Invite your customers to Shop Small
We know the support of your community is priceless. Let’s work together to remind them to Shop Small year-round.
LET'S GO BIG
Shop Small provides year-round support to encourage customers
to shop locally and support their community.
Card Members now have an extra
10 million reasons to visit you
Throughout November, we’re offering Card Members a chance to win a
share of 10 million points. Eligible Card Members who register their Card
get an entry for every transaction of $1 or more at participating small
businesses for a chance to be one of the 10 to win 1 million points each.*
Your business could be on the map
Card Members can now find Shop Small businesses via
the American Express Map and Online Directory. Update your
information or call us to be added – 1800 268 9877.
Build your business know-how with Business Class
Business Class Trends and Insights provides information and articles
that can help with the business decisions you make every day.
More ways to attract Card Members
Merchant Membership gives you access to perks, offers
and promotions designed to attract more customers.
Become an American Express Merchant today
Sign up to accept our Card and you could become part of
the Shop Small programs promoting local businesses.
Complimentary signage to attract American Express Card Members
Choose from a range of free signs to display in your store and digital assets for your website and social channels.
Celebrating local success
“The Shop Small campaign emphasises the value and need of buying small and local. We have benefitted significantly from participating year-on-year.”
“I started Spotted Orchid in 2015 in Lane Cove. The business has grown to become a premier flower destination, welcoming guests from all over Sydney. I am incredibly passionate about what I do, both in terms of flowers and delivering a premium service.
It was not a difficult decision to become an American Express merchant. It is a recognisable and prestigious brand with history. Plus, most of my customers are American Express Card holders. Offering this service provides payment choice, which is significant for a small business like mine. We must remove any obstacles that the customer might view as a barrier. It is also part of adapting to this new way of shopping. We always welcomed online orders, but due to COVID-19, they have increased significantly.
I also appreciate American Express customer service. If I ever have any queries or concerns, they are responsive, friendly and attentive. Their staff are always there to ensure that I am familiar with any services or products that can help Spotted Orchid grow.
The Shop Small campaign emphasises the value and need of buying small and local. The promotional material and advertisements have made people hyper-aware of the importance of supporting businesses in their area, whether they are shopping online or physically. We have benefitted significantly from participating year-on-year. I think Shop Small is a meaningful and valuable incentive. I will definitely continue to partake.”
Follow Spotted Orchid on Instagram: @spotted_orchid
“It is a great and important initiative because it encourages shoppers to support their local businesses. It puts business operatives, like us, front of mind.”
“We are a full-service traditional pharmacy combined with health, wellness and wellbeing products in Dee Why. We are always looking for ways to evolve our offering while maintaining the friendly, local pharmacy reputation. Leading a small business is hard work. I have been a pharmacist for 25 years and there are always challenges, from customers, suppliers, to staff, rosters, and budgets and, of course, all the added pressure of dealing with the pandemic.
American Express relieves some of those stresses through its marketing and promotional activities, helping us reach new customers. We offer American Express because of customer needs, and it provides people with choice. Businesses will do almost anything to win a customer, keep the customer and look after a customer. And if that customer chooses to use Amex, then that’s what we need to provide.
We want the customers to visit us and have a seamless experience. We want them to purchase the products they need, get good service and choose a payment option that’s best suited to them. We see new customers every day, and many people choose to use their American Express Card.
We’ve been participating in Shop Small since the very beginning. It is a great and important initiative because it encourages shoppers to support their local businesses. It puts business operatives, like us, front of mind.”
Follow Lawler’s WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods - Dee Why on Instagram: @wholelifelawlers
“It is a great initiative for small business owners as it offers support and exposure to reach new customers… And it creates a sense of community among business operators.”
“Ella & Jade started as a family business. I worked on the salon floor when I was 12 years old and fell in love with the industry. Three years ago, I took over the salon from my mum and expanded the business. We now have two locations in Brisbane.
I have always been an American Express Card Member myself, so I accept and without surcharge. Customers come in, enjoy a luxurious service and are able to choose how they pay. This improves their overall experience. Most of our customers have an American Express Card for points and rewards so it’s nice to offer a payment service that benefits our customers.
I have been participating in Shop Small for the past three years. It is a great initiative for small business owners as it offers support and exposure to reach new customers. It also helps boost our marketing which is particularly significant for our new location. And creates a sense of community among business operators.
