes one to two business days. Checks take five to ten business days to arrive by mail. ATM withdrawals happen when ready but only work if you have a debit card, and not all ATMs accept Amex cards.

American Express High Yield Savings is an online-only account, which means there are no physical branches where you can walk in and withdraw cash. All withdrawals happen through your online account, by phone, or through the Amex mobile app. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the money and what other accounts you have set up.

Key Takeaways

  • Electronic transfers to another bank account are the fastest withdrawal method and typically complete within one to two business days.
  • You can request a check through your online account or by calling American Express, though it takes five to ten business days to arrive.
  • ATM withdrawals are when ready if you have an American Express debit card, but not all ATMs accept Amex cards in all locations.
  • Transfers between your own accounts at American Express (like from savings to a checking account) usually process the same day.

Electronic transfer to another bank account

This is the fastest and most common way to move money out. Log into your American Express online account, go to the Transfers section, and select "Transfer to External Account." You will need the routing number and account number of the bank account you want to send money to. If this is your first time transferring to that account, American Express will verify it by depositing two small amounts (usually under one dollar each) into that account, then asking you to confirm the amounts. This verification step takes one to two business days.

Once the account is verified, future transfers to that same account are faster. American Express typically processes the transfer the same business day if you request it before their cutoff time (usually 5 p.m. Eastern Time), and the money arrives at your other bank within one to two business days after that. Weekend and holiday transfers may take longer. There is no fee for electronic transfers.

Requesting a check by mail

You can ask American Express to mail you a check drawn on your savings account. Call the customer service number on the back of your card or log into your account online and look for the "Request a Check" option. You will need to specify the amount and confirm your mailing address. American Express will mail the check to the address on file for your account.

Checks typically take five to ten business days to arrive, depending on where you live and mail delivery speed. Once you receive it, you still need to deposit it into another account (by mail, mobile deposit, or in person at a bank). There is no fee to request a check, but the total time from request to having the money in another account can be two to three weeks.

ATM withdrawals with an American Express debit card

If you have an American Express debit card connected to your savings account, you can withdraw cash at ATMs that accept Amex cards. The withdrawal is when ready and the money comes directly from your savings balance. However, not all ATMs accept American Express cards — most ATMs are set up for Visa, Mastercard, or Discover. You may need to search for an ATM that specifically accepts Amex, which you can do through the Amex app or website.

Some ATMs charge a fee for using an out-of-network card, and American Express may also charge you a fee for using an ATM outside their network (this varies by account type and changes over time, so check your account terms). If you use an ATM that accepts Amex and is part of their network, there is typically no fee. The daily ATM withdrawal limit is usually between $500 and $1,000, depending on your account and American Express's current policies.

Transfers between your own American Express accounts

If you have both a savings account and a checking account with American Express, you can transfer money between them without going through an external bank. These transfers usually process the same business day and are free. Log into your account, select the transfer option, choose the account you want to send money to, enter the amount, and confirm.

This is useful if you keep your checking account at American Express and want to move money from savings to checking to pay bills or make purchases. The money is available to use when ready after the transfer completes.

Limits on how much and how often you can withdraw

Federal banking rules limit how many times per month you can withdraw money from a savings account. Historically this limit was six withdrawals per month, but rules have changed. Check your account terms or call American Express to confirm the current withdrawal limit for your specific account, as limits can vary and change over time.

There is no limit on the amount you can withdraw in a single transaction, but very large withdrawals may trigger fraud monitoring. If you are moving a significantly larger amount than usual, you may want to call American Express ahead of time to let them know, so the transfer does not get delayed by a security review.

What to do if a transfer gets stuck or delayed

If you requested a transfer and it has not arrived within the timeframe American Express quoted, log into your account and check the status. Most transfers show a status indicator that tells you whether it is pending, processing, or complete. If the status says it is complete but the money has not arrived at your other bank, contact that bank's customer service — the delay may be on their end, not American Express's.

If the transfer is still pending after the expected timeframe, call American Express customer service. Have your confirmation number ready, the amount you transferred, and the date you requested it. They can look up the transfer and tell you what is causing the delay. Common reasons include a mismatch in account numbers, a bank holiday, or a security hold on your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to withdraw money from American Express savings?

Electronic transfers to another bank take one to two business days after you request them. Checks take five to ten business days by mail. ATM withdrawals are when ready if you have a debit card. Transfers between your own American Express accounts usually complete the same business day.

Can I withdraw money without a debit card?

Yes. You can request an electronic transfer to another bank account or ask for a check by mail. Both methods work without a debit card and do not require you to visit a branch. You manage everything through your online account or by phone.

Is there a fee to withdraw money from American Express savings?

Electronic transfers and checks are free. ATM withdrawals may have a fee depending on whether the ATM is in American Express's network and your account type. Check your account terms or call customer service for current fee information.

What happens if I exceed the withdrawal limit?

Federal rules limit how many times per month you can withdraw from a savings account. If you exceed the limit, American Express may charge a fee, restrict further withdrawals, or convert your account to a checking account. The exact consequence depends on your account agreement, so review your terms or call to ask.

Can I withdraw money on weekends or holidays?

You can request a transfer or check anytime through your online account or app. However, American Express processes transfers during business hours, so requests made on weekends or holidays will be processed the next business day. ATM withdrawals work 24/7 if you have a debit card and find an ATM that accepts Amex.