What role does an External Sales Agent play in the American Express program?

An External Sales Agent in the American Express program primarily focuses on selling the acceptance of American Express cards to merchants. This role involves reaching out to potential businesses, understanding their needs, and effectively communicating the benefits of accepting American Express as a payment method. By doing so, these agents help expand the network of merchants that accept American Express, which is beneficial for both the company and the businesses themselves.

Additionally, External Sales Agents typically receive a commission or fee for each successful application or merchant they bring on board, incentivizing them to actively pursue new merchant relationships. This compensation structure highlights the sales-driven nature of their role within the broader payment processing ecosystem, making it clear that their primary responsibility is generating new business partnerships for American Express.

In contrast, other roles mentioned, such as providing marketing materials, processing transactions, or auditing compliance, represent different functions that are not the primary focus of an External Sales Agent.