News

Amex to issue EMV cards to premium corporate accountholders

April 24, 2013

Corporate card issuer American Express Co. has announced that it will begin to issue chip-and-signature cards to U.S. corporate cardmembers, starting in the first half of 2013 with premium card portfolios. Customers who carry the EMV-enabled cards will be able to use their cards wherever American Express is accepted — in the U.S. and internationally.

"In some countries, chip technology is becoming standard for card authorizations. By providing a chip-enabled solution, the new chip-and-signature cards will help U.S. corporate cardmembers avoid disruptions while traveling internationally," said Darryl Brown, president of global corporate payments Americas at American Express.

"As we continue to enhance our global footprint, our priority is to ensure our cardmembers have superior security features and the full complement of American Express benefits when using our products internationally," Brown said. "Our EMV technology adds another layer of protection so that our cardmembers know they are further safeguarded from fraud and can leverage the flexibility that chip-and-signature provides across the globe."

The new chip-and-signature cards use dynamic encryption technology, which makes it difficult for criminals to copy or access card information, said Amex. The company currently offers both chip-and-PIN and chip-and-signature card capabilities throughout their global markets. American Express allows merchants and card-issuing partners to adopt whichever EMV solution best meets their individual market needs.

Read more about EMV.