First Data, AmEx sign payment processing agreement

NEW YORK and DENVER American Express and First Data have signed an agreement under which First Data will offer American Express card acceptance as part of an integrated solution for small and medium-sized merchants.

Under the terms of the agreement, American Express will still retain its contracts with participating merchants, as well as establish merchant pricing and continue to receive the same transactional information it has been receiving. First Data will provide payment processing services to merchants on behalf of American Express for American Express card transactions under the new agreement.

“First Data continues to bring innovation to the marketplace that is focused on customer-based solutions,” said Brian Mooney, president of First Data Merchant Services. “Through our relationship with American Express, merchants will benefit from a single payment for all major card transactions, consolidated statements, a single point of contact for all customer service and a one stop shop for all their payment needs.”

The program will be available to merchants that are new to American Express Card acceptance in the second quarter of 2008.