American Express Bank offers checking accounts directly to consumers, but the process and availability depend on where you live and what you already have with Amex.

American Express Bank is a federally chartered bank owned by American Express. It offers deposit products including checking and savings accounts, but it does not have physical branches. You open an account online, and all banking happens through their website or mobile app.

Availability varies by state. American Express Bank does not serve all 50 states — it operates in most states but excludes a few, including Nevada and a handful of others. Before you start, check the American Express Bank website to confirm your state is covered.

You do not need an American Express credit card to open a checking account with American Express Bank. The account is separate from any card product you may hold.

Key Takeaways

  • American Express Bank checking accounts are opened entirely online and have no monthly maintenance fees.
  • You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and live in a state where American Express Bank operates.
  • The application takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires a valid government ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit.
  • Funds from other banks can be transferred via ACH, which typically takes three to five business days.
  • American Express Bank checking accounts come with a debit card, online bill pay, and access to a network of ATMs.

What you need before you start

Gather these documents and information before opening the account. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and your current address. Have a phone number and email address ready as well — American Express Bank will use these to contact you about your account.

You will also need an initial deposit. American Express Bank requires a minimum opening deposit, though the amount varies and changes periodically. Check their website for the current minimum before you begin the application. You can fund the account from another bank account using ACH transfer, or in some cases by other means.

If you are applying from outside the United States or are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you will not be able to open an account. American Express Bank requires U.S. residency and citizenship or permanent resident status.

The online application process

Go to the American Express Bank website and select the option to open a checking account. You will be asked to enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. The form will also ask for your Social Security number and employment information.

Next, you will verify your identity. American Express Bank uses an automated system that checks your information against databases to confirm you are who you say you are. This usually takes a few minutes. If the system cannot verify you automatically, American Express Bank may ask you to upload a photo of your ID or call you to complete verification by phone.

Once your identity is verified, you will review the account terms and disclosures, then agree to them electronically. You will then set up your initial deposit. If you are transferring money from another bank, you will enter that bank's routing number and your account number there. American Express Bank will initiate an ACH transfer, which typically takes three to five business days to complete.

After you submit the application, you will receive a confirmation email. Your account is usually active within one business day, though you may not be able to use it fully until your initial deposit arrives.

Getting your debit card and setting up access

American Express Bank will mail a debit card to the address you provided in your application. The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use it to withdraw cash from ATMs and make purchases at merchants that accept Visa (American Express Bank checking debit cards run on the Visa network).

While you wait for the card, you can access your account through the American Express Bank website or mobile app. You can set up online bill pay, transfer money between accounts, and view your balance and transaction history. You will need to create a username and password during the application process or immediately after.

Once your debit card arrives, you will need to activate it. American Express Bank will provide instructions in the card's welcome materials or through the app. After activation, you can use the card right away.

Transferring money into your new account

The most common way to fund your American Express Bank checking account after opening it is through ACH transfer from another bank. Log into your American Express Bank account online, select "Transfer Money" or a similar option, and choose "From Another Bank." You will enter the routing number and account number of the bank you are transferring from.

American Express Bank will initiate the transfer, which takes three to five business days. During this time, the money is in transit. You can check the status of the transfer in your American Express Bank account.

Some employers offer direct deposit. If your employer uses direct deposit, you can provide them with your American Express Bank account number and routing number so they deposit your paycheck directly into your new checking account. This is faster and more secure than transferring money yourself.

Fees and account features

American Express Bank checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee. There are no fees for online bill pay, transfers between your own accounts, or viewing your balance. However, fees do apply in certain situations: out-of-network ATM withdrawals may carry a fee (though American Express Bank reimburses some out-of-network fees), overdrafts incur a fee if you spend more than your balance, and wire transfers have a fee.

Your account comes with online bill pay, which lets you schedule payments to companies and individuals directly from your checking account. You can also set up automatic recurring payments for bills that stay the same each month. Transfers between your American Express Bank accounts are free and usually happen instantly.

American Express Bank checking accounts do not earn interest. If you want to earn interest on your deposits, American Express Bank also offers savings accounts with higher rates, though these are separate products.

What happens if your application is denied

American Express Bank may deny your application if you do not meet the basic requirements (age, citizenship, state residency), if your identity cannot be verified, or if you have a history of fraud or abuse of bank accounts. If your application is denied, American Express Bank will send you a letter explaining the reason.

If the denial is due to a mistake in your information, you may be able to reapply with corrected details. If it is due to a ChexSystems report (a banking history report similar to a credit report), you can request a copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors on it. If the denial is final, you can explore checking accounts from other banks that may have different requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an American Express Bank checking account if I have bad credit?

Yes. American Express Bank does not check your credit score when you open a checking account. Checking accounts are separate from credit products. However, they do check ChexSystems, which is a banking history report, not a credit report. If you have had problems with bank accounts in the past, that may show up on ChexSystems and could affect your application.

How long does it take to open an account?

The application itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your account is usually active within one business day. However, your debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail, and any ACH transfer you initiate takes three to five business days to complete. So while you can start using your account online immediately, full access takes about two weeks.

What if I live in a state where American Express Bank does not operate?

You cannot open an American Express Bank checking account if you live in a state where they do not operate. Check their website for the current list of states they serve. If your state is not listed, you will need to use a checking account from another bank.

Can I link my American Express credit card to my American Express Bank checking account?

Yes. Once you have both accounts, you can link them through the American Express website or app. This lets you transfer money between them and see both accounts in one place. However, they are separate products with separate balances and terms.

What should I do if I forget my login information?

Go to the American Express Bank login page and select "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password." You will be asked to verify your identity using your email address or phone number. American Express Bank will send you a link or code to reset your password. If you cannot verify your identity online, call American Express Bank customer service for help.