Since the start of COVID-19, I’ve also noticed an increase in communication from American Express, with regular calls to see how we are and inform us of benefits. This has definitely elevated my experience as a customer. As both an American Express Platinum Business Card Member, and a participant in Shop Small, I’ve really appreciated American Express’ support for small business owners during this trying time.”
Follow Ella & Jade on Instagram: @ellajadehair
“Being able to reach new target customers, especially ones who value a high-end service like ours, has been a significant opportunity for our business.”
“We have been part of the Brisbane community for 13 years, delivering a premium customer service experience. We are in the special position of providing a sense of connection through service to our customers, most of whom have experienced many challenges since the pandemic.
As a small business owner, we must adapt to change whether that’s ensuring our business is a safe and great place for employees or providing customers with a seamless experience, including accepting payment options that they prefer. I see it as our responsibility to offer variety to reduce any payment friction. It is also great that we can help equip clients with greater rewards and benefits.
As a small business owner, we must adapt to change whether that’s ensuring our business is a safe and great place for employees or providing customers with a seamless experience, including accepting payment options that they prefer. I see it as our responsibility to offer variety to reduce any payment friction. It is also great that we can help equip clients with greater rewards and benefits.
The Shop Small campaign is a valuable support for small businesses like mine. I’ve enjoyed being part of a campaign that’s specifically for merchants as it has opened the space for business growth and further support during such an uncertain time. I usually have no extra budget for marketing and promotion so being able to reach new target customers, especially ones who value a high-end service like ours, has been a significant opportunity for our business.”
Follow Elysium Hair Brisbane on Instagram: @elysiumhairbrisbane
“This is our first year participating in Shop Small. But we are excited and hope that the campaign encourages more customers to try our food and coffee, helping us recover from a very challenging time.”
“Little Sister Brighton is a community-oriented café in Brighton, Victoria. We are passionate about hospitality and providing great service for customers. I’ve always enjoyed the flexibility and independence working for myself brings.
“Becoming an American Express merchant was an obvious decision for us. Most of our customers use Amex. Whether it’s for tea, coffee, or a sandwich, we think it’s best to provide them with several payment options to help make the transaction smoother.
“Customers can sometimes ask cautiously if we accept American Express, assuming that we don’t. It’s great to provide them with a service that they are after and then they can spread the word to their friends. I think it’s smarter for businesses to offer American Express because of how many people are Amex Card holders.
“This is our first year participating in Shop Small. But we are excited and hope that the campaign encourages more customers to try our food and coffee, helping us recover from a very challenging time.”
Follow Little Sister Brighton on Instagram: @littlesister.brighton
“It is a great and important initiative because it encourages shoppers to support their local businesses. It puts business operatives, like us, front of mind.”
“We are a full-service traditional pharmacy combined with health, wellness and wellbeing products in Dee Why. We are always looking for ways to evolve our offering while maintaining the friendly, local pharmacy reputation. Leading a small business is hard work. I have been a pharmacist for 25 years and there are always challenges, from customers, suppliers, to staff, rosters, and budgets and, of course, all the added pressure of dealing with the pandemic.
American Express relieves some of those stresses through its marketing and promotional activities, helping us reach new customers. We offer American Express because of customer needs, and it provides people with choice. Businesses will do almost anything to win a customer, keep the customer and look after a customer. And if that customer chooses to use Amex, then that’s what we need to provide.
We want the customers to visit us and have a seamless experience. We want them to purchase the products they need, get good service and choose a payment option that’s best suited to them. We see new customers every day, and many people choose to use their American Express Card.
We’ve been participating in Shop Small since the very beginning. It is a great and important initiative because it encourages shoppers to support their local businesses. It puts business operatives, like us, front of mind.”
Follow Lawler’s WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods - Dee Why on Instagram: @wholelifelawlers
“The Shop Small campaign emphasises the value and need of buying small and local. We have benefitted significantly from participating year-on-year.”
“I started Spotted Orchid in 2015 in Lane Cove. The business has grown to become a premier flower destination, welcoming guests from all over Sydney. I am incredibly passionate about what I do, both in terms of flowers and delivering a premium service.
It was not a difficult decision to become an American Express merchant. It is a recognisable and prestigious brand with history. Plus, most of my customers are American Express Card holders. Offering this service provides payment choice, which is significant for a small business like mine. We must remove any obstacles that the customer might view as a barrier. It is also part of adapting to this new way of shopping. We always welcomed online orders, but due to COVID-19, they have increased significantly.
I also appreciate American Express customer service. If I ever have any queries or concerns, they are responsive, friendly and attentive. Their staff are always there to ensure that I am familiar with any services or products that can help Spotted Orchid grow.
