Is Amex Visa or Mastercard?
American Express (Amex) stands apart from Visa and Mastercard as a distinct payment network. People often ask this question because all three names appear on credit cards, yet they function in unique ways within the financial system.
This guide explains their roles, highlights differences, and provides data to help you decide which fits your needs.
But wait:
Is Amex Visa or Mastercard?
We did our research, and here's the accurate and helpful answer for you:
No, Amex is not Visa or Mastercard, as it operates independently of Mastercard and Visa.
According to financial experts and company reports, Amex issues its own cards and also processes transactions.
In contrast, Visa and Mastercard focus solely on transaction processing and partner with banks for card issuance.
Here's the key difference explained in simple words:
- Amex: Amex issues cards > Amex processes transactions.
- Visa: Bank issues cards > Network processes transactions.
- Mastercard: Bank issues cards > Network processes transactions.
Is it clear now?
We have written more on this to help you understand it in more detail.
So read below:
Payment Networks Explained
Credit card transactions rely on networks to connect buyers, sellers, and banks. These systems verify funds, approve purchases, and transfer money securely. Four main players dominate: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover. Each handles billions of transactions yearly, but their structures vary.
Visa and Mastercard act as intermediaries, linking card issuers like banks to merchants. They earn fees from each swipe without extending credit themselves. Amex combines these roles, issuing cards directly to consumers and managing the network. This setup allows tighter control over services but can limit acceptance in some areas.
Discover follows a similar model to Amex, though it holds a smaller market presence. Understanding these basics clarifies why a card might carry one logo over another.
Amex Defined
Amex (short for American Express), founded in 1850, began as an express mail service before transitioning into financial products.
Today, it issues credit cards, charge cards, and prepaid options directly to users.
As a bank holding company, it extends credit, processes payments, and acquires merchant accounts.
In 2023, Amex reported 141.2 million cards in force worldwide, with an average spend of $24,059 per card. It handled $1.7 trillion in purchase volume that year.
In the last year of 2025, acceptance reached 99% of U.S. merchants that take credit cards, though global coverage lags behind competitors in Europe and Asia.
Amex targets premium users with cards like the Platinum, Gold, and Green versions. These offer travel perks, dining credits, and points redeemable for flights or merchandise. Business cards, such as the Blue Business Plus, provide flexible rewards without annual fees in some cases.
Cards from American Express often carry higher annual fees, starting at $95 for basic options and reaching $695 for elite tiers. In return, users gain access to airport lounges, hotel upgrades, and purchase protections.
Visa Defined
Visa, established in 1958, runs one of the largest payment networks globally. It does not issue cards; instead, banks and financial institutions like Chase or Wells Fargo produce Visa-branded products. Visa processes transactions, ensuring secure data flow between parties.
As of 2022, Visa held a 38.73% share of global payment volume. It operates in over 200 countries, with acceptance at more than 100 million merchant locations. Recent expansions include support for stablecoin payments across blockchains, announced in late 2025.
Visa cards come in credit, debit, and prepaid forms. Benefits depend on the issuing bank but often include zero liability for fraud, roadside assistance, and travel insurance. Signature cards offer higher rewards rates on categories like gas or groceries.
Mastercard Defined
Mastercard, founded in 1966, mirrors Visa as a pure payment network. It partners with issuers worldwide to facilitate transactions without lending money directly. Mastercard emphasizes digital innovation, including contactless payments and biometric security.
In 2022, Mastercard captured 24% of global payment volume. It reaches over 210 countries and territories, with strong growth in cross-border transactions, up 20% in 2024, and Mastercard integrated with more digital wallets and e-commerce platforms in 2025.
Mastercard-branded cards provide perks like price protection, extended warranties, and event access. World Elite versions include concierge services and travel discounts. Like Visa, actual terms vary by issuer.
Core Differences Between Amex, Visa, and Mastercard
Amex differs fundamentally from Visa and Mastercard in its business model. While Visa and Mastercard serve as networks only, American Express handles issuing, processing, and acquiring.
