American Express accounting with file import
Import files from American Express into KudTax and prepare the data they contain for reconciliation and accounting. You start the import by uploading a file.
American Express settles differently from ordinary card acquiring: the discount rate is higher, the payout follows its own rhythm, and settlement is frequently a gross credit with a separate charge invoice rather than a net transfer. That is what makes reconciliation distinctive — the bank receipt equals neither turnover nor turnover less fee.
How American Express works with KudTax
01
Export your American Express file
Download the appropriate export from American Express. The supported file and fields depend on the import format.
02
Upload the file to KudTax
Upload the export file to KudTax. The American Express integration processes the data contained in the file.
03
Review the import and matches
Check the imported amounts, dates and references. Add missing documents and review unresolved matches before continuing.
04
Prepare your accounting data
Prepare the imported data for your accounting workflow. Review the posting rules and export file with your accountant.
What KudTax reads from American Express
- Where the export lives
- American Express @ Work or the merchant portal → Statements → export the transaction and fee overview
- What the portal calls the file
- Merchant statement
- Formats
- CSVPDF
Line-item types recognised
- Card turnover per transaction
- Discount rate and service fees
- Refunds
- Chargebacks
- Payouts
What to watch for with American Express
Paid gross, charged separately
Where turnover is credited gross and the charge billed on its own invoice, those are two movements on the account. Netting them loses the input VAT from the charge invoice — which at a higher discount rate is material in amount too.
A settlement rhythm of its own
The settlement cycle regularly differs from other card acquirers'. At month end a holding of unsettled card turnover therefore remains, which belongs on the balance sheet as a receivable rather than appearing only when it lands the following month.
Why connect American Express with KudTax
Fee & gross separation
Separates payment processing fees into expense accounts so P&L and tax bases stay exact.
Automatic open item clearing
Matches bundled payout batches to individual customer invoices automatically.
Multi-currency conversions
Accurately calculates exchange rates and posting amounts for foreign currency payouts.
Clearing entries for review
Uses transit accounts (Geldtransit) so bank statements and payment gateways balance to the cent.
American Express integration – FAQ
Automate your American Express accounting today
Explore the workflow in the product tour and check whether your American Express export matches the supported import format before getting started.