The Shop Small campaign emphasises the value and need of buying small and local. The promotional material and advertisements have made people hyper-aware of the importance of supporting businesses in their area, whether they are shopping online or physically. We have benefitted significantly from participating year-on-year. I think Shop Small is a meaningful and valuable incentive. I will definitely continue to partake.”
Follow Spotted Orchid on Instagram: @spotted_orchid
“It is a great initiative for small business owners as it offers support and exposure to reach new customers… And it creates a sense of community among business operators.”
“Ella & Jade started as a family business. I worked on the salon floor when I was 12 years old and fell in love with the industry. Three years ago, I took over the salon from my mum and expanded the business. We now have two locations in Brisbane.
I have always been an American Express Card Member myself, so I accept and without surcharge. Customers come in, enjoy a luxurious service and are able to choose how they pay. This improves their overall experience. Most of our customers have an American Express Card for points and rewards so it’s nice to offer a payment service that benefits our customers.
I have been participating in Shop Small for the past three years. It is a great initiative for small business owners as it offers support and exposure to reach new customers. It also helps boost our marketing which is particularly significant for our new location. And creates a sense of community among business operators.
Since the start of COVID-19, I’ve also noticed an increase in communication from American Express, with regular calls to see how we are and inform us of benefits. This has definitely elevated my experience as a customer. As both an American Express Platinum Business Card Member, and a participant in Shop Small, I’ve really appreciated American Express’ support for small business owners during this trying time.”
Follow Ella & Jade on Instagram: @ellajadehair
“Being able to reach new target customers, especially ones who value a high-end service like ours, has been a significant opportunity for our business.”
“We have been part of the Brisbane community for 13 years, delivering a premium customer service experience. We are in the special position of providing a sense of connection through service to our customers, most of whom have experienced many challenges since the pandemic.
As a small business owner, we must adapt to change whether that’s ensuring our business is a safe and great place for employees or providing customers with a seamless experience, including accepting payment options that they prefer. I see it as our responsibility to offer variety to reduce any payment friction. It is also great that we can help equip clients with greater rewards and benefits.
As a small business owner, we must adapt to change whether that’s ensuring our business is a safe and great place for employees or providing customers with a seamless experience, including accepting payment options that they prefer. I see it as our responsibility to offer variety to reduce any payment friction. It is also great that we can help equip clients with greater rewards and benefits.
The Shop Small campaign is a valuable support for small businesses like mine. I’ve enjoyed being part of a campaign that’s specifically for merchants as it has opened the space for business growth and further support during such an uncertain time. I usually have no extra budget for marketing and promotion so being able to reach new target customers, especially ones who value a high-end service like ours, has been a significant opportunity for our business.”
Follow Elysium Hair Brisbane on Instagram: @elysiumhairbrisbane
“With the campaign now all year round, we have noticed that people are more committed to supporting their local areas and putting money into small businesses.”
“We are a well-loved lingerie boutique situated in Noosa Junction. The Lady Bird story started in 1984 and has been going from strength to strength ever since. We have also recently launched our website to make our services even more accessible.
Being an American Express merchant has been incredibly valuable to us. People often come in and ask whether we accept Amex because that’s their payment preference. We also can’t forget that people talk so word gets around. Once customers relay their experience, other American Express Card Members come in. It has been a great advertising vehicle. American Express is just a fantastic, familiar product that people feel comfortable with. They are also extremely good at communication, always letting us know what’s happening and of potential business opportunities.
We started participating in Shop Small about two years ago. It is a great way to get people’s attention, and it has helped us bring in new customers. With the campaign now all year round, we have noticed that people are more committed to supporting their local areas and putting money into small businesses. It seems simple, but it’s crucial to keep the uniqueness alive. Otherwise, everything is the same and very drab.
When you’re supporting local businesses, you’re embracing differences. You’re also supporting people who are passionate about their work. In turn, these people add value and character to the area, resulting in a wealthier community. I think it would be great if more organisations jumped on board with Shop Small. Ultimately, local businesses are that’s the backbone of any community.”
Follow Lady Bird Noosa on Instagram: @ladybirdnoosa
“This is our first year participating in Shop Small. But we are excited and hope that the campaign encourages more customers to try our food and coffee, helping us recover from a very challenging time.”
“Little Sister Brighton is a community-oriented café in Brighton, Victoria. We are passionate about hospitality and providing great service for customers. I’ve always enjoyed the flexibility and independence working for myself brings.
