American Express Experiences Uk (2023)

FAQs

Is American Express hard to get accepted? ›

While some issuers offer cards designed for those with less-than-stellar credit scores, American Express does not offer any subprime or secured cards. In most cases, you need at least good credit to get approved for an American Express card, which FICO typically defines as a score of 670 or higher.

New American Express or 'Amex' cardholders can get big intro bonuses, such as £100 in vouchers, and free airport lounge access. But once you've got your initial bonus (and importantly you're debt-free and pay off your card every month), there are lots of other ways to earn extra cashback, and boost your points.

The different fees often make or break a deal for a merchant. This is why many merchants, especially small businesses, don't accept American Express. American Express' interchange fee is just too high. Providers like Visa and Mastercard charge between 1.15% and 2.5%, while Amex charges merchants between 1.43% and 3.3%.

European Union (EU) regulations cap the amount that card brands can charge merchants, meaning there is less money to be spent rewarding consumers. American Express is the undisputed king of the U.K. rewards space, due to its exemption from the cap.

Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: The hardest credit card to get is the American Express Centurion Card. Known simply as the “Black Card,” you need an invitation to get Amex Centurion. And only the super rich and famous can expect to get the call, as...

The easiest Amex cards to get are ones with a lower minimum spending requirement for rewards, as well as a low annual fee or no annual fee. Examples include the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express and the American Express Cash Magnet Card.

Indeed, you can use an American Express card in the UK. While American Express cards are more commonly accepted in the US than in the UK, major retailers, restaurants, and grocery store chains in the UK do typically welcome them.

To apply for a personal Card in the UK you need to be: Aged 18 or over. Have a current UK bank or building society account.

Your Card will work across the globe wherever American Express is accepted, allowing you to make payments and withdraw cash while you travel. Just be aware of any additional fees .

Can I use American Express in Costco UK? ›

We welcome debit cards (UK Maestro, Visa Debit), all major credit cards (Mastercard, American Express and Visa), Apple Pay and PayPal online at www.costco.co.uk.

If you are moving to another country and are a current American Express user, it is possible to transfer your account as well. It's mostly beneficial if you are moving to the U.S. in order to start building up your credit score and take advantage of the travel perks of U.S. credit cards.

More and more pubs are accepting credit cards but mostly Visa and Mastercard. Amex is less common but it's worth asking when you arrive. Very few places will not accept cards, although there are fewer that accept AMEX, the majdority will.

American Express credit cards also have an assortment of lucrative welcome offers, introductory 0% APR offers, and luxury travel benefits. As a result, American Express cards are often considered to be among the most prestigious credit cards on the market. Plus, they are designed for people with good credit or better.

Your existing Cards are not impacted in any way. If you maintain accounts in multiple countries, please note you are responsible for all balances, fees and liabilities on open accounts.

American Express approval odds are best for people with at least good credit (700+). Cardholders should also have enough annual income to pay the card's annual fee (if there is one) and the entire balance in full, when applicable. Minimal debt and steady employment are also important.

Although American Express doesn't specify any minimum credit score requirements, you'll need good credit (or better) to qualify, which means a FICO score of at least 670. A premium Amex card — say, the American Express Gold Card — likely requires a “very good” FICO score, somewhere in the range of 740 and above.

It can be harder to qualify for an Amex card than a Visa card if you have poor credit.

editorial guidelines here . American Express is currently accepted by 99% of U.S. merchants that accept credit cards, according to a 2022 issue of Nilson Report. However, if you're traveling abroad or shopping at a small business, your American Express card is less likely to be accepted than a Visa or Mastercard.