Pros
- Robust digital banking platform
- High interest rates on savings accounts and CDs
- Earn rewards on debit card purchases through the checking account; potential for attractive checking account bonuses
- Low minimum deposit requirement
- Strong selection of credit card options
- 24/7 customer support via phone
Cons
- Checking account is only available to Consumer Card Members who have held a card for at least three months
About American Express National Bank
American Express National Bank is an online-only institution that provides competitive savings and checking accounts, along with certificates of deposit (CDs) offering above-average interest rates. The checking account also offers rewards on purchases, though it is only available to individuals who have held an American Express card for at least 35 days.
For current American Express cardholders, the bank offers the convenience of managing various financial accounts in one place. While American Express National Bank does not offer a money market account, its range of high-yield products, including CDs and both checking and savings accounts, makes it a solid option for consolidating your banking needs under a single platform.
Products and Services
Savings
As of 02/21/2025, the savings account offers a competitive 3.70% APY (annual percentage yield), putting it on par with other online banking options. There are no monthly fees, minimum opening deposit requirements, or balance restrictions to earn this rate.
Funding the savings savings account can be done by linking an existing bank account, setting up direct deposit, maiingl a check to the bank’s Salt Lake City office, or depositing a check via the mobile app. Please note that American Express does not accept cash deposits.
Certificates of deposit
American Express offers attractive CD rates, including a 3.75% APY on a 60-month term. While many banks require a significant deposit to open a certificate of deposit, American Express stands out by having no minimum balance requirement to open a CD.
Checking
The Rewards Checking Account, also known as Amex Rewards Checking, is available exclusively to individuals who have had an American Express credit card for at least 35 days. This new checking account offers a competitive 1.00% APY on all balances, placing it in line with other top rewards checking accounts. It requires no minimum deposit to open, and there are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Account holders can access ATMs within the MoneyPass and Allpoint networks, though cash deposits are not supported.
In addition to earning interest on your balance, the Rewards Checking Account lets you earn one rewards point for every $2 spent on eligible purchases with your debit card. These points can be redeemed as a deposit into your checking account. If your American Express credit card is linked to the Membership Rewards program, you can also redeem your debit card points for the same redemption options available with your credit card. This includes travel bookings, hotel and restaurant gift cards, as well as purchases from retailers like Best Buy, Rite Aid, Amazon, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Fees
Monthly Maintenance Fee
Whether you’ll incur monthly service fees with American Express depends on the specific product you choose. Many of American Express’s banking options, including its checking and savings accounts, come with no monthly service fees, making them a great choice for avoiding bank charges. However, if you have an American Express credit card, there may be an annual fee associated with it.
Overdraft Fee
American Express does not charge overdraft fees on its checking accounts because it does not allow overdrawing. In contrast, some of the best banks for overdraft protection let you overdraw your account but still avoid charging overdraft fees.
ATM Fees
American Express provides access to over 70,000 ATMs within the Allpoint and MoneyPass networks, allowing you to avoid ATM fees. However, the bank does not reimburse fees for using out-of-network ATMs. In contrast, some of the best banks for avoiding ATM fees offer monthly reimbursements for out-of-network ATM charges.
Customer Support
American Express provides 24/7 customer service for most of its banking products. While some products may not have round-the-clock phone support, they typically offer extensive hours, including weekend availability. If you anticipate needing assistance during off-hours, it’s a good idea to check the customer service hours for the specific product you’re interested in to ensure they align with your schedule.
Bottomline
While American Express is widely recognized for its credit cards, customers can also open accounts with American Express National Bank, an FDIC-insured institution. The bank offers a savings account with a solid annual percentage yield (APY), along with attractive certificates of deposit (CDs). Additionally, there is a rewards checking account that provides a strong interest rate, but it is only available to American Express® Card Members, and cash deposits are not supported.