American Express and First Data extend OnePoint programme

American Express created the American Express OnePoint program to offer small to medium-sized merchants a cost-effective and all-in-one solution that provides the convenience of a single source for statements, settlement and customer service for all major card brands. First Data and American Express signed the original agreement in late 2007, and First Data has been processing OnePoint since 2008.

"First Data is very pleased with our ongoing relationship with American Express and our ability to provide our customers with this simple payment processing solution," said Bruce Dragt, SVP and division manager of Payment Acceptance, First Data. "OnePoint has been extremely successful in eliminating merchant complexities and streamlining payment acceptance, and we are proud to have been the first participant in the program."

Under this program, third-party service agents provide American Express payment processing services, while American Express retains the acceptance contract with participating merchants, establishes merchant pricing, and receives the same transactional information it does with direct servicing. First Data provides payment processing services to merchants on behalf of American Express for American Express Card transactions.

"We are thrilled to continue to work with First Data to ensure our mutual customers have an efficient and cost-effective way to do business with us," said RamÓn Martín, president of Merchant Services Americas at American Express. "Since 2008, the OnePoint program has simplified the merchant card acceptance experience and allowed for easier acceptance and processing for all card brands. At the same time, it expands our network of merchants at which our loyal cardmembers can use their American Express Card."