Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
American Express is offering an easy way to get $300 when you open a new American Express® Rewards Checking Account, plus a generous Membership Rewards® Points bonus with new American Express® Business Checking accounts.
Known for its portfolio of credit cards, American Express was founded as an express mail and shipping business in the 1850s. It introduced online savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) in 2008 and, in 2022, launched its first consumer checking account.
Find out about American Express' latest banking promotions — and learn how bonuses work — below.
American Express® Rewards Checking Account
Monthly maintenance fee
$0
Minimum opening deposit
$0
Minimum balance
$0
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
1.00%
Free ATM network
37,000+ MoneyPass® ATMs
ATM fee reimbursement
None
Overdraft fee
N/A
Terms apply.
Click here to view terms and conditions.
American Express Rewards Checking: Earn $300
How do you get the bonus? Open a new American Express Rewards Checking account and make at least $7,500 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 90 days of account opening.
When do you receive the bonus? According to American Express, it can take up to eight to 12 weeks for the welcome bonus to be deposited. You must keep your account open and in good standing.
What to know about this offer: Qualifying direct deposits include ACH transfers from an employer, government benefits (like Social Security) or a tax refund. Internal transfers, deposits from a savings account or from money transfer apps do not qualify. Customers with an existing Rewards Checking Account or who previously had a Rewards Checking Account are not eligible for this bonus.
What to know about Amex Rewards Checking: Amex Rewards Checking has no monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance requirement. Account holders earn 1.00% APY.
When does the offer expire? Feb. 2, 2027.
American Express® Business Checking
Special offer
Earn 30,000 Membership Rewards® points after qualifying activities.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
1.30% APY on balances up to $500,000
Monthly maintenance fee
None
Minimum opening deposit
$0
Minimum balance
$0
Free ATM network
More than 70,000 fee-free Allpoint® and MoneyPass® ATMs nationwide
ATM fee reimbursement
None
Small business perks
Enjoy fee-free digital banking and earn points on everyday debit card purchases
Overdraft fee
Does not approve transactions that exceed available balance
Terms apply.
Pros
- Competitive APY on balances up to $500,000
- Unlimited transactions
- No monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance requirement
- Earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $2 in eligible debit card purchases.
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks
- Around-the-clock customer service
Cons
- No physical branches for in-person banking
- No cash deposits or overdrafts
- Doesn't allow multiple co-owners on a single business account
American Express® Business Checking: Earn 30,000 Membership Rewards® points
How do you get the bonus? Open an American Express Business Checking account and:
- Deposit at least $5,000 within 30 days of account opening
- Maintain that balance for the next 60 days
- Complete at least five qualifying transactions within those 60 days
When do you receive the bonus? Your Membership Rewards points will be credited to your account within eight to 12 weeks of meeting the eligibility requirements. Your Business Checking account must still be open and in good standing.
What to know about this offer: Qualifying transactions include mobile deposits, online bill payments, ACH or wire transfers or check deposits by mail. Existing and former American Express® Business Checking account holders are not eligible for this bonus.
What to know about Amex Business Checking: Amex Business Checking has no monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement and offers 1.30% (Annual Percentage Yield) APY* on balances up to $500,000. You'll earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $2 in eligible debit card purchases. Points can be redeemed for cash back, travel, statement credits, gift cards and more.
When does the offer expire? There is no set expiration date for this offer.
American Express cards: As high as 200,000 Delta SkyMiles
Delta and American Express have new limited-time welcome bonuses for the co-branded Delta SkyMiles cards. Find out about all the Delta Amex offers here.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: As high as 80,000 bonus miles
Earn as high as 80,000 bonus miles plus a $250 statement credit with the Delta SkyMiles Gold card after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Apply to find out your offer. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Terms apply.
When does the offer expire? Nov. 4, 2026.
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card has the right mix of benefits if you occasionally fly with Delta, such as free checked bags, priority boarding and discounts.
- Earn up to $300 in travel credit every year
- First checked bag free for you and up to eight companions on eligible flights
- Discounts on eligible in-flight purchases and on Delta award flights (Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees).
- Annual fee after the first year
- Delta flight credit benefit has a high spending requirement to earn
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Apply and find out your welcome offer: As High As 80,000 Bonus Miles + Earn a $250 Statement Credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum welcome offer amount. Offer ends 11/04/2026.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after your first Card renewal when you use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
- When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, you can earn: 2X miles on Delta Purchases, 2X miles at restaurants, 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets, 1X miles on all other eligible purchases. Every mile you earn brings you closer to the places you want to go. Turn them into your next trip, use them for seat upgrades, and more.
- Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get your second bag free when flying domestically.
- $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- Send money, split purchases, and focus on the moments that matter – with Send & Split®. Powered by Venmo and PayPal. Enrollment Required. Terms apply.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: As high as 90,000 bonus miles
Earn as high as 90,000 bonus miles and a $300 statement credit with the Delta SkyMiles Platinum after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to find out your offer. Terms apply.
When does the offer expire? Nov. 4, 2026.
