BENEFITS FOR ARQ MEMBERS
Shop Small® – a small act with a big impact
Amex can connect merchants with Amex Cardmembers who shop at small businesses every year. Businesses could be featured in upcoming campaigns* that help bring exposure and customers your way, helping you get your name out there.
Since 2017, Amex has supported small businesses through Shop Small** in Canada. What began as a one-time contest has grown into a year-round commitment to championing small businesses and their communities, from coast to coast.
Learn more about the resources available to help your business thrive.
SIGNAGE
Enhance your storefront or website with complimentary Shop Small signage and let Cardmembers know they’re welcomed.
AMEX MAP
Put your business on the Map!* Amex Cardmembers use Amex Maps to find Amex Card-accepting businesses.
ONLINE DIRECTORY
Get featured in the Online Directory and connect with Amex Cardmembers shopping online at Amex Card-accepting businesses.
OPTBLUE
The OptBlue program is designed for small merchants, providing a simple option to accept Amex Cards.
Attract higher spending Cardmembers
In 2024, the average Amex transaction was $147 versus the average non-Amex credit card transaction of $90.
This means that, the average Amex transaction in 2024 was approximately 64% more than the average non-Amex credit card transaction.1
That’s the powerful backing of Amex.
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Already accept the Card?
Order complimentary ARQ cobranded cheque presenters.
Footnote
* Eligibility criteria and terms apply.
** Only eligible Cardmembers receive the offer each year.
1 With permission of the Nilson Report. The Nilson Report # 1281 (March 2025). American Express
transaction size derived as Canada year-end purchase volume divided by year-end purchase
transactions. Average American Express transactions equals $107 USD ($147 CAD). Average non-
American Express transaction equals $65 USD ($90 CAD), includes other credit cards, and excludes debit
volume and transactions. Percentage derived by comparing American Express transaction size to the
average non-American Express credit card transaction size. Percentage calculated by dividing the
average American Express transaction size by average non-American Express transaction size subtract 1.
Purchase volume converted to Canadian dollars by multiplying US figures by 1.369765 (average 2024
USD to CAD conversion rate as stated by https://www.x-rates.com/average/?
from=USD&to=CAD&amount=1&year=2024)
