External Sales Agent

An External Sales Agent (ESA) is a term used by American Express (AmEx) to refer to what are commonly known in the payment processing industry as Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs) or Merchant Service Providers (MSPs). These agents or organizations operate as third-party entities that partner with AmEx to market, sell, and sometimes manage AmEx card products and services to merchants.

Roles and Responsibilities of an ESA:

ESAs play a crucial role in expanding the reach and accessibility of AmEx payment solutions across diverse business sectors. By leveraging the expertise and local market presence of these agents, American Express can effectively grow its merchant network and enhance service delivery without expanding its direct sales force proportionately. This partnership benefits merchants by providing localized and specialized sales and support, and it allows American Express to maintain a broad and active presence in various markets.