American Express Business Checking offers a smooth digital experience, making it ideal if you have an online, cashless business. I also recommend it if you’re an existing Amex Business Card customer, as it provides integrated rewards features and a clean, mobile-friendly experience. Its 24/7 support also adds value.
If you’re a freelancer, tech consultant, or early-stage startup, it’s a smart, interest-earning alternative to traditional banks. Backed by FDIC insurance and issued by American Express National Bank, the account combines modern digital convenience with the longstanding trust of the Amex brand.
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| My take | American Express Business Checking is a smart choice if you're a startup or small business operating digitally and wanting to maximize cash flow while avoiding traditional banking fees. While it lacks features like cash deposits or international wire transfers, it more than makes up for those with high APY and no monthly fees. |
| My rating | 4.5/5 |
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Is American Express Business Checking right for you
Whether you are already an Amex business cardholder or looking for your first digital banking account, I recommend the account as a strong fit if you are a startup, a freelancer, an e-commerce seller, and an Amex cardholder who doesn’t deal with cash and doesn’t need international wire transfers or in-branch support. It offers rare value with strong yield and excellent customer service. However, if you need cash handling or wire transfer capability, you may want to consider alternatives like Chase or U.S. Bank.
How American Express Business Checking compares with competitors
| American Express Business Checking | ||||
| Chase Business Complete Banking | ||||
| U.S. Bank Business Essentials | ||||
| Mercury Business Checking | ||||
| Novo Business Checking | ||||
| Found Business Checking |
American Express Business Checking reviews from customers
As of this writing, there is limited discussion on Reddit forums. This could be due to the account’s relatively recent introduction or niche appeal.
Here are some common sentiments from the App Store, Google Play, and general commentary online from American Express Business Checking users:
- No monthly fees: Many appreciate that the account doesn’t charge monthly maintenance fees, making it cost-effective for small businesses.
- High-yield interest: The competitive interest rates offered are often highlighted as a significant advantage over traditional business checking accounts.
- Integration with Amex products: Businesses already using Amex products find value in the seamless integration across services.
- Limited physical presence: Some note the lack of physical branches, which can be a drawback for those handling cash deposits or preferring in-person banking.
- Customer service inconsistencies: While Amex is known for strong service on the credit card side, some business checking customers have noted slow response times and difficulty resolving issues, particularly during the onboarding process.
- Mobile app issues (especially on Android): There are reports of crashes, login problems, and limited features.
Overall, it seems like a solid option if you run a digital-first business looking to maximize interest and avoid fees. However, it’s less ideal if you rely on cash deposits or prefer face-to-face banking.
Key features of American Express Business Checking
The account offers a focused suite of tools and benefits that suit digital entrepreneurs, freelancers, and growing startups.
No monthly fees and minimum balance
With no maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements, American Express Business Checking helps your startup or small business keep more of its money working. Every dollar stays where it matters most: in your business.
High-yield interest rate
The account offers a competitive 1.30% APY on balances up to $500,000. That is significantly higher than the national average for business checking accounts, which typically earn 0.01% or nothing. Few providers offer comparable rates, making this a standout feature if your business is looking to grow idle funds while keeping them accessible.
Business debit card, plus Membership Rewards
You get a debit card that earns 1 Membership Rewards point for every $2 spent on eligible purchases . If you’re a new user, you can earn a 30,000-point bonus by meeting deposit and transaction requirements. If you also have an Amex Business Card, you can combine and redeem points, including depositing them into your checking account as cash, making it easier to manage and maximize rewards across accounts.
Easy integration with business tools
American Express Business Checking offers reliable file exports for QuickBooks and other accounting software, along with compatibility with a range of financial tools. While it may not offer extensive third-party integrations, it still provides smooth syncing that supports the back-end operations of your startup or remote team, especially if you’re already using Amex products and services.
Startup-friendly design
The account is built for startups, offering a fully digital setup, quick account opening, and a clean, intuitive interface. With no branches or paperwork, I recommend it for remote teams and founders who prefer managing finances online. Its simplicity and tools like mobile check deposit and real-time tracking support fast-moving businesses that value speed and efficiency.
Would I use American Express Business Checking
4.5/5
If I were a small business owner seeking a no-fee, interest-earning checking account with strong digital support, I’d find American Express Business Checking highly appealing. I recommend it for its combination of 1.30% APY, zero monthly maintenance fees, and clean online user experience.
One standout feature is its integration with Amex Business Cards, allowing you to redeem Membership Rewards directly into your checking account. If your business relies on managing cash flow digitally — like freelancers, tech consultants, or remote-first startups — this account offers both flexibility and yield.
The limitations, however, are worth considering. There’s no support for cash deposits, and you can’t send international wire transfers, which may be a dealbreaker if your business handles cash or operates overseas. The account also lacks advanced budgeting tools or team banking features you might find in fintech platforms.
Still, for digital-native businesses with a cashless model, Amex’s offering delivers unmatched value on idle balances without charging a single monthly fee. If you prioritize interest earnings and monthly fee savings more than international wire access or cash handling, this is an excellent pick.
American Express Business Checking pros and cons
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My methodology
To evaluate American Express Business Checking, I focused on what matters most to small business owners and digital-first entrepreneurs, especially those who prioritize interest earnings and online functionality. Here’s how I approached this American Express Business Checking review:
- Fees and pricing transparency: I examined the account’s monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, and potential hidden charges. Since Amex advertises $0 fees, I verified this across ACH transfers, incoming wires, and ATM usage.
- Interest earnings: I looked at the 1.30% APY offering and compared it with industry averages and fintech competitors.
- ATM and access: While Amex is a digital-only bank, I reviewed its Allpoint and MoneyPass ATM access, its out-of-network fees, and how the lack of physical branches or cash deposit options impacts usability.
- Digital experience: I considered mobile app ratings and features, such as mobile check deposit, account linking, and rewards integration. App Store and Google Play review ratings were part of my assessment.
- Rewards and integrations: Given Amex’s unique value proposition, I evaluated the account’s integration with Amex Business Cards and its compatibility with business tools like QuickBooks.
All data is accurate as of June 2025. I recommend confirming current terms, rates, and bonus offers directly with American Express before opening an account.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can you deposit cash with American Express Business Checking?
No. Cash deposits are not supported.
How do you earn points with the debit card?
You earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $2 spent on eligible debit card purchases. If you also have an Amex Business Card, you can combine points and redeem them, such as depositing them into your checking account as cash.
Is American Express Business Checking legit?
Yes. It’s backed by American Express National Bank, FDIC-insured, and secure.
Does it work with PayPal, Stripe, etc.?
Yes. You can link it to payment processors, like PayPal, Stripe, and Square.
