Voluntary Commitments and Codes of Conduct

Code of Conduct for the Delivery of Banking Services to Seniors (2019)

A Code of Conduct that sets out principles that apply to banks to guide them when they deliver banking products and services to Canada’s Seniors.

Fraud Protection Guarantee:

Feel secure knowing we make fraud prevention our business!

Monthly Statement Commitment
Amex Bank of Canada has committed not to charge consumers to receive regular monthly credit card statements. Please note that a fee may apply for a statement reprint request. Please see your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box and Disclosure Statement for details of any statement reprint fee.

Code of Conduct for the Credit and Debit Card Industry in Canada:

The Code of Conduct supports transparency, fair business practices and choice for Canadian merchants. The Code was introduced in May 2010, by the Minister of Finance, and was enhanced in April 2015 to help ensure that merchants are able to benefit fully from the principles set out in the Code. American Express is fully committed to and supports the Code of Conduct and Commissioner’s Guidance.

The Code of Conduct provides guidance for Payment Card Network Operators (PCNOs), Acquirers and Card Issuers in Canada.  Amex Bank of Canada (American Express) operates as a PCNO and an Acquirer in Canada.  American Express also acts as an Issuer of American Express Cards in Canada.

Our Role as Acquirer

As an Acquirer, American Express provides merchant services, which includes processing American Express Card transactions, the delivery of statements and making payments, to merchants who have signed up to accept American Express Cards directly with American Express. If you are a merchant who obtains services directly from American Express and have questions about our services or pricing, please contact American Express at 1-800-268-9877.

Our role as PCNO

As a PCNO, American Express operates the American Express Network in Canada and facilitates the transmission of American Express Card transactions through the network.

OptBlue^® Program

American Express has authorized certain third party Acquirers to contract and work with merchants to accept American Express Cards through a third party Acquiring program known as the OptBlue^® Program. Under the OptBlue program, these third party Acquirers provide merchants with full merchant services, including processing American Express Card transactions, the delivery of statements, and making payments to merchants.  If you are a merchant that obtains merchant services through a third party Acquirer, contact the Acquirer with whom you have signed your Merchant Agreement for information about their services and pricing.

Acquiring Network Assessment Fees

Under the OptBlue Program, authorized third party Acquirers pay American Express fees including Acquiring Network Assessment Fees to take part in the program and for the transmission of transactions through the American Express Network.

The Acquiring Network Assessment Fees are not charged by American Express to merchants, but may factor in to the pricing set by the third party Acquirers with merchants.

Acquiring Network Assessment Fees do not apply for merchants who obtain services directly from American Express.

American Express Commitment to the Government of Canada

This commitment sets out the American Express approach to merchant pricing.

Code of Conduct for Authorized Insurance Activities:

This code outlines the banks' standards for branch employees offering credit, travel and personal accident insurance with respect to training, disclosure, promotion practices, customer privacy protection and customer redress.

Model Code of Conduct for Bank Relations with Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses:

A model code of conduct for bank dealings with small- and medium-sized businesses. The key elements of the model code are incorporated into individual bank codes.

Principles of Consumer Protection for Electronic Commerce: A Canadian Framework:

A guide to protecting customers in online transactions, developed with input from industry, government and consumer groups.

Amex Bank of Canada - Powers of Attorney and Joint Deposit Accounts:

Amex Bank of Canada (Amex) will accept power of attorney forms submitted to us by consumers. We will generally review a power of attorney request received within 72 business hours. If additional time is required, we will advise the customer or attorney that we need additional time to review.

For card accounts, an original or copy of the power of attorney document(s) can be provided via fax or by mail. Please contact us for assistance. The attorney will have authority to receive information about the account and provide certain limited instructions based on our fraud and authentication policies. However, we do not provide an additional card or open card accounts for an attorney, nor can the attorney make any purchases on the Cardmember’s account.

If we are unable to act on a power of attorney or attorney instructions, the following complaint handling process is available.

Please note that Amex is not currently offering new deposit accounts and does not offer its own power of attorney forms.

What Every Older Canadian Should Know About: Powers of Attorney and Joint Bank Accounts

For additional Senior Support please click here.

Commitment on Modification or Replacement of Existing Products or Services:

This commitment outlines the procedures for modifying or replacing an existing consumer product or service if the fee is increased.