Small merchants in the Heartland Payment Systems network can now say “yes” to many of their customers’ preferred payment choice through a new American Express Card acceptance program. The new settlement program makes it more convenient for merchants to accept American Express Cards. Available to small merchants with an annual charge volume of less than $1 million, the program expands the reach of the American Express network among small merchants.  

The American Express Card Acceptance program features competitive pricing and allows merchants to benefit from an easy onboarding process, in addition to full, one-stop payment processing services across major card brands through Heartland, the fifth largest payment processor in the U.S.

“The American Express Card Acceptance program is a convenient solution for small merchants and a great way to offer consumers the opportunity to use their American Express Card at more of their favorite local shops,” said Robert Carr, chairman and CEO of Heartland. “Participating in this new settlement program is another way we’re continuing to champion our valued small merchants by helping them grow their customer base.”

This arrangement enables a simplified workflow and less back-office management, allowing merchants to focus on marketing, customer service, and all of the other tasks that are critical to running a successful small business. Benefits include:

Single deposit for all card transactions and speed of pay consistent with other cards for improved cash flow;

One, easy-to-read statement for all card networks, simplifying reconciliation for all card transactions;

One, dedicated Heartland customer service contact for all card processing needs, and one number to call to reach a live person, not a machine.

“Merchants have come to expect fair, transparent pricing and clearly defined fees from Heartland,” added Carr. “Now we’re able to provide our customers an all-in-one solution that includes American Express along with other major card brands.” 

American Express Card acceptance is important to businesses because it offers small merchants access to high-spending, loyal Card Members including consumer, small business and corporate Card Members. In addition, as the founder of the Shop Small® movement, American Express gives qualifying small merchants access to resources that can help them attract more customers throughout the year.

Heartland Payment Systems, Inc., the fifth largest payments processor in the United States, delivers credit/debit/prepaid card processing, mobile commerce, e-commerce, marketing solutions, security technology, payroll solutions, and related business solutions and services to more than 275,000 business and educational locations nationwide. More detailed information can be found at HeartlandPaymentSystems.com or follow the company on Twitter @HeartlandHPY and Facebook at facebook.com/HeartlandHPY.