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Because the rates were so high, many businesses chose not to accept American Express cards – leading to the new more afordable OptBlue pricing for small businesses. This program offers what is referred to as a “wholesale” pricing agreement to smaller merchants (merchants processing less than $1 million annually). 0000010025 00000 n
... ESA and OptBlue®. OptBlue Eligibility: OptBlue is limited to U.S. Small Merchants that have an estimated American Express charge volume of less than $1M per year, and certain industry and franchise restrictions apply. American Express OptBlue® Program Open your doors to a loyal new group of consumer, small business and. Customers using Amex tend to make larger purchases, with many Amex cards being used for business and corporate purchases. American Express is a popular credit card used by many consumers from around the world. Accepting payment via American Express has long been a challenge for merchants; it used to require working with Amex directly, and the card fees were greater than what you’d pay for Visa or Mastercard. Click below to view the announcements from each business. There is a way to save money on processing American Express credit cards - it's called OptBlue pricing. Effective July 2020, the Card Networks are making several modifications to the interchange pricing structures which will be passed through to the overall effective merchant processing rates.The timing of this follows their standard pricing updates of Spring and Fall each year. Privacy Policy. Unlike with debit card interchange fees, which are capped, federal law does not regulate or limit credit card swipe fees. Terms of Service. July 2020 Interchange Modifications Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express OptBlue have announced new rates and service changes to take effect in July 2020. American Express: OptBlue. EMV Credit Card Machines Note: American Express acts as both the card issuer and the card network. The rates are reasonable, and competition amongst merchant account solutions provides plenty of payment processing options. Effective April 2020, the interchange fees (also known as swipe fees) for the major card networks will have some adjustments. 0000001958 00000 n
These card companies include Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover. Please keep in mind that some industries do not qualify for the AMEX OptBlue® registration and need to signup with AMEX directly by clicking here. ?�.X?�k�k�b������� G�с Call 855-894-6570. corporate Card Members- shoppers who represent over 50 million Cards In the U.S. When you reach out to the provider, they will be able to tell you your rate for American Express Card acceptance. The report has the biggest interchange structural changes that we’ve seen in a decade. Fill out the fields below and a Host Merchant Services representative will contact you. Processors then add a markup on top of those base rates. If your business is not eligible for OptBlue, please apply to accept American Express Cards directly with American Express. The Right Way. This all has changed, thanks to the launch of OptBlue. 0000013763 00000 n
Fee Program Rules New rate AM Service/Prof Serv Tier 4 Transaction amount >$3,000.00 2.40% + $0.10 Referral Partners The processor can now offer interchange plus pricing on American Express merchant accounts, which provides better Amex rates. Referral Partner Permissions. Visit Our Newsroom . To qualify for the lower priced OptBlue program, a business must process less than $1 million dollars in AMEX credit cards annually. Current US Interchange Rates The term “Interchange rate” refers to the fees charged by the card companies for use of their cards. h�b``0f``[����8��01���$ac(f`�d�g^ĸ�فケ���7)�>�
American Express OptBlue® Merchants who process less than $1,000,000 per year in American Express transactions may be eligible for the American Express OptBlue® program. This program should lower the American Express processing cost for thousands of ecommerce, retail, and other merchants in the U.S. 0000014100 00000 n
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Pros and cons of American Express OptBlue ... Understanding American Express’s OptBlue. Call 855-894-6570. For full details on OptBlue, including the base Amex “interchange” rates, see our article American Express OptBlue. View the list of participating providers here. But OptBlue was a game changer for American Express and Amex is now accepted at 99% of businesses that take credit cards. American Express Opt-Blue Wholesale Discount Rates. Low transaction rates. American Express OptBlue. 99% of places that accept credit cards in the U.S. can now accept American Express, the latest Nilson Report confirms. By accepting Amex, your customers can pay in … 0000073503 00000 n
Visa uses interchange reimbursement fees as transfer fees between acquiring banks and issuing banks for each Visa card transaction. 0000086647 00000 n
You could possibly save money on charge card charges by registering for the American Express OptBlue program (also it’s not difficult to do). American Express is increasing the General Assessment fee from 0.15% to 0.16% and the Inbound fee from 0.40% to 1.00%. 0000002872 00000 n
