American Express does not offer a traditional business checking account

American Express does not have a business checking account product. The company operates primarily as a card issuer and does not hold deposits or offer checking services through a bank account. If you are looking for a business checking account, you will need to open one at a separate bank — either a traditional institution like Chase or Bank of America, or an online bank like Mercury or Brex.

American Express does offer business credit cards and charge cards, which function differently from checking accounts. A credit card lets you carry a balance and pay interest; a charge card requires you to pay the full statement balance each month. Neither replaces the need for a checking account where you deposit money, write checks, or set up automatic bill payments.

If you already use American Express for business spending, you can still maintain a checking account elsewhere. Many business owners use both — a checking account for payroll, bills, and cash flow, and an American Express card for tracked business expenses and rewards.

Key Takeaways

  • American Express does not offer business checking accounts or any deposit products.
  • You will need to open a business checking account at a bank separate from American Express.
  • American Express business cards and charge cards are payment tools, not checking accounts, and do not replace the need for a bank account.
  • You can use an American Express business card alongside a checking account at another bank for different purposes.

What American Express business products actually do

American Express offers business credit cards and charge cards designed to track spending and earn rewards. These cards let you make purchases on behalf of your business, and the charges appear on a monthly statement. The key difference between them and a checking account is that they do not hold your money — they are tools for spending money you already have.

A business credit card from American Express lets you carry a balance month to month and pay interest on what you owe. A charge card requires you to pay the full balance when the statement closes, usually within 30 days. Neither product gives you a debit card, check-writing ability, or a place to deposit customer payments or payroll.

American Express also offers corporate payment solutions and virtual card numbers for larger businesses, but these are still payment tools, not accounts where money sits.

Where to open a business checking account instead

You have two main routes: traditional banks and online banks. Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all offer business checking accounts. They typically require a minimum deposit to open, charge monthly fees unless you meet balance or deposit requirements, and offer in-person service at branches.

Online banks like Mercury, Brex, Wise, and Novo have lower or no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and faster account opening — often within hours. They do not have physical branches, so all service happens through an app or website. Some online banks are designed specifically for small businesses and startups and offer features like automated expense categorization or integration with accounting software.

Your choice depends on whether you need in-person service, how much you want to pay in fees, and what features matter to your business. If you already bank with a large institution, opening a business account there may be simpler because you can do it online or in a branch you already use.

How to use American Express alongside a business checking account

Open your business checking account at a bank first. This is where you will deposit revenue, pay yourself, and cover operating expenses. Then apply for an American Express business card or charge card separately. Use the American Express card for specific business expenses you want to track — travel, client entertainment, software subscriptions, or supplies — and pay the monthly statement from your checking account.

This setup gives you two benefits: a place to hold and move money (the checking account), and a way to track and earn rewards on spending (the American Express card). Your checking account handles cash flow; your American Express card handles expense tracking and rewards.

When you receive customer payments, invoices, or loans, they go into your checking account, not to American Express. When you need to pay bills, payroll, or rent, you pay from your checking account. The American Express card is a layer on top for specific spending categories.

What you cannot do without a checking account

You cannot deposit money into an American Express card or account. You cannot receive ACH transfers, wire transfers, or checks into American Express. You cannot set up automatic bill payments from American Express to pay your vendors or landlord. You cannot write checks against an American Express account. You cannot use American Express for payroll processing.

These are all functions that require a bank account with deposit-taking authority. American Express is a card issuer, not a bank that accepts deposits. If your business needs any of these functions — and most do — you must have a checking account elsewhere.

The difference between a card and a checking account

A checking account is a place where money lives. You deposit money into it, and the bank holds it. You can withdraw it, transfer it, or authorize payments from it. The bank pays you interest on some accounts (though business checking rarely does) and charges you fees for services. Your money is insured by the FDIC up to $250,000.

A credit or charge card is a payment tool. It does not hold money. When you use it, you are borrowing from the card issuer, and you pay them back later. The card issuer reports your spending to credit bureaus, and you earn rewards or points based on what you spend. There is no FDIC insurance because there is no deposit.

You need both for a functioning business: a checking account to manage cash flow, and a card to track and optimize spending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an American Express card to pay my business bills?

Yes, you can use an American Express business card to pay vendors, suppliers, and service providers that accept American Express. However, you will need a checking account to pay the American Express bill itself each month. The card is a spending tool; the checking account is where the money comes from.

Does American Express offer any account where I can deposit money?

No. American Express is not a bank and does not hold deposits. It issues cards only. If you need a place to deposit customer payments, payroll, or business revenue, you must open an account at a bank or credit union.

Can I get a debit card from American Express?

American Express does not issue debit cards. It issues credit cards and charge cards only. If you need a debit card for your business, you will get one when you open a checking account at a bank.

What if I only want to use American Express and not a checking account?

You cannot run a business on a credit card alone. You will not be able to receive deposits, pay most bills, or process payroll. You need a checking account for basic business operations. You can use American Express for spending, but it cannot replace a bank account.

Do I need a business checking account to get an American Express business card?

No. You can apply for an American Express business card without having a business checking account. However, you will need to open one eventually to pay the card bill and handle basic business finances. Most business owners open a checking account first, then apply for cards.