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a good fit for anyone who wants Delta elite status and isn't interested in airport lounge access.
- Up to $390 in statement credits annually (Enrollment required)
- Receive a Companion Certificate on a Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- 15% Delta award flight discount (Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.)
- High annual fee
- Delta dynamically prices award flights, which makes it more difficult to redeem miles for higher values
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Apply and find out your welcome offer: As High As 90,000 Bonus Miles + Earn a $300 Statement Credit after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum welcome offer amount. Offer ends 11/04/2026.
- Receive a Companion Certificate on a Delta Main round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Resy Credit: Earn up to $10 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card for eligible purchases.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment Required.
- Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get your second bag free when flying domestically.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee every 4 years, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.§
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $350 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: 200,000 bonus miles
New Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card members can earn 200,000 bonus miles after spending $20,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership.
When does the offer expire? Nov. 4, 2026.
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card offers airport lounge access, Delta status boost opportunities and an elevated return for certain business expenditures.
- Access to airport lounges, including Amex Centurion lounges
- Up to $610 in yearly statement credits
- Delta elite status boosts (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High annual fee
- Weak spending bonus categories compared to other business cards
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 200,000 Bonus Miles after spending $20,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 11/4/26.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 on purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
- When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge.
- Save 15% when booking Award Travel with miles on Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Not a Medallion Member? Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights worldwide – and on domestic Delta flights, your second bag flies free too.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- With the $240 Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants for eligible purchases using your enrolled card.
- Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $250 after using your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Enjoy travel without foreign transaction fees from American Express with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
- Terms and limitations apply.
- See Rates & Fees
What to know about bank bonuses
Before you take advantage of American Express's sign-up bonuses, consider these factors.
You must be a new customer: Cash bonuses are intended to attract new business, so if you already have an account, you're ineligible. American Express also excludes customers who have closed an account. You may still qualify if you have another product with the bank (for example, an Amex CD or savings account).
You must meet the enrollment requirements: To receive a bonus, you must make a minimum opening deposit or a qualifying total of direct deposits and keep the funds in place for a number of weeks. Residents of certain states may not be eligible for every promotion.
You must use new money: The funds used to open your account typically need to come from an outside source, such as a paycheck, government benefits, a transfer from an account at a different bank or an external wire or ACH transfer.
It might not be the best option: A promotional bonus doesn't necessarily mean the account is the best fit for you. American Express doesn't have any physical bank branches, for example, and customers must already have an eligible Amex card to open a Rewards Checking account.
Pros and cons of bank bonuses
Consider the benefits and drawbacks before taking advantage of a new sign-up bonus.
Pros
- Free cash. Even if you have to meet account requirements, a few hundred dollars can help pay down debt or grow your emergency fund.
- Other perks. Some banks include additional benefits, such as an APY on a checking account or rewards points on a linked debit card.
Cons
- Eligibility requirements. You'll need to deposit a minimum amount and leave it in your account for weeks or even months.
- The account may not be that great. A bonus doesn't automatically outweigh high fees, a limited ATM network or other red flags.
- Bonuses are taxable. Cash incentives are usually considered taxable income, so a slice of the bonus you earn will have to be given to the IRS. Membership Rewards® points given as a promotional bonus may also be taxable.
FAQs
Do I have to pay taxes on a Membership Rewards® points bonus?
According to American Express, Membership Rewards® points earned as part of a banking account welcome bonus can be considered taxable income and may be reported to the IRS.
Does American Express Rewards Checking have a monthly maintenance fee?
No, American Express Rewards Checking doesn't charge a monthly maintenance fee. And while there is a minimum deposit to earn the bonus, there is no minimum opening deposit or balance requirement for the account itself.
What qualifies as direct deposit for the Amex Business Checking offer?
Each institution defines direct deposit differently. For the American Express Business Checking Offer, qualifying direct deposits include ACH transfers from an employer, government benefits (like Social Security) or a tax refund. Internal transfers, deposits from a savings account or from money transfer apps are not eligible.
Is it OK to have more than one bank account?
If you are good at staying on top of your finances, having multiple deposit accounts can allow you to take advantage of various benefits. You can use one checking account for bills and another for daily spending, or use separate accounts for business and personal expenses. Some couples have joint accounts for household expenses and private accounts for personal spending.
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Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every bank bonus list is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of banking products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
Our methodology
CNBC Select routinely monitors promotions from a range of banks, credit unions and online financial institutions. We focus on those with large national footprints and consider how difficult it is to qualify for the incentive.
We regularly refresh our lists of the best checking account, savings account, brokerage account and business bank account bonuses.
We review each promotion on a range of features, including:
- Bonus amount
- Eligibility requirements
- Other account perks
- Maintenance fees and other charges
- Branch locations
- ATM network
- Availability of other financial products
Most brick-and-mortar banks require you to enter your ZIP code online for the correct account offerings. Product and feature availability vary by market, so these accounts may not be offered in your area.
All of the accounts included on this list are FDIC- or NCUA-insured up to $250,000.
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Read more
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here.
