According to the Amex website, American Express is accepted by 99% of places in the US that accept credit cards. This might seem hard to believe — considering the fact that you’ve probably walked into at least one business that says “No Amex” or something similar by the credit card terminal.
I’m not here to dispute that claim but rather to shed light on why certain businesses choose not to accept American Express.
This information can be really valuable for consumers and merchants alike. If you’re an American Express cardholder, you can use this to determine where your Amex card will be accepted. And if you’re a business, this guide can help you decide whether or not you should be accepting Amex cards for your customers.
Hey there, fellow card-slingers! Ever whipped out your shiny American Express card, ready to pay, only to get that awkward “Sorry, we don’t take Amex” line? Man, it stings, don’t it? Whether you’re grabbing bulk goodies at a warehouse or sipping tea halfway across the world, knowing where your Amex won’t fly is crucial. So, let’s dive right in and figure out where Amex ain’t accepted, why that’s the case, and how we can dodge those declined-card blues.
I’ve been there, trust me—standing at a checkout counter, feeling like a fool when my card gets turned down But after digging into this, I’ve got the lowdown for ya In the U.S., Amex is pretty much everywhere—99% of spots that take credit cards will accept it. But there’s that pesky 1% that’ll leave you high and dry. And overseas? Oh boy, it gets trickier. Let’s break it all down so you’re never caught off guard again.
Where Amex Gets the Cold Shoulder in the U.S.
First up, let’s chat about home turf. You’d think a big player like American Express would work everywhere in the States, right? Well, not quite. Even though most places are cool with it there’s a couple of big names and sneaky small spots that’ll say “nah” to your Amex.
- Costco, the Big No-No: If you’re a bulk-buying junkie like me, you probably love Costco. But here’s the kicker—they flat-out don’t accept Amex. They’ve got an exclusive deal with Visa, so your fancy Amex card ain’t gonna cut it here. You’ll need their Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi if you wanna swipe and save. I learned this the hard way trying to buy a giant pack of toilet paper—had to dig out another card real quick!
- Small Mom-and-Pop Shops: Ever notice those little handwritten “No Amex” signs at local diners or corner stores? Tons of small businesses skip on accepting Amex ‘cause the fees are a bit steeper compared to other cards. For a tiny shop with thin margins, every penny counts, so they often stick with Visa or Mastercard. I’ve had to pay cash at my favorite taco joint more times than I can count just ‘cause they wouldn’t take my card.
- Some Government Spots: Wanna pay taxes or fees at certain city offices? Don’t count on using Amex. A few government entities don’t accept it for stuff like tax collections or parking fines. It’s rare, but it happens—check ahead if you’re heading to a municipal building.
Now here’s a weird twist—some businesses in the U.S. technically accept Amex but act like they don’t. You might see a cashier nudge you toward another card or spot a “No Amex” sign even though their system can process it. That’s them trying to dodge the higher fees, which, by the way, goes against Amex’s rules. I’ve seen this at a local hardware store; they grumbled but ran my card anyway when I pushed a little. Sneaky, huh?
Going Global: Where Amex Ain’t Welcome Worldwide
Alright, now let’s pack our bags and talk international. If you’re a jet-setter or just planning a vacay, you gotta know that Amex don’t got the same clout abroad as it does stateside. While it’s accepted in over 50 million spots worldwide, there’s plenty of places where it’s a no-go.
Countries Where Amex Is Totally Off the Table
Some countries just don’t mess with Amex at all, often due to political stuff or economic restrictions. Here’s a quick rundown of spots where your card’s basically a fancy piece of plastic:
| Country | Reason for No Amex |
|---|---|
| Cuba | Economic sanctions and restrictions. |
| North Korea | Pretty much isolated from global banking. |
| Iran | Sanctions blocking most Western cards. |
| Syria | Similar deal—political and economic barriers. |
| Sudan | Limited financial infrastructure. |
| South Sudan | Same as Sudan, very restricted access. |
| Russia & Belarus | Temporarily off-limits due to recent events. |
If you’re heading to any of these places, don’t even think about relying on Amex. I had a buddy who tried using his card in a sanctioned spot years back—total flop. He ended up bartering with locals just to get by. Always check with your card issuer before you travel to sketchy zones, ‘cause this list can shift.
Regions Where Amex Is Spotty at Best
Even in countries where Amex is “accepted,” it ain’t always smooth sailing. Let’s talk about a few big regions where you might hit a wall:
- Europe: Yeah, Amex works in Europe, but it’s nowhere near as common as Visa or Mastercard. In places like the UK, Sweden, Spain, and Germany, Amex only holds about 2% of the market at best—sometimes less. I remember trying to pay for a pint in a small London pub, and the bartender just laughed when I pulled out my Amex. “Mate, we don’t do that here,” he said. Bigger chains or touristy spots might take it, but smaller joints? Forget it.
- Japan: Thanks to a deal with JCB, Amex has a foot in the door in Japan. But don’t get too excited—small markets, street food vendors, and local shops often won’t accept it. I’ve heard stories of travelers stuck paying cash for ramen ‘cause their Amex got declined. Stick to bigger stores or hotels if you’re relying on it there.
