Ever stared at a physical check in your hand, wondering how to get those funds into your American Express account? Whether it's a birthday gift, a tax refund, or payment for a service, depositing a check with American Express is simpler than you might think, especially with their modern banking solutions. Gone are the days of needing to find a physical Amex branch (because, let's be honest, those are rare!). Instead, American Express offers convenient ways to get your money where it needs to be.
Let's dive right in and explore the various methods to deposit a check to American Express. Ready to unlock the power of your Amex account?
The Ultimate Guide: How to Deposit a Check to American Express
American Express provides several options for depositing checks, primarily catering to their savings accounts (like the American Express® High Yield Savings Account) and checking accounts (like the American Express® Rewards Checking Account). While you cannot deposit a check directly into an American Express credit card, you can easily deposit funds into these linked banking products.
Step 1: Identify Your American Express Account Type
Before you do anything else, you need to know what kind of American Express account you're looking to deposit into. Are you trying to add funds to your:
American Express® High Yield Savings Account (HYSA)? This is a popular choice for growing your savings.
American Express® Rewards Checking Account? This is a newer offering for everyday banking.
American Express Serve® or Bluebird® Prepaid Debit Account? These are distinct prepaid card products with their own check deposit processes.
Knowing your account type is crucial as the exact steps and available methods can differ slightly. For this guide, we'll primarily focus on the HYSA and Rewards Checking accounts, and then briefly touch upon Serve and Bluebird.
Step 2: Choose Your Deposit Method
American Express offers two primary ways to deposit a check:
Mobile Check Deposit (Highly Recommended for Convenience)
Mail-In Check Deposit
Let's break down each method in detail.
Sub-heading: Option A: Mobile Check Deposit (The Fastest & Easiest Way!)
This is by far the most convenient method for depositing checks to your American Express Savings or Rewards Checking account. You can do it right from your smartphone or tablet using the Amex® App.
Step 2.1: Prepare Your Check for Mobile Deposit
Endorse Your Check Properly: This is a critical step and often the reason for rejected mobile deposits. On the back of the check, sign your name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line. Below your signature, write "For Mobile Deposit at AENB" (AENB stands for American Express National Bank). Without this specific endorsement, your deposit may be rejected.
Ensure Check Clarity: Make sure the check is not wrinkled, torn, or obscured in any way.
Good Lighting & Background: Find a well-lit area with a plain, dark background to take the pictures. This helps the app accurately capture all the check details.
Step 2.2: Open the Amex App & Navigate to Deposit
Download and Log In: If you haven't already, download the official American Express® App from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS). Log in to your account using your Amex User ID and password.
Select "Deposit Check": Once logged in, look for an option like "Deposit Check" or "Mobile Deposit" within your Savings or Rewards Checking account section. The exact wording and placement might vary slightly depending on the app version, but it's usually prominent.
Step 2.3: Capture Images of Your Check
Front of the Check: The app will guide you to position your phone's camera over the front of the endorsed check. Ensure all four corners are visible within the frame. The app may automatically snap the picture when it detects a clear image, or you might need to tap a camera icon.
Back of the Check: Once the front is captured, you'll be prompted to flip the check over and capture an image of the back (with your endorsement). Again, ensure all four corners are visible and the image is clear.
Step 2.4: Enter Deposit Details & Confirm
Enter Amount: Carefully enter the exact dollar amount of the check. Double-check this to avoid discrepancies.
Select Account: Choose the American Express Savings or Rewards Checking account where you want the funds deposited.
Review and Submit: Review all the details on the screen, including the images, amount, and selected account. Once you're confident everything is correct, tap "Submit" or "Deposit."
Step 2.5: What to Do After Submitting
Confirmation: You should receive an immediate confirmation within the app that your deposit is processing.
Keep the Check: Do NOT discard the physical check immediately. It's recommended to keep the check in a safe place until the funds are fully available in your account. Some banks recommend keeping it for up to 14 days, or until you see the full amount reflected in your available balance. Once confirmed, you can mark it "VOID" and shred it.
Sub-heading: Option B: Mail-In Check Deposit (For Traditionalists)
If mobile deposit isn't an option for you, or if you simply prefer the traditional method, you can mail your check to American Express National Bank.
Step 2.1: Prepare Your Check for Mail-In Deposit
Check Payable to You: The check must be payable to you. If you're writing a check to yourself from another account, ensure it's made out to you.
Endorse Your Check: Sign the back of the check.
Include Account Number: Crucially, write your American Express Savings or Rewards Checking account number clearly on the memo line of the check. This ensures the funds are credited to the correct account.
Date and Sign: Ensure the check is properly dated and signed by the check's issuer.
Step 2.2: Include a Deposit Slip (Optional, but Recommended)
While not strictly required if your account number is on the memo line, including a deposit slip can help ensure accurate processing. If you have an existing American Express Savings or Rewards Checking account, you may have received deposit slips with your account opening documents.
Step 2.3: Address Your Envelope
Mail your check to the following address:
American Express National Bank PO Box 30384 Salt Lake City, Utah 84130
Make sure to use a secure and reliable mailing service. Consider using certified mail for high-value checks for added peace of mind.
Step 3: Understanding Funds Availability
Once you've submitted your deposit, you'll naturally want to know when your money will be available. American Express has specific timelines for funds availability:
Sub-heading: Mobile Check Deposit Availability
Same Business Day Availability: If your mobile check deposit is submitted before 5:00 PM ET on a business day, the funds will generally appear in your account on the same day.
