American Express is currently accepted by 99% of U. S. merchants that accept credit cards, according to a 2022 issue of Nilson Report. However, your American Express card is less likely to be accepted than a Visa or Mastercard if you’re shopping at a small business or traveling overseas. That’s because it typically costs businesses more to accept American Express payments.
To help you be ready wherever you go, we’ve compiled a list of stores, eateries, nations, and more that accept American Express and which ones don’t.
American Express (Amex) is a widely recognized credit card brand, but it’s not universally accepted like Visa and Mastercard. This can be frustrating for Amex cardholders, especially when traveling abroad or making purchases at certain retailers.
In this guide we’ll delve deep into:
- Countries where Amex is not accepted: We’ll provide a comprehensive list of countries where you won’t be able to use your Amex card.
- Major retailers that don’t accept Amex: We’ll highlight some of the biggest retailers in the U.S. that don’t accept Amex, so you can plan accordingly.
- Reasons why Amex isn’t accepted everywhere: We’ll explore the factors that contribute to Amex’s limited acceptance, including merchant fees and global reach.
- Alternatives to Amex: We’ll suggest alternative payment methods you can use in situations where Amex isn’t accepted.
Let’s dive in!
Countries Where American Express Is Not Accepted
While Amex is widely accepted in many parts of the world, there are still some countries where it’s not as readily available. Here’s a list of countries where you might encounter difficulties using your Amex card:
- Cuba
- Sudan
- South Sudan
- Iran
- Syria
It’s important to note that this list is subject to change, so it’s always best to check with your card issuer or the merchant before traveling to these countries.
Major Retailers That Don’t Accept American Express
In the U.S., there are a few major retailers that don’t accept Amex, including:
- Costco: This warehouse club is known for its low prices and bulk purchases, but it only accepts Visa credit cards.
- Small non-chain stores/restaurants: Many small businesses, especially those that are not part of a larger chain, may not accept Amex due to the higher merchant fees associated with the network.
Tip: Before making a purchase at a small business, it’s always a good idea to check if they accept Amex. You can usually find this information on their website or by calling the store directly.
Reasons Why American Express Isn’t Accepted Everywhere
There are a few reasons why Amex isn’t accepted everywhere:
- Higher merchant fees: Amex typically charges merchants higher fees than Visa and Mastercard, which can discourage some businesses from accepting the card.
- Global reach: While Amex is a global brand, it doesn’t have the same reach as Visa and Mastercard, especially in certain regions.
- Rewards programs: Amex is known for its generous rewards programs, which can also contribute to higher merchant fees.
Alternatives to American Express
If you’re planning to travel to a country where Amex isn’t accepted or shop at a retailer that doesn’t accept it, you have a few alternatives:
- Visa or Mastercard: These are the most widely accepted credit card networks worldwide, so you’re likely to be able to use them almost anywhere.
- Travel debit card: A travel debit card can be a good option for international travel, as it often comes with no foreign transaction fees.
- Cash: While not always the most convenient option, cash is still accepted everywhere.
While American Express is a widely accepted credit card, it’s not universally accepted like Visa and Mastercard. By understanding where Amex is not accepted and why, you can plan accordingly and choose alternative payment methods when necessary.
Countries that accept American Express
Using American Express credit cards outside of the U.S. can be difficult compared to other cards.
Here are some countries that don’t accept American Express at all:
- Sudan
- Cuba
- North Korea
- Russia and Belarus (temporarily)
Apart from such exceptions, individual retailers, not nations as a whole, determine whether or not to accept American Express.
To be on the safe side, travelers should bring a backup credit card. If a merchant does not accept American Express, having a Visa or Mastercard on hand will come in handy.
Where is American Express not accepted?
One major retailer that doesn’t accept American Express is Costco. Furthermore, since American Express typically charges merchants higher fees than other major payment networks like Visa and Mastercard, some small businesses might not accept it.
American Express (and Discover) also tend to be less available outside of the U. S. than Visa and Mastercard. That said, American Express also typically limits earning grocery, streaming service and gas rewards to U. S. merchants. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, for example, lets cardholders earn 6% Cash Back at U. S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% Cash Back on select U. S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back at U. S. 20% gas stations and 20% on transit (such as taxis and ride-sharing, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more), 1% cash back on other purchases Terms apply.
Why American Express Is NOT Accepted EVERYWHERE?
FAQ
Where do they not accept American Express?
Does Walmart take Amex?
Which grocery stores don t accept Amex?