American Express Checking Review

Pros

• No monthly fees
• ATM access
• High-yield checking account
• Strong mobile app

Cons

• Available only to Amex cardholders
• No cash deposits
• Foreign transaction fees

What Is American Express Business Checking?

American Express is best known for its business credit cards, but it also offers online banking through American Express Business Checking. This account includes APY earnings, Membership Rewards on debit purchases, and a digital-first experience designed for small businesses.

Formerly known as Kabbage Checking, the account has evolved into part of American Express’s broader business banking platform. But how does it compare to the best business bank accounts available today? Let’s take a closer look.

Services Offered By American Express

Best known as a credit card issuer, American Express also offers a range of business financial products, including:

• Business checking
• Credit cards
• Corporate cards
• Lines of credit
• Payment processing

While it provides a strong range of financial products, its banking services are more limited than traditional banks and focus primarily on checking accounts.

Amex also offers a wide selection of business credit cards, including highly rated rewards options like the Blue Business Cash Card.

American Express Business Checking Rewards & Perks

American Express Business Checking includes several standout perks, including APY earnings, Membership Rewards points on debit card purchases, and a welcome bonus for eligible customers.

Amex offers 1.3% APY on balances up to $500K. This balance cap is significantly higher than other high-APY checking accounts.

You can also earn 1x points for every $2 you spend when using your Amex Business Checking debit card, which can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, and other rewards through American Express and its travel partners.

American Express Business Checking Pricing & Fees

American Express Business Checking keeps fees relatively low, with no monthly maintenance fees, standard ACH fees, or Amex ATM fees.

American Express Business Checking Eligibility Requirements

To apply for American Express Business Checking, you must be an existing American Express Basic Card Member with an eligible U.S. consumer or business card issued by American Express National Bank.

While Amex does not publish specific revenue or credit score requirements, the application process does consider business and financial information. The lack of publicly disclosed eligibility criteria may make it harder for some businesses to determine whether they qualify before applying.

Amex Business Checking Features

American Express Business Checking includes a solid range of standard banking features for small businesses, including accounting integrations, mobile banking tools, and nationwide ATM access through the Allpoint and MoneyPass networks.

While the account covers most everyday banking needs, it doesn’t support cash deposits and offers fewer built-in financial management tools than some competitors. Features like cash flow tracking and advanced reporting are not included.

Features include:

• Debit cards
• Physical checks & e-checks
• Nationwide ATM access
• Mobile apps
• Mobile check deposits
• Bill pay
• Direct deposit
• Unlimited transactions
• Accounting integrations

American Express Application Process

Applying for American Express Business Checking is free and can be completed entirely online. According to Amex, many applicants receive a decision in 10 minutes or less.

American Express stands out for its straightforward application process, fast approvals, and lack of opening deposit requirements.

American Express Sales & Advertising Transparency

American Express is generally transparent about its business checking product, including its fees, features, and application process. However, some customers report inconsistent support experiences and account service issues.

American Express Customer Service

Customer support has historically been a weak point for this account dating back to its time as Kabbage Checking, and some customer reviews still mention issues with responsiveness and account support.

While there are positive reviews from some customers, feedback about support experiences is mixed overall. Additionally, American Express offers fewer customer support channels and banking support features than some competitors.

American Express Business Checking User Reviews

American Express is a long-established financial company, though its business banking products are much newer than its credit card services. As a result, there are fewer reviews specifically focused on American Express Business Checking.

Reviews of the Business Checking mobile app are mixed, with some users praising the APY and ease of use, while others report issues with app reliability, mobile deposits, and customer support.

Negative American Express Business Checking Reviews & Complaints

• Limited accounting and eCommerce integrations
• Mobile deposit issues
• App reliability concerns
• Some complaints about support responsiveness

Positive American Express Business Checking Reviews

• Competitive APY
• Positive experiences from long-time Amex customers
• Some favorable customer service experiences

Is American Express Business Checking Safe?

American Express Business Checking is offered through American Express National Bank, Member FDIC. Deposits are FDIC-insured up to applicable limits.

American Express also uses security features such as fraud monitoring, account alerts, and online account protection to help safeguard customer accounts.

The Bottom Line: Is American Express Business Checking Worth It?

American Express Business Checking is a strong online banking option for small business owners who want low fees, APY earnings, and Membership Rewards perks. Existing Amex customers may especially benefit from keeping their banking and credit products within the same ecosystem.

That said, the account is not ideal for every business. It’s limited to eligible Amex cardholders, does not support cash deposits, and lacks some of the advanced financial tools offered by competitors. Reviews of the mobile app and customer support are also mixed.

Overall, it’s a good fit for businesses looking for a simple digital-first checking account, though businesses with more complex needs may want to explore additional options.

You can start with our list of the best free business bank accounts. If your business is a little larger or more complex, you might find a match on our list of the best business bank accounts for LLCs instead.