American Express
Interchange Rates

Accepting American Express Payments

Amex is a popular credit card used by many consumers from around the world. Customers using Amex tend to make larger purchases, with many Amex cards being used for business and corporate purchases.

In the past, Amex was the most expensive credit card to accept for business owners, causing many to reconsider whether or not they want to accept it at their business. Amex offers two different pricing options for businesses – ESA and OptBlue®.

American Express OptBlue®

If your business is processing less than $1,000,000 per year in American Express transactions, you may qualify for the American Express OptBlue program. Your business can accept Amex credit cards under the same pricing structure as Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.
We simply pass on the wholesale cost from the card issuer and then add on a transparent, small fee. The tables below provide a breakdown of the current Amex OptBlue costs.
*Please note that some industries do not qualify for the Amex OptBlue program and are required to sign up with Amex directly on their website.

American Express OptBlue® Interchange Rates

Industry

Transaction Size

Rate

AMEX RETAIL < $75 1.60 % + 10¢
AMEX RETAIL < $1,000 1.95 % + 10¢
AMEX RETAIL < $1,000 2.40 % + 10¢
AMEX SERVICES < $400 1.60 % + 10¢
AMEX SERVICES < $3,000 1.95 % + 10¢
AMEX SERVICES > $3,000 2.40 % + 10¢
AMEX RESTAURANT < $25 1.85 % + 10¢
AMEX RESTAURANT < $150 2.45 % + 10¢
AMEX RESTAURANT > $150 2.75 % + 10¢
AMEX CATERERS < $25 1.85 % + 10¢
AMEX CATERERS < $150 2.45 % + 10¢
AMEX CATERERS > $150 2.75 % + 10¢
AMEX MAIL ORDER & INTERN < $150 1.70 % + 10¢
AMEX MAIL ORDER & INTERN < $3,000 2.05 % + 10¢
AMEX MAIL ORDER & INTERN > $3,000 2.50 % + 10¢

Assessments and Association Fees

AMEX NETWORK FEES (Applies to all transactions.) 0.15%
AMEX INTL CROSS BORDER FEE (Applies to all international transactions.) 0.40%
AMEX KEYED FEE (Applies to all manually keyed transactions.) 0.30%

Credit Card Processors:
Everything You Need to Know

Credit Card Processors:
Everything You Need to Know

Learn everything you need to know about working with credit card processors with our comprehensive guide.
Learn More

Credit Card Payment Processing
Without the Added Confusion

Credit Card Payment Processing
Without the Added Confusion

Understand the different types of credit card payment processing fees with our simple pricing breakdown.
Learn More

How to Choose the Right Credit
Card Processing Company

How to Choose the Right Credit
Card Processing Company

There is a lot at stake when choosing the right credit card processing company to work with. Businesses must be savvy when selecting a partner, so we’ve put together a checklist to help.
Learn More

Not sure where to start?

Scroll to Top

Brightr payments