How we pay you for your transactions

When we pay you

You may be eligible to receive your money in your account early the next business day. The cut off times for submitting your transactions vary based on your terminal provider. The major terminal providers cut off times are just prior to 7.00pm (AEST/AEDT).

*Please note that not all industries qualify for next day pay. To find out if you qualify for next day pay please contact our Merchant Services Team to find out more.

When you need to pay us

There may be times when your account is in debit. For example, when you've given refunds to Card Members, have outstanding fees, or a Chargeback has been debited after a Card Member dispute.

If you submit transactions to American Express, we'll deduct what you owe us from the next payment(s) we make to your business. If those payments are not sufficient to clear the outstanding amount, we will debit your bank account for the amount due.

View the Card Acceptance Terms and Conditions for more details.

Card Member present

You can accept Chip & PIN, magnetic strip and Contactless transactions. Remember to check that the Card hasn't been visually altered or tampered with. If you have any issues with your terminal, you should contact your bank or terminal provider first.

Magnetic Strip Cards (No Chip)

1. Swipe the Card. If the magnetic strip is unreadable, key in the transaction manually and take an imprint of the Card to validate its presence.
2. Follow the prompts on the terminal display to process the transaction.
3. Your terminal will call American Express and respond with an Authorisation Code, a 'Decline' or a 'Call Issuer' message.
4. Ask the customer to enter their PIN or sign the terminal receipt.
5. Compare the signature on the receipt to the one on the back of the Card. If they do not match, refuse the transaction.

Chip Cards

1. Place the Card in the 'Chip' reader of your EFTPOS terminal (if your terminal doesn't have a Chip reader, process as a Magnetic Strip Card).
2. Follow the prompts on the terminal display to process the transaction.
3. Ask the customer to enter their PIN (if required).
4. Return the Card and provide a copy of the transaction receipt.

Note: If the Chip transaction fails, follow the swipe card procedure detailed above. If the Chip transaction is declined, refuse the transaction.

If you receive a 'Call Issuer' message, call us on 1300 363 614 (24 hours, daily).

Card Member not present

In the case of mail, telephone or online transactions, follow the process for the card not present solution enabled for your business. Alternatively you can key the transaction manually into your terminal.

You should obtain as much relevant information as possible from your customer in order to complete the transaction due to the high risk nature of the transaction. The actual details required differ, so it's a good idea to contact your bank, terminal or online payment gateway provider to confirm what these are.

It is always recommended to complete a name and address check with our authorisations team to ensure that the address you send the goods or services to matches the Card Members address on our records.

American Express Travellers Cheques

1. Start by calling our specialist team on 1800 688 022 to request a free Travellers Cheque Merchant code.
2. Ask your customer to countersign the cheque and compare it with the original signature.
3. If you're unsure about the cheque's validity, you can request authorisation by calling 1800 688 022.

If you receive a 'Call Issuer' message, call us on 1300 363 614 (24 hours, daily).

We're excited to announce that American Express Merchants are now able to accept Apple Pay transactions. This means that when American Express Card Members add their Card to their iPhone or Apple Watch, they can pay using their Apple device where American Express contactless payments are accepted. Card Members will also be able to use Apple Pay on their iPhone or iPad to pay within participating Merchant apps.

1. Fast - customers can pay faster and more easily at point of sale.

2. Safe - Apple Pay transactions are as secure as normal Card present transactions.

3. Simple - one flat rate for all American Express transactions, with no additional fees.

For more information visit the Merchant FAQs

If your terminal is broken or unable to connect

You can still accept American Express Cards manually by following these instructions:

1. Call us on 1300 363 614 to request an Authorisation Approval Code.
2. Complete a manual record of charge form with the full card number; expiry date; transaction amount; approval code and Card Member signature.
3. Ensure that all transactions are submitted within seven days of the original Authorisation date to avoid being liable for Chargebacks.
4. Contact your terminal provider for next steps.

If your terminal is having difficulty accepting American Express transactions

1. Make a note of any messages or contact numbers displayed on your terminal; call us on 1300 363 614.
2. If no number is displayed, contact your terminal provider for instructions.

The easiest way to view your payments is online. Register and log into your Merchant account

Alternatively you may have requested to receive statements by post. View our Statement Guide for more information.