“Becoming an American Express merchant was an obvious decision for us. Most of our customers use Amex. Whether it’s for tea, coffee, or a sandwich, we think it’s best to provide them with several payment options to help make the transaction smoother.
“Customers can sometimes ask cautiously if we accept American Express, assuming that we don’t. It’s great to provide them with a service that they are after and then they can spread the word to their friends. I think it’s smarter for businesses to offer American Express because of how many people are Amex Card holders.
“This is our first year participating in Shop Small. But we are excited and hope that the campaign encourages more customers to try our food and coffee, helping us recover from a very challenging time.”
Follow Little Sister Brighton on Instagram: @littlesister.brighton
Our Business Class Trends and Insights provide the know + how to help with the business decisions
you make every day. Explore popular topics around cash flow, adapting to change, and more.
Shop Small is just one of many ways we support small business
Discover the other reasons why businesses choose
to accept American Express. Not accepting
American Express? It’s easy to get involved.^
^Subject to eligibility criteria
Do business on the go with the Amex Merchant App
Access your payment information any time, and manage your business on the go. Simply register for an Online Merchant Account and use the login details to get started.
Shop Small FAQs
Shop Small is a nationwide movement dedicated to supporting the thousands of small businesses in Australia, who are the backbone of our community and economy. The movement brings together support from the business community, governments and consumers encouraging them to support small businesses in their communities.
The Shop Small campaign is fully funded by American Express and resources are provided to eligible small businesses at no additional cost.
The below is a guideline for an eligible Shop Small business:
a. Classified as a 'Warmly Welcoming' business which means that you accept American Express Cards either with no surcharge or apply an equal surcharge to all cards.
b. Have processed at least one American Express transaction from the 1st of January 2020.
c. Have transacted less than $1.3 million AUD in American Express Card transactions at the individual business.
d. Are not operating in industries that are deemed not eligible for Shop Small.
e. Not a large B2B corporate or Global Brand.
In order for your business to be displayed on the Shop Small map, you must be an eligible small business and process at least one American Express transaction by 16th August 2020. If you have processed a transaction by the aforementioned date, and are not appearing on the Shop Small Map, please call 1300 363 614.
To view participating Shop Small businesses where the offer can be redeemed in-store, please visit Shop Small Map. To view eligible online business where the offer can be redeemed online, please visit the Online Directory.
If you are an American Express Card accepting business who is eligible to take part in the Shop Small 2020 campaign, you can update your business location(s) on the Shop Small Map by following these steps:
a. Log into your American Express Merchant Account here to update your business details.
b. Click on your business location. A pop up window will display your business location information as it will be seen on our Shop Small Map and other marketing channels.
c. Click the pencil icon in the pop up window to edit your business location information.
d. Click the "Save Updates" button at the bottom of the pop up window to save your updates. You can update your details online at any time.
Updates can take up to several days to be reflected on the Shop Small map. Please call 1300 363 614 if you need further assistance.
a. Log into your American Express Merchant Account shopsmallaustralia.com/merchant
b. Click on your business location.
c. Click the pencil icon in the pop up window to edit your business location information.
d. Uncheck to confirm that you would not like to receive complimentary exposure for your business on our Shop Small Map and other marketing channels.
e. Click the “Save Updates” button at the bottom of the pop up window to save your updates. You can update your preferences and details online at any time.
Updates can take up to several days to be reflected on the Shop Small map.
Please note that you will not be eligible for complimentary online ads and may not be included in various Shop Small Card Member offers if you uncheck the checkbox that allows us to include your public business information on the Shop Small map. Please call 1300 363 614 if you need further assistance.
Learn more here or call 1300 363 614 (Monday-Friday, 8.00am-6.00pm).
If the FAQs on this page do not address your questions, please feel free to call Merchant Services on 1300 363 614. We are available Monday to Friday, 8.00am-6.00pm.
Not an American Express Card Member? Find your perfect Card
For reward points, lifestyle benefits or business use, there's an American Express Card that's right for you.
- Offer is limited to a maximum $50 credit per Card and $5 credit per participating Shop Small business.
- Card Members must spend on the Card to which the offer is saved in-store or online at a participating Shop Small business:
- Transactions processed through a third party are not eligible for the offer. For example, transactions through Food Delivery services, some online payment capabilities and marketplaces and payment processors that use card readers or QR codes.
- Credit is not redeemable for cash or other payment form.
