Why does it seem like more places accept MasterCard but not American Express? (pay, credit)

[FBJ]

I thought AMEX was just as major as Mastercard but now I see I have to apply for a Mastercard. Anyone have any idea why Mastercard is more accepted than AMEX?

[Pilgrim21784]

I'm not sure but I think AMEX is more expensive for the merchant (the fees charged to the store for using the card) than Master Card. Its especially notable in Europe & Latin America where my casual observation has been that the merchants will only accept VISA or MC in local shops (many of which do not accept any CCs). AMEX appears to be more accepted when you're dealing with higher end venues, major hotels, etc.

A trivia point, many shops abroad will discount for cash, especially if you have local currency - Euros, etc. We've also found in our RV travels in the US that some campgrounds offer the best price for cash, use a CC to pay and the price is higher.

[FBJ]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim21784

I'm not sure but I think AMEX is more expensive for the merchant (the fees charged to the store for using the card) than Master Card. Its especially notable in Europe & Latin America where my casual observation has been that the merchants will only accept VISA or MC in local shops (many of which do not accept any CCs). AMEX appears to be more accepted when you're dealing with higher end venues, expensive hotels, etc.

Well I guess it makes sense to try and apply for MC so I will have all three, Visa, MC and Amex

[Pilgrim21784]

Sure, I've never had a MC, VISA seems to be the biggest one but that just a casual observation. Haven't run into any place that accepts CCs where VISA wasn't welcome. We have three cards but all are VISA with two different banks. It would probably be smarter for me to get one of my cards with MC just in case VISA had some system wide problems. Its a thought, especially in light of the Wiki Leaks cyber attacks on the CC companies.

[chicagojlo]

Yes it's because Amex charges more to the merchant. But the cards are becoming a lot mor popular so more retailers are giving in.

[maf763]

If you already have a VISA and AMEX why would you need a Mastercard? They aren't accepted anywhere that VISA isn't.

[car54]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim21784

...We've also found in our RV travels in the US that some campgrounds offer the best price for cash, use a CC to pay and the price is higher.

Yes, but they have to do it with a wink and a nod. A discount for cash violates the Visa/MC merchant agreement.

I know because I got caught.

[FBJ]

Originally Posted by maf763

If you already have a VISA and AMEX why would you need a Mastercard? They aren't accepted anywhere that VISA isn't.

Actually Visa is a check Card

[flyonpa]

My visa is a Credit card, Both MC & visa make a atm/check card. But it just your banks branded Debit card

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by TVandSportsGuy

I thought AMEX was just as major as Mastercard but now I see I have to apply for a Mastercard. Anyone have any idea why Mastercard is more accepted than AMEX?

They charge an extra 3% to the merchant.

20yrsinBranson