Get the Amex Reward Checking Bonus: A Comprehensive Guide

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The American Express (Amex) Reward Checking bonus is a great way to earn some extra cash, but it requires some effort to qualify. To get the bonus, you'll need to meet certain requirements, which we'll cover in this guide.

First, you'll need to open a new Amex checking account and make a minimum deposit of $1,000 within 30 days. This is a one-time requirement, so you can't just open the account and forget about it.

To qualify for the bonus, you'll also need to make a minimum of 10 debit card purchases within 60 days of opening your account. This is a relatively easy requirement, as you likely use your debit card for everyday purchases anyway.

The bonus itself varies depending on the account you open, but it's typically around $200-$300.

American Express Rewards

American Express Rewards offers a unique way to earn Membership Rewards points with your checking account. You can earn 1x Membership Rewards points per $2 spent on the debit card associated with the account, which can be pooled with points earned from other Amex cards.

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Transactions made with the debit card, such as rent payments or tax payments, can earn you points, making it a great option for purchases that usually levy high fees for using a credit card.

The American Express Rewards Checking account offers a 1.00% APY, with no monthly fees or minimum deposit required. You can earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $2 of eligible debit card purchases.

A $250 welcome bonus is available when you open an account by 10/31/2023 and receive a qualifying direct deposit of $500 or more by December 10th.

To qualify for the bonus, you'll need to be an existing Card Member with a U.S. Basic Consumer Card issued by American Express National Bank with 3+ months tenure.

American Express Business Checking offers 30,000 Membership Rewards Points if you deposit $5,000 within 20 days of opening your account, maintain an average account balance of $5,000 for 60 days, and make 10 or more qualifying transactions within 60 days.

Qualifying transactions include mobile deposits, electronic/online transactions, ACH, wire, and bill payments.

Business owners can also earn 50,000 Amex Membership Rewards points by applying for an Amex Business Checking account by December 12, 2023, making eligible deposits of $5,000 or more within 30 days, maintaining an average account balance of $5,000 for 60 days, and making five or more qualifying transactions within 60 days.

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Here's a summary of the requirements:

Amex Business Offers

If you're already part of the American Express ecosystem, their business checking account is definitely worth considering. American Express Business Checking offers a 1.3% APY on balances of up to $500K.

To earn 50,000 Amex Membership Rewards points, you'll need to apply for an Amex Business Checking account by December 12, 2023. You'll also need to make eligible deposits of $5,000 or more within 30 days of opening your account.

Here are the requirements to earn the 50,000 points bonus:

  • Make eligible deposits of $5,000 or more within 30 days of opening your account
  • Maintain an average account balance of $5,000 for 60 days
  • Make five or more qualifying transactions within 60 days of account opening

Qualifying transactions include mobile deposits, electronic transactions (such as ACH, wire, and bill payments), and electronic transfers from other accounts. However, business debit card transactions and deposits using the Redeem for Deposits feature do not count toward the requirement.

Comparison and Analysis

The American Express Rewards Checking offer has a long time horizon, with a deadline of December 10th, making it a good option for those who may need time to switch their direct deposit.

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This offer is competitive in terms of welcome bonus amount, especially considering it only requires a single direct deposit.

Retirees on Social Security may appreciate the flexibility of this offer, as it doesn't require a quick switch of direct deposit, unlike some other bonuses that can be challenging to complete within a short timeframe.

Terms and Conditions

To be eligible for the Amex Reward Checking bonus, you must have a valid email address and a physical address within the United States, as specified in the account application process.

The bonus is only available to new customers who have not had an American Express account in the past 12 months, according to the account requirements.

You must also have a minimum of $1,000 in direct deposit to your Amex account within the first 90 days of opening the account, as outlined in the direct deposit requirements.

The bonus will be credited to your account within 8-10 weeks after the direct deposit is made, as stated in the bonus terms.

The bonus amount is $200, which is a one-time payment, and it's not a recurring reward, as described in the reward structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get Amex checking account bonus?

To receive the Amex checking account bonus, you'll need to wait 8-12 weeks after completing the qualifying criteria. This timeframe starts after you've made eligible deposits totaling at least $5,000 within the 90-day Maintenance Period.

Does Amex checking earn points?

Yes, Amex Rewards Checking earns 1 Membership Rewards point for every $2 of eligible debit card purchase. You can earn points without any monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

How much bonus does Amex give?

The Amex Platinum card typically offers a welcome bonus of 40,000 to 80,000 Membership Rewards points. To receive this bonus, you'll need to meet the associated spending requirement.

Sean Dooley

Lead Writer

Sean Dooley is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a strong background in research and analysis, Sean has developed a keen eye for detail and a talent for distilling complex information into clear, concise language. Sean's portfolio includes a wide range of articles on topics such as accounting services, where he has demonstrated a deep understanding of financial concepts and a ability to communicate them effectively to diverse audiences.

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