Which supermarkets accept American Express?
Wondering which supermarkets accept American Express cards? Find out everything you need to know in this useful guide.
Key takeaways
You can use your Amex card at most UK supermarkets, in-store, online, and at petrol stations
American express cards are accepted at smaller stores, including Co-op, and delivery services like Ocado
Amex cardholders can earn cashback and access exclusive bonuses when they spend in supermarkets
In the past, American Express has typically been less accepted than rival networks Visa and Mastercard, but Amex cards are now accepted at many major supermarkets in the UK.
Where can I use my Amex card in the UK?
You can use your American Express card in most UK supermarket chains, both in-store and online. You can also use your Amex card at supermarket petrol stations.
Supermarket | In store | Online | Petrol stations |
|---|---|---|---|
Aldi | ✓ | – | – |
Asda | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Tesco | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Sainsbury's | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Morrisons | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Lidl | ✓ | – | – |
Waitrose | ✓ | ✓ | – |
M&S | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Co-op | ✓ | Varies | Varies |
Ocado | – | ✓ | – |
What Supermarkets accept Amex cards?
Most major UK supermarkets accept American Express, including Aldi, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Lidl and Waitrose.
However, acceptance can vary by individual store and payment method, so it's worth checking if you're unsure.
Here's a full list of where you can use Amex for your supermarket shop, including online grocery shopping and supermarket petrol stations:
Does Aldi accept Amex?
Yes. Aldi accepts American Express for in-store payments in the UK, alongside Visa, Mastercard and contactless payment methods.
Does Tesco accept Amex?
Yes. Tesco accepts American Express for grocery purchases both in-store and online. You can also use Amex at Tesco petrol stations.
Does Asda accept Amex?
Yes. Asda accepts American Express in its supermarkets, online and at its petrol stations.
Does Sainsbury's accept Amex?
Yes. Sainsbury's accepts American Express for purchases in-store and online. You can also use Amex at Sainsbury's petrol stations.
Does Morrisons accept Amex?
Yes. Morrisons accepts American Express in its supermarkets and online. Amex is also accepted at Morrisons petrol stations.
Does Lidl accept Amex?
Yes. Lidl accepts American Express in its UK stores, alongside Visa, Mastercard and contactless payments.
Does Waitrose accept Amex?
Yes. You can use American Express at Waitrose stores. Amex is also accepted across other participating brands within the John Lewis Partnership, although acceptance can vary by individual location or service.
Does M&S accept Amex?
Yes. M&S accepts American Express in its stores. You can also use Amex when ordering an M&S food shop through Ocado, subject to the payment methods available at the time of ordering.
Does Co-op accept Amex?
Some Co-op stores accept American Express, but acceptance can vary between individual branches.
Can I use American Express to buy groceries online?
Yes, you can use an American Express card to pay for groceries online at some UK supermarkets and grocery delivery services.
However, online acceptance isn't necessarily the same as in-store acceptance, so check the supermarket's available payment methods before placing your order.
For example, Tesco currently lists American Express among its accepted payment methods for online grocery orders.
If you're ordering from a supermarket that doesn't accept Amex online, you may need to use another debit or credit card.
Can I use American Express at supermarket petrol stations?
Some supermarket petrol stations accept American Express, including major retailers such as Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's.
However, payment arrangements can vary, particularly where a petrol station uses a pre-authorisation hold.
Check the payment information displayed at the petrol station if you're unsure whether Amex is accepted.
What rewards can I get from using my Amex in supermarkets?
Using an American Express card at supermarkets allows you to earn rewards like:
Membership Rewards points
American Express cardholders can earn Membership Rewards points, which can be used for travel, shopping, gift cards, or to pay down your card balance.
Cashback
Some Amex cards offer cashback, and you can get targeted cashback offers for specific supermarkets or retailers.
Specific card bonuses
Cards like the American Express Gold Card offer bonus points or in-store credit when you buy groceries at speciifc supermarkets, e.g. Waitrose.
