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Often, yes, at least indirectly. Merchant pricing is not fixed in stone, and how you accept American Express, through your existing provider, on a plan that bundles Amex, or via a program aimed at smaller businesses, affects the rate you pay. There is no guaranteed number because costs vary by business and provider, but comparing your options and asking is how businesses lower what they pay. RBA data reported by money.com.au put the average Amex merchant fee at 1.35%, a useful benchmark to hold your own rate against. Amex is not covered by the RBA surcharging changes, so confirm your current Amex position with your payment provider.
Last updated: 2 July 2026
Merchant pricing is commercial, and that gives you room to move. The rate you pay on American Express depends on how you accept it: some providers price Amex on a bundled plan alongside Visa and Mastercard, some quote it separately, and there are programs aimed at small and medium businesses that set Amex closer to the scheme rates. Because of that, the lever is usually the plan and the provider rather than a line-by-line haggle. RBA data reported by money.com.au put the average Amex merchant fee at 1.35% across September to December 2024, which is a fair benchmark to measure your own rate against before you ask.
The practical route is to compare first, then negotiate from a position of knowledge. Work out your blended rate and pull your Amex cost off your statement, then weigh it against competitive quotes for a similar setup. If your Amex rate sits well above the benchmark, that is your case for a better plan, either with your current provider or a new one. No one can guarantee a saving, because the right fit depends on your transaction mix, average sale and volume, but businesses that compare and ask generally do better than those that leave the rate untouched.
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The timing makes this more than housekeeping. From 1 October 2026 surcharging on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa will no longer be permitted, so those card costs move onto your margin. American Express is not covered by that RBA change, though providers including Tyro and Eway have said they will remove Amex surcharging on 1 October 2026, and Eway reports Amex has announced its own change from that date, so confirm the Amex position with your payment provider. Once card costs can no longer be passed on, your rate is the main lever left, and that includes Amex. A comparison across every card type is the reliable way to act on it, with MerchantRates partner rates as low as 0.89% for businesses that qualify.
Sources: RBA Conclusions Paper media release (mr-26-10) · ACCC card surcharges guidance · Eway: RBA reform response · Tyro: surcharge ban confirmed · RBA payments data (merchant fees) · RBA data reported by money.com.au · RBA data reported by finder.com.au.
Information current as at 2 July 2026.
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