How well accepted is Amex in Spain?
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2
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I'm planning on visiting Spain for several months. Is the Amex (American Express) brand credit card well accepted? Is Visa or Mastercard more accepted than Amex?
spain payment-cards
asked Aug 28 '17 at 14:23
zundi
23619
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
I'm planning on visiting Spain for several months. Is the Amex (American Express) brand credit card well accepted? Is Visa or Mastercard more accepted than Amex?
spain payment-cards
asked Aug 28 '17 at 14:23
zundi
23619
2
Throughout the world, Visa and Mastercard credit cards are more widely accepted than American Express— widespread acceptance is not the primary reason I use American Express. You will need to define what you consider "well-accepted" to be before this question can be answered, however.
– choster
Aug 28 '17 at 14:36
1
More cashback is the primary reason I'm considering Amex :) By well accepted I mean that medium to large size businesses will likely accept it. I'm not so worried about small shops.
– zundi
Aug 28 '17 at 15:23
I had my Amex widely accepted in Majorca, but that's also much more touristy that other areas in mainland Spain.
– whatsisname
Aug 28 '17 at 17:22
most non international supermarkets, most restaurants & bars, & most places won't accept anything beyond Visa or Mastercard, and sometimes not even mastercard.
– CptEric
Aug 31 '17 at 7:02
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
I'm planning on visiting Spain for several months. Is the Amex (American Express) brand credit card well accepted? Is Visa or Mastercard more accepted than Amex?
spain payment-cards
asked Aug 28 '17 at 14:23
zundi
23619
I'm planning on visiting Spain for several months. Is the Amex (American Express) brand credit card well accepted? Is Visa or Mastercard more accepted than Amex?
spain payment-cards
spain payment-cards
asked Aug 28 '17 at 14:23
zundi
23619
asked Aug 28 '17 at 14:23
zundi
23619
asked Aug 28 '17 at 14:23
zundi
23619
asked Aug 28 '17 at 14:23
zundi
23619
asked Aug 28 '17 at 14:23
zundi
23619
23619
2
Throughout the world, Visa and Mastercard credit cards are more widely accepted than American Express— widespread acceptance is not the primary reason I use American Express. You will need to define what you consider "well-accepted" to be before this question can be answered, however.
– choster
Aug 28 '17 at 14:36
1
More cashback is the primary reason I'm considering Amex :) By well accepted I mean that medium to large size businesses will likely accept it. I'm not so worried about small shops.
– zundi
Aug 28 '17 at 15:23
I had my Amex widely accepted in Majorca, but that's also much more touristy that other areas in mainland Spain.
– whatsisname
Aug 28 '17 at 17:22
most non international supermarkets, most restaurants & bars, & most places won't accept anything beyond Visa or Mastercard, and sometimes not even mastercard.
– CptEric
Aug 31 '17 at 7:02
add a comment |
2
Throughout the world, Visa and Mastercard credit cards are more widely accepted than American Express— widespread acceptance is not the primary reason I use American Express. You will need to define what you consider "well-accepted" to be before this question can be answered, however.
– choster
Aug 28 '17 at 14:36
1
More cashback is the primary reason I'm considering Amex :) By well accepted I mean that medium to large size businesses will likely accept it. I'm not so worried about small shops.
– zundi
Aug 28 '17 at 15:23
I had my Amex widely accepted in Majorca, but that's also much more touristy that other areas in mainland Spain.
– whatsisname
Aug 28 '17 at 17:22
most non international supermarkets, most restaurants & bars, & most places won't accept anything beyond Visa or Mastercard, and sometimes not even mastercard.
– CptEric
Aug 31 '17 at 7:02
2
2
Throughout the world, Visa and Mastercard credit cards are more widely accepted than American Express— widespread acceptance is not the primary reason I use American Express. You will need to define what you consider "well-accepted" to be before this question can be answered, however.
