Is American Express accepted everywhere abroad?

Name: American Express Gold Card (UK) Review — Forex Fees, ATM Costs & Verdict
Item: American Express Gold Card (UK)
Rating: 7.2
Author: Aayush Jain

No. Amex has significantly lower acceptance than Visa and Mastercard, especially in Asia, Eastern Europe, and smaller merchants globally. Always carry a Visa or Mastercard (like Wise or Starling) as your primary travel card.

Credit · Amex7.2/10

American Express Gold Card (UK)

Reviewed by Aayush JainUpdated May 2026

Premium UK credit card with no forex fees — but Amex acceptance abroad is limited.

Visit American Express

Forex fee

None

ATM fee

Monthly fee

£140/year (after first year)

Network

Amex

Available in

ATM detail: 3% cash advance fee plus immediate interest on ATM withdrawals. Do not use at ATMs.

Our verdict

Amex Gold is worth it if you're a high spender who can maximise Avios and benefits. The zero forex fee is good, but Amex acceptance abroad is genuinely patchy — always carry a Visa/Mastercard backup. Never use it at ATMs.

Pros

No foreign transaction fee on purchases
Earn Avios/Membership Rewards on spending abroad
Amex exchange rate — competitive
Premium travel perks and insurance

Cons

£140/year annual fee
Amex acceptance is poor in many countries (Asia, Eastern Europe, small merchants)
3% cash advance fee — never use at ATMs
Only worthwhile if you maximise rewards