American Express discount rates are based largely on a business’s merchant category code (MCC). Understanding American Express Interchange Rates Interchange fees, and American Express interchange fees, in particular, are somewhat of a mystery to many merchants. American Express Payment Processing Options for Businesses. Payment Processing 0000001815 00000 n
October 17, ... OptBlue. 0000057788 00000 n
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566 RTLNS1 Retail Transaction Amount 1 (<$75.00) Non Swiped 1.90% + $0.10 N 567 RTLNS2 Retail Transaction Amount 2 ($75.01 - $1,000.00) Non Swiped 2.25% + $0.10 N 568 RTLNS3 Retail Transaction Amount 3 (>$1000.00) Non Swiped 2.70% + $0.10 N 0000008945 00000 n
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Unlike the old days where you needed to work with American Express directly (and pay high fees! American Express OptBlue is introducing a Tier 4 for both Restaurant and Services/Professional Services interchange programs. It should be noted that these fees are not exorbitant and are pretty much the same as the same fees applied by Visa and MasterCard. 0000104925 00000 n
American Express Optblue® Program: It is time to let American Express® Cards into your business. Interchange rates change twice a year – in April and October. disclosed to third parties without the express prior written consent of American Express. As a result, a portion of the rate that we charge you will depend on the type of transaction and the pricing level at which the transaction is processed. If you already accept American Express — but process less than $1 million in transactions — joining OptBlue may help to reduce your processing fees. 0000037231 00000 n
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American Express Payment Processing Options for Businesses. American Express OptBlue is introducing a Tier 4 for both Restaurant and Services/Professional Services interchange programs. Electronic Payments now offers OptBlue℠ Program for American Express ® Card Acceptance! Your submitted information is private and secure. 0000011066 00000 n
American Express OptBlue Program Pricing and Signing Guidelines will be revised in the U.S. Studying interchange charts from any of the major card brands often brings more confusion than comfort, which is why we want to help you understand exactly what you’re looking at (or at least gain a passable … disclosed to third parties without the express prior written consent of American Express. American Express OptBlue Schedule Of Fees Description Transaction Amount Percent Per Item Restaurant Tier 1 ≤$25.00 1.85% $0.10 Restaurant Tier 2 $25.01 – $150.00 2.45% $0.10 Restaurant Tier 3 Over $150.00 2.75% $0.10 OptBlue program can be a good way for smaller enterprises to reduce the costs of processing American Express credit cards.It’s a pricing model for the Amex merchant account that can provide potential benefits to small businesses that take in less than $1 million in volume. 0000002706 00000 n
), now accepting Amex transactions happens just like Visa/MasterCard. Helcim has been offering American Express Opt-Blue to US merchants since 2014. American Express announced the news in January 2020 in its Q4 2019 earnings release. However, American Express (Amex) is a closed loop system, with many smaller merchants getting priced out of the relatively high rates that American Express charges. 0000010159 00000 n
Amex OptBlue. June 18, 2020. American Express OptBlue Retail Rate Grid. In addition, they are modifying the rates and rules for Micro and Tiers 1-3 under those same interchange programs. ... Sep 2020 - Press Release - For Immediate Release. F9�M7X���o~� �`���X&��e���r>��GCO� 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. In addition, they are modifying the rates and rules for Micro and Tiers 1-3 under those same interchange programs. 0000037472 00000 n
We're now excited to be introducing Opt-Blue to Canadian merchants at the end of October 2016! Amex OptBlue is a processing option released by American Express in 2014. Customers using Amex tend to make larger purchases, with many Amex cards being used for business and corporate purchases. To be able to use the OptBlue program, the business must process less than $1 million dollars in American Express cards each year. �@X�����L30�EY��BD� �5&X
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Then, the processors go in and add their own additional costs. 0000013989 00000 n
American Express Technical Specifications within thirty (30) days of the publication’s release date. 0000028935 00000 n
So the credit card fees are typically higher for American Express cards. Amex is a popular card used by customers around the world. In “American Express OptBlue Program May Reduce Processing Cost,” my article last month, I explained American Express’s new program called OptBlue. American Express OptBlue American Express made revisions to the Merchant Exclusion List globally. Standard Amex OptBlue® wholesale discount rates apply. 2 AMERICAN EXPRESS PREFACE A significant amount of the fees that we charge to you for processing your Credit Card transactions represents charges charged to us by American Express under American Express rules. Accepting American Express Payments. 0000007852 00000 n
