 TITLE: Who Accepts American Express? CONTENT: Why You Should Always Have a Backup Credit Card\n-----------------------------------------------\nIf you primarily use an American Express card, then you should probably carry a backup card from a different payment network for when you encounter a merchant that doesn't accept American Express. But regardless of which card you use, it's always a good idea to have one or more backup credit cards. For example, your primary card could become lost, stolen or compromised in some way, leaving you without a credit card until it's replaced. Having more than one card that you manage responsibly can also add to your positive credit history and improve your credit score.\nAmerican Express cards are accepted by millions of merchants, but not at every store that accepts credit cards. While you're likely to find that the vast majority of stores you visit will accept your Amex card, there are several reasons that you should still carry a backup card. By understanding how credit cards work, and why Amex isn't as widely accepted as cards from other payment networks, you can make sure that you always have the right cards to make the purchases you need. END