Question about AMEX Credit Cards

[IncrsCreditScore1]

I see so many on here recommending a variety of AMEX credit cards.  I have always been told to forget about AMEX credit cards, because so many merchants do not accept AMEX  If that is so, why are there so many recommendations to apply for an AMEX card.  Also, is there a web site where I can find out what merchants do accept AMEX cards?

[azguy13]

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@IncrsCreditScore wrote:

I see so many on here recommending a variety of AMEX credit cards.  I have always been told to forget about AMEX credit cards, because so many merchants do not accept AMEX  If that is so, why are there so many recommendations to apply for an AMEX card.  Also, is there a web site where I can find out what merchants do accept AMEX cards?

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I have only run into a few places that do not accept Amex. I think those places are generally gas stations in the middle of nowhere and some small businesses. Honestly, I see more people take Amex than Discover, and Discover is being accepted more and more.

I do not know of a website where you can see the merchants that take Amex. Honestly, I would not consider this to be an issue in apping for one.

[Anonymous]

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@azguy13 wrote:

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@IncrsCreditScore wrote:

I see so many on here recommending a variety of AMEX credit cards.  I have always been told to forget about AMEX credit cards, because so many merchants do not accept AMEX  If that is so, why are there so many recommendations to apply for an AMEX card.  Also, is there a web site where I can find out what merchants do accept AMEX cards?

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I have only run into a few places that do not accept Amex. I think those places are generally gas stations in the middle of nowhere and some small businesses. Honestly, I see more people take Amex than Discover, and Discover is being accepted more and more.

I do not know of a website where you can see the merchants that take Amex. Honestly, I would not consider this to be an issue in apping for one.

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Ditto.  Especially now adays with square card readers and the like accepting AMEX for even the super small businesses.

[youdontkillmoney]

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@IncrsCreditScore wrote:

I see so many on here recommending a variety of AMEX credit cards.  I have always been told to forget about AMEX credit cards, because so many merchants do not accept AMEX  If that is so, why are there so many recommendations to apply for an AMEX card.  Also, is there a web site where I can find out what merchants do accept AMEX cards?

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^^^^^

I live in a major metropolitan city (gives you a perspective of the diveristy/variety of businesses around me) and 99% of the businesses I visit accept my AMEX Platinum. I carry a MC or VIsa as backup for when they don't.

Off the top of my head these places do not accept it:

Gas station (no brand mom and pop)

A utility company that only takes MC/Visa (I forget if its the electric or gas company for my home utility bill I pay online)

Small mom and pop dollar stores/restaurants takes only MC/VIsa

Goodwill thirft store only takes MC/Visa

In n' Out BUrger only takes MC/Visa

That's all that comes to mind for me.

From fast food restaurants to full service restaurants and malls to high end designer stores such as Bloomingdales and Barneys NY, I have not had a problem with them taking AMEX.

[Kenny]

And I live in a very rural area and 99% takes my Amex.

[john398]

In and Out doesn't take it, and thats about it in my neck of the woods

[steve23111]

The vast majority of places that accept credit cards are capable of accepting AMEX.  A small percentage chooses not to, but I have found that when they ask "do you have another card" a response of "no" will almost always result in them finding a way to take it... ie, just going ahead and swiping the damn card.  Most of these are small businesses and when you're standing there with a stack of merchandise, if it comes down to taking your card or losing the sale, they will take the card.

[youdontkillmoney]

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@steve23111 wrote:

The vast majority of places that accept credit cards are capable of accepting AMEX.  A small percentage chooses not to, but I have found that when they ask "do you have another card" a response of "no" will almost always result in them finding a way to take it... ie, just going ahead and swiping the damn card.  Most of these are small businesses and when you're standing there with a stack of merchandise, if it comes down to taking your card or losing the sale, they will take the card.

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^^^^

I believe AMEX charges a higher merchant fee versus MC/Visa for use of the AMEX card so smaller businesses do not sign up. If this is the case, then swiping an AMEX card without signing up with AMEX is not possible for the merchant. But I hear what you're saying some merchants have signed up with AMEX but do say "do you have another card", and as last resort will take AMEX (assuming they are signed up on the AMEX system)

[WillTeasle]

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@youdontkillmoney wrote:

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@steve23111 wrote:

The vast majority of places that accept credit cards are capable of accepting AMEX.  A small percentage chooses not to, but I have found that when they ask "do you have another card" a response of "no" will almost always result in them finding a way to take it... ie, just going ahead and swiping the damn card.  Most of these are small businesses and when you're standing there with a stack of merchandise, if it comes down to taking your card or losing the sale, they will take the card.

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^^^^

I believe AMEX charges a higher merchant fee versus MC/Visa for use of the AMEX card so smaller businesses do not sign up. If this is the case, then swiping an AMEX card without signing up with AMEX is not possible for the merchant. But I hear what you're saying some merchants have signed up with AMEX but do say "do you have another card", and as last resort will take AMEX (assuming they are signed up on the AMEX system)

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This.  Amex does cost the business a bit more.

My Blue Cash is my primary card at this time.  Very rarely do I have to go to a Master Card backup.  I'd say I put about 95% of my spending through Amex and the other 5% goes elsewhere only if Amex isn't accepted.

[Pat94108]

Amex is my primary card and where I live I don't have any major issue. Yes, there are some places where I ran into the occasional, we don' take Amex but I usually try to avoid them in the future. And I agree with the poster who said that Amex seems to be more accepted than Discover. I recently went to brunch with a friend and he tried to pay with his Discover It and they didn't take it but they accepted Amex (I told him to get an Amex but he wouldn't listen lol).