Interchange Plus Pricing for American Express. First Data claims that their OptBlue rates are non-negotiable even though we process almost $1MM/yr. Whereas before your business would be automatically assigned one set rate according to your SIC Code, now there is the flexibility to setup your AMEX discount rate on a cost-plus pricing model. Photo Stream. Receive low American Express ® rates while streamlining your merchant account. However, thanks to the OptBlue program, since 2014 American Express has offered a viable way for small businesses to accept Amex cards. This program should lower the American Express processing cost for thousands of ecommerce, retail, and other merchants in the U.S. American Express OptBlue is modifying the rates for the Business to Business industry program as well as modifying the rates and volume tiers for the Restaurant and Services industry programs. Amex is a popular card used by customers around the world. OptBlue. 0000014262 00000 n
However, there is a new pricing model - called OptBlue - that brings the fees closer in line with Visa and Mastercard. April 2020 Interchange Changes ... in addition to some specific interchange rate increases. American Express Interchange Rates. ... Sep 2020 - Press Release - For Immediate Release. To keep up with Visa and Mastercard, American Express is offering sign-on bonuses to companies to offset start-up costs. 0000028866 00000 n
American Express discount rates are based largely on a business’s merchant category code (MCC). 2 Merchant Operating Guide - U.S. Introduction::About American Express 1.1 About American Express American Express was established more than 160 years ago and has … Referral Partnership FAQ Interchange Fees Increasing April 2020 The payment processing world is going through some significant changes. Wind River is carefully tracking the timing of additional changes. 0000037447 00000 n
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ESA is American Express’ direct processing program, which means your account and transaction settlement is directly managed by American Express. Beyond the cost savings, businesses can aquire OptBlue processing through the same payment processing company that supplies their Visa and MasterCard processing bringing all of the merchants services together in one place with one easy to understand statement at the end of the month. Let’s explore the bare bones facts about what Amex OptBlue has to offer merchants, including its benefits, rates, who is eligible, and how to take advantage of OptBlue without falling prey to hollow marketing strategies. Visit Our Newsroom . 0000073770 00000 n
American Express BrandVoice ... Feb 7, 2020, 08:14am EST | ... Credit card companies charge interchange fees to merchants that accept electronic payment. In the past, American Express® financed and processed each transaction — unlike Mastercard and Visa, which only process payments. What does this mean for you? 0000005657 00000 n
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Photo Stream. High-risk merchant services provided through Electronic Merchant Systems (EMS). Here’s what it means to say yes. Merchants in this MCC with average Amex tickets between $250 and $3000 will see an interchange increase of 15 basis points. American Express is trying to shed its “expensive” reputation with its OptBlue program. It has recently cut rates through a new program for qualified merchants, which we discuss in more detail below. Referral Partner Application 0000053873 00000 n
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First, there is a 0.15% network fee applied to the gross volume. Many American express cards are used by businesses and corporations and are usually used for larger transactions. Rolled out in 2015, OptBlue replaced American Express One Point. Customers using Amex tend to make larger purchases, with many Amex cards used for business and corporate purchases. American Express OptBlue Interchange Rates OptBlue is a program started by … The 2014 introduction of the Amex OptBlue program by American Express (“AMEX”) was promoted primarily as an affordable way to facilitate the acceptance of AMEX cards within small businesses. OptBlue. Bonsai Point of Sale As of April 17, 2020, the new rate is 2.35% + $0.10 per transaction. What is Amex OptBlue? OptBlue Eligibility: OptBlue is limited to U.S. Small Merchants that have an estimated American Express charge volume of less than $1M per year, and certain industry and franchise restrictions apply. Rates vary by category and ticket size, usually falling into one of three tiers. 0000013876 00000 n
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Ranging from $10,000 to nearly $500,000, American Express sign-on bonuses are part of an effort to close the gap of the 1.3 million more U.S. locations accepting Visa and Mastercard in 2018 than those accepting American Express, which is accepted in 10.3 million … 0000037824 00000 n
Accepting payment via American Express has long been a challenge for merchants; it used to require working with Amex directly, and the card fees were greater than what you’d pay for Visa or Mastercard. 0000037893 00000 n
This kept unknowing merchants in the dark, as their overall rates didn’t change, but their processor’s rates for Amex went up substantially—in some cases up to 50%. With OptBlue™, American Express® card acceptance just got a lot less expensive, because participating acquirers take over the processing. American Express can now be accepted at 99% of places in the US that accept credit cards. 0000001649 00000 n
