Amex getting harde to use?

lisyloo

Just come back from patisserie Valerie - Amex not accepted
Indian restaurant on Saturday - Amex not accepted
Tyre city - stopped taking it when rates were increased.

Anyone else finding it harder to use? Btw I live in central London.

Was going to get a new one for the airmiles, but not sure I'll hit the spending limit anymore.

Yawn

I live in Cardiff, where Amex is significantly less common than in the southeast. Last December I found only two shops where I could use the Shop Small offer (and where I wanted to shop). Having said that though, all the major retailers, supermarkets (except Lidl), etc accept it. I have never had any difficulties getting introduction bonuses.

Shimrod

I am encountering the same problem - places that used to take Amex are no longer accepting the card. It seems the fees Amex are charging are just not making it worthwhile for the smaller shops given the number of people who use Amex vs Mastercard/Visa. The dealer who services my car stopped taking Amex because the transaction fees were too high when compared to the other cards.

Jasonh2015

I've used amex for years and the only place I go that doesn't accept it is the Chinise take away. I too live in London. Sometimes it can depend on where you shop.

missile

Perhaps as a consequence of other card providers like Capital 1 being forced to reduce their charges by EU rules?

adamh87

Also live in London, have found the odd place doesn't accept AMEX but all the main supermarkets do and so do many restaurants.

Asked at the local Thai place why they didn't accept and they said the fees were too high for them to pay. Shame - that money is my cashback haha.

Seriously though, wouldn't pick AMEX if I could only have 1 CC, but if you get cashback on your card you just have to suck it up and use it where you can

System

If you have Amex, you need to carry a Visa/Mastercard (or cash) for the gaps in domestic acceptability.

pelirocco

Tbh,im always surprised how many places do take it ,its rare that i have to use a debit card

mrmajika

As a user of AMEX for 10 years now, I find acceptance slightly better now than it was 5 years ago and significantly better than 10 years ago. Can't say I've noted any reversal in that trend.

planteria

i'm not seeing any change at all. one Hairdressers and one Chinese takeaway that i find don't accept American Express.

lisyloo

Jasonh2015 wrote: »

I've used amex for years and the only place I go that doesn't accept it is the Chinise take away. I too live in London. Sometimes it can depend on where you shop.

Yes but places like tyre city and patisserie Valerie are not one man bands.