Holdings vs American Express Business
Amex gives you a business checking account. Holdings gives you 62 free tools, free banking + invoicing, and accounting ($25/mo) that auto-connects it all.
Feature comparison
See how Holdings stacks up against Amex Business
| What you get | Holdings | Amex Business |
|---|---|---|
| 62 Free Tools | ✅ Included | ❌ Not included |
| Built-in Accounting | ✅ $25/mo | ❌ No |
| Auto-Categorization | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Invoice Generator | ✅ $25/mo | ❌ Not included |
| Tax Tools | ✅ $25/mo | ❌ 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 | ✅ $25/mo | Free |
| Virtual Cards | ✅ $25/mo | 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 62 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 banking + invoicing, $25/mo for full accounting.
Get the Platform Switch Checklist
Thinking about switching? This step-by-step checklist covers everything: migrating accounts, setting up your tools, and getting your books connected automatically.
We'll send the platform switch checklist and nothing else. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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 62 free tools, built-in accounting, invoicing, and a connected bank account — all in one place. Full accounting from $25/mo. It replaces your accounting software, your spreadsheets, and your bank — banking + invoicing from $0/mo, full accounting $25/mo.
Can I use Holdings tools without banking?
Yes. All 62 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: free banking + invoicing across the board — 62 free tools, free banking + invoicing, and accounting from $25/mo.
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?
62 free tools. Free banking. Free invoicing. Accounting from $25/mo.
1.75% APY† • Zero fees^ • FDIC insured to $3M*