Accepting American Express at your business gives you access to:
Support for your Business
We'll help you attract our high-spending Cardmembers and turn them into loyal customers.
Corporate Cardmembers
Your business could be attracting our corporate and business Cardmembers.
Grow Your Business
With instant access to over 100 million Card Members around the world, including Corporate Card Members.
Personal Cardmembers
Imagine the high income Cardmembers your business will be attracting.
Experience the Powerful Backing of American Express
When American Express Card Members walk through your door, you'll find yourself welcoming customers with high spending power. Join our merchant network today and discover the business benefits of accepting American Express Cards, giving you even more opportunities to grow your business.
Higher Spending Power
When you welcome American Express Cards, it is an investment in attracting customers with greater spending power. Globally, the average American Express Card Member spends up to 4 to 5 times more than other Card Members from competitive networks.* By accepting our cards, you are also practically opening your business to some of the highest spenders and earners, including Corporate Card Members who are often mandated to use their Card for work related expenses.
Grow your business globally
Opening a merchant account with American Express gives you instant access to 117,8 million Cardmembers around the world, including Corporate Card Members. By aligning your business with a global trusted brand, you give your customers the confidence to spend more with you.
Greater Loyalty
In an age when people change credit cards as readily as mobile devices, you may be interested to learn that American Express Card Members globally are extraordinarily loyal to their Cards. This is beneficial to you, because it means they’re more likely to bring their extra spending power to your business. Plus, accepting American Express Cards allow you access to our most loyal Card Members enrolled on to our Membership Rewards® program which promotes spend centric loyalty at our merchant partners.
Did you know there are no setup fees for your business to accept American Express Cards?
- No annual fees
- No monthly fees
- Our merchant service commission is only charged per Amex transaction
How to become a merchant that accepts American Express
Nedbank is the exclusive acquirer of American Express in South Africa. To welcome American Expess Cards, please do the following:
Getting Started
1. Call American Express
Call the American Express Merchant Helpdesk on 011 667 8173. The call center agent will log the call and provide you with a reference number. You can expect a call from a sales manager within three working days.
2. Sign the agreement
The sales manager will contact you and email you a copy of the American Express agreement. You will be advised of the supporting documents that need to be provided.
3. Return signed agreement
Email the signed American Express Agreement as well as the supporting documents to the sales manager.
4. You can now accept American Express Cards
An American Express merchant number is created and linked to your Visa or Mastercard merchant number. You will receive a welcome letter to confirm you are an American Express merchant.
Everything you need to know about conducting business as an American Express merchant - from accepting American Express Cards, to processing and submitting transactions, to managing disputes. Get best practices and helpful tips, tools and insights designed to help you run your business.
Changing Banks or Devices
The American Express Merchant Helpdesk will be happy to assist you. If you have changed your acquiring bank or have installed new devices, please contact the American Express Merchant Helpdesk on 011 667 8173 or 0860 119 966 so that we can re-link you to the Amex network.
Prevent Fraud
Fraud is a growing concern, but you can help protect your business against it. Browse our Fraud Brochure PDF
E-Statements
Get e-Statements, save the trees and make a difference.
To receive your monthly merchant and chargebacks statement via email please contact the American Express Merchant Helpdesk.
Call: 011 667 8173
Point of Purchase (POP)
Order complimentary American Express branded point of purchase material to show American Express® Cardmembers they are welcomed at your business.
In December 2022, American Express launched an arts initiative in South Africa that celebrates the vibrancy of Africa and the welcoming spirit South Africans are known for. Over 550 artists submitted artwork that creatively responded to the theme "The vibrant African marketplace - everyone's welcome." After careful selection, 5 winners of the Amex ZA Graphic Arts Challenge were selected to win R100 000 and appear on signage for American Express-accepting merchants. Learn more about The Artist Series.
Note: Please have your American Express® Merchant number ready to complete your POP order.
What is it?
Safekey is a 3D-Secure authentication tool to detect and reduce online fraud by adding an extra layer of security when shopping online. The South African Card Member database will be pre-enrolled onto the Safekey system, to ensure little to no inconveniences for the customer. With the enablement of Safekey, transaction volumes might increase due to the local and international acceptance and the eCommerce value proposition will be enhanced due to the improved security on transactions.
Benefits
- Increase profitability. Customers will feel more secure about online purchases, and therefore spend more.
- Optimise operational efficiency by reducing fraud costs. The Fraud Liability Shift (FLS) Policy ensures that the Merchant will not be responsible for any losses suffered by the customer.
- Implement with ease. The merchant will have minimal disruptions within their infrastructure.
How it works
- The Cardmember adds items to the merchant’s shopping cart and proceeds to checkout.
- The Cardmember enters their credit card details and clicks to pay.
- In some instances, the Cardmember might be asked to enter a one-time PIN for authentication.
- If successful, the Cardmember will know their PIN has been authenticated and their payments has been approved.
On Mobile: 011 667 8173
By Email: amexacquiringsales@nedbank.co.za
