Call American Express to close the account, then confirm the closure in writing
To close an American Express business checking account, you call American Express directly at the number on the back of your card or on your statement. Tell them you want to close the account. They will ask you to confirm your identity, review any outstanding transactions or pending deposits, and give you a timeline for when the account will be closed—usually within 5 to 10 business days. Write down the date and the name of the representative you spoke with.
After the call, send a written request to American Express confirming the closure. Include your account number, the date you called, and the name of the person who helped you. Send it to the address listed on your statement or ask for the mailing address during your call. This creates a paper record in case there is a dispute later about whether the account was actually closed.
Do not close the account until you have moved all automatic payments and direct deposits to a different account. If you close the account while money is still flowing in or out, payments may fail, and you could face overdraft fees or missed bill payments.
Key Takeaways
- Call American Express using the number on your card or statement to request closure, and write down the representative's name and the date.
- Send a written confirmation of the closure request to American Express at the address on your statement to create a record.
- Move all automatic bill payments and direct deposits to another account before closing, or they may fail after the account shuts down.
- Wait for American Express to confirm the account is closed before assuming it is no longer active.
- Check your credit report a few weeks later to make sure the closed account is reported correctly.
Move automatic payments and direct deposits first
Before you call to close the account, log into your American Express business checking portal and review what is connected to it. Look for automatic bill payments you have set up, payroll direct deposits, customer payments coming in, or any other recurring money movement. Write down each one.
Contact each company or your payroll provider and update the account information to point to your new checking account instead. This includes your utility companies, insurance providers, loan servicers, subscription services, and anyone else who pulls money from or deposits money into the account. Do this at least one week before you close the account to make sure the changes take effect.
If you miss updating a payment, it will fail when the account is closed. A failed automatic payment can trigger late fees, damage your business credit, or cause service interruptions. If you are unsure whether something is connected to the account, call American Express and ask them to review the account activity with you.
What happens to pending transactions and deposits
American Express will not close the account immediately if there are pending transactions. A pending transaction is money that has been authorized but not yet settled—for example, a charge that was made yesterday but has not fully processed yet. These typically clear within 1 to 3 business days. The bank will ask you to wait for all pending items to settle before the closure is final.
If you have a deposit in transit—money that has been sent to the account but has not arrived yet—the bank may hold the account open longer to receive it. Ask American Express how long they will wait for pending deposits. If a deposit arrives after the account is closed, American Express will usually return it to the sender, and you will have to contact the sender to resend it to your new account.
Do not assume the account is closed just because you called. Wait for written confirmation from American Express that all transactions have settled and the account is officially closed.
Check your account for any remaining balance
Before closing, make sure the account balance is zero or that you have withdrawn any remaining funds. If there is money left in the account when it closes, American Express will send you a check for the balance, but this can take several weeks. If there is a negative balance—meaning you owe money—you will be billed for it.
Log into your account online and check the current balance. If there is money in the account, transfer it to your new business checking account or withdraw it. If you cannot access the account online, call American Express and ask them to tell you the balance and walk you through how to move the money.
Confirm closure in writing and keep records
After you call, send a letter to American Express requesting closure. Include your business name, account number, the date you called, the name of the representative, and a statement that you are requesting the account be closed. Keep a copy for your records. Send it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof American Express received it.
Save all confirmation emails and letters from American Express about the closure. If a problem arises later—for example, if a payment tries to process on the closed account—you will need proof that you requested closure and when.
Monitor your credit report after closure
A few weeks after the account is closed, check your business credit report to make sure the closure is reported correctly. You can order a report from Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, or Equifax Business. The closed account should show a status of "closed by consumer" or similar language, not "delinquent" or "charged off."
If the account is reported incorrectly—for example, if it shows as still open or shows a negative balance you do not owe—contact American Express in writing with proof of the closure and ask them to correct the report. Keep copies of all correspondence.
What to do if you cannot reach American Express
If you have trouble reaching American Express by phone or if they are not responding to your written closure request, send a certified letter to the address on your statement requesting closure. Include all the details listed above. Keep the return receipt.
You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if American Express refuses to close the account or does not respond to your request within a reasonable time. The CFPB has a complaint portal on its website where you can describe the problem and submit documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to close an American Express business checking account?
Closure usually takes 5 to 10 business days after you call, but it can take longer if there are pending transactions or deposits in transit. American Express will tell you the expected timeline when you call. Do not assume the account is closed until you receive written confirmation.
Will closing the account hurt my business credit?
Closing an account on good standing—with no late payments or negative balance—should not hurt your credit. However, if the account is reported with a negative status, it can affect your score. Check your business credit report a few weeks after closure to make sure it is reported correctly.
What if a payment tries to process after I close the account?
The payment will fail, and the company trying to charge you will receive a notice that the account is closed. You will likely be contacted by the company asking for a new account number. This is why you must update all automatic payments before closing. If you miss one, contact the company immediately and provide your new account information.
Can I reopen the account if I change my mind?
Once an account is closed, you cannot reopen it. You would have to open a new American Express business checking account, which involves a new application and approval process. Make sure you want to close before you request closure.
What if American Express owes me money when I close?
If there is a positive balance in the account, American Express will send you a check for the amount. This can take several weeks. If you need the money faster, ask if you can transfer it to another account before closing instead of waiting for a check.