- Africa: Historically, Amex wasn’t big in Africa, but they’ve been expanding lately with partnerships like one with Ecobank, adding a dozen new countries to the list. Still, acceptance ain’t guaranteed everywhere. If you’re off the beaten path, don’t count on swiping your card.
Bottom line for global travel? Amex is making moves to grow, but it’s still playing catch-up with the big dogs like Visa (accepted in over 200 countries) and Mastercard (over 210). I always pack a backup card when I’m outta the U.S.—learned that after a real awkward moment in a European flea market.
Why the Heck Ain’t Amex Accepted Everywhere?
Now that we know where Amex gets the boot, let’s dig into why. This part’s kinda important ‘cause it explains why some businesses give Amex the side-eye, even when they take other cards.
- Higher Fees for Merchants: Here’s the biggie—Amex charges businesses more to process transactions compared to Visa or Mastercard. For small shops or places with tight budgets, those extra fees hurt. I’ve talked to a local cafe owner who straight-up told me, “I’d love to take Amex, but it cuts too deep into my profit.” Even with programs like Amex OptBlue, which offers better rates for smaller merchants, the cost is often still higher.
- Closed Network Vibes: Unlike Visa and Mastercard, which work through third-party banks for issuing cards and processing payments, Amex handles everything in-house. They’re the card network and the bank, which means they control the fees and jack ‘em up to cover their costs. It’s like they’re running the whole show, and merchants gotta pay the premium for that.
- Higher Fees on Big Purchases: Here’s a weird one—Amex sometimes charges more for bigger transactions. So, if you’re dropping a grand on something, the merchant pays a heftier fee than they would for a $50 sale. That’s the opposite of most other cards, and it ticks off businesses with high-ticket items. A friend who runs a furniture store told me this is why he stopped taking Amex altogether.
- Global Reach Ain’t as Wide: While Amex is a giant, it don’t got the same footprint as its rivals. Visa and Mastercard have been at it longer in some regions, building bigger networks. For merchants in far-off places, setting up to accept Amex might not even be worth the hassle if only a handful of customers use it.
- Fancy Rewards Cost Money: Let’s be real—Amex cards come with killer rewards, like cashback or travel points. I love racking up points on my card for flights, but those perks ain’t free. Merchants often foot part of that bill through fees, which is another reason some say “no thanks.”
I reckon it boils down to a simple cost-benefit thing for businesses. If they think taking Amex brings in more customers than the fees cost ‘em, they’ll do it. But for plenty of spots—especially small ones or those in less Amex-friendly regions—it just don’t add up.
Sneaky Business: When They Accept It but Don’t Want To
Ever been at a store where they got the Amex logo on the terminal, but the cashier asks, “Got another card?” That’s a sneaky lil’ trick some businesses pull. They can process Amex, but they don’t wanna ‘cause of the fees. They might nudge you to use Visa, Mastercard, or even cash instead. I’ve had this happen at a neighborhood deli—they sighed real dramatic when I insisted on Amex, but they ran it anyway.
Just so ya know, this kinda behavior goes against Amex’s rules. They got strict guidelines saying merchants can’t diss their brand, push other payment methods, or tack on extra fees just for Amex users. But let’s be real—some places do it anyway ‘cause they’re trying to save a buck. If you run into this, you can push back a bit or report it to Amex if you’re feelin’ spicy. I usually just roll my eyes and move on, though.
What Can Ya Do? Tips for Amex Users
So, we’ve covered the “where” and “why,” but what’s a cardholder to do when Amex ain’t accepted? Don’t worry—I got some practical tips to keep you from getting stuck.
- Carry a Backup Card: This one’s a no-brainer. Always have a Visa or Mastercard in your wallet, ‘specially if you’re traveling abroad or hitting up smaller shops. Visa’s accepted in over 200 countries, and Mastercard’s in 210+, so they’re safer bets. I keep a backup card tucked in my bag just for those “just in case” moments.
- Check Ahead: If you’re heading to a specific store or country, do a quick check to see if Amex is cool there. Amex has a handy “Find Stores & Retailers” tool for U.S. spots where you can search by location or business type. For international trips, a Google search or call to the place works too. Saved me a headache before a big purchase once.
- Pack Some Cash: I know, I know—cash feels old-school. But it’s still king in lots of places, especially small vendors or foreign markets. When my Amex got declined at a street stall overseas, having a few bucks on hand was a lifesaver. Just don’t carry too much for safety’s sake.
- Consider a Travel Debit Card: If you’re globetrotting, a travel debit card with no foreign transaction fees can be a solid backup. It’s less hassle than exchanging cash sometimes, and it works where credit cards don’t. I’ve used one on trips and it’s been smooth as butter.
- Know Your Card’s Perks: Some Amex cards, like their travel ones, got awesome benefits—no foreign transaction fees, lounge access, you name it. So even if acceptance ain’t universal, the perks might still make it worth carrying. I weigh this every time I pack for a trip—sometimes the points outweigh the hassle.
