What you need before you start

American Express offers business checking through American Express Bank, and the account setup process requires you to have specific documents and information ready. You will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a government-issued photo ID, your business tax ID (EIN) if your business is registered as a separate entity, and proof of your business address. If your business is a sole proprietorship, you can use your personal Social Security number; if it is an LLC, partnership, or corporation, you will need the EIN.

The bank also asks for basic business information: your business name, the type of business structure, your industry, and expected monthly transaction volume. Have this information written down before you begin, because the application will ask for it in a specific order and you cannot save and return to it later.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open an American Express business checking account online or by phone, and the process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete the initial application.
  • You will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number or EIN, and proof of your business address before you start.
  • Account approval usually happens within one to two business days, and you can begin using the account once you receive your account number and routing number.
  • American Express business checking does not charge monthly maintenance fees, but you should review the current fee schedule for wire transfers, overdrafts, and other services before opening.

The online application process

Visit the American Express Bank website and select the business checking option. You will be asked to enter your business name, your role in the business, and basic contact information. The form then moves to ownership details: if you are the sole owner, you enter your personal information; if there are multiple owners, you will need to provide details for each owner with 20 percent or more stake in the business.

After ownership information, you will enter your business address and the type of business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, S-corp, C-corp, partnership, or nonprofit). The application asks for your expected monthly deposit and withdrawal volume, which helps American Express assess your account usage pattern. This is not a commitment—it is an estimate to help them route your account to the right processing team.

At the end of the application, you will upload or photograph your government-issued ID and proof of address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or business registration document dated within the last 90 days. Submit the application and you will receive a confirmation number immediately.

What happens after you submit

American Express Bank reviews applications within one to two business days. During this time, they verify your identity against the documents you uploaded and confirm that your business information matches public records. If your application is approved, you will receive an email with your account number, routing number, and instructions for setting up online banking.

If American Express needs more information, they will contact you by phone or email. Common requests include clarification on business structure, additional ownership documentation, or a clearer photo of your ID. Respond to these requests as quickly as possible—delays in providing documents can extend the approval timeline to five to seven business days.

If your application is declined, American Express will explain the reason in writing. Common reasons include mismatched identity information, an address that cannot be verified, or a business structure that does not match public records. You can reapply once you have corrected the issue, but you should wait at least 30 days before doing so.

Setting up online banking and transfers

Once your account is approved, log into American Express Bank's online portal using your account number and the temporary password sent to your email. You will be prompted to create a permanent password and set up two-factor authentication. American Express requires this step before you can move money or view full account details.

To receive your first deposit, you will need your account number and routing number. American Express provides both in your approval email and in the online banking portal. You can share these with your employer's payroll department, clients who owe you money, or anyone else who needs to deposit funds into your account. Deposits made via ACH (Automated Clearing House) typically post within one to two business days.

If you want to transfer money out of your American Express business checking account, you can set up external transfers in the online portal. Link your personal bank account or another business account by entering the account number and routing number. American Express will send two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to verify the account is yours. Once you confirm those amounts, the external account is linked and you can transfer money between accounts.

Debit card and check ordering

Your American Express business checking account comes with online banking access, but you can also order a business debit card and checks. In the online portal, navigate to the card or check section and select "Order." The debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days; checks take 10 to 14 business days. You can use the debit card immediately once it arrives, and you will receive a PIN in a separate mailing.

Checks are optional—many business owners manage cash flow entirely through online transfers and the debit card. If you do order checks, American Express charges a fee per box (the current cost varies, so check the fee schedule in your account). You can reorder checks at any time through the online portal.

Fees and account maintenance

American Express business checking does not charge a monthly maintenance fee. However, the account does have fees for specific services: wire transfers (both incoming and outgoing), overdraft fees if you spend more than your balance, stop-payment requests, and returned-check fees. The exact amounts vary and are listed in the fee schedule provided when you open your account. You can view current fees in the online portal under "Account Details" or "Fees."

There is no minimum balance requirement to keep the account open. You can maintain a zero balance indefinitely without penalty. If you do not use the account for an extended period (typically 12 months or longer), American Express may close it, but they will notify you before doing so.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open an American Express business checking account?

The application itself takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete online. Approval typically happens within one to two business days. Once approved, you can begin using the account immediately with your account number and routing number, though physical debit cards and checks take 7 to 14 business days to arrive.

Can I open an account if my business is a sole proprietorship?

Yes. Sole proprietorships can open American Express business checking using your personal Social Security number and business name. You do not need a separate EIN, though you can use one if you have already obtained it.

What if I do not have a business address yet?

American Express requires proof of a business address before approval. If your business operates from home, you can use your home address. If you are using a virtual office or mailbox service, you will need documentation from that service showing your business name and the address. A lease agreement or utility bill in your business name works as proof.

Can I add other people to the account after it is opened?

Yes. You can add authorized users or signers to your account through the online portal. Each person you add will need to provide their own government-issued ID and Social Security number. American Express will verify their identity before granting access.

What should I do if my application is declined?

American Express will send a written explanation of the decline. Common reasons include identity verification issues, address mismatches, or business structure problems. Review the reason, correct the issue, and wait at least 30 days before reapplying. You can contact American Express customer service to ask whether reapplying sooner might succeed if the issue has been resolved.