Amex Launches PayPal-Supported Send & Split

Using the American Express app, customers can now send money and split purchases to any Venmo or PayPal customer.

Need to Know 

  • American Express has launched Send & Split, a new payments feature that lets members send and split purchases direct from the Amex app. 
  • Amex users can send funds or split payments to any PayPal or Venmo user.
  • PayPal and subsidiary Venmo recently reported a record-breaking third quarter, as the boom for new apps and more payment options continues to grow.

Analysis

American Express has launched Send & Split, a new feature that allows members to send payments and split purchases using Paypal and Venmo.  

As of this week, eligible American Express Consumer Card Members in the U.S. will be able to access Send & Split via the American Express mobile app. 

Using the Send function on the app, customers can use Amex to send money to any PayPal or Venmo customer. By topping up their “Send” account within the Amex app, users can send money to friends and loved ones or enjoy greater flexibility when it comes to making payments. 

With Amex’s Split function, users can select any pending or completed payment and split it with any Venmo or PayPal customer. Customers can split the amount evenly or adjust the amounts to be paid. Users will be paid back directly to their Amex cards and will still earn rewards for split purchases.

In an extension of their existing partnership, Paypal and Amex competitor Visa recently expanded their Instant Transfer service. The updated feature now allows PayPal users across North America, Asia, and Europe to transfer funds to their bank accounts within seconds.

PayPal reported a record-breaking third quarter earlier this month, growing 36% and adding over 15 million new users. Its subsidiary Venmo grew 61% and hit 65 million users. 

The popular fintech brand has invested heavily in digital innovation over recent years, aiming to position itself as a world leader in digital financial services. 

“PayPal is in a strong position to help shape a future, where everyone, not just the affluent, can participate in the new digital economy,” said PayPal CEO Dan Schulman. “We are investing to create one of the most compelling and expansive digital wallets in the world.”   

In an effort to keep up with the growing number of flexible payment options and support businesses amid the pandemic, American Express recently launched Pay Over Time. The new feature allows small and medium-sized businesses the option to carry a balance or pay in full for purchases of $100 or more.

Said Brett Sussman, VP of global card lending at American Express, “Pay Over Time is another step in our broader strategy to provide business owners the flexible solutions they need to easily and efficiently manage payments and cash flow, through varying operating environments.”