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Is Amex accepted as widely as Visa and MC domestically?

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KatSoDak
Frequent Contributor

Re: Is Amex accepted as widely as Visa and MC domestically?

Haha. I'd rather spend it on travel to somewhere warm!

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Message 11 of 54
coldfusion
Community Leader
Mega Contributor

Re: Is Amex accepted as widely as Visa and MC domestically?

I can think of 1 time in the US when I had to pull out a Visa because they did not accept AMEX, it was a small sandwich shop in western Maine.

You're more prone to have trouble if outside the US outside of spots frequented by US business travelers.

(3/2024)
FICO 8 (EX) 846 (TU) 850 (EQ) 850
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Artist formerly known as the_old_curmudgeon who was formerly known as coldfusion
Message 12 of 54
Loquat
Moderator Emeritus

Re: Is Amex accepted as widely as Visa and MC domestically?

I still have a few local places that don't accept Amex. Of the larger places, Lion's Choice, until recently, didn't accept Amex. I don't see it being much of an issue anymore these days.
Message 13 of 54
pinkandgrey
Senior Contributor

Re: Is Amex accepted as widely as Visa and MC domestically?

It seems that all the issuers are almost on the same footing these days. However, if I HAD to pick one that seems to have the lowest acceptance, I would say it's Disco. Strangely, though, the place where I work doesn't accept Amex.... Crazy

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Message 14 of 54
Mr_Mojo_Risin
Senior Contributor

Re: Is Amex accepted as widely as Visa and MC domestically?

I've had the More Rewards for almost 9 months and have never had a problem with using it. 

I've used it pretty much daily without issue.

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Message 15 of 54
GApeachy
Super Contributor

Re: Is Amex accepted as widely as Visa and MC domestically?

No, not in my town....We have a lot of businesses that will not accept AmEx.  County dump site for one, several small businesses ie. Electrical supply company, plumbing supply company, some local restaurants (which also do not accept Discover btw).   AmEx is our go-to card(s) but I have my guys carry back up cards as well, like usbank and cap1. 

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Message 16 of 54
Horseshoez
Senior Contributor

Re: Is Amex accepted as widely as Visa and MC domestically?

Up here in New Hamster we have a number of bus lines which run down to Boston, all owned by the same corporate entity if I'm not mistaken, and none of them take AMEX or Discover.  Smiley Tongue

I categorically refuse to do AZEO!
Message 17 of 54
Horseshoez
Senior Contributor

Re: Is Amex accepted as widely as Visa and MC domestically?


@Horseshoez wrote:

Up here in New Hamster we have a number of bus lines which run down to Boston, all owned by the same corporate entity if I'm not mistaken, and none of them take AMEX or Discover.  Smiley Tongue


Oh crap, I lied.  It has been a couple of years since I took one of those rides down to Boston, I just checked their web site and they now accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and yes, AMEX.  Go figure.

I categorically refuse to do AZEO!
Message 18 of 54
staticvoidmain
Established Contributor

Re: Is Amex accepted as widely as Visa and MC domestically?

Depends on where you are and where you shop.

The fact that I have to state this means that NO, it is not as widely accepted.

 

There are merchants who are both budget-conscious to pay Amex fees, but profitable enough to turn away Amex users (specialty stores and lots of Asian merchants in my area for example from restaurants to groceries, and I do not live in a small town at all).

 

Many articles do state that they are more or less ubiquitous, but I beg to differ based on actual experience.

 

(Internationally, it's a different story of course, as it is much worse. My favorite was a Hilton hotel not accepting the Hilton credit card).

Message 19 of 54
Gunnerboy
Frequent Contributor

Re: Is Amex accepted as widely as Visa and MC domestically?

I'm in a big city, Seattle, and come across *small* merchants frequently that refuse AMEX.  All depends on your shopping habits.



"Not everyone who helps you is a friend, and not everyone who challenges you is an enemy."
Message 20 of 54
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