Create a New Merchant ID

You can create new Merchant IDs online without the assistance of a customer service representative l as long as your account is eligible to create Merchant IDs. If you do not see the option to create new Merchant IDs, please contact your customer service representative.

 

Once logged in, click on the Account Services tab, then use the secondary navigation to find the “Create New Merchant IDs” tab. To create a new Merchant ID, simply click or tap the “Create Merchant ID” button.

Screenshot of Create Merchant ID button

Be sure to have business, financial, and ownership information so you can create the new Merchant ID without assistance. Please note that you can create multiple accounts that are similar in this process. Your progress can be saved as you work to create the new Merchant ID. Your progress will be lost only if you remain inactive for 30 days or more. 

Screenshot of documents and information needed to start the process

To begin the process of creating your merchant ID, you’ll first need to choose the type of Merchant ID you would like to create. You’ll be given a choice of three different types of Merchant IDs to choose from:

 

Dependent Merchant ID: This type of Merchant ID links to an existing headquarter and may share some of its information.

Headquarter ID: This is a corporation – or “parent” organization – that has 1 or more dependent locations linked to it.

Independent Merchant ID: This is a standalone business that is not linked to any other location or headquarter.

 

Screenshot of new Merchant ID options

Creating a Dependent Merchant ID

To create a Dependent Merchant ID, you will need to provide information about the Account and ownership. You can choose from one of the following options about your company:

 

  • It is a merchant ID that is owned by my company
    • A company owned affiliation is Merchant ID that is owned by the same company and/or same owner
  • It is a franchise location that is part of a chain
    • A Franchise affiliation is a Merchant ID that belongs to a chain of stores. The business owner is paying a franchise fee to the franchise. The DBA name will be the same as the Franchise CAP
  • I want to create a location that is company-owned, but also franchise operated
    • A Merchant ID which is linked to both Company Owned CAP and Franchise CAP is dual affiliated location.

If you choose “It is a Merchant ID that is owned by my company,” you can continue adding business and financial information. 

 

If you choose “It is a franchise location that is part of a chain” or “Create a location that is company-owned, but also franchise operated,” you will need to begin an online chat or call a customer service professional at 1-800-268-9877 (Mon – Fri, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm EST) to continue the process.


Creating a Dependent Merchant ID owned by your company

When creating a new Dependent Merchant ID owned by your company, you will need to populate your Merchant ID with information from the Headquarter you choose. First, select your Headquarter Merchant ID:

Screenshot of selecting Headquarter Merchant ID

If an overwhelming number of Merchant Numbers are listed, you can narrow your options above the table to find the right Headquarter by searching via Merchant ID, DBA Name or contact information.

Screenshot of options to narrow down

Creating a Single Merchant ID

When creating New Merchant IDs online, you have the option to create multiple Merchant IDs at the same time or a single Merchant ID. You will want to create multiple Merchant IDs at the same time when the IDs share details like legal name, banking information, and more.

Screenshot of option to create a single merchant ID or multiple

To create a single Merchant ID, select the option “No, I want to create a single Merchant ID.” Any information from your Headquarter will be automatically imported into the Merchant ID creation process.

Screenshot of selection to create a single Merchant ID

On the next screen, you are notified that you will be required to input your business address and business contact information.

Screenshot of next step in process to input business information

You’ll need to verify information populated from your Headquarter. 

Screenshot of page to input business information

Once DBA and Nickname (optional) are confirmed, you will be asked to provide ownership and industry information. You can select the ownership type for the Merchant ID. The options are as follows:

  • Sole Proprietorship
  • Partnership
  • Corporation
  • Limited Partnership
Screenshot of ownership type options when inputting business information

You will also select the industry category (for example, “Retail”), as well as industry type (for example, “Family Clothing”). 

Next, you will need to input additional business information, including contact information and the physical address for the Merchant ID.

Screenshot for inputting additional business information

Once Account & Relationship and Business Information has been provided, you will need to provide financial information to continue the Merchant ID creation process.

 

You will need to have the following information:

  • Your business’s banking account number
  • Your business’s routing number
Screenshot for financial information needed

Next, you will need to choose if the Merchant ID will receive payments individually or through your Headquarter. You will be provided with the following options:

 

  • “It is a Central Pay Merchant ID”
    • This type of Merchant ID is the “submitter” and your Headquarter is the “payee.” This means it accepts transactions, but payments go to the Headquarter bank account.
  • “It is an Individual Pay Merchant ID”
    • This type of Merchant ID receives and submits payments separate from your Headquarter. It is both the “submitter” and “payee.” This means it accepts transactions and payments in an individual bank account. 
Screenshot for selection on how to receive payments (individually or through Headquarter)

If you select “It is an individual Pay Merchant ID,” you will need to input Credit and Debit information, including Routing Numbers, Transit Numbers and Bank Account Numbers, Account Types and Account Names.

Screenshot of financial information needed if it is an individual Pay Merchant ID

Once bank information is provided, you can choose to apply your discount rate in the following ways:

  • “Gross Pay”
    • For each transaction, we pay the full amount to your bank account. All fees are collected by American Express at the end of the day.
  • “Net Pay”
    • I would like to have the American Express discount rate applied to my submission before it’s paid to my bank account.

You can also choose how often you would like that to occur:

  • “Monthly”
    • You’ll see a monthly total deducted from your bank account 5 days after your statement closes.
  • “Daily”
    • You’ll see an accumulated total deducted from your bank account on the same day we deposit funds.
Screenshot of options for how to have discount rate applied and how often

If you select “It is a Central Pay Merchant ID,” important Credit and Debit information will be automatically populated from the Headquarter.

Screenshot of page when selecting a Central Pay Merchant ID

After selecting to receive payments through your Headquarter for your new Merchant ID, you will need to keep or change your authorized signer(s). 

Screenshot for reviewing authorized signers

If you choose to change your authorized signer(s), you will be required to provide identifying information about the signer.

 

Screenshot for information needed if changing your authorized signers

If you choose to keep your Headquarters’ authorized signer(s), you will need to verify important Headquarter information before continuing the Merchant ID creation process.

Screenshot of verifying Headquarter information if the Headquarter remains the authorized signer

Once you provide all or confirm all of the requested information, you will receive a confirmation that your request to create a new Merchant ID has been received.

Contact Us

Live Chat

 

Click the 'Chat' button once you login to your account to chat with a member of our service team.

Mon-Fri, 8:00am to 8:00pm, ET.

Call Us 

 

1-800-268-9877

Our customer care representatives will assist you Mon-Fri, 8:00am to 8:00pm, ET.