- Credit should appear on your billing statement within 5 business days from qualifying spend but may take up to 90 days from the offer end date.
- Credit will not be applied to your Card Account if your Card has been suspended or cancelled.
- Credit may be reversed if your qualifying purchase is refunded.
- Full Offer Terms available here.
What is Shop Small Shop?.
Small is a nationwide movement dedicated to supporting the thousands of small businesses in Australia, who are the backbone of our community and economy. The movement brings together support from the business community, governments and consumers encouraging them to support small businesses in their communities.
What is the 2022 Shop Small Win a Share in 10 Million points Competition?
The 2022 Card Member competition is a competition offering eligible Card Members the opportunity to enter a draw to Win a Share in 10 million points (“Competition”).
To obtain a valid entry into the Competition draw, eligible Card Members must:
- Complete and submit the enrolment form to register their Card in the Competition, And then
- Spend AU$1 or more at a participating Shop Small business between 1 November 2022 and 30 November 2022 There will be 10 winners drawn on 11 January 2023, who will win 1 million Qantas Points, Velocity Points or Membership Rewards points (as applicable, according to the points program the entrant has elected for their Eligible Card used to make the winning Eligible Transaction).
What are the Competition dates?
1 November 2022 - 30 November 2022
How many winners will be drawn?
There will be 10 winners drawn in January who will win 1 million Qantas Points, Velocity Points or Membership Rewards points each (as applicable, according to the points program the entrant has elected for their Eligible Card used to make the winning Eligible Transaction).
Is there a fee to enter the draw?
There is no fee to enroll in the competition however there is a minimum transaction amount of AU$1 at a participating Shop Small business required to enter the draw.
How will the winners be notified?
The winning Card Members will be contacted via third party Engage Australia, via email, prompting them to accept their prize. Following this, Engage Australia will follow up with a reminder email one week later and a maximum of three phone calls. If the Card Member still has not accepted the prize after these follow up attempts, there will be a redraw.
Where can I see the full terms and conditions?
https://www.americanexpress.com/en-au/business/shop-small/card-members/terms-and-conditions/
How do I know who is a participating Shop Small business?
To view participating Shop Small businesses where the offer can be redeemed in-store, please visit: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-au/maps?&cat=Shop-Small To view participating online businesses where the offer can be redeemed online, please click here.
My business isn’t appearing on the map. Why not?
In order for your business to be displayed on the map, you must be an eligible small business and process at least one American Express transaction util 30th November 2022. If you have processed a transaction before the above mentioned date however are not appearing on the Shop Small Map, please call 1300 363 614.
My business details are listed incorrectly on the Shop Small map.How can I update them?
If you are an American Express Card accepting business who is eligible to take part in the Shop Small 2022 campaign, you can update your business location(s) on the Shop Small Map by following these steps:
a. Log into your American Express Merchant Account here to update your business details.
b. Click on your business location. A pop up window will display your business location information as it will be seen on our Shop Small Map and other marketing channels.
c. Click the pencil icon in the pop up window to edit your business location information.
d. Click the "Save Updates" button at the bottom of the pop up window to save your updates. You can update your details online at any time.
Updates can take up to several days to be reflected on the Shop Small map. Please call 1300 363 614 if you need further assistance.
How do I remove my business from the Shop Small map?
a. Log into your American Express Merchant Account shopsmallaustralia.com/merchant
b. Click on your business location.
c. Click the pencil icon in the pop up window to edit your business location information.
d. Uncheck to confirm that you would not like to receive complimentary exposure for your business on our Shop Small Map and other marketing channels.
e. Click the “Save Updates” button at the bottom of the pop up window to save your updates. You can update your preferences and details online at any time.
Updates can take up to several days to be reflected on the Shop Small map.
Please note that you will not be eligible for complimentary online ads and may not be included in the Shop Small Card Member offers if you uncheck the checkbox that allows us to include your public business information on the Shop Small map. Please call 1300 363 614 if you need further assistance.
My business does not currently accept American Express Cards.Where can I learn more about accepting American Express?
Learn more here or call 1300 363 614 (Monday-Friday, 8.00am-6.00pm AEST).
I have a question that isn’t addressed by the FAQs on this page. Where can I go for help?
If the FAQs on this page do not address your questions, please feel free to call Merchant Services on 1300 363 614. We are available Monday to Friday, 8.00am-6.00pm AEST.
How can I keep up to date with Shop Small news and promotions as a business?
Check for regular updates by visiting https://www.americanexpress.com/au/shop-small/small-business.html