Choosing the right business banking partner is a big decision—especially with so many modern options promising zero fees, digital convenience, and extra perks. Holdings and American Express Business Checking are two standout choices for SMBs, but which one truly fits your business needs? This in-depth comparison breaks down the key differences, highlights who each platform is best for, and links you to head-to-head matchups with other top business banking competitors.
Quick Comparison: Holdings vs. American Express Business Checking
Feature | Holdings | American Express Business Checking |
|---|---|---|
Interest/APY | Tiered: up to 3.0% APY for large balances | 1.30% APY on first $500,000 |
Monthly Fees | None | None |
Minimum Balance | None | None |
Cash Deposits | Supported | Not supported |
Accounting Integration | Built-in, automated, plus QuickBooks | QuickBooks integration |
Unique Perks | Embedded bookkeeping, invoicing, bill pay | Earn Amex Membership Rewards on debit use |
Wire Transfers | Free outgoing/incoming wires | $25 per outgoing domestic wire |
ATM Access | Allpoint network, cash deposit options | MoneyPass & Allpoint, no cash deposits |
What Makes Holdings Different?
Earn More on Your Money: Tiered APY up to 3.0%—so your cash works harder for you, especially if you keep higher balances.
Truly All-in-One: Banking, accounting, invoicing, bill pay, and even optional bookkeeping—no more juggling disconnected tools.
Zero Fees, No Gotchas: No monthly, transaction, or wire fees. Move your money freely, with no minimums or hidden charges.
Cash-Friendly: Need to deposit cash? Holdings has you covered, unlike most digital-only banks.
Automation for Busy Owners: Automated reporting, reconciliation, and financial management built right in.
Where American Express Business Checking Shines
Simple, Digital-First Experience: Clean interface, easy mobile banking, and seamless integration with the Amex ecosystem.
Rewards on Debit: Earn Membership Rewards points for debit card purchases—great if you’re already an Amex fan.
No Monthly Fees: Like Holdings, Amex offers a fee-free experience for most standard banking needs.
Strong ATM Network: Free withdrawals at 70,000+ MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs nationwide.
Who Should Choose Which?
Holdings is best for:
SMBs with larger cash reserves who want to maximize interest earnings
Businesses that want integrated accounting, invoicing, and bill pay in one place
Owners who value automation and optional full-service bookkeeping
Companies that need to deposit cash or want unlimited free wires
American Express Business Checking is best for:
Digital-first businesses that don’t handle cash
Amex credit card users who want to earn Membership Rewards on debit
Businesses with simple banking needs and no need for built-in accounting or cash deposits
Compare Holdings to Other Top Business Banks
Curious how Holdings stacks up against other leading business banking solutions? Explore these in-depth comparisons:
The Bottom Line
Both Holdings and American Express Business Checking offer modern, fee-free banking for SMBs—but Holdings stands out if you want to maximize your interest, automate your finances, and manage everything in one place. If you’re ready for a banking partner that helps your business earn more and work smarter, Holdings is built for you.
Ready to see how Holdings can transform your business finances? Explore our full suite of comparisons above, or get started today.