The basic steps to close your account

To close an American Express business checking account, you contact American Express directly by phone, settle any outstanding balance, and request account closure. The process typically takes a few business days to complete. You will need your account number and business information on hand when you call.

American Express does not offer online account closure for business checking, so a phone call is required. Once you initiate closure, the bank will walk you through any remaining steps, such as stopping automatic payments or transfers linked to the account.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact American Express business customer service by phone to request closure — this cannot be done online or by mail.
  • Pay any remaining balance on the account before closure is finalized.
  • Update or cancel any automatic payments, direct deposits, or transfers tied to the account before closing.
  • Request written confirmation of closure once the process is complete.
  • Allow several business days for the account to fully close after your request.

Before you call: what to prepare

Gather your account number, which appears on your checks or statements. Have your business tax ID or Social Security number ready, depending on how the account is registered. If multiple people have authority over the account, know whether all owners need to consent to closure or if one authorized person can request it.

Review your recent statements to identify any automatic payments, recurring transfers, or direct deposits connected to the account. These need to be redirected or canceled before closure. Make a list of which payments or deposits you need to move to another account, and have the new account details ready if you are moving them elsewhere.

Settling your balance and outstanding items

If your account has a negative balance (money owed), you must pay it before American Express will close the account. If the account is in good standing with a zero balance, you can proceed directly to closure.

Check whether any pending transactions, checks, or transfers are still processing. American Express may hold the account open until these clear. Ask the representative how long pending items typically take to settle, and whether you need to wait or if closure can proceed once you authorize payment of any outstanding balance.

Redirecting automatic payments and deposits

Before closing, contact any vendors or employers who send payments to this account. Provide them with your new account number if you are moving to a different bank, or let them know the account is closing if you no longer need that payment.

For payroll deposits, notify your payroll department or accountant with your new banking information. For automatic bill payments, log into each vendor's website or call them directly to update your payment method. This step prevents missed payments or bounced transactions after your account closes.

What happens to checks and debit cards

Once you request closure, American Express will deactivate your business debit card. Stop using it when ready to avoid declined transactions. Any checks you have printed for this account will no longer work after closure is finalized.

If you have unused checks, you do not need to return them — they will straightforward become invalid. However, if you have a large supply of checks, you may want to destroy them to prevent accidental use or fraud. American Express does not require you to return checks or cards, but confirming this with the representative ensures there are no surprises.

Getting confirmation and timing

Ask the American Express representative for a confirmation number and request written confirmation of closure. This documentation protects you if there are questions later about whether the account was properly closed. The representative may email or mail this confirmation, or you may be able to print it during the call.

Account closure typically takes three to five business days after your request. During this time, the account remains open but inactive. Once closure is complete, you will no longer be able to access the account online or by phone. If you need to verify closure, you can call American Express customer service and reference your confirmation number.

If you are closing due to inactivity or fees

American Express may close accounts that show no activity for an extended period, though the bank will typically notify you before doing so. If you are closing because of monthly fees or service charges, ask the representative whether a different account type might better suit your business needs before finalizing closure.

If you have been charged fees you believe were incorrect, mention this during your closure call. The representative may review recent charges and reverse some fees as a courtesy, though this is not may provide. It is worth asking, especially if the fees contributed to your decision to close.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account online or by email?

No. American Express requires you to close a business checking account by phone. You will need to call their business customer service line with your account number and business information ready.

What if I have a pending check that has not cleared yet?

Tell the American Express representative about the pending check. The account may need to stay open until it clears, or the bank may allow closure with the understanding that the check will be honored even after closure. Confirm the timeline with the representative.

Do I have to pay a fee to close the account?

American Express does not typically charge a fee to close a business checking account. However, confirm this with the representative when you call, as policies can vary by account type or region.

How long does it take for the account to fully close?

Most accounts close within three to five business days after you request closure. This allows time for pending transactions to clear and for the bank's systems to process the closure. Ask for a specific timeline when you call.

What should I do with my old checks after the account closes?

You do not need to return old checks to American Express. Once the account closes, any checks written on it will be rejected if someone tries to cash them. You can destroy them or keep them for your records — the choice is yours.