– choster
Aug 28 '17 at 14:36
Throughout the world, Visa and Mastercard credit cards are more widely accepted than American Express— widespread acceptance is not the primary reason I use American Express. You will need to define what you consider "well-accepted" to be before this question can be answered, however.
– choster
Aug 28 '17 at 14:36
1
1
More cashback is the primary reason I'm considering Amex :) By well accepted I mean that medium to large size businesses will likely accept it. I'm not so worried about small shops.
– zundi
Aug 28 '17 at 15:23
More cashback is the primary reason I'm considering Amex :) By well accepted I mean that medium to large size businesses will likely accept it. I'm not so worried about small shops.
– zundi
Aug 28 '17 at 15:23
I had my Amex widely accepted in Majorca, but that's also much more touristy that other areas in mainland Spain.
– whatsisname
Aug 28 '17 at 17:22
I had my Amex widely accepted in Majorca, but that's also much more touristy that other areas in mainland Spain.
– whatsisname
Aug 28 '17 at 17:22
most non international supermarkets, most restaurants & bars, & most places won't accept anything beyond Visa or Mastercard, and sometimes not even mastercard.
– CptEric
Aug 31 '17 at 7:02
most non international supermarkets, most restaurants & bars, & most places won't accept anything beyond Visa or Mastercard, and sometimes not even mastercard.
– CptEric
Aug 31 '17 at 7:02
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
4
down vote
accepted
As an Spanish inhabitant and an AMEX card holder, I can say that most stores are reluctant to accept American Express nowadays.
In a big city such as Madrid maybe 25% of the places would accept it, but if you go to a smaller province capital city, you will be lucky if 1 out of every 10 venues accepts it. You can look for the blue square sign, as Itai says, but sometimes there won't be any in your surroundings.
Important note: almost every taxi accepts Visa and MasterCard, never AMEX. So remember to withdraw some cash if you want to take a taxi. The same applies for most bus lines. Long-distance train, however, accepts AMEX.
answered Aug 28 '17 at 22:35
Johnbo
25515
add a comment |
up vote
8
down vote
While acceptance has grown, American Express is much less accepted than Mastercard or Visa. We had trouble in Spain getting it accepted and learned that Mastercard worked much more often.
Now, you can choose to go to establishment that accept American Express which is often shown as a blue sticker on the front door of such places. If you choose the place first, it seemed that most typical established not of a high-end nature, do not take Amex often. Again, it depends where you go. Places that aim for a business-type clientele, are more likely to take it.
answered Aug 28 '17 at 14:40
Itai
28.2k964145
Hi @Itai! Would you say most supermarkets would accept Amex? I'm not so worried about small corner restaurants, but more like supermarkets, clothes stores, etc.
– zundi
Aug 28 '17 at 15:22
@zundi Unfortunately, I did not use supermarkets but El Corte Ingles does accept Amex, it is a humongous department store which includes a supermarket and other smaller food sections. Stores is going to depend on which, as I said, look for the logo if you absolutely want to pay Amex.
– Itai
Aug 28 '17 at 16:57
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
4
down vote
accepted
As an Spanish inhabitant and an AMEX card holder, I can say that most stores are reluctant to accept American Express nowadays.
In a big city such as Madrid maybe 25% of the places would accept it, but if you go to a smaller province capital city, you will be lucky if 1 out of every 10 venues accepts it. You can look for the blue square sign, as Itai says, but sometimes there won't be any in your surroundings.
Important note: almost every taxi accepts Visa and MasterCard, never AMEX. So remember to withdraw some cash if you want to take a taxi. The same applies for most bus lines. Long-distance train, however, accepts AMEX.
answered Aug 28 '17 at 22:35
Johnbo
25515
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
accepted
As an Spanish inhabitant and an AMEX card holder, I can say that most stores are reluctant to accept American Express nowadays.
In a big city such as Madrid maybe 25% of the places would accept it, but if you go to a smaller province capital city, you will be lucky if 1 out of every 10 venues accepts it. You can look for the blue square sign, as Itai says, but sometimes there won't be any in your surroundings.
