American Express Business Checking vs Lili: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of American Express Business Checking and Lili — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: American Express Business Checking wins on our scorecard (7.7/10 vs 7.5/10).
| Scored on | American Express Business Checking | Lili |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 7 | 7 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 9 |
| Fees & pricing | 9 | 7 |
| Customer support | 7 | 6 |
| Features | 7 | 8 |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 | — |
| Domestic ACH | $0 | — |
| Incoming Wires | $0 | — |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | $0 | — |
| Lili Basic Monthly Fee | — | $0 |
| Lili Smart Monthly Fee | — | $25 |
| Cash Deposit Fee | — | Up to $4.95 (Retailer dependent) |
| Savings APY | — | Up to 4.15% |
American Express Business Checking in one paragraph
A powerhouse for existing Amex loyalists who want to earn passive interest on their cash without the headache of monthly maintenance fees.
Skip it if: You need to deposit physical cash regularly or require Zelle to pay your contractors.
Lili in one paragraph
Lili is a powerhouse for the solo entrepreneur who hates taxes, but its value diminishes quickly once you hire your first employee.
Skip it if: You need to grant account access to a bookkeeper or business partner, as Lili is built for solo users.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, American Express Business Checking or Lili?
On our five-axis scorecard, American Express Business Checking scores higher (7.7/10 vs 7.5/10). A powerhouse for existing Amex loyalists who want to earn passive interest on their cash without the headache of monthly maintenance fees.
Who should skip American Express Business Checking?
You need to deposit physical cash regularly or require Zelle to pay your contractors.
Who should skip Lili?
You need to grant account access to a bookkeeper or business partner, as Lili is built for solo users.