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Amex Token Service

Keep American Express® Cards ready and current for payments by replacing plastic Card Account Numbers with a secure, always up-to-date payment credential called a token.

The American Express Token Service (AETS) API connects Card Issuers, Merchants, and Service Providers to mobile and digital payments using next-generation token technology to enhance the checkout experience. The scope of this service includes only merchants and cards from the countries listed below. Please stay tuned as we expand the scope in the future to include third-party issued American Express® cards and scale AETS globally. Last Updated: May 5, 2025

AETS enables Merchants and Service Providers to replace actual Card Account numbers with token numbers. Via AETS, when a Merchant or Service Provider submits a 15-digit Account Number provided by a Card Member, we respond with a unique 15-digit token, usable only by the requester. This domain control makes the tokenized transaction more secure, and may help reduce the risk and cost of fraud. Additionally, tokens stay up-to-date as Card Members receive replacement cards over time. AETS manages the relationship between each token and its underlying Card Account, ensuring transactions continue without interruption when cards are replaced.

Why it’s great

Increased Sales & Checkout Speed

AETS keeps tokens up-to-date automatically, so Merchants and Card Members can conveniently transact without interruptions when cards are replaced. Card Members can speed through payments as they no longer need to manually revise expiry dates and Card Numbers.

Helps Reduce Fraud Costs

Tokens protect sensitive payment information and have restrictions on where and how they may be used, a security feature that may help lower the risks and costs of fraud.

How it works

1

Merchant sends account details

The Merchant sends AETS a Card Member’s Card Account details.

2

AETS provides token

If the Card Issuer approves, AETS provides the Merchant with a token and the account’s latest meta-data (Card Account Number’s last four digits, expiry date, etc.)

3

Merchant processes transaction with token

The Merchant uses the token to process transactions, settlements, disputes, etc.

Technical Highlights

  • JWE/JWS-compliant.
  • Data integrity and confidentiality.
  • Real-time token creation & management.

What You Need To Go Live

  • Provide your American Express Merchant Account Number.

Your Merchant Account Number is a 10-digit number that represents your Merchant account in our systems. You can find it on your Merchant Financial Activity Statement or by calling Merchant Services at 1-866-220-4272. Not accepting American Express yet?Become a Merchant

  • Execution of an AETS Token Requester Agreement.

API Summary

  • Provisionings API: Request a token for a card.
  • Purchase Tokens API: Request dynamic payment credentials.
  • Notifications API: Change the status of a token.
  • Status API: Get the status of a token.
  • Meta-data API: Get the meta-data associated with a token.