Important note: almost every taxi accepts Visa and MasterCard, never AMEX. So remember to withdraw some cash if you want to take a taxi. The same applies for most bus lines. Long-distance train, however, accepts AMEX.
answered Aug 28 '17 at 22:35
Johnbo
25515
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
accepted
up vote
4
down vote
accepted
As an Spanish inhabitant and an AMEX card holder, I can say that most stores are reluctant to accept American Express nowadays.
In a big city such as Madrid maybe 25% of the places would accept it, but if you go to a smaller province capital city, you will be lucky if 1 out of every 10 venues accepts it. You can look for the blue square sign, as Itai says, but sometimes there won't be any in your surroundings.
Important note: almost every taxi accepts Visa and MasterCard, never AMEX. So remember to withdraw some cash if you want to take a taxi. The same applies for most bus lines. Long-distance train, however, accepts AMEX.
answered Aug 28 '17 at 22:35
Johnbo
25515
As an Spanish inhabitant and an AMEX card holder, I can say that most stores are reluctant to accept American Express nowadays.
In a big city such as Madrid maybe 25% of the places would accept it, but if you go to a smaller province capital city, you will be lucky if 1 out of every 10 venues accepts it. You can look for the blue square sign, as Itai says, but sometimes there won't be any in your surroundings.
Important note: almost every taxi accepts Visa and MasterCard, never AMEX. So remember to withdraw some cash if you want to take a taxi. The same applies for most bus lines. Long-distance train, however, accepts AMEX.
answered Aug 28 '17 at 22:35
Johnbo
25515
answered Aug 28 '17 at 22:35
Johnbo
25515
answered Aug 28 '17 at 22:35
Johnbo
25515
answered Aug 28 '17 at 22:35
Johnbo
25515
25515
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
8
down vote
While acceptance has grown, American Express is much less accepted than Mastercard or Visa. We had trouble in Spain getting it accepted and learned that Mastercard worked much more often.
Now, you can choose to go to establishment that accept American Express which is often shown as a blue sticker on the front door of such places. If you choose the place first, it seemed that most typical established not of a high-end nature, do not take Amex often. Again, it depends where you go. Places that aim for a business-type clientele, are more likely to take it.
answered Aug 28 '17 at 14:40
Itai
28.2k964145
Hi @Itai! Would you say most supermarkets would accept Amex? I'm not so worried about small corner restaurants, but more like supermarkets, clothes stores, etc.
– zundi
Aug 28 '17 at 15:22
@zundi Unfortunately, I did not use supermarkets but El Corte Ingles does accept Amex, it is a humongous department store which includes a supermarket and other smaller food sections. Stores is going to depend on which, as I said, look for the logo if you absolutely want to pay Amex.
– Itai
Aug 28 '17 at 16:57
add a comment |
up vote
8
down vote
While acceptance has grown, American Express is much less accepted than Mastercard or Visa. We had trouble in Spain getting it accepted and learned that Mastercard worked much more often.
Now, you can choose to go to establishment that accept American Express which is often shown as a blue sticker on the front door of such places. If you choose the place first, it seemed that most typical established not of a high-end nature, do not take Amex often. Again, it depends where you go. Places that aim for a business-type clientele, are more likely to take it.
answered Aug 28 '17 at 14:40
Itai
28.2k964145
Hi @Itai! Would you say most supermarkets would accept Amex? I'm not so worried about small corner restaurants, but more like supermarkets, clothes stores, etc.
– zundi
Aug 28 '17 at 15:22
@zundi Unfortunately, I did not use supermarkets but El Corte Ingles does accept Amex, it is a humongous department store which includes a supermarket and other smaller food sections. Stores is going to depend on which, as I said, look for the logo if you absolutely want to pay Amex.
– Itai
Aug 28 '17 at 16:57
add a comment |
up vote
8
down vote
up vote
8
down vote
While acceptance has grown, American Express is much less accepted than Mastercard or Visa. We had trouble in Spain getting it accepted and learned that Mastercard worked much more often.
