American Express is shutting down Amex Pay in 2025

American Express announced it will close Amex Pay, its digital payment service, on March 31, 2025. If you use Amex Pay to send money to friends, family, or businesses, you will need to move your funds and switch to another payment method before that date. Amex Pay will stop processing new transactions on that date, and any remaining balance in your account must be withdrawn.

This closure affects only the Amex Pay service itself — your American Express credit card account remains open and active. The card will continue to work for purchases, bill payments, and other normal card functions. Only the peer-to-peer money transfer feature is going away.

Key Takeaways

  • Amex Pay closes on March 31, 2025, and you must withdraw any remaining balance before that date.
  • Your American Express credit card continues to work normally; only the money transfer feature is ending.
  • You can transfer your balance to your linked bank account or use an alternative payment service like Venmo, PayPal, or Square Cash.
  • American Express will send account holders notifications about the closure, but you should not wait for reminders to move your money.

How to withdraw your Amex Pay balance

Log into your Amex Pay account through the American Express website or mobile app and navigate to your account balance. You will see an option to transfer funds to a linked bank account. Select the bank account you want to use and enter the amount you want to withdraw. American Express will process the transfer within one to three business days, depending on your bank.

If you have not linked a bank account to Amex Pay yet, you will need to do that first. You can add a bank account by providing your routing number and account number. American Express verifies new bank accounts with two small deposits, which typically takes one to two business days. Plan ahead if you are adding a new account close to the March 31 important date.

If you have a balance remaining in your Amex Pay account after March 31, American Express will attempt to return it to the original funding source — usually your American Express card or linked bank account. However, you should not rely on this. Withdrawing your balance yourself before the important date ensures you keep control of your money.

Alternative payment services to use instead

Several payment services offer the same peer-to-peer money transfer features that Amex Pay provided. Venmo, owned by PayPal, lets you send money to contacts through the app or website and is free for standard bank transfers. PayPal's Money Transfer service works similarly and integrates with your PayPal account. Square Cash (now called Cash App) allows transfers to bank accounts and also offers a debit card if you want to spend the balance directly.

If you primarily used Amex Pay to pay bills or send money to businesses, your American Express card itself remains your best option for those transactions. You can also set up bill pay through your bank's website, which lets you pay any business directly from your checking account without using a third-party app.

Consider which service fits your habits. If you frequently send money to the same people, Venmo's social feed and recurring payment options may appeal to you. If you prefer a service tied to your existing financial accounts, PayPal or your bank's bill pay feature may be simpler. All of these services are free for standard transfers to bank accounts, though some charge fees for when ready transfers or credit card funding.

Timeline for the Amex Pay shutdown

American Express began notifying Amex Pay users about the closure in late 2024. The company will continue sending reminders through email and in-app notifications as the March 31, 2025 important date approaches. However, the exact timing of these notifications varies by account, so you should not wait to receive a message before taking action.

You can withdraw your balance at any time before March 31. There is no penalty for withdrawing early, and doing so removes the risk that you will forget before the important date. After March 31, the Amex Pay service will no longer be accessible, and you will not be able to log in to retrieve your balance.

What happens to your transaction history

Your Amex Pay transaction history will remain available through your American Express account for a limited time after the closure. American Express typically keeps records for seven years for tax and fraud purposes, but the Amex Pay app and website will no longer be accessible. If you need records of past transactions for tax reporting or personal records, read or screenshot your transaction history before March 31.

You can view your transaction history by logging into Amex Pay and navigating to the activity or history section. Most payment services allow you to export this data as a PDF or CSV file, which you can save to your computer. Doing this before the service closes ensures you have a permanent record.

Why American Express is closing Amex Pay

American Express did not publicly state a specific reason for the closure, but peer-to-peer payment services have become increasingly crowded. Venmo, PayPal, and other established players have larger user bases and more features, making it difficult for smaller services to compete. Amex Pay was primarily used by American Express cardholders, which limited its growth compared to services that work across multiple banks and card types.

The closure is part of a broader trend in the financial industry. Several banks and payment companies have shut down or merged their money transfer services in recent years as the market consolidated around a few dominant players. For American Express, focusing resources on its core credit card and charge card business makes financial sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my American Express credit card stop working when Amex Pay closes?

No. Your American Express card will continue to work normally for purchases, bill payments, and all other card functions. Only the Amex Pay money transfer service is closing. Your card account itself is not affected.

What if I don't withdraw my Amex Pay balance before March 31?

American Express will attempt to return any remaining balance to your original funding source, usually your linked bank account or American Express card. However, you should withdraw the balance yourself to may support you keep control of your money and avoid any delays or complications.

Can I still use my American Express card to pay bills online?

Yes. Your American Express card works for online bill payments through any merchant's website or through your bank's bill pay service. The closure of Amex Pay does not affect your ability to use your card for purchases or payments anywhere else.

Is there a fee to transfer my Amex Pay balance to my bank account?

No. American Express does not charge a fee to withdraw your Amex Pay balance to a linked bank account. The transfer is free and typically takes one to three business days.

Can I reopen Amex Pay after March 31 if I change my mind?

No. Amex Pay will be permanently closed on March 31, 2025, and American Express has not indicated any plans to reopen it. You must withdraw your balance and switch to another payment service before that date.