The short answer
American Express can be priced on your account in one of two ways: through your main card processor alongside Visa and Mastercard, or under a separate direct agreement with American Express. In the United States, American Express says that under its OptBlue program a participating provider sets your American Express rate, and you get one statement, one deposit and one service contact for the card brands you accept. With a direct agreement, Amex fees and deposits often come separately. To see what you really pay, find out which setup you have, gather every statement that carries Amex fees, and work out your Amex cost as a share of your Amex sales.
Two ways American Express can be set up
American Express has historically worked differently from Visa and Mastercard. Many small businesses accept it through the same provider that handles their other cards. In the US, American Express calls this OptBlue: third-party providers sign directly with eligible businesses to enable Amex acceptance, and the provider sets the American Express rate, just as it does for the other brands. American Express says US businesses with estimated annual American Express charge volume under $3 million may be eligible, with certain industry and franchise restrictions. Businesses that are not eligible, or that choose to, can accept Amex under a direct agreement with American Express. Outside the US, ask your provider how your Amex acceptance is arranged.
How to tell which setup you have
| What you see | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Amex sales and fees listed on your main processing statement | Amex runs through your main provider |
| Amex sales arrive in the same deposit as your other cards | Amex runs through your main provider |
| A separate statement from American Express | A direct agreement with American Express |
| Amex sales arrive in a separate deposit | Likely a direct agreement; confirm with your provider |
| No Amex lines anywhere | Ask whether Amex is accepted at all, or billed somewhere you have not looked |
If you are not sure, ask your provider in writing how American Express is set up on each of your merchant accounts.
Why Amex pricing can differ from your other cards
Visa publishes a US interchange schedule; American Express does not publish an equivalent merchant schedule, so you cannot look up an Amex rate the way you can a Visa category. Through your main provider, the provider sets your Amex rate, and it may or may not match what you pay on other cards. On a flat-rate plan Amex may be included in the same rate; on interchange-plus or tiered pricing it may carry its own line. Under a direct agreement, the price is set in that agreement with American Express. Either way, the only reliable number is the one on your own statements.
Related: Interchange-plus vs flat rate
What to look for on your statements
Start with your Amex share: Amex sales divided by total card sales. Then work out your Amex effective rate: total Amex fees divided by Amex sales, and compare it with the same figure for your other cards. If Amex is billed separately, include that statement, or your overall effective rate will look lower than it really is. Look for monthly or per-statement fees charged on both accounts, deposit timing that differs between Amex and your other cards, and Amex fee lines you cannot explain. Disputes work differently too, so keep Amex dispute notices and their deadlines in view.
Chargeback reason codes for Visa, Mastercard and Amex
Should you change how Amex is set up?
One statement and one deposit save time on bookkeeping, and a separate direct agreement may suit businesses with larger Amex volume. Neither is cheaper by default. Compare the full cost of each, including fees that come with a second account, and read the term and notice sections of both agreements before you move anything, so you do not pay an early exit fee or miss a notice window.
What changes for multi-location and enterprise operations
Larger businesses often have a mix: some locations accept Amex through the main provider, others under a direct agreement signed years ago. List every merchant account, how Amex is set up on it, where its fees and deposits land, and its contract term. Amex volume above the OptBlue eligibility level American Express describes usually points to a direct relationship, so enterprise teams should review that agreement on its own schedule. Finance teams reconciling separate Amex deposits should match them to sales by location, and B2B sellers should check how much of their Amex volume is on corporate or business cards.
Get both statements reviewed
Many owners never look closely at Amex because it is a smaller share of their sales. If your customers use Amex often, it is worth knowing what you pay. Send us your main processing statement and any separate Amex statement, and we will show you your Amex cost next to your other cards, free.
Key takeaways
- Amex runs either through your main provider or under a direct agreement
- Under OptBlue in the US, your provider sets your Amex rate
- A direct agreement often means a separate statement and deposit
- Include every statement that carries Amex fees when you calculate your effective rate
Related guides
Want this checked against your own statement?
We are an independent agent — we shop every processor we work with and bring you the best deal for your profile. Free analysis, every fee named, back, usually within 4 hours. Or call now and we will quote you on the phone.