Now, you can choose to go to establishment that accept American Express which is often shown as a blue sticker on the front door of such places. If you choose the place first, it seemed that most typical established not of a high-end nature, do not take Amex often. Again, it depends where you go. Places that aim for a business-type clientele, are more likely to take it.
answered Aug 28 '17 at 14:40
Itai
28.2k964145
While acceptance has grown, American Express is much less accepted than Mastercard or Visa. We had trouble in Spain getting it accepted and learned that Mastercard worked much more often.
Now, you can choose to go to establishment that accept American Express which is often shown as a blue sticker on the front door of such places. If you choose the place first, it seemed that most typical established not of a high-end nature, do not take Amex often. Again, it depends where you go. Places that aim for a business-type clientele, are more likely to take it.
answered Aug 28 '17 at 14:40
Itai
28.2k964145
answered Aug 28 '17 at 14:40
Itai
28.2k964145
answered Aug 28 '17 at 14:40
Itai
28.2k964145
answered Aug 28 '17 at 14:40
Itai
28.2k964145
28.2k964145
Hi @Itai! Would you say most supermarkets would accept Amex? I'm not so worried about small corner restaurants, but more like supermarkets, clothes stores, etc.
– zundi
Aug 28 '17 at 15:22
@zundi Unfortunately, I did not use supermarkets but El Corte Ingles does accept Amex, it is a humongous department store which includes a supermarket and other smaller food sections. Stores is going to depend on which, as I said, look for the logo if you absolutely want to pay Amex.
– Itai
Aug 28 '17 at 16:57
add a comment |
Hi @Itai! Would you say most supermarkets would accept Amex? I'm not so worried about small corner restaurants, but more like supermarkets, clothes stores, etc.
– zundi
Aug 28 '17 at 15:22
@zundi Unfortunately, I did not use supermarkets but El Corte Ingles does accept Amex, it is a humongous department store which includes a supermarket and other smaller food sections. Stores is going to depend on which, as I said, look for the logo if you absolutely want to pay Amex.
– Itai
Aug 28 '17 at 16:57
Hi @Itai! Would you say most supermarkets would accept Amex? I'm not so worried about small corner restaurants, but more like supermarkets, clothes stores, etc.
– zundi
Aug 28 '17 at 15:22
Hi @Itai! Would you say most supermarkets would accept Amex? I'm not so worried about small corner restaurants, but more like supermarkets, clothes stores, etc.
– zundi
Aug 28 '17 at 15:22
@zundi Unfortunately, I did not use supermarkets but El Corte Ingles does accept Amex, it is a humongous department store which includes a supermarket and other smaller food sections. Stores is going to depend on which, as I said, look for the logo if you absolutely want to pay Amex.
– Itai
Aug 28 '17 at 16:57
@zundi Unfortunately, I did not use supermarkets but El Corte Ingles does accept Amex, it is a humongous department store which includes a supermarket and other smaller food sections. Stores is going to depend on which, as I said, look for the logo if you absolutely want to pay Amex.
– Itai
Aug 28 '17 at 16:57
add a comment |
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2
Throughout the world, Visa and Mastercard credit cards are more widely accepted than American Express— widespread acceptance is not the primary reason I use American Express. You will need to define what you consider "well-accepted" to be before this question can be answered, however.
– choster
Aug 28 '17 at 14:36
1
More cashback is the primary reason I'm considering Amex :) By well accepted I mean that medium to large size businesses will likely accept it. I'm not so worried about small shops.
– zundi
Aug 28 '17 at 15:23
I had my Amex widely accepted in Majorca, but that's also much more touristy that other areas in mainland Spain.
– whatsisname
Aug 28 '17 at 17:22
most non international supermarkets, most restaurants & bars, & most places won't accept anything beyond Visa or Mastercard, and sometimes not even mastercard.
– CptEric
Aug 31 '17 at 7:02