Block selects Marqeta to process Square Credit Card on the American Express Network

Block has selected Marqeta to process the Square Credit Card on the American Express Network. The move brings Square’s debit, prepaid and credit card programmes onto a single issuer processor.

One platform for Square’s card programmes

Marqeta now acts as issuer processor for the Square Credit Card, a business credit card for Square sellers. The companies said existing card accounts and credentials were migrated using Marqeta’s portfolio migration capabilities, without disrupting cardholders’ experience.

Consolidating the programmes is intended to reduce operational complexity and shorten the time needed to launch new credit features. Block and Marqeta first worked together in 2019, when Square introduced the Square Card. The business debit card gives small business owners quick access to their earnings without extra fees, so they can reinvest funds in their operations.

The Square Credit Card extends that offer with a credit line that grows with a seller’s business volume. Sutton Bank issues the Square Debit Card under a Mastercard licence. Celtic Bank issues Square Credit Cards under a licence from American Express.

Andrea Raj, Head of Product for Square Banking at Block, said sellers rely on both credit and debit to run their businesses. Raj said that bringing both programmes onto one platform would let Block move faster and more safely on products that sellers need. She also noted that migrating existing cardholders without disrupting their experience was a critical requirement.

What Marqeta’s platform covers

Marqeta’s commercial credit platform combines card issuance, transaction processing, underwriting, rewards management, risk controls and dispute handling within one integration. Businesses can set detailed spending controls and flexible account hierarchies. The platform also supports real-time decisioning based on more than 300 data attributes.

Marqeta offers full programme management, including bank and network partnerships, regulatory and compliance reporting, customer service and collections. This can reduce the number of vendors needed to run a card programme. Adding American Express expands the range of card networks supported by Marqeta.

Todd Pollak, Chief Revenue Officer at Marqeta, said that bringing Square’s full card portfolio onto one platform is intended to help Square build and improve credit products for small businesses more quickly.

Credit and debit needs among SMBs

The announcement refers to findings from Marqeta’s 2026 State of Credit report, which surveyed small and medium-sized businesses. In the survey, 96% said they are deliberate about which payment method they use for each transaction, pointing to demand for both credit and debit products. The research also found that 34% of respondents had switched credit products as their businesses evolved, while 64% wanted a clear path from entry-level to more advanced products.

With debit, prepaid and credit programmes on the same issuer processor, Square now manages its full seller card portfolio in one technical environment. The setup supports the development of further credit features.