Holdings vs American Express Business
Amex gives you a business checking account. Holdings gives you 57 free tools, accounting software, and an account that connects it all — for free.
Feature comparison
See how Holdings stacks up against Amex Business
| What you get | Holdings | Amex Business |
|---|---|---|
| 57 Free Tools | ✅ Included | ❌ Not included |
| Built-in Accounting | ✅ Free | ❌ No |
| Auto-Categorization | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Invoice Generator | ✅ Free | ❌ Not included |
| Tax Tools | ✅ Free | ❌ Not included |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | from $0/mo |
| APY (Checking) | 1.75% | 1.30% |
| FDIC Insurance | Up to $3M | $250K |
| Domestic Wire | Free | $25 outgoing |
| Physical Debit Cards | ✅ Free | Free |
| Virtual Cards | ✅ Free | Not standard |
| Sub-Accounts | Unlimited, free | Limited |
Why choose Holdings over Amex Business
Stop juggling 5 apps — tools, accounting, and banking in one place
Amex gives you a checking account with good APY. But you still need QuickBooks ($30–80/mo), invoicing tools, spreadsheets, and more. Holdings gives you 57 free tools, accounting, and banking in one place.
Your invoices auto-update your books
Create invoices, track payments, and auto-categorize every transaction — all connected. Amex Business Checking is banking only — no accounting tools included.
Tax time takes 10 minutes, not 10 hours
Auto-categorization, real-time P&L, and tax-ready reports are built in. Plus 1.75% APY vs Amex's 1.30%, and up to $3M FDIC coverage vs $250K.
Replace $100+/mo in software with a free platform
Amex charges $25/wire, $10 for same-day ACH, and doesn't include accounting. You'll still need QuickBooks/Xero ($30–80/mo). Holdings: $0 for everything.
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When Amex Business might be the better choice
Amex Business may be a better fit if you need Membership Rewards integration, No cash deposit fees at Allpoint/MoneyPass ATMs, or 24/7 phone support.
Frequently asked questions
I already have a bank — why do I need Holdings?
Holdings isn't just banking. You get 57 free tools, built-in accounting, invoicing, and a connected bank account — all in one place. Accounting from $25/mo. Done-for-you bookkeeping from $59/mo. It replaces your accounting software, your spreadsheets, and your bank — all from $0/mo.
Can I use Holdings tools without banking?
Yes. All 57 free tools are free to use regardless of whether you open a Holdings account. The banking is optional — the tools and accounting work on their own.
Can I switch from Amex Business Checking to Holdings?
Yes. Open a Holdings account and transfer via ACH. Keep your Amex credit cards — they're independent from your checking account.
Which has lower fees — Holdings or Amex?
Both have $0 monthly fees. But Amex charges $25 for outgoing wires and $10 for same-day ACH, and doesn't include any business tools or accounting. Holdings is free across the board — 57 free tools, accounting, and banking included.
Can I deposit cash with Amex Business Checking?
You can withdraw cash at Allpoint/MoneyPass ATMs, but cash deposits are not supported. This is a limitation shared with Holdings.
Ready to run your business from one place?
57 free tools. Free banking. Free invoicing. Accounting from $25/mo.
1.75% APY† • Zero fees^ • FDIC insured to $3M*