Amex outside London/cities

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WillPS said:

If it's an SME, a bit bigger than a local trader but smaller than a chain, they probably won't accept Amex.

Not sure what is between a local trader and a chain but still have found both single site shops and small chains often accept AmEx because they are using Dojo or Zettle

I appreciate it's a fuzzy line - but normally SMEs will have a 'proper' PDQ terminal setup, and in those cases Amex acceptance is unlikely. Little independents, market traders etc are more likely to user Zettle or SumUp or PayPal, in which case Amex is accepted.

A Dojo card machine is not an indicator of automatic Amex acceptance. Have found many times that appears to be up to the merchant, a Google later and it confirms my experience.

There is a fish and chip shop near me that doesn't even have any card stickers in the window, yet the have one of the older card machines and accept Amex, which was surprising.

Zettle/Square etc will always accept Amex as it is part of the agreement.

DullGreyGuy

WillPS said:

DullGreyGuy said:

WillPS said:

If it's a 'discount' store, they probably won't accept Amex (Farmfoods, Home Bargains)

Depends what you count in discount stores but plenty of places like Poundland, B&M, Lidl etc do accept Amex

Poundland don't accept Amex in all stores, actually. I have no idea why, it's not like the Co-op where some are run by differing societies.

Lidl is a supermarket.

WillPS said:

If it's an SME, a bit bigger than a local trader but smaller than a chain, they probably won't accept Amex.

Not sure what is between a local trader and a chain but still have found both single site shops and small chains often accept AmEx because they are using Dojo or Zettle

I appreciate it's a fuzzy line - but normally SMEs will have a 'proper' PDQ terminal setup, and in those cases Amex acceptance is unlikely. Little independents, market traders etc are more likely to user Zettle or SumUp or PayPal, in which case Amex is accepted. 

Would say most would call it a discount supermarket and a supermarket is a form of store but thats semantics. 

I've noticed a number of local indeps (inc pubs/restaurants) around our way have recently ditched their traditional PDQ and replaced it with a Dojo one. Some of those used to accept AmEx before but others didnt and now all do thanks to Dojo 

WillPS

DullGreyGuy said:

WillPS said:

DullGreyGuy said:

WillPS said:

If it's a 'discount' store, they probably won't accept Amex (Farmfoods, Home Bargains)

Depends what you count in discount stores but plenty of places like Poundland, B&M, Lidl etc do accept Amex

Poundland don't accept Amex in all stores, actually. I have no idea why, it's not like the Co-op where some are run by differing societies.

Lidl is a supermarket.

WillPS said:

If it's an SME, a bit bigger than a local trader but smaller than a chain, they probably won't accept Amex.

Not sure what is between a local trader and a chain but still have found both single site shops and small chains often accept AmEx because they are using Dojo or Zettle

I appreciate it's a fuzzy line - but normally SMEs will have a 'proper' PDQ terminal setup, and in those cases Amex acceptance is unlikely. Little independents, market traders etc are more likely to user Zettle or SumUp or PayPal, in which case Amex is accepted. 

Would say most would call it a discount supermarket and a supermarket is a form of store but thats semantics. 

I've noticed a number of local indeps (inc pubs/restaurants) around our way have recently ditched their traditional PDQ and replaced it with a Dojo one. Some of those used to accept AmEx before but others didnt and now all do thanks to Dojo 

It's a coincidence - Dojo don't insist on Amex support, their model is more like a standard PDQ rental/merchant bank.

https://support.dojo.tech/hc/en-gb/articles/360013980820-Card-and-payment-types-

Gerry1

The Wetherspoon's app doesn't mention Amex nor will it process an image of your card, but it works reliably if you key in the details.

[Deleted User]

There are other quirks like some terminals seem to accept Amex with chip and pin but have issues with Amex via contactless & Google Pay. Also, Amex can does crash the occasional till that don't accept it but most ask you to swipe the card then decline it. 

I mostly use my Mastercard as I can get points, extended warranty, S75 plus everywhere that takes cards works without question. 

UKtravellerandexplorer

I find that it's not too bad up in the Cotswolds, I live near Burford / Stow-on-the-Wold and most small businesses are accepting, especially some of the newer businesses which have popped up over the last year.  

Having said that, there are certainly some who are still not

sausage_time

In general, I see it getting better - more and more places now take Amex.  But it's clear that you will need a backup MasterCard or Visa card.  The actual ratio of Amex to non-Amex will depend on your spending habits.If the backup card is on your phone's Pay facility it won't be taking up any space in your wallet.  

Bridlington1

Amex have a map of businesses that take Amex on their website. See:
https://www.americanexpress.com/en-gb/maps

HillStreetBlues

I was surprised to find Dunelm  (their cafe)  doesn't take it.

WillPS

Bridlington1 said:

Amex have a map of businesses that take Amex on their website. See:
https://www.americanexpress.com/en-gb/maps

Don't take is as gospel though. Every Shop Small event they do there's a swathe of 'listed but won't accept Amex' issues.