Next Business Day Availability: If your mobile check deposit is submitted after 5:00 PM ET or on a non-business day (like a weekend or holiday), the funds will be posted at the end of the following business day.
Potential Holds: While a portion of your deposit might be available quickly (e.g., $275), American Express, like other banks, reserves the right to place a hold on larger deposits. This is standard practice to verify the check's validity. If a hold is placed, you'll be notified of the full availability date.
Sub-heading: Mail-In Check Deposit Availability
Longer Processing Time: Funds from checks mailed to American Express generally become available for withdrawal on the 5th business day after American Express National Bank receives your check. This accounts for mail delivery time and processing.
Step 4: Special Considerations
Account Ownership: The check must be payable to you (the account holder). American Express may reject checks not made out to the primary account holder.
Check Types: American Express generally accepts personal checks, corporate/business checks, and cashier's checks. They typically do not accept checks you write to yourself for mobile deposit. However, you can mail a check you write to yourself.
Deposit Limits: American Express may have daily or monthly limits on mobile check deposits. For instance, some accounts may have a daily aggregate limit of $50,000 for check deposits. Refer to your specific account's terms and conditions or the Mobile Check Deposit Agreement for details.
No Cash Deposits: You cannot deposit cash directly into your American Express Savings or Rewards Checking account via ATM or physical branches, as American Express National Bank does not have retail locations. Cash would need to be deposited into another bank account first and then transferred to your Amex account.
Credit Cards: To reiterate, you cannot deposit a check directly to an American Express credit card to pay your bill or add a balance. Payments to credit cards are typically made via bank transfer, debit card, or money order.
Understanding American Express Serve® and Bluebird® Check Deposits
If you have an American Express Serve® or Bluebird® prepaid debit account, the process for depositing checks is similar to the mobile deposit method but operates through a service called Ingo® Money.
Mobile Check Capture by Ingo® Money: Both Serve and Bluebird apps offer this feature. You'll log into your respective app, go to "Money In," and select "Mobile Check Capture."
Endorsement: You'll sign the back of your check and capture images of the front and back.
Fund Availability Options:
Money in Minutes (Fee Applied): For a fee (e.g., 1% for payroll/government checks, 5% for other checks, with a $5 minimum), your funds can be available within minutes (typically 3-5 minutes, up to an hour). You'll be prompted to write "VOID" on the check and submit another picture.
Money in Days (No Fee): Funds are generally available in 10 days, provided the check is approved and not returned unpaid. You do not void the check immediately with this option.
Limits: Checks added via Ingo Money are typically subject to a $5,000 per day and $10,000 per month limit. There's also a minimum check amount (e.g., $20 for "Money in Minutes," $0.01 for "Money in Days").
Check Types: Similar to Amex banking accounts, checks must be made out to you, endorsed by you, and drawn on a U.S. bank account. Generally, checks you write to yourself are not accepted by Ingo Money.
10 Related FAQ Questions: How to Deposit a Check to American Express
These quick answers will help you navigate common questions about depositing checks to your American Express accounts.
How to endorse a check for American Express mobile deposit?
Sign your name on the back of the check, and below your signature, write "For Mobile Deposit at AENB".
How to find my American Express account number for a mail-in check deposit?
You can find your American Express Savings or Rewards Checking account number by logging into your account online or through the Amex® App in the "Account Management" or "My Profile" section.
How to check the status of my American Express check deposit?
For mobile deposits, you'll usually see an immediate confirmation in the Amex App. For both mobile and mail-in deposits, you can monitor your account activity within the app or online banking to see when the funds become available.
How to know when funds from my American Express check deposit will be available?
Mobile deposits made before 5:00 PM ET on a business day are usually available the same day. Mail-in deposits are generally available on the 5th business day after American Express receives the check. Always check your account for the exact availability.
How to avoid a hold on my American Express check deposit?
While American Express reserves the right to place holds, ensuring your check is properly endorsed, clear, and drawn on a valid U.S. bank account, and within deposit limits can help facilitate quicker processing.
How to deposit a check to my American Express credit card?
You cannot directly deposit a check to an American Express credit card. Checks are deposited into American Express banking accounts (Savings or Checking). To pay your credit card bill, you would transfer funds from your bank account or send a payment from another institution.
How to deposit cash to an American Express account?
You cannot deposit cash directly into American Express Savings or Rewards Checking accounts. You would need to deposit the cash into another bank account first, then transfer the funds to your American Express account.
How to deposit a check if I have an American Express Serve or Bluebird account?
You use the "Mobile Check Capture by Ingo® Money" feature within the Serve or Bluebird mobile apps. You can choose "Money in Minutes" (with a fee) for faster access or "Money in Days" (no fee) for standard processing.
How to resolve a rejected American Express mobile check deposit?
Common reasons for rejection include improper endorsement (missing "For Mobile Deposit at AENB"), poor image quality, or exceeding deposit limits. If rejected, you'll typically receive a notification from American Express outlining the reason, and you'll need to re-submit the check correctly or use another method.
How to find the daily deposit limits for American Express check deposits?
Deposit limits for American Express Savings and Rewards Checking accounts can be found in the Mobile Check Deposit Agreement or the Consumer Deposit Account Agreement, accessible through the American Express website or by contacting customer service. For Serve/Bluebird, limits are detailed in their respective user agreements.
