American Express and Bangkok Bank Announce Partnership to Expand American Express Card Acceptance Across Thailand

American Express has signed a partnership with Bangkok Bank to rapidly expand acceptance of its cards in Thailand as American Express accelerates its growth in the country. For Bangkok Bank, this agreement strengthens its merchant services offerings as a one-stop payment service provider.

Under the partnership, Bangkok Bank will sign up merchants to accept American Express cards in Thailand and provide American Express Card Members and merchants with access to Bangkok Bank’s vast contactless Electronic Data Capture (EDC) and Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal network. Even more Thai local businesses will also be able to access American Express global network and over 114 million Card Members worldwide, including American Express Card Members in Thailand who on average spend 2.5 times more than card members of other credit card companies.

“Thailand is an important part of American Express’ global strategy and this long-term partnership with Bangkok Bank supports our plan to accelerate our market share in the premium and affluent segments,” said Mr Marlin Brown, Vice President and Country Manager, American Express in Thailand. “As we expand our presence, our Card Members can use their cards at significantly more locations and drive more premium business to local merchants. In addition, we fully expect our Card Members globally to return to Thailand – a top tourist destination – once the pandemic is over, driving even more spending to local merchants.”

Mr Shoke Na Ranong, Bangkok Bank, Executive Vice President and Credit Card Division Manager said, “With this partnership, Bangkok Bank is the first bank in Thailand to accept all major card brands and various types of payment. This will not only enhance business opportunities for Thai businesses, but also accommodate the changing customer behaviours in this new normal environment as the online shopping trend continues and the country moves towards a cashless society. Businesses with the capability to receive payments in various ways will have a better opportunity to grow.” 

American Express has partnered Bangkok Bank since 1999 and Bangkok Bank has since issued three American Express card products in Thailand. Today, Bangkok Bank is a leading acquirer bank with 100,000 merchants accepting payment cards and 150,000 EDC covering a wide range of businesses.

In addition, both organisations will work together on technology development and add more secure payment options online to serve the growing trend of e-commerce, especially during the pandemic. This will give American Express Card Members access to Bangkok Bank’s internet payment gateway and QR payment platform, allowing them to make transactions at even more businesses. 

Merchants or businesses interested in installing Bangkok Bank’s EDC or merchants wanting to upgrade their EDC to accept payments from American Express Card Members can email Bangkok Bank at Callcentre.mer@bangkokbank.com or call 0 2638 4808. 

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About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at https://www.americanexpress.com/th/en/ and connect with us on www.facebook.com/AmericanExpressThailand, instagram.com/americanexpress, twitter.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express and youtube.com/americanexpress. 

About Bangkok Bank

Bangkok Bank, established in 1944, is Thailand’s largest bank and the 6th largest Southeast Asian bank by total assets (worth 3,822,959.68 million baht as of 31/12/2020). A leading diversified regional bank in Southeast Asia, it has more than 17 million customer accounts and 1,000 branches in Thailand. 

It is Thailand’s leading international bank with more than 300 branches in 14 economies outside of its home market. Bangkok Bank has a presence in nine ASEAN countries as well as branches in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Its major international subsidiaries are PermataBank, one of Indonesia’s top 10 banks by total assets with 300+ branches in 62 cities in Indonesia, Bangkok Bank (China) with six branches across the major regions in China, and Bangkok Bank Berhad with five branches in Malaysia.