American Express credit cards have supported Apple Pay since the iOS device-based mobile payment service launched nearly a year ago, and today AmEx announced that it has turned on support for corporate cards in the United States. Previously, American Express cards in the US were limited to consumer cards and OPEN Small Business cards. Apple CEO Tim Cook first shared that the expansion was coming during last month’s quarterly conference call with analysts.
In addition to being among the initial debit and credit card issuers for Apple Pay’s launch in the US last fall, American Express was present last month for Apple’s mobile payment service international debut in the UK as well.
With American Express corporate cards now supported by Apple Pay in the US, Discover credit cards are among the last major cards absent with support coming later this fall. Apple is also adding support for store reward cards with iOS 9 this fall.
Apple has continued to add support for additional banks and credit unions across the US as well with more than 40 new institutions added at the beginning of the month and the total now exceeding 400.
Apple Pay is available for use in stores with the iPhone 6/Plus and Apple Watch, in stores and apps with the iPhone 6/Plus, and in apps with the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3.
American Express Adds Apple Pay for U.S. Corporate Cards
American Express (NYSE: AXP) today announced that it is the first major Corporate Card portfolio activated for Apple Pay™, allowing Card Members to pay on the go with compatible Apple devices. The mobile payment option is available today for eligible U.S. Corporate Cards¹.
“Businesses today are going digital, and American Express is at the forefront of digital innovation, helping companies to streamline their payments systems and simplify their processes,” said Greg Keeley, Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Payments, American Express. “We continue to invest and expand digital offerings for our corporate customers in ways that maximize security and enhance the user experience.”
Apple Pay allows American Express® Card Members to add their eligible Corporate Card¹ and pay with their mobile devices at contactless merchants in stores, or within participating apps that accept American Express. American Express added Apple Pay for Consumer Cards and OPEN Small Business Cards in late 2014.
Security and privacy is at the core of American Express and Apple Pay. When you add a Card to Apple Pay, the actual Card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers.
Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element on your device. Each transaction is authorized with a one-time unique dynamic security code.
For more information on Apple Pay, please visit www.amex.co/applepay.
About American Express Global Corporate Payments
Through its Global Corporate Payments division, American Express offers a suite of B2B and T&E payment solutions that can help organizations streamline processes and identify opportunities to help drive savings and efficiency. American Express can help your organization improve working capital flexibility and your relationships with suppliers. For more information, visit https://business.americanexpress.com/us/
About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.
(1) An “eligible American Express Corporate Card” means the following American Express Corporate Cards issued by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. to you as an employee of a commercial card customer working in the United States: American Express® Corporate Green Card; American Express® Corporate Gold Card; American Express® Corporate Platinum Card; American Express® Corporate Centurion Card; American Express®/Business Extra® Corporate Card; and American Express® Corporate Defined Expense Program Corporate Card. Prepaid Cards and other products are not eligible.
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I like the fact that they emphasize security and the device account numbers in their press release. This announcement should give even more incentive to travel companies to integrate Apple Pay into their retail locations and apps. This will also be nice for overseas travel.