Is American Express Accepted in the UK? Amex vs Visa and Mastercard
American Express cards are popular for their rewards: Avios, Membership Rewards points, cashback and hotel points. The question people ask most is simple: will it work at the till? In the UK, Amex is now taken in far more places than it used to be, but it's still not as universal as Visa and Mastercard. Most Amex users carry a second card too.
Key takeaways
- Amex is accepted at all major UK supermarkets and many high street chains and online retailers, according to American Express.
- American Express says UK acceptance has tripled since 2021. Acceptance at small independent businesses is still more patchy.
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere cards are taken, so carry a backup Visa or Mastercard.
- Abroad, acceptance varies by country. Check your card's non-sterling transaction fee too.
- An Amex card makes most sense if its rewards outweigh any annual fee and you'll use it for regular spending.
This is general information, not financial advice.
Where is Amex accepted in the UK?
In a March 2026 article, American Express's UK head of merchant services wrote that Amex is accepted in more places across the UK than ever before. That includes every major supermarket, a large share of high street retailers and hundreds of thousands of small businesses. The company says UK acceptance has tripled since 2021. On its merchant site, it also says more than 311,000 UK businesses started accepting Amex in 2021 and 2022 alone.
There's no official, independent figure for the percentage of UK businesses that accept Amex. In practice, you're most likely to be able to use it at:
- Supermarkets and large retail chains.
- Online shops, especially larger retailers and marketplaces.
- Travel: airlines, hotels, rail and car hire.
- Fuel stations run by major brands.
- Restaurant chains and many pubs that use modern card terminals.
Why don't some places take Amex?
Merchant fees
Every card payment costs the business a fee. Amex fees have historically been higher than those for Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards. For small businesses with tight margins, that's been the main reason to say no.
How Amex works differently
Visa and Mastercard are networks: your bank issues the card and a separate company handles payments for the shop. For most UK Amex cards, American Express is both the card issuer and the network. Businesses have traditionally needed a separate agreement to accept it, although many modern payment providers now include Amex by default.
Older terminals and habits
Some small businesses simply never switched it on, or display old "no Amex" signs. If you're unsure, it's fine to ask, or to try the card and have a backup ready.
What about abroad?
Acceptance outside the UK varies a lot by country and by type of business. Amex is generally well established in the US and in travel-related businesses worldwide, but less so in small shops and restaurants in many other countries.
Two cost points matter when travelling:
- Non-sterling transaction fee. Many Amex cards add a fee on foreign-currency spending. Check your card's summary box.
- Dynamic currency conversion. If a terminal offers to charge you in pounds, choose the local currency. HSBC explains that with DCC the exchange rate is set by the retailer or their bank and is usually worse.
Many travellers use an Amex for bookings and a no-fee Visa or Mastercard for everyday spending abroad. See Using a Credit Card Abroad: Fees, Exchange Rates and How to Save.
Amex vs Visa and Mastercard: quick comparison
| American Express | Visa / Mastercard | |
|---|---|---|
| UK acceptance | Wide at big retailers, patchier at small independents | Almost everywhere cards are taken |
| Who issues the card | Usually American Express itself | Banks and lenders |
| Typical strengths | Points, Avios, cashback, travel perks | Wider choice: 0% deals, low rates, no-fee travel cards |
| Section 75 protection | Yes, on eligible purchases | Yes, on eligible purchases |
The network doesn't change your legal protection: Section 75 covers eligible credit card purchases whichever network the card uses.
Should an Amex be your main card?
It can work well if:
- Most of your spending is at larger retailers, online or on travel.
- You'll earn enough rewards to cover any annual fee. See Avios and Airline Miles Credit Cards: How They Work in the UK and Cashback Credit Cards Explained: Are They Worth It?
- You have a Visa or Mastercard backup for places that don't take Amex.
- You pay in full each month, so interest doesn't wipe out the rewards.
It may not suit you if you mostly pay at small local businesses, want a long 0% balance transfer, or travel to places where Amex is less common.
American Express cards on QuidRadar
We list several American Express cards, including:
- Amex Cashback Everyday (no annual fee when we checked)
- British Airways American Express Credit Card (no annual fee, earns Avios)
- Preferred Rewards Gold and The Platinum Card, which carry annual fees and travel perks, including airport lounge access on Platinum
See all of them on the American Express page, or compare across rewards and travel cards.
Tips for using an Amex in the UK
- Carry a backup Visa or Mastercard.
- Add Amex to your phone wallet. Many terminals accept it via Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Check online checkouts for the Amex logo before you start.
- Set up a Direct Debit to clear the balance in full.
- Don't use it for cash. Cash withdrawals are expensive on any credit card. See Credit Card Cash Withdrawals: Fees, Interest and Using ATMs Abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK supermarkets accept Amex?
American Express says every major UK supermarket accepts its cards. Smaller convenience shops may not.
Why do some shops refuse American Express?
Mainly cost. Amex merchant fees have historically been higher than Visa and Mastercard fees, and some small businesses choose not to accept it.
Is Amex accepted on Apple Pay and Google Pay?
Yes, UK American Express cards can be added to major mobile wallets. Whether a payment works still depends on the business accepting Amex.
Is Amex accepted in Europe?
Often at hotels, airlines and larger businesses, but less consistently at small shops and restaurants. Take a Visa or Mastercard as well.
Does Section 75 apply to American Express cards?
Yes. Section 75 applies to eligible purchases on UK credit cards, including American Express credit cards. Charge cards that must be repaid in full each month can be treated differently, so check your terms.
This is general information, not financial advice. Acceptance changes over time and varies between businesses.
Sources
- American Express UK – Accept American Express Cards (merchant information)
- Retail Gazette (written by American Express UK) – Payment choice is the new competitive edge in retail, 16 March 2026
- HSBC UK – Is it better to pay in local currency when abroad?
- American Express UK product pages for the cards listed on QuidRadar (checked October 2026)
