American Express is neither a Visa nor Mastercard competitor. Three of the four largest card networks are American Express, Visa, and Mastercard, however, American Express also provides credit and issues cards directly to customers.
You’ll never see an American Express Visa card or an American Express Mastercard since a credit card can’t have two networks. Furthermore, many of the credit cards in the American Express network are issued by American Express. On the other hand, Visa and Mastercard do not issue credit cards.
A Credit Card Network Is Defined As:
To provide some context, credit card networks regulate where cards may be used and assist with transaction processing. They also set the fees that shops must pay when a customer uses a card that bears their brand. They also provide cardholders extra perks like travel insurance and purchase protection. However, American Express is not the same as Visa or Mastercard.
Visa and Mastercard vs. American Express:
American Express is a credit card company that also operates as a card network. Visa and Mastercard, on the other hand, do not. So, in terms of interest rates, fees, and incentives, Amex has a lot more influence over the cards on its network.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at 7 million merchant locations across the United States. A total of 10.6 million retailers are served by American Express.
Amex cards are accepted in more than 160 countries and territories throughout the world. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in more than 200 locations.
American Express, Visa, and Mastercard are all offered by some credit card companies. U.S. Bank and USAA are two of these issuers.
Visa and Mastercard credit cards are issued by Citi, Chase, Bank of America, Barclays, Wells Fargo, and Capital One, but not by American Express.
PNC and TD Bank are the only banks that accept Visa, although you may also locate banks that exclusively accept Mastercard.
According to our research, American Express’s fraud liability policy is excellent, while Mastercard and Visa offer adequate coverage.
As a result, American Express lacks the acceptability and reach that Mastercard and Visa do. However, for charge cards, it is the preferred network. Additionally, each network has credit card deals that may be beneficial to you.