I have a business and have recently opened a merchant account. In order to accept AMEX I had to apply first with AMEX directly then get a separate merchant number that my merchant account provider uses to process AMEX transactions on my behalf. Is this normal? And, why does AMEX require this special, separate service?

1 Answers

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   Danielle on Aug 19, 2012 Reply

   Yes, this is the norm in the practice. The reason being is that Amex has its own proprietary network that the transactions are sent through. Essentially all your Acquirer is doing is passing through the transaction to be processed and deposited. Amex sets their own rates and determines when the deposit happens. This is the same for Discover and other card brands. Acquirers only set up MasterCard, Visa and Interac.

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