American Express announced on the 28th that the number of merchants worldwide that accept its cards has surpassed 190 million. Merchant locations outside the United States have more than doubled over the past four years. The number of places where a card can be used is key to growing card spending: the more locations that accept it, the more opportunities customers have to use the card for everyday purchases and travel, which in turn drives growth in spending and revenue. While rivals Visa and Mastercard have built broader merchant networks and greater business scale in many major overseas markets, American Express had long struggled with a shortage of places to use its cards outside the United States. The company is now strengthening relationships with global payment platforms, payment processors, licensing partners and local merchant acquirers, and continuing to expand its large merchant network. In expanding that network, it has focused on regions where card members spend heavily, adding more locations that accept the card in popular travel destinations such as Barcelona in Spain, Hong Kong, Paris and Sicily in Italy. Anna Marrs, president of American Express's Global Merchant and Network Services division, said in an interview with Reuters that the company also prioritizes cities expected to host large events. "We also take into account places that gain popularity through big events, such as sporting events. That is why we have focused on places like Mexico City and Melbourne," she said. Marrs expressed eagerness for further expansion, saying, "We see continued opportunities around the world. In terms of merchant coverage, we have not yet reached the level we are aiming for."
American Express CompanyAmex surpassed 190 million merchant locations worldwide, expanding card acceptance and driving spending/revenue growth.
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