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The Daily Insight Hub

Do you accept all major credit cards?

Author

Emma Miller

Updated on January 30, 2026

Here’s what you need to know about major credit cards: Sometimes it is on the back. If there is no logo, you likely have a store card that only works at a specific retailer. Most U.S. merchants accept all major credit cards.

Should you accept credit cards?

Accepting cards means you get paid faster. Payments from credit and debit card purchases are typically deposited within 48 hours of the transaction. Compare that to the time it takes to send out invoices and await payment, or for checks to clear. Card payments, in other words, help improve cash flow.

Why are certain credit cards not accepted?

To sum it up, there are two main reasons businesses might choose not to accept a particular type of credit card, or none at all — fees and partnerships. Swipe fees can take a big bite out of a merchant’s profits, especially in businesses with tight profit margins like restaurants, and every percentage point counts.

What credit card is not accepted everywhere?

On the surface, one of Discover’s perks is attractive to international travelers, but while Discover cardholders don’t pay any foreign transaction fees, it isn’t accepted in some places worldwide.

How to accept payments with a credit card?

1 Decide how you’ll accept credit card payments The first step is determining when and how to accept credit card payments. 2 Choose a payment processing system When a customer gives you their credit card to pay, there’s more to it than simply swiping the card. 3 Get your credit card payment software and hardware in place

Are there any stores that don’t take credit cards?

Some stores accept plastic, but they’re selective. Most merchants accept Visa and MasterCard, but occasionally they decide not to take American Express and Discover. That’s typically because of the same problems described above—but those issues are amplified with AmEx and Discover. Consumers love their AmEx and Discover cards.

Why do businesses need to accept credit cards?

According to the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the major reasons to accept credit cards include: 1 Improving cash flow, since it can speed up payment times and reduce delays 2 Legitimizing your business in the eyes of customers 3 Potentially boosting sales volume since your customers will have more ways to pay More …

Can a business refuse to accept credit card payments?

Deciding not to accept credit cards in your business usually comes down to personal choice, rather than the type of business you run. If you decide to accept credit card payments, federal law requires that you verify that those payments are authorized by the customer before processing them.