American Express Expands Global Acceptance to 160 Million Merchants

American Express recently announced that its cards are now accepted at an estimated 160 million merchant locations worldwide — a nearly fivefold increase since 2017. The company’s acceptance surge underscores the importance for issuers of ensuring cardholders can use their products wherever they live, work, or travel.

The milestone also marks a sharp turn from how American Express was once perceived in the industry.

Visa once famously ran advertisements calling attention to locations that didn’t accept American Express cards. But it would have to dig a little deeper to find businesses that don’t take Amex cards in 2025.

For issuers, expanding cardholder numbers is key to growing revenue. But those gains won’t last if customers can’t use their cards at the businesses they frequent.

American Express cards in the U.S. account for almost three times more spend per year than cards on competing networks.

Businesses have a strong incentive to accept American Express. In a company release, Anna Marrs, Group President of Global Merchant & Network Services, said Amex drives significant spending to merchants by connecting them with its high-spending customer base.

The company cited recent data that revealed the average yearly spend on Amex cards in the U.S. is nearly three times higher than on competing networks.

American Express is focusing on expanding card acceptance in major travel destinations.

“From Kyoto, Japan to Kingston, Jamaica, our card members can use their cards with confidence when they travel,” Marrs said.

That strategy aligns with consumer demand. A late-2024 survey found that roughly 80% of U.S. adults planned to take vacations within the next 12 months, while another report reveals that 89% of people rank travel perks as a top credit card benefit.

The emphasis on travel is especially relevant as millennials and Gen Z, Amex’s fastest-growing customer base, continue to drive demand.

As American Express expands its acceptance at international travel destinations, the company is positioning itself to attract younger customers. In the second quarter of 2025, millennials and Gen Z made up 75% of new U.S. Gold and Platinum cardholders.

“Millennials and Gen Z are our fastest-growing customer segment, and these acceptance gains directly support their affinity for travel, dining, and experiences,” Marrs said.

Credit card Issuers that align card features with the priorities of millennials and Gen Z stand a better chance of retaining those customers as they grow older and their financial behaviors evolve.