AI holds significant promise for smaller merchants, though access to leading models at scale often comes with added cost—a pain point American Express is looking to help offset.
The company is offering Gold and Platinum cardholders up to $300 in annual statement credits for U.S.-based ChatGPT Business subscriptions. The business tier provides higher usage limits, stronger security features, and more advanced data analysis capabilities compared to standard offerings.
“American Express is great when it offers statement credits, as many see when their American Express card offers credits on Uber,” said Brian Riley, Director of Credit and Co-Head of Payments at Javelin Strategy & Research. “They simply follow the transaction in the billing stream, and when the transaction occurs, the credit follows.”
“If small business owners are on the cusp of learning AI, the statement credit will be an inspiration, helping them understand the ins and outs of AI and how it will influence their business in the years to come,” he said.
AI’s Small Business Impact
AI adoption is becoming part of the small business toolkit, enabling merchants to automate functions such as customer service, business analysis, and fraud detection. These efficiencies can free up time and resources to focus on other core areas of the business.
Beyond operational improvements, some businesses also view technology adoption as a way to remain competitive and potentially increase their attractiveness to future buyers, depending on market conditions.
Preparing for Agentic Commerce
Another emerging driver of modernization is the shift toward agentic commerce, where AI systems may one day assist or independently make purchases on behalf of consumers.
American Express has also been developing infrastructure to support AI-enabled transactions across its network. While these capabilities represent a more advanced stage of evolution, many small businesses are still in the early phases of AI adoption.
For these merchants, programs that lower barriers to experimentation with AI tools may help accelerate that transition.
“With the credit, there is no risk and a learning opportunity,” Riley said. “And it fits well into American Express’ overall strategy to deploy agentic commerce throughout its fraud and customer service channels.”
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