American Express in the UK?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 112
American Express in the UK?
I am wondering if American Express is widely accepted in London, Edinburgh and The Lake District? I've heard it's not very popular, but was hoping someone could give me some personal experience on this.
Thanks!
Thanks!
#3
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe, and Carbon Conscious Travel
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Biggleswade
Programs: SK*G, Lots of Blue Elsewhere
Posts: 13,611
There are a few major retailers don't take it, too (including my local petrol/gas station) so beware, but they are in the minority.
You will occasionally see a supplement for using it (that's legal here) but that's more common online.
Personally, I use mine most of the time, but your do need a backup MC/Visa if you want to avoid cash. The Lake District is the most likely to be problematic as you're going to find a lot more smaller business who will find the higher processing fees too expensive. Best to check first.
You will occasionally see a supplement for using it (that's legal here) but that's more common online.
Personally, I use mine most of the time, but your do need a backup MC/Visa if you want to avoid cash. The Lake District is the most likely to be problematic as you're going to find a lot more smaller business who will find the higher processing fees too expensive. Best to check first.
#5
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: London, UK
Posts: 342
Amex is generally accepted in larger stores or where tourists might shop. Having a backup payment method MC/Visa/Cash would be a good idea, though.
It's not as widely accepted as it is in the States and it costs the retailer more to accept than MC/Visa.
Also, be sure your card has a Chip in it and carry a pen. One of the side effects of Chip & Pin is that no one ever seems to have a pen around to deal with the Chip & Signature cards issued in the States.
It's not as widely accepted as it is in the States and it costs the retailer more to accept than MC/Visa.
Also, be sure your card has a Chip in it and carry a pen. One of the side effects of Chip & Pin is that no one ever seems to have a pen around to deal with the Chip & Signature cards issued in the States.
#6
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: GLA
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 2,949
I find that quite incredible! I try to put everything on Amex. I certainly do put most things on Amex, but there are plenty of restaurants, for example, which won't touch it.
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K, MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,215
I would not be so complacent. I agree it's unusual for a large retailer not to accept Amex, but, outside London, IME it's rare for a small retailer to take it. Even in London I have only a 50% success rate. Just last night at the theatre, they wouldn't take Amex for the intermission drinks. You absolutely need another card and I would go further and suggest having back up cash for very remote parts of Cumbria.
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: somewhere north of London, UK
Programs: HH Gold, BA Silver, Accor Silver
Posts: 15,245
I would not be so complacent. I agree it's unusual for a large retailer not to accept Amex, but, outside London, IME it's rare for a small retailer to take it. Even in London I have only a 50% success rate. Just last night at the theatre, they wouldn't take Amex for the intermission drinks. You absolutely need another card and I would go further and suggest having back up cash for very remote parts of Cumbria.
#9
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Flatland
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold 1MM, BA Gold, UA Peon
Posts: 6,095
If going around Cumbria, it will be essential to stop into the small shops, tea houses, etc, on the way to fortify yourself for the arduous journey to the next tea house or corner shop
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 112
Thank you for the help! I will definitely plan on having another card and some cash as backup. I didn't realize that hotels would take part cash part credit card. That will be convenient to use up the cash at the end of the trip.
Thanks everyone!
Thanks everyone!
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: somewhere north of London, UK
Programs: HH Gold, BA Silver, Accor Silver
Posts: 15,245
Cash is definitely useful as some independent places will charge a flat additional fee to use a card on small purchases, so under 5 or 10 you could be hit with an extra 50p-1. In percentage terms, that's quite punchy.
#12
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: YYZ (ex-LHR)
Programs: BA Silver, VS Red, OZ Silver
Posts: 446
Amex is widely, but not completely, accepted among big retailers. I find it unusual when a small or independent business tells me they accept it.
Several UK banks issue dual Amex/MC accounts so you use the Amex wherever you can, and switch it for the MC when you find a non-Amex location. So that tells you all you need to know about its acceptance. However, I mainly shop at big retailers and can go months and months without pulling out the Mastercard.
Several UK banks issue dual Amex/MC accounts so you use the Amex wherever you can, and switch it for the MC when you find a non-Amex location. So that tells you all you need to know about its acceptance. However, I mainly shop at big retailers and can go months and months without pulling out the Mastercard.
#15
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newcastle, UK
Programs: BA Silver, IHG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hertz 5*, Avis Preferred Plus, Amex Plat
Posts: 2,080
Interesting comments from the city-dwellers!
In the Lake District, I would expect to be able to use my Amex at petrol stations, major supermarkets and chain stores, some medium to higher-end hotels.
Elsewhere, at independent shops, small hotels, pubs, museums and attractions etc. I wouldn't even be sure of them accepting cards. And if they do, there might be a minimum transaction value and/ or they might accept debit cards only, not credit.
You won't get far if Amex is your only means of payment.
In the Lake District, I would expect to be able to use my Amex at petrol stations, major supermarkets and chain stores, some medium to higher-end hotels.
Elsewhere, at independent shops, small hotels, pubs, museums and attractions etc. I wouldn't even be sure of them accepting cards. And if they do, there might be a minimum transaction value and/ or they might accept debit cards only, not credit.
You won't get far if Amex is your only means of payment.