American Express is enabling its corporate card holders to pay with their smartphones while on-the-go via a new partnership with Apple Pay, highlighting how the payment platform continues to gain steam in the financial sector.

The brand has activated its corporate card portfolio for Apple Pay, enabling members in the United States to use the streamlined payment process beginning today. This offering will likely resonate positively with many executives, as they will be able to enjoy a one-step checkout when entertaining clients or purchasing business items.

“We know that digital payments are a growing trend, and the Apple Pay activation is an important step in providing our Corporate Card Members with a seamless, integrated, end-to-end digital experience,” said Melissa Banas, spokeswoman for American Express, New York.

Helping companies
American Express believes the partnership will aid companies in streamlining their payment platforms and make life easier for employees with corporate credit cards. It is the first major corporate card portfolio to integrate with the Apple-branded platform.

American Express customers can now add their corporate card to their smartphone and pay with their device at stores that offer contactless terminals. They also may use the one-touch checkout to pay within participating mobile applications.

On-the-go consumers who are out with clients or in a hurry can add their corporate card to their Apple Pay account to circumvent the necessity of typing in their personal information prior to finalizing a purchase.

IOS users can complete the payment process by tapping their phone to an NFC terminal or using their iPhone’s Touch ID button to authorize a purchase.

Thanks to the American Express and Apple Pay partnership, business travelers can also save time when ordering an Uber or paying for a flight.

“Mid- and large-size businesses have distinct considerations when integrating new offerings into their Corporate Card programs, and we’re excited to be the first major Corporate Card portfolio activated for Apple Pay,” Ms. Banas said.

Spreading adoption rates
Apple Pay is currently accepted by more than 425 issuers in the United States, and saw a rollout in Britain this summer.

As Apple has not released any statistics regarding Apple Pay transactions, exact sentiments toward merchant adoption rates are uncertain. Several national chains still do not accept Apple Pay, perhaps due to its exclusivity in favor of iOS users.

However, the brand is likely aiming to cement widespread adoption with the American Express partnership, as well as plans to add on Discover and store-branded cards to the platform this fall.

American Express has also been ramping up its focus on mobile as of late.

Last month, it sought to bring even more convenience to mobile payments with its Amex Express Checkout system that allows its millions of members to automatically make online purchases via a platform that needs only their existing login information (see story).

Additionally, the company relaunched its mobile applications for Android and iOS platforms to include new features such as streamlined Touch ID login, rewards information, nearby offers and on-the-go fraud alert verification (see story).

“American Express is a leading issuer of Corporate Cards in the U.S. and as our customers are becoming more and more digital, we are pleased to enable payments through the important channels our customers are using,” Ms. Banas said.

Final Take
Alex Samuely is an editorial assistant on Mobile Commerce Daily, New York