Why do so many businesses refuse to accept American Express ?

vishenda · #1 (**permalink**) 10-24-2006, 02:39 PM

American Express charges the most of mainstream credit card brands for each transaction. Discover also has a somewhat higher fee to the merchant, which also reduces the participation by venders.

Most important, nearly all Amex cardholders also have a Visa or MC, which means that the merchant really is not losing business when they deny Amex transactions.

That's why its called American Excuse

b4freedom · #2 (**permalink**) 10-24-2006, 05:24 PM

They charge the highest rates to stores. If I was a business and accepted credit cards and one card 2 to 4% more then all other cards, I'd drop them as well.

poundwise · #3 (**permalink**) 10-24-2006, 06:30 PM

Fact is, most retailers accept Amex and Discover as well as Visa and MasterCard. Where you run into problems is with local merchants and smaller organizations. Plane tickets, online shopping, renting a car, buying gas, going to McDonald's, major retailers -- all no problem with any of the four major card types.

When I ran my own storefront business, I started out only accepting Visa and MC. It wasn't too long before I was set up to accept Discover and Amex as well. It just doesn't make sense to potentially lose business (I sold computers and did computer services) because the client wanted to pay with Amex and you have to tell them, "Sorry, I don't take that." To save a small percentage paid to the card issuer, you'll lose a sale and it's markup percentage (or better still, the profit on labor for a job)? Not too smart.

poundwise · #4 (**permalink**) 10-24-2006, 06:34 PM

Fact is, most retailers accept Amex and Discover as well as Visa and MasterCard. Where you run into problems is with local merchants and smaller organizations/regional businesses. Buying plane tickets, online shopping, renting a car, buying gas, going to McDonald's, pretty much all major retailers including bookstores, electronics, etc. -- all no problem with any of the four major card types.

When I ran my own business, I started out only accepting Visa and MC. It wasn't too long before I was set up to accept Discover and Amex as well. It just doesn't make sense to potentially lose business (I sold computers and did computer services) because the client wanted to pay with Amex and you have to tell them, "Sorry, I don't take that." To save a small percentage paid to the card issuer, you'll lose a sale and it's markup percentage (or better still, the profit on labor for a job)? Not too smart IMO.

hrbatyfan · #5 (**permalink**) 10-24-2006, 06:52 PM

I have a regular Visa card (starter card from last year) and an Amex Rewards card that I got 3 months ago. I just paid $500 for auto service and the shop didn't take Amex. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!

tabbycat31 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-24-2006, 07:55 PM

I have only a Discover. The reason for Amex is that each cc company charges "axcess fees" and AMex's fees are about twice what all of the other cards are. I used to know the exact #s but I don't anymore

reviewer · #7 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 07:36 AM

AmEx is really getting difficult to use. I had a corporate AmEx at my last job and had to travel with it in Canada. What a nightmare! Noplace took AmEx except for the airport.

Locally, we had to cancel a planned day event because the company wouldn't take AmEx and the manager didn't want to wait to be reimbursed...

vsjhoc · #8 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poundwise

Fact is, most retailers accept Amex and Discover as well as Visa and MasterCard. Where you run into problems is with local merchants and smaller organizations/regional businesses. Buying plane tickets, online shopping, renting a car, buying gas, going to McDonald's, pretty much all major retailers including bookstores, electronics, etc. -- all no problem with any of the four major card types.

McDonald's accepts AmEx? What has the world come to ...

PRICEPLUS · #9 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 11:34 AM

MC and Visa usually cover al the bases. Some places like Costco take Discover but not MC or VIsa! I guess Costco has a business arrangement with them!

reviewer · #10 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 11:43 AM

I thought Costco only took AMEX... or maybe it's Sam's Club... in any case they always bug you to get a card when you walk in the door.

QueenOphelia · #11 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsjhoc

McDonald's accepts AmEx? What has the world come to ...

It's a plastic world.

vsjhoc · #12 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QueenOphelia

It's a plastic world.

Both the food and the payment method.

tinapbeana · #13 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsjhoc

Both the food and the payment method.

*chuckle* generating McDebt!

hey, McDonald's & debt have a lot in common: you don't get what you pay for, and you'll be fighting the residual effects of your choices for years to come.

boefixepa · #14 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 12:37 PM

It switched a while back...

Costco takes ONLY Amex

Sam's takes ONLY Discover

It has to be something they have worked out with the card. But I remember a few years back when Sam's was only taking AMEX so it has changed, but that is how it currently is.

I think when AMEX came out it was an 'upper class' card and was suppose to have more perks and be harder to get. That of course is no longer the case, but I am sure they still think so and charge accordingly.

PRICEPLUS · #15 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 12:37 PM

CC's at Mickeys Ds'? The world has finally lost it totally! I don't get it!

:

sweeps · #16 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRICEPLUS

CC's at Mickeys Ds'? The world has finally lost it totally! I don't get it!

:

If you're having a Big Mac Attack, why not get 3% cash back? (I'm a poet and didn't know it.)

Ima saver · #17 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 03:09 PM

We have both Amex and visa/master card. we use Amex for the percentage you get back and last year we got back $550.

TinyFish · #18 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 08:40 PM

My FIL flips out every time he can't use his American Express. He never seems to catch on that, well...some placed don't accept it. He once called a train ticket vending MACHINE a communist for not taking his precious card. I guess he thinks it is anti-patriotic or something. Of course, he also won't buy at Target because he thinks it is a French company! lol

I have an American Express for use at Costco, but I use my Visa for everything else.

parafly · #19 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006, 12:15 PM

The best bet is to cover all your bases by having both a Visa/Mastercard and an Amex card. I usually use my amex because of the rewards program, but I always have my Visa as a backup.

hrbatyfan · #20 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006, 07:21 PM

I kinda want to get a rewards Visa card, but I don't want to screw with my score. I might apply for a mortgage soon, and having a rewards Visa isn't a NEED.