American Express and Worldpay have announced a new partnership aimed at providing smoother transactions for small businesses, particularly welcoming American Express card members. This initiative highlights American Express's efforts to strengthen its influence in the UK market and expand the accessibility of its card member services.

Expanding Small Business Card Payment Channels

Over the past three years, the number of locations in the UK accepting American Express cards has significantly increased, rising by 46%. As a longstanding partner of American Express, Worldpay will now offer additional avenues for small businesses to accept American Express card payments. This move is expected to help small businesses capture more consumer spending while optimizing their checkout processes.

Dan Edelman, Vice President and General Manager of UK Merchant Services at American Express, stated: "As our card member base in the UK continues to grow, we have made substantial progress in expanding merchant coverage. This new strategic agreement will support our progress, meaning thousands of small businesses across the country will benefit from welcoming American Express card members, who spend 3.9 times more annually and make purchases 3.2 times more frequently than non-card members."

Enhancing Operational Efficiency with the New Agreement

Under the newly reached agreement, Worldpay and its associated merchants will enjoy improved operational efficiencies, including simplified transaction reconciliation, standardized settlement processes, easy onboarding, and a centralized service inquiry contact point.

Globally, the accessibility of American Express has also increased, with the number of locations accepting its payments more than tripling since 2017.

Chris Wood, General Manager of International Small Business and US Direct at Worldpay, said: "Through our collaboration with American Express, we are excited to open more opportunities for our merchant community in the UK and Ireland to benefit from the spending power of loyal American Express card members. Consumers expect to pay in their preferred way. By enabling our merchants to expand payment options more seamlessly, we are helping them better serve their customers."