American Express Business Checking vs Tailored Checking: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of American Express Business Checking and Tailored Checking — 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 7.3/10).
| Scored on | American Express Business Checking | Tailored Checking |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 7 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 7 |
| Fees & pricing | 9 | 7 |
| Customer support | 7 | 6 |
| Features | 7 | 8 |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 | $10 (waived with $5k balance) |
| Domestic ACH | $0 | — |
| Incoming Wires | $0 | — |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | $0 | — |
| ATM Fee (In-Network) | — | $0 (MoneyPass/SUM) |
| Incoming Domestic Wire | — | $0 |
| Debit Card Cash Back | — | 1% |
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.
Tailored Checking in one paragraph
A reliable, interest-bearing workhorse for businesses that keep $5,000+ in the bank and want the security of a chartered national bank.
Skip it if: You can't maintain a $5,000 balance or you do 90% of your business in physical cash.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, American Express Business Checking or Tailored Checking?
On our five-axis scorecard, American Express Business Checking scores higher (7.7/10 vs 7.3/10). 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 Tailored Checking?
You can't maintain a $5,000 balance or you do 90% of your business in physical cash.