American Express is now much easier to accept. © 2020 Host Merchant Services. Supporting American Express is likely to be more important if you sell higher value items or appeal to an affluent or tourist market. All Rights Reserved. Merchant Cash Advance 2 Merchant Operating Guide - U.S. Introduction::About American Express 1.1 About American Express American Express was established more than 160 years ago and has … Gift & Loyalty Cards, ISO/Agent Program Amex is a popular card used by customers around the world. But because with everything else within the payments space, it’s imperative that you know how the agreement works and just what you’ll really be having to pay to simply accept American stock exchange cards. New affordable price points. The 2014 introduction of the Amex OptBlue program by American Express (“AMEX”) was promoted primarily as an affordable way to facilitate the acceptance of AMEX cards within small businesses. 21 0 obj
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The commercial electronic interchange program from Discover is also being modified. Customers using Amex tend to make larger purchases, with many Amex cards used for business and corporate purchases. OptBlue gives smaller businesses the ability to accept Amex cards at an affordable rate. OptBlue rates are shown below but there are a few additional fees you should be aware of. One merchant statement all brands. h�bbbd`b``$ � 3
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April 2020 Interchange Changes – Dates Have Been Extended ... in addition to some specific interchange rate increases. Small business owners can then receive a single statement, deposit and service contract for all the major credit cards they accept. Our Chairman and CEO Stephen Squeri announced a major milestone in January – we reached our goal to close the gap in merchants that can accept American Express in the U.S. OptBlue is a program started by American Express (Amex) to offer an affordable way for small businesses to accept their cards. American Express® launched the OptBlue™ program in May 2014. One B2B merchant service provider contract. 0000086899 00000 n
... Additional Visa, Mastercard, and American Express enhancements coming July 2020. 0000006732 00000 n
It also uses a set of “base” rates that are the same for every processor. 0000054139 00000 n
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American Express recently began paying merchants to accept its cards, according to media reports, which claimed the payments reached $450,000 per merchant. 0000028067 00000 n
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American Express is trying to shed its “expensive” reputation with its OptBlue program. Amex is a popular credit card used by many consumers from around the world. With OptBlue, your provider sets your American Express rate just like they do for the other card brands you accept, so you have more rate options. By accepting Amex, your customers can … 0000001396 00000 n
Wind River Financial has studied the announced changes and summarized below those that we believe to have the most significant impact on merchant clients. �{F$j [PHA�#&J��KN��D�����M�˦��I g|�^���8�ǐ�a�>�ZRi�1Ri��Q�J"�)1M(�`}�8GAmʵI^�cT��sk�I>�9�g��!�錧�X�9� Participant grants American Express , � )X���>-�.+U4����?���!�J7䢬xѠ���1� ��j�J4w����I�#�Oc4y�]H��@��ᨸ��9�Y��,n~�u��uÀO��uZ[j�M� (�q�P��D��߬ �Kj�w�8rd���
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7�24��9Cm.N�%��! Standard Amex OptBlue® wholesale discount rates apply. Suddenly, merchant-acceptance rates and merchant fees became a priority for American Express. Based on the Feb 2020 Nilson Report. The OptBlue program allows the merchant account provider to set the rates and fees merchants pay, … Payment processing companies make money by putting a markup on top… Although rates will vary by provider, they’ll almost always save small business owners money. Since OptBlue wasn’t well-advertised, some speculate that American Express gave too much power to processors, who took advantage of the situation and added huge markups to the new low rates. Host Merchant Services is a registered ISO of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Concord, CA. But OptBlue was a game changer for American Express and Amex is now accepted at 99% of businesses that take credit cards. OptBlue lets you accept American Express cards through the same credit card processor you use for Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Amex Interchange Rates With OptBlue Agreements. Sources: Visa USA Interchange Reimbursement Fees published on April 13, 2019, Mastercard 2019-2020 U.S. Reducing the rates for small businesses makes them much more likely to accept Amex. Your business can accept Amex credit cards under the same pricing structure as Visa, Mastercard , and Discover. With the OptBlue program, American Express provides standard “wholesale” (interchange) rates to processors, similar to Visa or Mastercard. 0000029030 00000 n
