What Credit Cards Are Accepted in Europe and How to Use Them

In Europe, you'll find that most major credit card brands are accepted, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Diners Club.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted across the continent, with over 90% of merchants accepting these cards.

However, it's worth noting that some smaller businesses or family-owned shops may not accept credit cards, so it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand.

In some European countries, like the UK, contactless payments are also widely accepted, making it easy to pay for small purchases without even needing to enter a PIN.

American Express is less common in Europe, and the Discover card is unknown, so it's best to stick with Visa and MasterCard. Both are widely accepted throughout Europe.

Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards in Europe, making them a great choice for international travel. I use my credit card sparingly, reserving it for major expenses like plane tickets and long hotel stays.

Having a backup credit card is a good idea, especially if you're renting a car and need to cover CDW insurance. This way, you'll have a spare card in case your primary card is declined or lost.

In Europe, you'll find that cash is still king, especially for smaller purchases. Cash is the best way to pay for bus fare, taxis, and local guides.

American credit cards work throughout Europe, with Visa and MasterCard being the most widely accepted. You'll find that these cards are accepted at hotels, larger shops and restaurants, travel agencies, car-rental agencies, and more.

It's a good idea to bring an extra credit card as a backup, especially if you're renting a car and using your card to cover CDW insurance. This will give you peace of mind in case your primary card is declined or lost.

Some merchants, like small businesses and B&Bs, may prefer cash over credit cards, so it's a good idea to have some cash on hand. You might even get a discount for paying with cash.

Here are the most widely accepted credit card brands:

Remember, it's always a good idea to use credit cards sparingly and to keep your cash safe.

If you're planning a trip to Europe, you'll want a credit card that's widely accepted. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted networks throughout the world.

Both Visa and Mastercard charge a foreign transaction fee, but some cards don't charge this fee. For example, the card mentioned in Example 1 has a foreign transaction fee of $0.

The annual fee for this card is $95, but it's a small price to pay for the convenience of not having to worry about foreign transaction fees. This can save you 2-4% on every purchase you make abroad.

If you have an American Express or Discover card, make sure to confirm that they're accepted at your destination. These networks have a global footprint, but they're accepted at fewer merchants than Visa and Mastercard.

Chip and PIN technology is widely accepted in Europe, and it's a crucial aspect to understand when traveling with credit cards.

In the UK, for example, Chip and PIN has been the standard since 2004, replacing the magnetic stripe cards.

Most European countries have adopted Chip and PIN technology, including Germany, France, and Italy.

In these countries, you'll typically insert your card into a payment terminal and enter your PIN to complete the transaction.

This technology provides an additional layer of security compared to magnetic stripe cards, which can be easily copied.

Chip and PIN cards are designed to prevent unauthorized transactions, making them a more reliable option for international travel.

In some countries, like the UK, you may also be asked to sign a receipt after entering your PIN, but this is not always the case.

Make sure to check your card's chip before traveling to ensure it's compatible with European payment terminals.

Foreign transaction fees can be a nasty surprise when you're abroad. British credit card issuers typically charge a fee equivalent to 1% to 3% of your transaction.

Some cards designed for travel come with no foreign transaction fees, so it's worth reviewing your card's fine print to avoid statement surprises.

If you're planning a trip to Europe, you'll want to know which credit cards are widely accepted. Mastercard is the most widely accepted credit card brand, accepted in 210+ countries and territories, with nearly all merchants accepting it.

Both Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Europe, and neither network has a significant advantage over the other. However, it's worth noting that some credit cards may charge a foreign transaction fee, which can save you 2-4% on every purchase you make abroad.

If you're looking for a credit card that won't charge you a foreign transaction fee, look for cards that have a $0 foreign transaction fee, like the one mentioned in our previous section.

Here's a quick rundown of the most widely accepted credit card brands: