Add your AmEx savings account in three steps

Open the American Express mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, and select "Add Account." Choose "Link an existing account" rather than opening a new one. Enter your savings account number and routing number, then verify the account with two small deposits that AmEx will send to your bank within one to two business days. Once you see those deposits in your bank account, return to the app and enter the amounts to confirm ownership.

The entire process takes about five minutes to start, but you cannot use the account in the app until the verification deposits clear. Most people complete verification within three to five business days. If your bank is not immediately recognized by the app's system, you may need to enter your bank's name and account details manually instead of using the auto-fill feature.

After verification, your savings account will appear alongside any other American Express accounts you hold. You can then transfer money between your AmEx savings account and linked external accounts, set up automatic transfers, and view your balance and transaction history directly in the app.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your savings account number and routing number before you start, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
  • American Express sends two small verification deposits to your bank account, and you must enter those amounts in the app to prove you own the account.
  • Verification typically takes three to five business days, during which you cannot yet transfer money through the app.
  • Once linked, you can transfer funds, set up recurring transfers, and monitor your balance without leaving the American Express app.

What information you need before you start

Gather your savings account details before opening the app. You will need your account number and routing number. Both appear on the bottom left of any check from your bank. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account settings, or a section labeled "routing number" or "bank information." Some banks display this information on the account overview page; others hide it under a menu.

Write down both numbers exactly as they appear. A single digit wrong will cause the verification to fail, and you will have to start over. If you are unsure which number is which, your bank's customer service line can confirm both in under a minute.

How the verification deposits work

After you enter your account details in the app, American Express deposits two small amounts—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each—into your bank account. These deposits arrive within one to two business days and appear in your bank's transaction history with a reference code. You do not need to do anything when they arrive; simply note the two amounts.

Return to the American Express app within 10 days and enter both deposit amounts in the verification screen. The app will confirm that the amounts match and unlock your linked account. If you miss the 10-day window, you will need to request new verification deposits, which restarts the one- to two-day wait.

If the deposits do not arrive after three business days, check that your bank accepted them. Some banks flag small deposits as suspicious and hold them temporarily. Contact your bank's customer service to confirm the deposits posted, then check the app again. If your bank rejected the deposits, you may need to re-enter your account information or contact American Express support to troubleshoot.

Transferring money once your account is linked

Once verification is complete, you can move money between your AmEx savings account and any linked external bank account. In the app, tap "Transfer" and choose whether you are sending money to or from your savings account. Select the linked account you want to transfer from or to, enter the amount, and confirm.

Transfers to your external bank account typically arrive within one to three business days. Transfers from your external bank account to your AmEx savings account may take one to two business days. Weekend and holiday transfers process on the next business day. The app will show you the expected arrival date before you confirm the transfer.

You can also set up recurring transfers—for example, moving $100 to your savings account every payday. In the transfer screen, look for an option to repeat the transfer and choose the frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc.). The app will execute the transfer automatically on the schedule you set.

Troubleshooting a failed link

If the app rejects your account number or routing number, double-check both for typos. Copy them directly from your check or bank website rather than typing from memory. If they are correct and the app still rejects them, your bank may not be in the system yet or may use a different routing number for ACH transfers than for checks.

Contact your bank and ask for the ACH routing number specifically—this is different from the check routing number on some accounts. Enter the ACH routing number instead. If that does not work, call American Express customer service and provide both numbers; they can often link the account manually or tell you whether your bank is currently supported.

If verification deposits arrive but you cannot see them in your bank account, log into your bank's website rather than checking the mobile app—some banks delay mobile notifications by a day. If they still do not appear after three business days, contact your bank to confirm they received the deposits from American Express. Your bank can tell you whether the deposits were accepted, rejected, or are still pending.

Removing or unlinking an account

To remove a linked savings account from the app, open the menu, select "Manage Accounts," find the account you want to remove, and tap "Unlink" or "Remove." The app will ask you to confirm. Once you unlink the account, you cannot transfer money to or from it through the app, but the account itself remains open at your bank and is unaffected.

If you want to re-link the same account later, you will need to go through the verification process again—the app will send new verification deposits and ask you to confirm the amounts. This takes another three to five business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link multiple bank accounts to my AmEx savings account?

Yes. You can link as many external bank accounts as you want. In the app, repeat the "Add Account" process for each account. Each one requires its own verification deposits, so stagger them if you are linking several at once to avoid confusion.

What if I enter the wrong verification amounts?

The app will tell you the amounts do not match and will not unlock the account. You have 10 days to enter the correct amounts. If you miss the window or cannot find the deposits, request new verification deposits from the app and wait another one to two business days for them to arrive.

Do the verification deposits cost me money?

No. The deposits are free and are meant to be kept in your account. American Express does not charge you to send them or ask you to return them. Your bank may not charge you either, but confirm with your bank if you have a minimum balance requirement—the deposits count toward that minimum.

Can I link a savings account from a different bank?

Yes. You can link a savings account from any U.S. bank that supports ACH transfers. The process is the same regardless of which bank holds the account. If your bank is very small or regional, it may not be recognized by the app's auto-fill system, but you can still link it by entering the details manually.

What happens if I close my linked bank account?

Your linked account will remain in the app, but transfers will fail because the account no longer exists. Remove the account from the app and link a new one if you open a new account at the same bank or switch banks. American Express will not automatically detect that the account is closed.