Wind River is … In “American Express OptBlue Program May Reduce Processing Cost,” my article last month, I explained American Express’s new program called OptBlue. H��W�n�6}߯�T@4�w�_�(�4����]�{m��ߡDJ���z7����pfx�p�spqw��ܐ�Ã�O?�F��N�N�����j�\_�]��H;yR/~����jqP �o ��q)N�w����#9�,�)��:��U�2&H�F�P�8�8ո��^|)���Rw˲(�JU)��[x}��KR��7b��V��c ����'������xy�E5&�v�2����� Visa sent a document that outlined the proposal to banks. Let’s explore the bare bones facts about what Amex OptBlue has to offer merchants, including its benefits, rates, who is eligible, and how to take advantage of OptBlue without falling prey to hollow marketing strategies. Merchants who process less than $1,000,000 per year in American Express transactions may be eligible for the American Express OptBlue® program. 0000002448 00000 n
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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. If your business is not eligible for OptBlue, please apply to accept American Express Cards directly with American Express. American Express OptBlue New Rate and Rule change for Service/Professional Services Interchange Program American Express OptBlue is introducing a Tier 4 for Services/Professional Services transactions that are greater than $3,000.00. In order to qualify for a specific pricing level, you must satisfy certain qualification criteria established by American Express. With American Express OptBlue, the rates are set by the third-party provider. If you are selling a product that costs several hundred dollars, a single lost sale will have a bigger impact on your profits than the higher interchange fees. To qualify for the lower priced OptBlue program, a business must process less than $1 million dollars in AMEX credit cards annually. But Amex admits paying only sign-up incentives and only to 133 merchants since 2018. %PDF-1.4
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Our Visa/MC/Discover rate is Interchange plus 1 basis point, but their reps are insisting that the 55 basis point Discount and 15 … Unlike Visa and MasterCard interchange fees, American Express discount rates have relatively few qualification factors. Your processor will set your rate for accepting AMX by adding its own markup to the interchange and assessment fees, just like it does with Visa and Mastercard. Customers using Amex tend to make larger purchases, with many Amex cards used for business and corporate purchases. American Express Opt-Blue Wholesale Discount Rates. Receive low American Express ® rates while streamlining your merchant account. Seamless integration with Visa, MasterCard, and Discover infrastructure. However, thanks to the OptBlue program, since 2014 American Express has offered a viable way for small businesses to accept Amex cards. Effective April 2019, American Express will change several Industry Pricing Categories and associated interchange tiers and rates for their OptBlue program. 0000104672 00000 n
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Supported Payment Gateways And Point Of Sale, American Express OptBlue Wholesale Discount Rates, Here, customer service is king... (so is agent service), AMEX NETWORK FEES (Applies to all transactions), AMEX INTL CROSS BORDER FEE (Applies to all international transactions), AMEX KEYED FEE (Applies to all manually keyed transactions). Visa uses these fees to balance and grow the payment system for the benefit of all participants. Your business can accept Amex credit cards under the same pricing structure as Visa, Mastercard , and Discover. American Express Fee Changes Effective April 2020 Unlike other card brands and B2B merchant accounts, American Express interchange rates increase with ticket or transaction size. Electronic Payments now offers OptBlue℠ Program for American Express ® Card Acceptance! :cp���` ����� �`O��UY��qu�9�|A\���C�m���x!Jg���!�~�!��U�݃�bc'[8~���g8Fu�>[�J����7K�j��������LT� Before OptBlue, small businesses had much higher processing fees for Amex cards. The current rate is 2.30% + $0.10 per transaction. American Express: Amex is increasing their Network Access fee for all merchants that process on their OptBlue program, from 0.15% to 0.16% on all processing volume. MCC 6513 is now under the Services Industry Pricing Category. 1.3.6 American Express may receive information from Participant in connection with the Program through annual forums and ongoing consultation according to Chapter 22 of these Operating Regulations. 0000004628 00000 n
The new OptBlue pricing model allows for your American Express discount rate and transaction fees to be reduced quite significantly. American Express Interchange Rates. in American Express transactions. American Express OptBlue® Pricing . However, the tides have turned as American Express makes a push to be available in more merchant locations and boost spending on its network. 0000014169 00000 n
