What gas stations take American Express?

American Express is accepted at 10.6 million merchant locations in the U.S. and in 160+ countries and territories abroad. But you’ll find some stores that have exclusive deals with the more popular networks, Visa and Mastercard. For example, Costco only accepts Visa cards now, after switching from Amex only in 2016. Plus, despite the good number of foreign countries where you can use American Express cards, acceptance is on a merchant-by-merchant basis. So, coverage in a lot of countries is hit or miss.… read full answer

Here’s where American Express is accepted:

• Where American Express is Accepted in the U.S.: 10.6 million merchants
• Where American Express is Accepted Internationally: 160+ countries and territories
• Countries Where American Express is Accepted Most: Canada, Australia, UK, India, Singapore
• Places Where American Express is Not Accepted: Cuba, Sudan, South Sudan, Iran, Syria
• Major Retailers That Accept American Express: Amazon, IKEA, Sears, Target, Walmart, Lowe’s, Apple, Best Buy, Staples, CVS
• Major Retailers That Don’t Accept American Express: Costco, small non-chain stores/restaurants

So, an American Express card is enough for your shopping within the U.S. Though you may find some stores that don’t take it, the majority will. But you’ll probably want to have a no foreign transaction fee Visa or Mastercard when you go abroad. Those networks guarantee you worldwide coverage, with acceptance in over 200 countries and territories. Plus, Mastercard and Visa cards are accepted just about universally within those regions. Amex cards still have hit-or-miss acceptance in many.

Credit cards for gas purchases only include the Shell Gas Card, the Sunoco Gas Card, the CITGO Gas Card, the Chevron and Texaco Gas Card, and other gas station credit cards. You’ll only be able to use these cards at the gas station chain they’re affiliated with, but you’ll receive discounts on fuel in exchange.

Popular Credit Cards for Gas Purchases Only… read full answer

• Shell Gas Card: 10 ¢ per gallon
• Sunoco Gas Card: 1 - 6 ¢ per gallon
• CITGO Gas Card: 5 ¢ per gallon
• Chevron and Texaco Gas Card: 3 ¢ per gallon
• ExxonMobil Gas Card: 10 - 12 ¢ per gallon

Keep in mind that you can usually use these cards inside the gas station as well, so they are not exclusively for gas purchases. You just can’t use them anywhere else.

Some of these specialized store credit cards also have counterpart Visa or Mastercards that are accepted everywhere – not just at gas stations. Some of their applications will actually consider you for the Visa or Mastercard version before you’re considered for the store card, too – such as the Chevron and Texaco Gas Card. So, be sure to read the fine print before you apply, to make sure you’re applying directly for the card you want.

American Express is not accepted everywhere because American Express charges merchants higher fees than Visa, Mastercard.

This makes retailers like Costco, independently owned boutiques, and many family stores shy away from accepting your American Express card.