General / New American Express Acceptors

How can I accept American Express Cards in my business?

OpenEdge now makes it easy for small merchants to accept American Express transactions. By providing boarding, underwriting, authorization, funding and merchant services for all major card brands, OpenEdge streamlines your payment acceptance experience. Please contact your sales representative or Customer Service team.

How does accepting American Express Cards through OpenEdge help my business?

Accepting American Express Cards through OpenEdge simplifies payment acceptance by consolidating your account management and reconciliation via one provider. You have one statement to review; one provider and deposit funding all payment types (American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, PayPal, JCB, Diner’s Club International, UnionPay, BC, debit and EBT); one phone number to call for voice authorization, disputes or questions. This creates a more streamlined workflow, with less back-office management enabling more time for marketing, customer service, training and more. OpenEdge makes all-inclusive payment acceptance easy!

If I currently do not accept American Express transactions, what will happen to my existing OpenEdge’s merchant account?

OpenEdge has made it easy for you to become a part of the American Express Merchant network, by automatically enabling your account for American Express Card acceptance. Global Payments will automatically fund the bank account it has on file for all other payment types (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and/or PayPal).

I need to update information about my company – who shall I contact?

Please contact your Customer Service team to provide updated information about your business. Information includes, but is not limited to:

• Company information
• Ownership information
• Bank Account (DDA)
• Address

Who will provide my merchant statement for American Express transactions?

OpenEdge will provide your monthly merchant statements. eStatements (electronic statements), paper statements or the combination of both are available.

If I need assistance reconciling my deposits against the new merchant statement, who do I call?

For assistance reconciling your merchant statement provided by OpenEdge, please call your Customer Service team.

Where do I obtain Point Of Purchase (POP) decals and materials (door or register decals, etc)?

You can order free vertical, multi-card decal directly from American Express. Simply visit www.americanexpress.com/fulfillment.

If I have questions, who should I call?

If you have additional questions about our American Express OptBlue Program for American Express Card acceptance, please contact your Customer Service team.

Existing American Express Acceptors

Do I continue to use my old American Express phone number and Merchant Number (a.k.a. “SE Number”)?

Once you are accepting American Express Cards through OpenEdge, you will no longer need to call American Express; instead, you will call Global Payments for all voice authorizations, disputes, questions or needs. Simply provide your Visa / MasterCard merchant ID.

Do I have to sign a different processing agreement with American Express or OpenEdge?

No, American Express is evolving its merchant acquiring business, to enable more merchants to accept American Express Cards. This evolution is designed to help you save time while effectively and efficiently managing your payments.

Consolidating all your account management needs allows you to spend more time focused on your business and less time on paperwork. Therefore, OpenEdge, unless you opt-out, will automatically enable you into its American Express OptBlue Program for American Express Card acceptance. Confirmation of enablement and other “welcome” materials will be mailed directly to your business.

If I already accept American Express transactions directly from American Express, how can I begin acceptance through OpenEdge?

OpenEdge will automatically enable you to accept American Express transactions directly through us, unless you choose to opt-out. And, Global Payments will automatically fund the bank account it has on file for all other payment types (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and PayPal). Additionally, OpenEdge will be your single point of contact, for all your payment acceptance needs!

What happens to transactions which were processed prior to joining the American Express OptBlue Program and are now being disputed (charged-back)?

Dispute correspondence related to American Express transactions processed prior to enablement into American Express OptBlue Program will come directly from American Express. Correspondence related to transactions processed after the enablement “effective date” will come directly from Global Payments.

Previously, American Express paid me via a check. Will I still be paid via checks?

No. This is one of the benefits of participating in American Express OptBlue Program - You receive your funds faster! OpenEdge will deposit your funds directly into your designated bank account, just as we do for your Visa and MasterCard transactions.

Point of Sale (POS):

How will this work at the Point Of Sale (POS)? Does the clerk/consumer select Credit, Debit or something else altogether?

When the consumer is paying with an American Express Card, the clerk / consumer will select “Credit” when prompted by the POS.

Do merchants need to change their Point Of Sale (POS) system?

In most cases, a POS modification is not required as the majority of POS applications already contain the necessary American Express ranges to enable identification and successful processing of American Express transactions. Should you determine otherwise, please contact your POS support (help desk) number for assistance.

What if the magnetic stripe on the card fails – how will I process the transaction?

If the magnetic stripe on the back of the Card fails and prevents you from “swiping” the Card, simply key in the account number, expiration date and amount of the transaction. The POS will connect to OpenEdge for final disposition.

What IIN range will American Express Cards be issued in?

American Express issues Cards within the following ranges:

• 340000 to 349999
• 370000 to 379999