The deal will make it easier and cheaper for businesses of all sizes to make and process overseas payments online.

The partnership adds a global payment processing capability to Experian's existing range of services, which already includes international bank account validation and domestic payment processing. A direct link to American Express's Foreign Exchange International Payments product will be included within the Experian Payments Gateway, the most widely used Bacstel-IP service available in the UK.

Jonathan Williams, Director of Payments Strategy at Experian UK & Ireland, comments: "UK businesses of all sizes are increasingly doing business internationally and our clients wanted the ability to make and receive payments overseas as easily as they do at home. This deal with American Express addresses one of the fundamental challenges of doing business in a global world, identifying a trusted, cost effective service provider to facilitate overseas payments, and further strengthens a long standing global relationship between the two companies."

David Pluckrose, Business Development and Partnerships Director for American Express said: "Businesses are increasingly looking overseas for opportunities to grow. When businesses operate globally, working with the right enabling partners, those that understand the international marketplace and have both reach and reputation is key. American Express and Experian can help businesses succeed globally. Through this partnership American Express will enable Experian's clients to make payments anywhere in the world quickly, easily and with confidence, leaving them able to focus on their primary business activities."