American Express Business Checking 2024 Review: High APY and Membership Rewards

Our verdict

American Express Business Checking offers an impressive combination of no fees, competitive interest rates, and valuable Membership Rewards, making it a great choice for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a fully digital banking solution.

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Daniel Johnson
Author
Daniel Johnson
fact checked
July 17, 2024
last updated
products
  • Business Checking Account: High APY and Membership Rewards with no monthly fees.
  • Business Credit Cards: Includes various options with different reward structures.
  • Business Line of Credit: Flexible financing for small to medium-sized businesses.
  • fees and rates

    Business Checking Account Fees:

    • No monthly fees.
    • $25 for outgoing domestic wires.
    • No fees for ACH transactions and incoming wires.

    Interest Rates:

    • 1.30% APY on checking account balances up to $500,000.
    Customer reviews

    Overall Satisfaction:

    • Generally positive, with high ratings for interest rates and rewards.

    Common Praises:

    • High APY, no fees, excellent customer service.

    Common Complaints:

    • No cash deposit options and limited international wire capabilities.
    Explore More

    This review covers the American Express Business Checking account's features, services, and overall performance in 2024. American Express, a long-standing financial services company established in 1850, is renowned for its credit cards and customer service. Recently, it has expanded its offerings to include business checking accounts, providing interest-bearing accounts with rewards points and no monthly fees.

    Overview of Products and Services

    Business Checking Accounts:

    • Key Features: No monthly fees, 1.30% APY on balances up to $500,000, and no minimum balance requirements.
    • Fees and Requirements: No fees for incoming wires, ACH transactions, or ATM use within the MoneyPass and Allpoint networks. Outgoing domestic wires cost $25, and there are no options for cash deposits.

    Savings Accounts and CDs:

    • Not available.

    Loans and Credit:

    • Offers business credit cards and lines of credit.

    Merchant Services:

    • Integrates with payment solutions such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Xero for seamless financial management.

    Other Financial Services:

    • Includes expense management tools and invoicing through American Express Payment Solutions.

    Product Details

    American Express Business Checking Account:

    • Monthly Fees: None.
    • APY: 1.30% on balances up to $500,000.
    • Minimum Balance Requirements: None.
    • Transaction Limits: None for standard transactions.
    • Online and Mobile Banking: User-friendly digital platforms with the American Express Business Blueprint™ app.
    • ATM Access: Free at MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs.
    • Deposits and Transfers: Free ACH and incoming wires; $25 for outgoing domestic wires.

    Additional Services:

    • Overdraft Protection: Not specified.
    • Integrated Services: Integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks.
    • Customer Support: 24/7 via phone and online chat.

    And that's not Everything

    Features Overview

    Competitive Interest Rates

    American Express Business Checking offers a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) of 1.30% on balances up to $500,000. This high interest rate allows businesses to earn significant returns on their checking account balances, which is considerably higher than many traditional business checking accounts​

    No Monthly Fees

    The account features no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no fees for standard transactions such as incoming wires and ACH transfers. This fee-free structure is particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses looking to minimize banking costs​

    Membership Rewards Points

    American Express Business Checking allows account holders to earn Membership Rewards points on eligible debit card purchases. These points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, and other rewards, adding significant value for businesses that already benefit from American Express's renowned rewards program​

    pros
  • High APY on checking accounts.
  • No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
  • Earn Membership Rewards on eligible debit card purchases.
  • Extensive ATM network with no fees.
  • Cons
  • No support for cash deposits.
  • No outgoing international wire transfers.
  • user experience

    Account Opening Process:

    • Simple online process with basic business information required.
    • Typically quick approval times.

    Daily Management:

    • Efficient management through the American Express Business Blueprint™ app, which provides a consolidated view of all American Express products.

    Customer Service:

    • 24/7 support via phone and online chat.

    Security Features:

    • FDIC insurance up to $500,000 through Coastal Community Bank, providing high levels of deposit security.
    Explore More

    Account Opening Process:

    • Simple online process with basic business information required.
    • Typically quick approval times.

    Daily Management:

    • Efficient management through the American Express Business Blueprint™ app, which provides a consolidated view of all American Express products.

    Customer Service:

    • 24/7 support via phone and online chat.

    Security Features:

    • FDIC insurance up to $500,000 through Coastal Community Bank, providing high levels of deposit security.

    Technology and Innovation

    Digital Banking Platforms:

    • Intuitive and feature-rich online and mobile banking platforms.

    Innovative Features:

    • Earn Membership Rewards points on debit card purchases.
    • Consolidated financial management through the Business Blueprint™ app.

    Integration Capabilities:

    • Seamless integration with QuickBooks, NetSuite, and other accounting tools.

    Conclusion

    Summary: American Express Business Checking offers a high-yield, fee-free business checking account with valuable Membership Rewards, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking for a fully digital banking experience.

    Comparative Analysis: Competitive with other fintech banks like Bluevine and Brex, offering higher interest rates and no fees, though limited in cash handling options.

    Final Assessment: Highly recommended for businesses seeking high interest rates, no fees, and rewards points, though it may not suit those needing cash handling services.

    Recommendation: Consider American Express Business Checking for a fee-free, high-yield account with excellent digital tools and rewards, especially if you are already an American Express cardholder.

    Additional Information

    Disclaimers: Terms and conditions may change; check American Express’s website for the latest information.

    What are your options?

    Top 3 Alternatives

    Bluevine

    Offers a business checking account with 2.00% APY on balances up to $100k and supports cash deposits through Green Dot locations

    Mercury Bank

    Ideal for startups, tech companies, and e-commerce businesses that require a no-fee, digital-first banking solution with robust online tools and high FDIC insurance

    Novo

    Provides a fee-free business checking account with free ATM use, but also supports cash deposits through third-party services