Is American Express Accepted In Ireland? Read Before You Go

You can use American Express in Ireland but in a few establishments, such as hotels and large chain stores. Even fewer local outlets will accept American Express cards.

Most people wonder, what is so special about American Express? The truth is, besides having a higher annual fee; holders enjoy the most rewards and benefits.

If you are a frequent traveler, having an Amex means more points, travel insurance, airport lounges, hotel access, and cash back.

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Why Is American Express Not Accepted In Ireland?

While some locations accept American Express credit cards, they are few, mainly in the major cities. One of the main reasons they will not accept Amex is the charges merchants get.

When outlets accept your Amex for purchases, they get a higher charge than other issuers. It does not make economic sense for small or family businesses, and they will decline them.

In addition, Irish banks do not issue American Express cards, so you are unlikely to meet residents with one.

Is It Better To Use Cash Or Credit Card In Ireland?

You can use either cash or credit cards when traveling abroad. It is better to have both, considering the different conveniences available. For instance, making large purchases and payments using cards is safer.

On the other hand, if you need to pay for groceries or small items in local shops, cash in small denominations is convenient.

Overall, carrying a few cards and keeping a small amount of cash in the local currency with you at all times is recommended. You never know when you will need either during your travels.

Are US Dollars Accepted In Ireland?

No, you cannot pay for anything using US dollars in Ireland. The Irish use Euros as their local currency and Pounds in Northern Ireland.

While you can convert your dollars before travel, it is not necessary. There are several locations you can change your money once you get to Ireland, and the rates are equally good.

Who Accepts American Express Cards In Ireland?

You may use your Amex credit card to pay in large chain supermarkets, stores, and hotels. However, finding an ATM that will accept it if you need cash can be almost impossible.

If you are lucky to find a local store that accepts them, they may ask you to pay a higher commission to make a transaction.

The cost may be as high as 5% of your purchases, which is unnecessary if you can pay using a Visa or MasterCard.

Plan your trip – Traveling Ireland On A Budget

Charges To Use American Express In Europe

For travelers to Ireland, or Europe, you cannot solely rely on your Amex card. Apart from the challenge of finding places that accept it, it can get quite expensive when it is the only mode of payment you have.

Use American Express In Europe cost — Fees for using American Express abroad

As with all debit or credit card transactions, using your Amex abroad attracts several fees.

These include:

Foreign transaction charges. When you make payments with your dollar card, a percentage of your purchases are deducted as foreign transaction fees.

DCC or Dynamic Currency Conversion. The attendant may ask you to pay in dollars instead of Euros in some restaurants or shops. Known as DCC, this currency conversion always attracts higher fees and is best avoided.

Exchange rate fees. Every time you pay using your card, Amex determines the exchange rate to the local currency. The rates differ daily and may be higher than what local banks or bureaus will charge.

ATM withdrawal rates. Besides the standard ATM withdrawal fees, getting a cash advance on your credit card attracts costly interest fees. These fees can get steeper, especially when you exceed your minimum limit.

Which Credit Card Is Best To Use In Ireland?

The best credit cards to use in Ireland are Visa or MasterCard. They are widely accepted, and you will find hundreds of ATMs nationwide to withdraw cash.

Some outlets still accept American Express payments, but withdrawing money may be challenging.

Which Credit Card Is Best To Use In Ireland? — Best credit cards to use in Ireland

If you want to avoid additional fees, we recommend you carry 2 or 3 Visa or MasterCard credit cards.

Depending on your travel needs or expenses, use cards that offer the most benefits and rewards for frequent travelers.

There are several top-listed credit cards for travelers to Ireland or Europe. We recommend a few based on the best overall value for money.

These include:

Capital One Venture Rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
and Bank of America Travel Rewards

Alternatively, you can carry a debit card. One of the recent popular ones is the Wise multi-currency debit card.

As a prepaid card, all you need is a Wise account, and you can load it with over 50 different currencies.

Once you get to Ireland, the card will transact in Euros, the local currency. If you travel to the North, you can also pay in Pounds, the currency they accept.

Another perk of this card is setting a spending limit, an extra security feature that saves you money.

Pros Of Using American Express In Ireland

Acceptance of American Express cards in Ireland may be rare, but there are several advantages if you find a place to use yours.

These include:

Bonus points and rewards for every purchase you make
Luxury travel advantages and conveniences
Free upgrades and emergency services for premium cardholders
24/7 global customer service assistance
Some Amex cards do not accept DCC, saving you additional charges

Tips When Using American Express Abroad

A few years back, informing your bank before traveling with your card was necessary. It is not mandatory today but always check with your issuer beforehand.

Sometimes letting them know the duration of your stay will allow them to monitor your transactions should you lose your card.

The most important details are your bank’s contact details, especially the global hotline.

In case of an emergency or the card gets stolen, and you need to get it blocked, you can call them from anywhere. Nothing spoils a vacation faster than a lack of access to money.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know which cards are accepted in Ireland, leaving your American Express at home is better. Still, you can have it with you if you are lucky to find a few places that accept them.

Otherwise, ensure you have plenty of cash to last a few days and two Visa or MasterCard credit cards widely accepted in Ireland.