Why is Amex not accepted in Europe?

AmEx cards are accepted in a few places, but much less than Visa or MasterCard. The reason behind this is purely economic - AmEx charges merchants higher fees per transaction, so smaller businesses choose not to accept them. The cards themselves are issued by a few banks in Europe, but they're just not popular.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on quora.com

Why don't they take Amex in Europe?

In many places in Europe, for example, stores and restaurants prefer not to accept Amex payments because of higher merchant charges. That means that, especially in cheaper stores and family businesses, your card might not be accepted.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on wise.com

Is Amex not accepted in Europe?

Indeed, American Express (Amex) is widely recognized across Europe. Amex has built a robust network of merchants and partnerships throughout Europe, enabling cardholders to use their Amex cards to make purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on paycec.com

Is Amex recognized in Europe?

American Express Cards are accepted around the world, so you can easily use your Card to make purchases while you are overseas. Here are some useful pre-travel tips: You don't need to call in to tell us you are traveling. Your card will work across the globe wherever American Express is accepted.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on americanexpress.com

Why isn t Amex accepted internationally?

Why isn't American Express accepted everywhere? American Express isn't accepted everywhere because it costs merchants more in fees than Visa and Mastercard.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on lendingtree.com

Why American Express Is NOT Accepted EVERYWHERE?

36 related questions found

Why does the UK not accept American Express?

Probably because Amex isn't as popular in the UK, therefore it isn't widely accepted. Any semi decent guidebook would have told you that. Most travellers aren't "dismayed" because they have done their research before they travel. The card is simply not beneficial to the retailer.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tripadvisor.co.uk

Why do places in the UK not accept Amex?

The different fees often make or break a deal for a merchant. This is why many merchants, especially small businesses, don't accept American Express. American Express' interchange fee is just too high. Providers like Visa and Mastercard charge between 1.15% and 2.5%, while Amex charges merchants between 1.43% and 3.3%.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on smartasset.com

Is Amex good in Europe?

Indeed, American Express (Amex) is widely recognized across Europe. Amex has built a robust network of merchants and partnerships throughout Europe, enabling cardholders to use their Amex cards to make purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on paycec.com

Why isn t Amex accepted in France?

American Express's acceptance in France is low for historical and financial reasons. Because Visa and MasterCard have always been associated with the CB program, merchants who accept cards will accept them as part of the standard contract they receive from their bank.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on paycec.com

What country does not accept Amex?

Places Where American Express is Not Accepted: Cuba, Sudan, South Sudan, Iran, Syria. Major Retailers That Accept American Express: Amazon, IKEA, Sears, Target, Walmart, Lowe's, Apple, Best Buy, Staples, CVS. Major Retailers That Don't Accept American Express: Costco, small non-chain stores/restaurants.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on wallethub.com

Can I use Amex UK in Europe?

Your Card will work across the globe wherever American Express is accepted, allowing you to make payments and withdraw cash while you travel. Just be aware of any additional fees.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on americanexpress.com

Do McDonald's accept Amex?

You can register Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards in the app. Payment cards registered must be issued by a U.S. bank.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mcdonalds.com

Does Tesco accept Amex?

You can pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro, Visa Debit, Clubcard Plus, Tesco Bank credit cards and Tesco Bank debit cards. We're unable to accept Maestro cards for Delivery Saver payments. We don't currently accept Visa Electron cards or Solo cards or Tesco Gift Cards online.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tesco.com

Does British Gas accept Amex?

Financial services firm Aviva won't accept Amex for its insurance products; discount retailer Matalan or British Gas also refuse the card.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theguardian.com

Why is Amex so popular?

American Express is one of the leading card issuers in the United States. It's known for its top-notch customer service and some of the best rewards available. From ultra-elite business travel cards to everyday rewards, American Express has credit cards that are a good choice for many different types of cardholders.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on money.usnews.com

Does Chanel Paris accept Amex?

All credit cards are accepted.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tripadvisor.com

Does Louis Vuitton in Paris accept American Express?

Payments are accepted via Apple Pay, credit card, debit card or PayPal (except for Monaco) with a valid billing and shipping address. Accepted credit cards are Visa, American Express, Mastercard, Ideal, Bancontact and Sofort.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.louisvuitton.com

Can I withdraw cash from Amex UK?

You can withdraw cash using the same PIN as you would for your regular Card Charges. If you forget your PIN you can view it via your Online Account (americanexpress.co.uk). n There is no charge for activating the Express Cash service.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on americanexpress.com

Is Amex good to use in UK?

While Amex is less widely accepted in the U.K. than in America, American Express cards are generally accepted at major retailers, restaurants, grocery store chains.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on forbes.com

Can I use Amex in Spain?

Check before departing to avoid any surprise charges on your statement. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards are all widely accepted in Spain. Traveler's checks are not now widely used but are accepted in Barcelona at banks and travel agencies. Buy them from your bank before you leave home.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on frommers.com

Which credit card is best Europe?

The Best Credit Cards For Traveling To in Europe
  • Best credit cards to take to Europe in 2023.
  • Best overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
  • Best for travel benefits: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
  • Best for everyday rewards: Citi Premier® Card.
  • Other solid options.
  • What is a travel rewards credit card?

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on moneyunder30.com

Does Primark accept Amex?

What payment methods do you accept? We accept VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro cards, Google Pay, ApplePay & PayPal.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on primarkgiftcards.com

Does boots accept Amex?

Whilst it won't save you a huge amount of cash, unless you stock up on premium cosmetics, American Express is offering 7% to 10% cashback on purchases at Boots and boots.com.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on headforpoints.com

Does Asda accept Amex?

Credit cards (Mastercard, Delta, Maestro, Visa Electron, Solo and American Express) Asda Gift Cards. Asda School shop savings cards. Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay (for any amount)

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on asda-stores.custhelp.com