Talk to us directly about accepting American Express® Credit Cards
We’re here to promote you. You could benefit from free signage, webinars & support.
Call 0800 339 911 or have us contact you.
We're here to promote you
When you become an American Express Merchant, you could benefit from free signage, webinars & support.
Call 0800 339 911 or have us contact you.
Join our fast-growing Merchant Network
And gain access to a whole host of business benefits: From customers who spend more and spend often, to promotions designed to drive our Cardmembers your way.
It’s no wonder we added 311,438 new UK Merchants in 2021-2022.1
Competitive rates, without the guesswork2
When you accept our Cards at your business, we keep rates simple and transparent:
You’re only ever charged when a customer uses their Card
- No additional monthly or annual fees
- No minimum monthly transactions
- No setup cost or any other fees whatsoever
With American Express, you'll always know where you are and what rate you'll pay. Find out what yours is.
Get paid in as little as one business day
As winners of the Good Business Pays 2021 ‘Fast Payer Award’ we know how important cashflow is to the success of your business.
That's why we offer a fast payment option - in as little as one business day.
Access your Account information online – anytime, anywhere.
- 24/7 live chat support
- Secure e-statements, to reduce paperwork and keep you in control
- Easy-to-manage online dispute resolution services
When it comes to managing your payments, we’re on your side. It’s just one more reason why it pays to accept American Express.
We’re Backing Small Businesses
When your business accepts American Express, you get access to tools, exclusive offers and insights to help you reach your business goals.
Access to high spending customers
Our Cardmembers spend on average, almost 4x more annually compared to the average credit and charge cards.4
You’ll also gain a whole host of other business benefits.
Explore all Cardmember Benefits.
Shop SmallTM brings big benefits to you
For over 10 years, our Shop Small promotions have been giving Cardmembers incentives to shop locally. And best of all, it won’t cost you anything.5 Learn more about Shop Small
Secure Payment Solutions
Protect what you’ve worked for by fighting fraud with the backing of American Express. Our smart and secure system will help you keep your business and customers safe
Interested in becoming an American Express Merchant?
Get in touch now to get your personalised quote. Our team of experts will work with you to create a personalised plan suitable for your business. You can sign up there and then - or not, if you prefer. There's no obligation whatsoever.
Call 0800 339 911 now (Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 18:00) or follow the link below.
As well as big corporations, a huge number of small businesses in the UK accept American Express. These are in the retail, hospitality, travel and leisure sectors, plus many others. Some have physical locations and others are purely online, while many are a mix of both.
The number of UK Merchants who accept American Express is growing fast – 311,438 new UK Merchants in 2021-2022.1
Yes, you need to be able to accept credit card payments and you must have a Merchant Account.
There are two ways to get a Merchant Account:
- Call 0800 399 911
- Alternatively, ask us to call you – just complete this form
Setting up your account is quick and easy – when you get in touch we will also be able to confirmthe rate you will pay.
By setting up your account direct with us, you will be eligible to receive our full range of Merchant benefits. That includes 24/7 support, access to a wide range of tools and promotions, and marketing campaigns aimed at helping your business to thrive.
There are many reasons why accepting American Express can benefit your business:
Welcome high-value Cardmembers
- 88% of UK Cardmembers reported American Express as their payment method of choice6
- Our Cardmembers spend on average, almost 4x more than other Cardholders4
Free Marketing Materials
- Including physical and digital signage to encourage our Cardmembers to spend with you
- And promotions, training and webinars to help you attract more customers
Shop Small
- Our regular Shop Small promotions put local businesses on the map and incentivise our Cardmembers to Shop Small. Terms of eligibility apply.5
Want to find out your business rate? We’ll be able to quickly tell you yours when we speak over the phone. And remember you’re only ever charged when a customer uses their card. To find out your rate, call 0800 399 911 or complete the form
We understand that speedy payment is vital for your business, so we do everything we can to make processing payments as quick and easy as possible. That’s why you’ll have access to your money in as little as one business day, depending on your payment plan.
1. Based on American Express merchant locations set up between January 2021 and December 2022.
2. Terms and conditions based on the product sector and annual turnover. Your rate structure and other terms will be explained to you in full before set-up of your new merchant Account.
3. Your payment plan is 1 business day from receipt by us of all relevant charge data from your terminal provider or payment service provider (PSP). Improved payment time is subject to our right to withhold payments in accordance with your Terms and Conditions for American Express Card Acceptance.
4. Source: American Express data for United Kingdom Cardmembers spending across Europe compared to GlobalData Payment Card Analytics for transactions with domestic cards at terminals in the country and outside the country, including at physical terminals and initiated remotely.
5. Shop Small eligibility criteria:
• The business must be located in the United Kingdom (UK), which consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and includes islands such as the Isle of Wight, Anglesey, the Isles of Scilly, the Hebrides and the island groups of Orkney and Shetland and the self-governing dependent territories of the Isle of Man and Channel Islands.
• The business must be a traditional “Brick and Mortar Establishments” business that deals with its customer face to face in premises that the business owns or rents.
• A Shop Small business must have at least one physical business location – up to a maximum of 30 locations – within the UK.
• Businesses must not be an airline, government agency, public administration organisation, charity, non-profit, trade association, shopping property management company, direct seller or political organisation or operating in industries that are deemed ineligible for Shop Small.
• Businesses that are part of a franchise brand are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Businesses that have an online or mail order business are excluded.
• Eligible businesses who process American Express payments solely through a third-party processors and/or an affiliate programme are included.
• Eligibility criteria apply depending on your payment provider, contact your provider to find out more.
Subject to American Express Shop Small terms and conditions. To find out more, call 0800 032 7216 or visit our Shop Small Resource Centre.
6. Source: American Express commissioned internet panel survey conducted in February 2022 - March 2022 based on retail purchases made in the 6 months prior to the survey. Definition of American Express Cardmembers: Respondents who reported they have an American Express Card that they use to make retail purchases in the prior 6 months. Definition of Non-Cardmembers: Respondents who reported they do not have an American Express Card and used Visa, MasterCard, debit cards, cash, direct transfer, or payment services to make retail purchases in the prior 6 months to the survey.