Wrapping It Up: Is Amex Still Worth It?
Look, Amex is a powerhouse in the U.S., no doubt. Most places here will take it with a smile, and the rewards can be downright amazing. But it ain’t perfect. From big dogs like Costco to tiny shops down the street, plus whole countries where it’s a no-go, there’s spots where your Amex card’s just a shiny paperweight. And that’s mostly ‘cause of the higher fees merchants gotta pay, along with Amex’s smaller global footprint.
Still, I’m a fan of my Amex for the perks and points. I just make sure I’m prepped with a backup plan—another card or some cash—‘specially when I’m outta town or off to far-flung lands. So, where ain’t Amex accepted? Now you know the deal: Costco, small U.S. businesses, certain government spots, and countries like Cuba or Iran, plus patchy acceptance in Europe and Japan. Why? Fees and network quirks. What to do? Plan ahead and don’t rely on it solo.
Got any horror stories of your Amex getting declined at the worst moment? Or maybe a tip I didn’t cover? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your take. And hey, if this helped ya out, share it with a pal who’s always swiping that Amex. Let’s keep each other in the loop and swipe smarter together!
Why Some Businesses Don’t Accept American Express
American Express is more expensive to process than other credit cards, which is why some businesses choose not to accept Amex cards.
It’s worth noting that the Amex OptBlue program—for merchants processing less than $1 million in Amex transactions annually—offers more competitive pricing for small businesses. That said, even when you compare these rates to Visa and Mastercard’s interchange rates, Amex OptBlue is still slightly higher across most categories.
Something else that’s interesting about Amex is that they often charge more for higher ticket transactions. For example, a $1,000 transaction will likely have a higher fee than a $100 sale, which is the opposite of what we’ve come to expect for other cards.
So if you have lots of high-ticket sales and you process more than $1 million in Amex cards per year, you’ll likely be paying higher rates than smaller businesses.
Why is American Express More Expensive?
Ok, so we’ve established that it’s more expensive to accept Amex cards—but why?
American Express is a closed network. This means that they operate as the card network and issuing bank, handling everything in-house. As a result, they have more control over their fee structure and they also incur additional costs for providing multiple services under one roof.
This is very different from how other card brands (like Visa and Mastercard) operate.
Visa and Mastercard are both card networks. But they rely on third-party issuing banks to distribute cards and provide services to cardholders.
If a cardholder wants to increase their line of credit, ask a question, or dispute a transaction, they don’t call Visa directly. They get support from the bank or financial institution that issued the card—like Chase or Wells Fargo.
Furthermore, if a merchant wants to accept Visa and Mastercard, they don’t go directly to these card networks. Instead, they go through an acquiring bank. This third-party processor acts as the middleman between the business and the card network, passing through fees and providing services that the card networks don’t offer.
But American Express does merchant acquiring services. Businesses can contact Amex directly to accept their cards without having to go through a third party.
They control all aspects of each component of the card issuing and acceptance in their closed network, which gives them the ability to markup their processing fees accordingly.
Where Are Amex Cards Not Accepted?
FAQ
Which stores do not accept American Express?
While Amex is generally accepted by all major retailers in the U.S., there’s one notable exception. While American Express used to have an exclusive partnership with Costco, the wholesale club currently only accepts Visa credit cards at its warehouses and gas stations.
Where is American Express not accepted?
Costco is the most notable business that does not accept Amex cards. There aren’t many other national stores or chains that fall into this category. Some small businesses don’t accept American Express. We also see some government entities that don’t accept Amex cards for things like tax collections or similar fees.
Where can I not use my American Express card?
One major retailer that doesn’t accept American Express is Costco. In addition, American Express may not be accepted at some small businesses. American Express (as well as Discover) also tend to be less available outside of the U.S. than Visa and Mastercard.
Does McDonald’s accept Amex?
Accepted credit and debit cards are Mastercard, VISA, Amex, Visa Debit & Mastercard Debit. This feature can only be used at the front counter and in the drive-thru; it cannot be used at the kiosk, with mobile orders, or with McDelivery.
Is American Express accepted everywhere?
American Express may not be accepted everywhere, but there’s a reason it remains so popular among customers. For one, Amex credit cards can come with incredible rewards. Not only can you earn points, but you can use those points for great rewards like free flights and hotel stays.
Where can I use Amex If I don’t have a credit card?
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.
Where can I use Amex?
Amex is widely accepted domestically. In fact, according to a 2023 Nilson Report, you can use your Amex at 99% of places in the U.S. that accept payment via credit card.
Does American Express accept credit cards?
A Comprehensive Guide 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.
Why is Amex not 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.
Does Amex take American Express?
American Express is one of the four major U.S. payment networks, along with Visa, Mastercard and Discover. And for many years, AmEx lagged behind all of them in terms of merchant acceptance. As a shopper, may have heard the phrase, “I’m sorry, we don’t take American Express.”