<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I’m going to study in the USA for 4 months so I need a credit card. I can get a free AMEX through my bank. Is this card as widely accepted as VISA in the States? I really need to be able to pay everywhere.</p>
<p>Some places (usually smaller places) dont accept AMEX because of their higher fees. If you really need it to be EVERYWHERE get a Visa.</p>
<p>Are we also talking about cabs, supermarkets, fast food joints and liquor stores?</p>
<p>^Those places tend to accept AMEX. Very few cabs, supermarket chains, fast food places, and liquor stores don’t accept AMEX. Mostly its the smaller businesses like mom-and-pop stores that won’t accept AMEX. Some really small businesses won’t take cards at all. So to be safe, get the AMEX but just keep a bit of cash for those places that don’t take AMEX or don’t take cards at all.</p>
<p>EDIT: You also want to make sure there isn’t a huge “foreign transaction fee” or something like that. AMEX charges 1% for foreign transactions, but that is reasonable. You just want to ensure your bank doesn’t charge you like 5% on top of that! Some banks here in the US charge like 3% for transactions made outside the US. So watch out for that as it could add up quick.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply. Sounds good. Looks like I’m going to get the AMEX card. I’ll take my bank card with me as well and carry some cash with me when I’m planning to travel around. </p>
<p>Thanks for the tip on foreign fees. I’ll be sure to look into that when I get home.</p>