Withdrawals work through your linked bank account or a debit card

American Express Bank savings accounts don't come with a debit card or checkbook. To withdraw money, you transfer it to an external bank account you've already linked to your Amex savings account, or you use an American Express debit card if you hold one through a separate Amex product. The transfer itself takes one to three business days, depending on your bank's processing speed.

You can also withdraw cash at an ATM if you have an American Express debit card connected to a checking account with Amex Bank. Not all ATMs accept Amex cards — you'll have the best luck at ATMs in the Allpoint network, which includes machines at CVS, Walgreens, and many grocery stores. Check the Amex website or app to find participating ATMs near you.

Key Takeaways

  • Transfers from an Amex savings account to an external bank account take one to three business days and require that account to be linked first.
  • You can initiate transfers through the American Express mobile app, the website, or by calling customer service at the number on your account statement.
  • American Express Bank savings accounts have no monthly withdrawal limit, but some transfers may be delayed if Amex flags them as unusual activity.
  • ATM withdrawals are only possible if you also hold an American Express debit card or checking account; a savings account alone does not give you ATM access.
  • Transfers initiated after 5 p.m. ET on a weekday or on weekends may not process until the next business day.

How to link an external bank account for transfers

Before you can move money out of your Amex savings account, you need to add the receiving bank account to your profile. Log into your American Express account online or through the mobile app, go to the Transfers section, and select "Add a new account." You'll enter the routing number and account number from your external bank.

American Express will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into that account within one to two business days. You'll then need to confirm those deposit amounts in your Amex account to complete the link. Once verified, you can transfer money to that account when ready.

If you're adding an account at the same bank where you already have an Amex account, the verification may happen faster — sometimes within hours. If you're linking an account at a different bank, allow two to three business days for the verification deposits to arrive.

Initiating a transfer through the app or website

Open the American Express app or log into amex.com, navigate to your savings account, and select "Transfer funds" or "Move money." Choose the external account you want to send money to from your linked accounts list. Enter the amount and confirm the transfer date.

Transfers requested before 5 p.m. ET on a business day typically process the same day or the next business day. If you request a transfer after 5 p.m. ET or on a weekend, it will be queued for the next business day. The receiving bank then takes one to two additional business days to post the money to your account, depending on their processing schedule.

Keep a record of the confirmation number provided after you submit the transfer. If the money doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, you'll need this number to contact American Express customer service.

Withdrawing cash at an ATM with an Amex debit card

If you have an American Express debit card or a checking account with American Express Bank, you can withdraw cash at ATMs in the Allpoint network. This network includes over 55,000 ATMs worldwide, with heavy coverage at drugstores, supermarkets, and convenience stores in the United States.

To find an ATM, use the Allpoint locator on the American Express website or search "Allpoint ATM" in your phone's app store. Enter your location, and the map will show you nearby machines. There is no fee for using an Allpoint ATM with your Amex debit card. Using an ATM outside the Allpoint network may result in a fee charged by that ATM operator, which Amex may or may not reimburse depending on your account type.

ATM withdrawals are when ready — the cash comes out and your account balance updates right away. This is different from a transfer, which takes several business days.

What happens if a transfer is delayed or flagged

American Express may hold a transfer for review if the amount is unusually large compared to your account history, if the receiving account is brand new, or if the transfer pattern looks different from your normal activity. This review typically takes 24 to 48 hours, after which the transfer either goes through or Amex contacts you to confirm it's legitimate.

If Amex contacts you, answer the call or respond to the message promptly. They may ask you to verify the receiving account, confirm the amount, or provide a reason for the transfer. Once you confirm, the transfer usually processes within a few hours.

If you need the money urgently and a transfer is delayed, consider whether you have access to an ATM with an Amex debit card instead. ATM withdrawals are not subject to the same review process and give you cash when ready.

Limits and restrictions on withdrawals

American Express Bank savings accounts do not have a monthly limit on the number of transfers you can make. You can withdraw as much as your account balance allows, as often as you want. This is different from some traditional savings accounts, which historically limited withdrawals to six per month (though this rule has become less common).

The only practical limit is the amount of money in your account. If you try to transfer or withdraw more than your balance, the transaction will be declined. Additionally, if your account has a hold placed on it due to a dispute, fraud investigation, or account closure, Amex may block withdrawals temporarily.

Check your account agreement or contact American Express directly if you're unsure whether any restrictions explore to your specific account type.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take money to show up after I request a transfer?

American Express processes the transfer within one business day of your request. Your external bank then takes one to two additional business days to post the funds. In total, expect three to four business days from request to arrival, though it may be faster if both banks process quickly.

Can I withdraw money by phone or mail?

You cannot withdraw money by phone or mail directly from an Amex savings account. You must initiate a transfer to a linked external account through the app, website, or by calling customer service to request a transfer on your behalf. The money will then be sent to that account.

What if I don't have a linked external bank account yet?

You'll need to add one before you can transfer money out. The process takes one to three business days for verification. If you need cash when ready, check whether you have an American Express debit card that gives you ATM access instead.

Is there a fee for transferring money out of my Amex savings account?

American Express does not charge a fee for transfers from your savings account to a linked external account. However, your external bank may charge a fee for receiving transfers, depending on your account type with them. Check with your bank about their policies.

What should I do if a transfer doesn't arrive after five business days?

Contact American Express customer service with your transfer confirmation number. They can investigate whether the transfer was processed on their end and, if so, help you contact your external bank to locate the funds. Keep the confirmation number and the date you requested the transfer.