American Express does not offer traditional business checking accounts
American Express is primarily a card and payment company, not a bank that holds deposits. They do not offer a business checking account where you deposit money, write checks, or receive a debit card linked to a checking balance. If you are looking for a place to deposit business revenue and pay bills by check, you will need to open an account elsewhere.
What American Express does offer is business credit cards and payment processing tools. These are useful for managing business spending and cash flow, but they work differently than a checking account. A business credit card lets you charge expenses and pay the bill monthly, while a checking account lets you deposit money and spend what you have already earned.
American Express Bank does exist and holds some deposits, but it primarily serves customers who already have American Express credit cards or investment accounts. The deposit products it offers are savings accounts and money market accounts, not checking accounts.
Key Takeaways
- American Express does not offer business checking accounts or any account where you can deposit money and write checks.
- American Express Bank offers savings and money market accounts, but these are not checking accounts and are typically linked to existing American Express customers.
- If you need business checking, you will open an account at a traditional bank, credit union, or online bank that specializes in business accounts.
- American Express business credit cards can help manage spending and build a payment history, but they are not a substitute for a checking account.
What American Express business products actually do
American Express offers business credit cards under brand names like American Express Business Gold, Business Green, and Business Platinum. These cards let you charge business expenses and pay the balance monthly. You get a statement showing all charges, and you can set up employee cards for staff members.
American Express also offers merchant services — tools that let you accept credit card payments from customers. If you run a retail business or service business, you can use American Express to process payments. This is different from a checking account; it is a way to collect money from customers, not a place to store it.
Neither of these products replaces a checking account. You still need a separate account at a bank where you can deposit the money you earn and pay your regular bills.
Where to open a business checking account instead
You have three main types of banks to choose from: traditional banks with physical branches, credit unions, and online banks. Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo offer business checking with in-person service and branch access. Credit unions often have lower fees and are owned by their members. Online banks like Mercury, Brex, and Novo have no monthly fees and faster account opening, but no physical branches.
Most business checking accounts require you to have a business license or EIN (Employer Identification Number), though some accept a Social Security number if you are a sole proprietor. You will need to bring identification and usually a small deposit to open the account. Many banks waive the monthly fee if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
The choice depends on what matters most to you: low fees, straightforward online management, in-person support, or integration with other financial tools you already use.
How a business credit card fits alongside checking
Many business owners use both a business credit card and a checking account together. The checking account is where business revenue lands and where you pay fixed costs like rent and payroll. The business credit card is where you charge variable expenses like supplies, travel, and software subscriptions.
This separation has two benefits. First, it keeps your business finances organized and makes tax time easier — your accountant can see all business spending in one place. Second, it helps you build a business credit history separate from your personal credit, which matters if you ever need a business loan.
You would pay the credit card bill from your checking account each month, just like you would a personal credit card. The card itself does not hold money; it is a way to borrow money that you pay back later.
Why American Express does not offer checking
American Express has chosen to stay focused on credit cards and payment processing rather than becoming a full-service bank. Offering checking accounts would require them to hold customer deposits, maintain branches or robust customer service for deposit issues, and comply with different banking regulations. It is a different business model than what they have built.
This is not unusual. Many credit card companies, including Discover and Capital One, also do not offer checking accounts. They partner with banks to offer savings accounts to their customers, but checking is not part of their core business.
What to do if you want both American Express and checking
You can absolutely have both. Open a business checking account at any bank, and separately explore for an American Express business credit card. They do not have to be at the same institution. Many business owners do exactly this — they use American Express for rewards and expense tracking, and a separate bank for deposits and bill payments.
Some banks do offer integration with American Express. For example, if you use American Express merchant services to accept payments, some banks can help you deposit those funds directly into your checking account. But the checking account itself will still be at the bank, not at American Express.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an American Express business card to deposit checks?
No. A business credit card is not a deposit account. You cannot deposit checks into it or transfer money to it. You would deposit checks into a checking account at a bank, then use your American Express card to charge expenses separately.
Does American Express Bank offer anything useful for business owners?
American Express Bank offers savings and money market accounts, which pay interest on money you deposit. These are useful if you want to save business profits and earn a small return, but they are not checking accounts and do not come with check-writing or debit card access.
What if I want to keep all my business finances in one place?
You will need to choose a bank that offers both checking and credit card products, or accept having accounts at two institutions. Many online banks and traditional banks offer both business checking and business credit cards under the same login, which simplifies management.
Do I need a business license to open an American Express business card?
No. American Express will open a business card account for a sole proprietor using just a Social Security number and no formal business license. You do need to show that you operate a business, but the definition is broad.
Can I get a debit card from American Express for my business?
American Express does not offer traditional debit cards linked to a checking account. Some American Express cards come with a digital wallet option or contactless payment, but these are credit products, not debit products tied to deposits you have made.