What you need to start an American Express checking account

American Express Bank offers checking accounts directly to consumers, though the process and requirements differ from traditional banks. You will need a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, a valid government-issued photo ID, and a way to verify your identity online—either through a video call or by uploading documents. American Express also runs a background check using ChexSystems, which is a banking history database that flags accounts closed for fraud or unpaid overdrafts.

The account itself requires an opening deposit, though the amount varies depending on which American Express checking product you choose. Some accounts have no monthly fee, while others charge a fee if you do not maintain a minimum balance. You will also need an initial funding source—a bank account, debit card, or wire transfer—to move money into your new account.

American Express does not offer accounts to people under 18, and some states have restrictions on which products are available. If you have been flagged in ChexSystems for fraud or unpaid overdrafts at another bank, American Express may decline your request.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID, Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity online before you can open an account.
  • American Express runs a ChexSystems check, which will show if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud history at other banks.
  • The opening deposit amount depends on which account type you choose, and some accounts charge monthly fees if your balance falls below a threshold.
  • The entire process happens online and typically takes a few minutes to complete, though identity verification can add a day or two.

The online process and identity verification process

You start by going to the American Express Bank website and selecting the checking account product you want. The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment information. This takes about five minutes. American Express then asks you to verify your identity, and you have two options: a video call with an American Express representative, or uploading a photo of your ID and a recent utility bill or bank statement.

The video call is usually faster—it takes about five minutes, and you get when ready confirmation that your identity is verified. The document upload route can take up to one business day for American Express to review. During the video call, the representative will ask you to show your ID to the camera and confirm your address and date of birth. You do not need to speak about your banking history or financial situation; the call is purely to confirm you are who you say you are.

After identity verification, American Express pulls your ChexSystems report. If you have no negative history, the account opens when ready and you can fund it the same day. If ChexSystems shows a problem, American Express will tell you during the process and may ask for an explanation before deciding whether to open the account.

Funding your new account and first deposit requirements

Once your account is open, you need to make an initial deposit. American Express accepts transfers from another bank account (via ACH, which takes one to two business days), debit card funding (when ready), or wire transfer (when ready but may have a fee). The minimum opening deposit varies by account type—some American Express checking accounts require $100, while others have no minimum.

If you fund the account with a debit card, American Express charges a small fee (typically $1 to $3) for that transaction, though this varies. ACH transfers from another bank account are free. Wire transfers are also free to receive, but your sending bank may charge you a fee on their end.

After your deposit clears, your account is fully active. You can order a debit card, set up direct deposit, and begin using the account. The debit card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if ChexSystems shows a problem

If you have unpaid overdrafts or a closed account flagged for fraud at another bank, ChexSystems will show it. American Express does not automatically reject you—instead, they may ask you to explain what happened. If the issue was an honest mistake or a dispute you have since resolved, you can write a brief explanation and submit it with your process.

American Express reviews these explanations on a case-by-case basis. Some people with ChexSystems issues are approved; others are declined. There is no way to know in advance. If you are declined, you can ask American Express for the specific reason, and you have the right to dispute inaccurate information on your ChexSystems report by contacting ChexSystems directly.

If you are declined by American Express, you may still be able to open a checking account at a credit union or a bank that does not use ChexSystems, though these are less common.

Monthly fees and account maintenance

American Express checking accounts come in different tiers, and the fee structure depends on which one you choose. Some accounts have no monthly fee regardless of balance. Others charge a monthly fee (typically $10 to $15) unless you maintain a minimum balance, usually between $500 and $1,500. A few accounts waive the fee if you set up direct deposit of at least a certain amount per month.

Read the fee schedule for the specific account you are opening before you fund it. The fee structure does not change after you open the account, but American Express can change it with advance notice. You will receive notification by mail or email if fees change.

Overdraft fees, if you go negative, are typically $35 per transaction. American Express also offers overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or credit line so that transfers happen automatically if you overdraw. This prevents the overdraft fee but may trigger a transfer fee instead, usually $1 to $3.

Debit card and online banking setup

Your American Express debit card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days of account opening. You can set up it online or by phone as soon as it arrives. The card works at any ATM that accepts Visa (American Express checking debit cards run on the Visa network), and you can use it for purchases anywhere Visa is accepted.

Online banking is available when ready after your account opens, even before your debit card arrives. You can log in to your American Express Bank account, transfer money between accounts, set up bill pay, and view your transaction history. The mobile app is available for iOS and Android and has the same features as the website.

You can also set up direct deposit right away. American Express will give you your routing number and account number during the account opening process, and you can provide these to your employer or benefits administrator to have paychecks or other deposits sent directly to your account.

State restrictions and account availability

American Express Bank does not offer accounts in all states. Some states have restrictions on which products are available, and a few states do not allow American Express Bank to operate at all. When you start the process, American Express will tell you whether accounts are available in your state. If they are not, you will not be able to proceed.

If you live in a state where American Express Bank does not operate, you will need to open a checking account at a different bank. Credit unions, online banks, and traditional banks all offer checking accounts, and the process process is similar—you will need an ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The process itself takes about five minutes. Identity verification takes another five minutes if you do a video call, or up to one business day if you upload documents. Once verified, your account opens when ready and you can fund it the same day. Your debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Can I open an account if I have been declined by other banks?

It depends on why you were declined. If another bank rejected you because of ChexSystems issues, American Express will see the same information and may also decline you. However, they review each case individually and may approve you if you provide an explanation. You can also dispute inaccurate information on your ChexSystems report.

What is the minimum opening deposit?

The minimum opening deposit varies by account type. Some American Express checking accounts require $100, while others have no minimum. The account details page will show the opening deposit requirement for the specific product you choose.

Can I fund my account with a credit card?

No. American Express only accepts funding from bank accounts (via ACH transfer), debit cards, or wire transfers. You cannot fund an American Express checking account with a credit card, including an American Express credit card.

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

You will not be able to open an American Express Bank checking account. You will need to open an account at a different bank, credit union, or online bank that operates in your state. The process process is similar at most institutions.