American Express (Amex) is a premium card network accepted at over 80 million merchants in more than 160 countries. With a closed-loop structure in which it directly operates both card issuance and the merchant network, it enjoys especially high loyalty among travel and business customers.
160+ countries, 80M+ merchants, American Express, the standard for premium and business payments
160+ countries
Countries with merchant acceptance
American Express official
80M+
Global merchants
American Express official (conservative)
approx. 10%
Share of US credit card market
American Express official
20+ countries
Global card partner networks
American Express official
Service coverage
160+ countries worldwide
Network operator
American Express Company
Last updated
2026-09-15
Payment methods
Hecto Financial integration is provided for online (web/app) payments.
Online payment
Customers enter their American Express card number at web or app checkout, or pay with one click using a saved card, for instant approval.
Recurring/subscription payment
Saved card data (network tokens) can be used to automatically approve recurring charges such as subscriptions and memberships, making it suitable for subscription-based services and SaaS businesses.
Onboarding process
A simple flow completed quickly with just PG integration
01
Merchant application
Apply easily online through Hecto Financial.
02
Review and contract
The contract is signed after merchant information is verified.
03
PG integration
American Express payments are integrated into your website or app checkout.
04
Start accepting payments
Once integration is complete, you can immediately accept American Express card payments worldwide.
Why adopt American Express
A card network that converts premium and business customers' spending power into revenue
Accepted in 160+ countries worldwide
Usable at over 80 million merchants, having expanded its merchant base nearly fivefold since 2017.
High loyalty among travel and business customers
A card with especially high usage among business travel spending and premium consumers, making it advantageous for capturing high-value customers.
Stability from a closed-loop network
With a closed-loop structure in which it directly operates the issuer and merchant network, data and risk management remain stable.
Single domestic contract, settlement in 3 currencies
Adopt American Express with a single contract as a Korean entity, without needing an overseas entity or overseas bank account, and receive settlement in USD, KRW, or JPY as selected in your contract.
Key markets
Representative countries by region where American Express is especially strong
North America
United States · Canada · Mexico
Europe
United Kingdom · France · Germany · Italy
Asia
Japan · Singapore
Latin America
Brazil · Argentina · Ecuador
Customer segments you can newly capture
Overseas business travel customers
Business customers with frequent corporate travel and work-related spending can pay with the American Express card they already use
Premium consumers and travelers
Broadly capture travelers and high-spending customers from countries with high Amex usage, such as Japan and Brazil
Online subscription and recurring-payment customers
Cover business customers that need recurring billing, such as overseas SaaS and subscription services
Frequently asked questions
Key information about adopting American Express payments
QCan I adopt American Express payments without an overseas entity?
Yes. Integrating through Hecto Financial lets you adopt American Express payments without an overseas entity or overseas bank account.
QHow is American Express different from other card networks?
American Express is a premium card with a closed-loop structure in which it directly operates both issuance and the merchant network. It has more than 80 million merchants across 160+ countries, and it sees comparatively high usage in travel and business spending, as well as in some markets such as Brazil and Ecuador.
QHow much is the payment fee?
Merchant fees vary depending on the transaction country, payment type (domestic vs. overseas), and payment gateway contract, and are generally set somewhat higher than other international brands. When integrating through Hecto Financial, fees are negotiated separately based on transaction volume.
QCan an online-only store also adopt this?
Yes. Hecto Financial's global payment service is provided for online (web/app) payments, so you can adopt it even if you only operate online sales channels such as your own store, an open marketplace, or a mobile app. It integrates into web and app checkout via a payment window or API.
QWhat currency is used for settlement?
Customers pay in the currency linked to their card, and after Hecto Financial receives and converts the overseas payment funds, settlement to the Korean merchant is made in USD, KRW, or JPY as selected in the contract. The settlement cycle and exchange rate basis follow the contract terms.
QCan I integrate other card networks (Visa, JCB, etc.) as well?
Yes. In addition to American Express, Hecto Financial supports major global card networks such as Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, JCB, and Diners Club, and can also manage various country-specific local payment methods such as PayPay and Rakuten Pay under a single integrated contract.
Inquire about American Express payment integration
Hecto Financial's global payment specialist team supports the entire process from integration to settlement.
