Unfortunately I have a fair few sizeable transactions coming and all of them say "all major credit cards accepted with the exception of american express"

The majority seem to be interior design related, and its annoying as they amount to tens of thousands of pounds. One supplier will take it but charges 3% + VAT extra. Of the 2 cars I've bought in the last 3 years, despite one having the american express placard on their desk, they would only accept it for £500 of the total transaction.

So yes, its wonderful that I can do my weekly shop on Amex, and buy my £2 espresso, but approximately £70k in cars, and £40k in home hardware has been a big no.