Over the years, this has shifted. There is now little cost difference between Amex and other card networks — Nilson reports only a. Related: How small businesses can start accepting credit cards. Amex attributes this shift in part to its OptBlue program. This initiative began in and provides a way for small businesses to accept Amex cards through a third-party processor so long as that processor is partnered with Amex.
These processors set the swipe fee rates for businesses, which evens the playing field for Amex cards from a cost perspective and makes it easier for business owners to start accepting Amex with existing processing systems.
It makes sense that the easier it is for a business to accept Amex, the more likely they are to do it. Furthermore, Amex also made strides in its support of small businesses through its Shop Small and Small Business Saturday campaigns. The issuer will try every attempt to add them into the network and close the gap between their competitors.
While American Express cards are accepted in more than countries worldwide, Amex is still lagging behind Discover, Visa and Mastercard. At this point, the safest bet when traveling abroad is to have a Visa or Mastercard just in case. Related: Best no-annual-fee credit cards to use internationally. Expanding international coverage is a priority for Amex moving forward, so hopefully, we will start to see this change in the coming years. Terms and Conditions apply to Avios redemptions.
Reward flights and companion voucher bookings are subject to availability. Detailed information on companion vouchers can be found here or by calling All applicable Terms and Conditions will be provided within your Welcome Pack if you are approved. Terms and Conditions apply. Please see the Insurance Terms and Conditions for full details.
Please read this to understand the limits and exclusions that may apply. Terms and Conditions apply to points redemptions and are subject to availability. Detailed information can be found here. In fact, only the smallest corner shop-type retailers hold out against American Express. Related: The best UK miles and points credit cards of American Express is not difficult to use, so let your fears melt away. Just be prepared for some of those corner shop purchases, which may not take it.
If this is the case you may wish to have a non-American Express card in your wallet as a backup. Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser.
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American Express is both a payment network and a major credit card issuer. Credit card issuers primarily make money through interest charges and a portion of the interchange fees. Many American Express cards are actually not credit cards but charge cards. That means that the cardholder is required to pay the entire statement balance in full each month, so Amex typically receives no interest charges from these products.
Furthermore, American Express cards almost always provide competitive rewards in the form of cash back or miles and points toward travel rewards.
With both the higher costs of offering rewards and less income from customers paying interest, American Express' business model relies on charging merchants higher interchange fees.
Why You Should Always Have a Backup Credit Card If you primarily use an American Express card, then you should probably carry a backup card from a different payment network for when you encounter a merchant that doesn't accept American Express.
But regardless of which card you use, it's always a good idea to have one or more backup credit cards. For example, your primary card could become lost, stolen or compromised in some way, leaving you without a credit card until it's replaced. Having more than one card that you manage responsibly can also add to your positive credit history and improve your credit score. American Express cards are accepted by millions of merchants, but not at every store that accepts credit cards.
While you're likely to find that the vast majority of stores you visit will accept your Amex card, there are several reasons that you should still carry a backup card. By understanding how credit cards work, and why Amex isn't as widely accepted as cards from other payment networks, you can make sure that you always have the right cards to make the purchases you need. Don't Apply Blindly Apply for credit cards confidently with personalized offers based on your credit profile.
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