Why is Amex not widely accepted in Europe? (2023)

Why is Amex not widely accepted 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.

Is Amex widely 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.

Why is Amex not accepted internationally?

Sure, many Amex cards don't have a foreign-transaction fee, but you might have a little more difficulty finding places that accept your Amex card in the first place. That's because American Express typically charges higher merchant fees than other credit card networks.

Why isn t Amex accepted in France?

However, merchants frequently request separate American Express acceptance, the fees of which are much higher. As a result, merchants seldom accept American Express. Most upscale hotels, restaurants, and shops catering to wealthy tourists will accept American Express cards.

Which Amex card is best for Europe?

The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best card for travel insurance and for lounge access while traveling abroad. American Express® Gold Card: Best card for dining abroad.

Is Amex or Visa better in Europe?

First and foremost, you want to ensure that the credit card you take to Europe is widely accepted. Generally, the Visa and Mastercard networks have wider acceptance there than Discover and American Express. While you can certainly bring your Amex and Discover cards, it's best to pack a backup.

What countries don't take American Express?

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.

Why doesn t Costco take Amex?

Costco and American Express had a 16-year exclusivity agreement until 2016, when Costco switched to Visa. Costco has negotiated a partnership agreement with Visa in exchange for much lower processing fees, paying transaction fees of only 0.4%. This allows Costco to continue offering its low prices.

Can you use Amex in Paris?

Most retailers and merchants are credit card and debit card friendly. Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere, but American Express and Diners Club cards can be used in fewer places. When making payments, some merchants may have a spending minimum — 10 euros, for example.

What is the most widely accepted credit card internationally?

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards. Visa credit cards can be used at 44 million merchant locations in more than 200 countries and territories. Mastercard credit cards are accepted at 37 million merchant locations in more than 210 countries and territories.

Does Louis Vuitton 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.

Is Amex accepted in Germany?

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Germany. You could also use American Express cards and Discover cards with the Diners Club logo — though fewer locations accept them. While Germany ranks high in Europe for accepting new technology like contactless and mobile payments, it's still largely a cash economy.

Do they accept Amex in Italy?

Yes. The American Express card works in Italy and wherever the American Express logo is displayed. Although credit and debit cards are becoming more widely used across Italy and are an increasingly convenient way to pay for things, American Express is not the preferred payment method.

What credit card is most used in Europe?

The most widely accepted credit cards in Europe are Visa and Mastercard credit cards. These are the two most widely accepted credit card networks worldwide, not just in Europe. So, any card on either network will work everywhere you want to use it.

What is the best credit card to carry in Europe?

Can I use my Amex to pay in euros?

Our Card is available in US dollars or euros so you can pay in a single currency wherever you are in the world. Receive a host of benefits, rewards and experiences on another level. Including 24/7 Global Assist^®, Membership Rewards® and Travel Protection1 to make your trip extra special.

What are the disadvantages of the American Express card?

Disadvantages of AmEx cards

Since they do not rely on financial companies, such as Rupay, Mastercard or Visa, and have their own payment network, they charge additional fees on the transactions. This is one of the primary reasons, small businesses generally do not accept these cards.

Is Amex the most prestigious?

A rating of 10 is the best a card can receive. Why It's One of the Most Exclusive Credit Cards: The most exclusive, prestigious credit card is without a doubt the American Express Centurion Card, otherwise known as the Amex Black Card.

Is Amex harder to get than Visa?

It can be harder to qualify for an Amex card than a Visa card if you have poor credit.

Why no one uses American Express?

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%.

Do you get charged for using Amex abroad?

View statements online rather than requesting an additional copy by post. Remember the cash advance fee – payable when withdrawing money from an ATM with your card. Be mindful of currency conversion - American Express charges a currency conversion fee of 2.99% for every purchase you make in a foreign currency.

Which grocery stores don t accept amex?

Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company. Costco is the only major grocery store that doesn't accept American Express credit cards at the moment.

Does Walmart not take Amex?

Yes, Walmart does accept American Express credit cards, debit cards and gift cards. In addition to American Express cards, Walmart accepts cards from the three other major card networks.

Does Amazon accept American Express?

Amazon Pay accepts credit and debit cards. Credit cards currently accepted include Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, and JCB. The Amazon.com store card is available for use with selected merchants. In some circumstances, you might be limited to using Visa and Mastercard credit cards.

Is Amex accepted in Amsterdam?

Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards in the Dutch retail space; American Express tends to be accepted only by major retailers in the Netherlands who have an international client base – although Amex acceptance is growing.

Does Spain accept American Express?

The answer is Yes. Credit cards from American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa are all accepted in Spain. If you have an American Express Card issued in Spain, you can use Amex Spain from another country. However, be aware of your operator's roaming fees.

Is Amex common in France?

Visa and MasterCard are accepted in all places where you can pay by credit cards. American Express is not as common as in the US. You should always ask before considering using it.

Is American Express a good credit card?

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.

What countries do not use credit cards?

Is Amex accepted in China?

Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are all widely accepted in big cities in China. Depending on your bank, using a foreign credit card in China will usually incur a foreign currency exchange fee and a transaction fee from either your home or the local bank, which can add up fast.

Does Prada accept American Express?

We accept payment through all major credit cards and PayPal.

Is Amex widely accepted in London?

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.

Is American Express accepted in Switzerland?

Which credit cards are accepted in Switzerland? Credit cards from major card companies like VISA, Mastercard, and American Express are generally always accepted in Switzerland. However, it's important to remember that acceptance may vary depending on the individual business, so checking in advance is a good idea.

Is the platinum American Express worth it?

Amex Platinum Card — Is It Worth It for the Yearly Fee? The Amex Platinum card is well worth it for frequent travelers who want luxury travel and lifestyle perks, and who can regularly take advantage of the card's premium benefits.

Is American Express accepted in Sweden?

Most terminals in stores are supporting the use of paying with contactless cards. But no need to worry. Major credit cards (some restrictions may apply to American Express) are widely accepted throughout Sweden at banks, hotels, stores, restaurants, taxis, car rental companies, and for air, ship and rail tickets.

Do I need to activate Amex card for overseas use?

You are required to activate any Card(s) if you are going to use it when you are overseas. This includes Supplementary Cards and Personal Cards. There is no limit to the number of Cards you can activate but each Card will have to be activated separately.

Does Greece accept American Express?

Yes, you can use American Express cards in Greece. A Visa or Mastercard credit card is the best credit card to use in Greece. American Express is not widely accepted because shops and restaurants have to pay much higher fees for allowing it.

Should I carry cash in Italy?

We recommend that you take a mixture of cash along with currency on a pre-paid currency card. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and autostrada tollbooths. Where you might come unstuck is relying on American Express and Diners Club which are not widely accepted.

Is American Express accepted in Spain and Portugal?

Traveller's cheques are difficult to exchange in Spain and Portugal; and are not recommended. Major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted; Diner's Club and American Express much less so. There is easy access to ATM outlets in Spain and Portugal.

Is American Express widely accepted abroad?

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.

Which card is best to use in Europe?

Debit cards, prepaid cards and credit cards with Mastercard or Visa can be used in Europe in most places. Similar to Australia, American Express is also accepted but not as frequently, due to the costs American Express places on the seller. Best to avoid other types of cards as they might not be accepted.

What credit cards are most common in Europe?

In Europe, there are two main credit card providers. Between Visa and Mastercard they make up over 90 percent. In total, there are over 810 million payment cards across the continent.

Is American Express accepted in most countries?

Paddy Sullivan, WalletHub Credit Card Advisor

American Express is accepted in more than 160 countries and territories internationally. That includes all the members of the United Nations, except for those under U.S. sanctions. Amex cards are more widely accepted in some international destinations than others, though.

What is the most powerful credit card in the world?

The most powerful credit card in the world is the Centurion® Card from American Express, which is famously known as the "black card" and seen as a status symbol for rich and influential people.

Is Visa or Amex better for international travel?

In terms of international acceptance, Visa has a sizable lead. It's accepted in over 200 countries, compared to over 170 countries for American Express. When you travel abroad, using an American Express card can be hit or miss, whereas Visa can normally be used anywhere credit cards are accepted.

Do Europeans prefer cash or card?

Although most payments were still made in cash, 55% of euro area consumers prefer paying with card or other cashless means of payment. This is mostly due to the convenience of cashless payments: people do not need to carry hard cash.

What cards are not accepted in Europe?

Visa And Mastercard The Most Widely Accepted Credit Cards

Discover is not widely accepted in Europe so it shouldn't be your primary card. Make sure your debit and credit cards have the Cirrus or Plus logo on them—nearly every Visa or MasterCard has one. Cards with these logos will largely work anywhere in Europe.

Is it better to get euros in US bank or in Europe?

In general, I avoid exchanging money in Europe; it's a big rip-off. On average, at a bank you lose about 8 percent when you change dollars to euros or another foreign currency. When you use an airport currency exchange booth such as Forex or Travelex, the hit can be as much as 15 percent.

Should I bring cash to Europe?

If you prefer dealing in cash, then by all means get some euros out before your trip. But actually, you'll find that debit and credit cards are widely accepted in most European cities. Paying by card can be easier and more convenient, without the potential security risk of carrying cash around you.

Is Amex accepted in Italy?

Yes. The American Express card works in Italy and wherever the American Express logo is displayed. Although credit and debit cards are becoming more widely used across Italy and are an increasingly convenient way to pay for things, American Express is not the preferred payment method.

Is American Express more prestigious than Visa?

American Express and Visa are both major credit card networks, but they're certainly not the same. Using an American Express card, or Amex card, can imply a certain level of prestige and exclusivity. Amex cards often earn big rewards and, in some cases, come with ultra-high annual fees.

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.

Do I need to notify Amex of travel?

We use industry-leading fraud detection capabilities that help us recognize when our Card Members are traveling, so you don't need to notify us before you travel. We recommend: Keeping your contact information updated in case we need to contact you while you're away.