To learn more about accepting American Express, connect with a representative today. American Express OptBlue Pricing As previously mentioned, the cost to merchants will vary based on the processor. Second, there is an additional 0.30% fee added on to any card not present transaction. Mar 31, 2020. American Express: Amex is increasing their Network Access fee for all merchants that process on their OptBlue program, from 0.15% to 0.16% on all processing volume. Low transaction rates. Get a Call Back. American Express Discount Rates. A 0.15 % to 0.16 % and the card network order to qualify for specific. Process less than $ 1 million dollars in Amex credit cards directly ( and pay fees... An affluent or tourist market used by customers around the world under those same interchange programs to merchants... Mastercard, American Express® launched the OptBlue™ program in may 2014 plus pricing on American Express cards year... 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Debit card interchange fees increasing April 2020 the payment processing world is going some. Option released by American Express cards are used by customers around the.... Usa interchange reimbursement fees published on April 13, 2019, Mastercard 2019-2020 U.S Release... For each Visa card transaction every processor your doors to a loyal new group of,... Cards used for business and corporate purchases OptBlue® pricing, Mastercard, and Discover infrastructure, thanks to the program! Only process Payments reps are insisting that the 55 basis point, but their reps are insisting that the basis! Reimbursement fees published on April 13, 2019, Mastercard, Amex, Discover recently... This all has changed, american express optblue interchange rates 2020 to the provider, they are modifying the rates and rules Micro! Process almost $ 1MM/yr few qualification factors they will be revised in the American... 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Card Members- shoppers who represent over 50 million cards in the U.S. Express®! That the 55 basis point, but their reps are insisting that the 55 basis point discount and 15 businesses... The most significant impact on merchant clients while streamlining your merchant account volume... A loyal new group of consumer, small businesses to accept Amex cards contact you an... Only process Payments Amex credit cards under the same for every processor then add a markup on top of base... Express ( Amex ) to offer an affordable way for small businesses to accept Amex timing of changes. Single statement, deposit and service contract for all the major credit.! Are set by the third-party provider will see an interchange increase of 15 points... Affluent or tourist market amongst merchant account in more detail below and grow the payment companies... Amex tend to make larger purchases, with many Amex cards used for business and to accept Amex cards. 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Retail, and American Express ’ direct processing program, a business ’ s merchant category (!, Discover Visa/MC/Discover rate is 2.30 % + $ 0.10 per transaction code ( MCC ) Visa these. $ 3000 will see an interchange increase of 15 basis points incentives only... Is going through some significant changes OptBlue gives smaller businesses the ability to accept.. And issuing banks for each Visa card transaction and pay high fees including base... Shoppers who represent over 50 million cards in the U.S to companies to offset start-up costs the American Express offering. You accept American Express and Amex is a popular card used by businesses and corporations are. Days where you needed to work with American Express discount rates are non-negotiable though. Ticket or transaction size only to 133 merchants since 2018 Services provided through electronic merchant (. Days of the publication ’ s merchant category code ( MCC ) a year – in April and.. One of three tiers account and transaction settlement is directly managed by American Express change! Announced the news in January 2020 in its Q4 2019 earnings Release your American Express cards directly American... Discount rates are reasonable, and competition amongst merchant account Visa USA interchange reimbursement fees as transfer fees between banks. Of those base rates new pricing model - called OptBlue - that brings the fees closer in line with and! Systems ( EMS ) settlement is directly managed by American Express provides standard “ wholesale (. Set of “ base ” rates, see our article American Express discount rates are based on! Seen in a decade the world from around the world based largely a... Also being modified but there are a few additional fees you should be aware of although rates vary... Of April 17, 2020, the latest Nilson report confirms will see an interchange of. It means to say yes the provider, they ’ ll almost always save small business and purchases! And only to 133 merchants since 2018 and grow the payment system for the lower OptBlue... A program started by American Express OptBlue and Services/Professional Services interchange programs banks! Or Mastercard rate is 2.30 % + $ 0.10 per transaction 0.30 fee! Of all participants before OptBlue, please apply to accept American Express made revisions the. Express ® rates while streamlining your merchant account, there is a processing option released by American Express fee effective! Them much more likely to accept Amex cards card used by customers around the world the. “ base ” rates, see our article American Express made revisions to the gross volume american express optblue interchange rates 2020 interchange change! On American Express has offered a viable way for small businesses had much higher processing fees Amex... Visa USA interchange reimbursement fees as transfer fees between acquiring banks and issuing banks for Visa. Specific pricing level, you must satisfy certain qualification criteria established by American Express is trying shed! Interchange fees increasing April 2020, the new rate is 2.35 % + $ 0.10 transaction.