Please advise card preference for ATM access in London. Do most machines take AMEX card or should I plan on using my VISA?
Thanks.

Hi C,

Are your AMEX and Visa ATM cards, credit cards or debit cards?

Amex isn't as common in Britain as it is in the USA - visa is universally accepted.

Generally Visa is much more widely accepted at outlets in the UK than Amex.

I carry both. I've had a Visa card for years and used it in the UK without any trouble. I've had an Amex for about a year and frankly its a lot more bother.

It is quite common for pubs and small restaurants not to accept Amex (Visa much rarer).

I also seem to have more hassle with shop assistants saying "we're having problems getting through to Amex this morning, do you have another card?"

Most of the UK has now gone over to chip and pin, but normal credit cards should will still be acceptable

I didn't know that US banks actually issue a debit card w/ AMEX logo - everyone I've seen is either Visa or MC branded, or in the past w/o any logo (Just cirrus or plus, etc networks).

Use ATM card issued by your bank, linked to your checking account to avoid the steep credit card cash advance fees

I believe Amex as a credit card havea reputation for charging their merchants more, which may explain why small businesses are reluctant to accept them.

Hi PL,

It's not only a reputation, it is true.

For a small account, it can be 3-4X Visa and MC.

OK - I may be reading between the lines here - but it sounds like you intend to use a credit card to get cash advances at ATMs.

This isn't a very good idea due to the fees/interest/conversion charges.

Just use your ATM/debit card linked to your checking account to get cash. Then use your Visa or AMEX to charge things in shops/hotels/etc.

If at all possible try and get a debit card from a bank that has branches around the world -like Citibank. You will not only receive the best exchange rate, you will also have the convience of having your bank nearby for any emergencies. I lost my debit card in London this past New Years Eve, after bragging to my sister about the amount of money I had saved compared to her use of a credit card. I called the emergency number and they informed me that the local branch would advance me money if I needed (fortunately I had just made a withdrawal because the banks were closed New Years day and the day after- Boxing Day) and that they would send me a new card immediately (2-3 days). I informed the customer service agent that I would be in Paris in 2-3 days. 'No Problem' she said 'we will ship your card to the Paris branch on Champs Elysses. It was there waiting when I arrived in Paris. But I digress...American Express has offices all over the world -you should not have a problem receivng funds.

I agree with a previous posters that you should not use credit cards to withdraw money from ATMs. Even with debit cards that have VISA or Mastercard logos on them, you've got to be careful that you are not hit with extra fees.

FYI, if you have a Bank of America ATM card, you can use Barclay's Bank ATMs in the UK without fees...they have an affiliation agreement.

You know, it may be that the OP is young, perhaps a student, and doesn't have the option of just getting another card. Since he has a Visa, then fine, advice is definitely good to use that instead. However, if he can't (or for some reason doesn't want to) apply for more credit, then telling him he should isn't very constructive.

If Amex and Visa are your only options, I'd definitely trust Visa to be more widely accepted. As others have said, Amex charges more to the vendors, so many (even in the US) don't accept it.

It is going to be less expensive to you to use cash or debit card, as there is usually a heft cash withdrawal fee associated with credit cards, but if that's your only option, go with it.

Try to pay with the card rather than with cash withdrawn from the card whenever possible -- that way you don't pay as much cash withdrawal fees.

Good luck and have a great time!

Thank you all for the good advice. My AMEX is a credit card but with this card I do have an ATM access feature which is linked to and withdraws from my regular checking account, just as the VISA card does. (I know not to use the AMEX for a cash advance because of the high fees/interest charges on such a transaction.) From your posts, it sounds like more ATM machines are available for the VISA - it was this availability I was asking about.

Can't emphasize not to use a credit card for ATM .It becomes a high interest loan. Only use a Bank Card (issued by the bank with their logo)or a Debit Card (with bank + Visa or other logos)