This closed-loop approach gives American Express more oversight but results in higher merchant fees, often 2-3% per transaction compared to 1.5-2.5% for Visa or Mastercard.
Visa and Mastercard use an open-loop system, involving multiple banks for a broader reach, while they generate revenue mainly from transaction fees without credit risk. American Express assumes lending risk, earning interest on balances but facing potential defaults.
Let's compare Amex, Visa, and Mastercard for a better understanding:
| Aspect | American Express | Visa | Mastercard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Model | Closed-loop: Issues cards and processes payments | Open-loop: Network only, partners with issuers | Open-loop: Network only, partners with issuers |
| Card Issuance | Directly by Amex | By banks (e.g., Chase, Citi) | By banks (e.g., Capital One, Barclays) |
| Global Merchants | 30-40 million | 100+ million | 70-80 million (combined with Visa often) |
| Market Share (2022) | 4.61% | 38.73% | 24% |
| Typical Merchant Fees | Higher (2-3%) | Lower (1.5-2.5%) | Lower (1.5-2.5%) |
| Focus | Premium rewards, travel | Broad acceptance, security | Innovation, cross-border |
In short, American Express suits those seeking exclusive benefits, while Visa and Mastercard appeal to users prioritizing widespread use.
Acceptance Rates and Global Presence
Visa and Mastercard lead in acceptance, available in over 200 countries each. Amex covers 160 countries but faces gaps, especially outside the U.S.
Reportedly, in 2025, U.S. merchants accepted Amex at rates close to competitors, except in places like Costco.
Internationally, Visa and Mastercard dominate in Europe, Asia, and Africa, while Amex grows through partnerships, yet travelers often carry a Visa or Mastercard as backup.
In 2026, digital acceptance via apps like Apple Pay levels the field somewhat, but still, Amex is not widely accepted.
Charts from 2025 show average interest rates around 23-24% across networks, influenced by issuers rather than the network itself.
Fees and Costs Involved
Merchant fees impact the acceptance rate for Amex as it charges higher rates due to its model, leading some businesses to avoid it.
Consumers face annual fees on premium cards: American Express Platinum at $695, while many Visa or Mastercard options start fee-free.
Interest rates average 23.99% in 2025, varying by credit score and issuer. Foreign transaction fees hit 2-3% on some cards, though many waive them. American Express often skips these on travel-focused cards.
Rewards Programs and Benefits
Amex excels in rewards, with Membership Rewards points transferable to airlines and hotels. Earn rates reach 5x on travel.
Visa Signature and Mastercard World offer similar, but tied to issuers like the Chase Sapphire Preferred (Visa) at 5x on travel.
Protections include fraud monitoring across all, plus purchase returns and warranties. American Express adds concierge and event access.
In 2026, we can expect more crypto integrations from Visa and Mastercard, but not from Amex.
Market Share and Recent Statistics
Global volume in 2022 placed Visa first, Mastercard second, and Amex third after UnionPay. By 2025, Mastercard grew faster at double digits, driven by digital shifts. American Express assets totaled $270 billion, ranking it among top U.S. banks.
Selecting the Best Network
Consider your habits, not just the thoughts.
For travel abroad, you should pick Visa or Mastercard and for luxury perks, choose American Express.
Many people hold cards from multiple networks for flexibility, but you should check your credit score first, as approvals differ by issuer.
Steps to choose:
- Assess spending categories (travel, dining, everyday).
- Compare annual fees and rewards value.
- Verify acceptance in your frequent locations.
- Review issuer terms for interest and bonuses.
- Apply through banks or directly for Amex.
So once again:
Amex is not Visa or Mastercard!
Payment networks are quickly adapting to digital currencies and AI security. Visa is expanding its support for stablecoins, while Mastercard is focusing on sustainability.
At the same time, American Express is enhancing its premium experiences as settlement fees rise.
We can look forward to smooth and seamless checkout experiences thanks to these exciting partnerships!
