Using Amex in Europe: What you need to know

Planning a trip to Europe from the UK? Whether it’s a mini break in France, a week-long beach holiday in Spain or even an Interrail trip across the continent, you’ll need to figure out the best way to spend.

You may prefer the convenience of spending using a credit card, especially if you have an American Express card that comes with travel perks like air miles or airport lounge access.

But how well does Amex work in Europe? Read on for everything you need to know about using your UK-issued American Express card in Europe. This includes the places you can use it (and places you can’t) along with fees and exchange rates.

We’ll also show you an alternative option, the Wise card. It’s not a credit card but an international debit card linked to your Wise account, which you can use for spending across Europe and 150+ countries worldwide for low fees* and mid-market exchange rates.

Discover the Wise card

Can I use Amex in Europe?

Yes, you can use your American Express card in Europe. But you should be aware that it’s not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard.

As a general rule, Amex should be accepted in hotels, fine dining restaurants, higher-end outlets and larger department stores in major cities and tourist areas.

Here’s a quick look at the kinds of places you can use Amex, in a handful of popular European destinations:

But otherwise, you’ll need to check for the American Express symbol at checkout, wherever you’re shopping. The provider also has searchable maps available on its website, so you can check Amex acceptance at your destination.

Amex fees, exchange rates & currency conversion in Europe

Before using any UK-issued card abroad, it’s important to check out the fees. Some cards charge non-sterling transaction fees for spending in other currencies, along with charges for overseas cash withdrawals.

Let’s take a look at what you’ll pay to use your Amex card in Europe.

Foreign transaction fees

Amex charges the following to use its credit cards overseas:⁷

It’s also worth bearing in mind that when you use a credit card to withdraw cash, interest may start accruing right away, regardless of any interest-free period you may have on purchases.

Exchange rates used by Amex

American Express uses its own exchange rates when converting currency, called the American Express Exchange Rate.

You may be able to check this rate before making a purchase, by looking in the American Express app if you have it. You can also sign into your online account, and use the Foreign Transaction Calculator.

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)

When you use your Amex credit card at a store or ATM overseas, you may be asked whether you want the transaction carried out in your home currency (GBP) or the local currency (which in this case is likely to be EUR).

This service is known as dynamic currency conversion (DCC). It may seem convenient and helpful to you as a foreign tourist, but it’s best avoided.

This is because what it actually does is give the vendor, payment processor or ATM permission to set their own exchange rate for the transaction. This is often marked up above the mid-market exchange rate, which essentially means you get charged a hidden fee for your withdrawal.

So the golden rule is - always choose to carry out transactions in the local currency. If you do this with Amex, its own exchange rate will be used - and this is likely to be better than what you get with DCC.

How to minimise fees

No one wants to spend more than they need to when enjoying an overseas holiday.

To help you minimise charges and save money, follow these tips when using your Amex in Europe:

• Avoid cash withdrawals with a credit card unless absolutely necessary. The fees with Amex are quite high for using overseas ATMs, and the interest is likely to start accruing right away.
• Use fee-free ATMs if you can - otherwise, you’ll find an ATM operator fee added on top of the American Express fees.
• Always pay in the local currency - this ensures you get a better exchange rate and avoid expensive hidden fees.

With Amex not accepted everywhere in Europe and being a little pricey for overseas cash withdrawals, it could be sensible to look at alternative travel cards - at least as a back-up.

The Wise card is tailor-made for overseas travel, letting you spend in 150+ countries for low fees* and at mid-market exchange rates. Even better, you can make 2 withdrawals of up to and including 200 GBP each month for free per account. After that, there is a charge of 0.5 GBP per withdrawal. There’s a 1.75% fee on any amount you withdraw above 200 GBP.

Tips for using your Amex card in Europe

To help you get the most from your Amex card during your European adventure, follow these handy tips:

• Consider carrying an alternative card or some cash with you, as Amex isn’t accepted everywhere.
• Learn the local language for “Do you accept American Express?” or check for the Amex symbol at the till.
• Download the Amex app before you travel, as it lets you freeze your card if you lose it or get help from customer services.
• Make sure you update your contact details with Amex before you travel - this allows the fraud prevention team to get in touch if they’re concerned about any transactions
• Always pay in the local currency to minimise fees.

Travelling to Europe? Pack the Wise card to use alongside Amex, for low-cost currency conversion and spending

After reading this, you’ll have a better idea of the kinds of places you can use your Amex card in Europe. We’ve also looked at fees, exchange rates and a few tips for minimising costs when spending on a credit card overseas.

But remember that there are many great travel-friendly alternatives out there, such as the Wise card.

This contactless international card lets you spend worldwide in 40+ currencies for low fees* and mid-market exchange rates. You can use it anywhere that Visa/Mastercard are accepted, including shops, restaurants, hotels and public transport.

You can also withdraw up to £200 a month from overseas ATMs fee-free (max. 2 withdrawals) - you’ll just need to watch out for ATM operator fees.

And for added security, why not create a Wise virtual card? It lives on your phone, has different details to your physical card and works seamlessly with mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

You can manage all your Wise cards on the go using the handy Wise app. Convert between currencies when you need to, tap to freeze your card if you lose it, and even send money to friends to cover your share of the bill.

Open a Wise account online and get your own Wise card for a one-time fee of just £7, with no monthly or subscription fees to worry about.

FAQs about using Amex in Europe

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about using Amex in Europe:

Is Amex a good card to use in Europe?

American Express credit cards aren’t widely accepted in Europe, except in bigger hotels, department stores and major brands that are part of a chain. So it could be worth having a backup card (Visa or Mastercard), or some cash.

Do I need to let Amex know I’m travelling?

No, you don’t need to tell Amex that you’ll be using your credit card abroad.⁷

But you may want to quickly check that American Express has the right contact details for you. This is just in case the security team needs to get in touch about suspicious-looking transactions. You should also download the Amex app so you can freeze your card if you lose it.

Is it better to use cash or credit card in Europe?

Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in Europe, especially in the bigger towns and cities.

But it could still be sensible to take a mix of cash and cards to Europe, especially if you’re visiting rural/remote parts of the country. You may also need a few euros in cash for tips, public buses, street food vendors or markets/fairs.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 20-Feb-2025