For people who are new to the world of points and the benefits of Amex cards, a common question asked is where can I use American Express cards? Following on from that, a Point Hacks reader has also asked us a more detailed query:

I see a lot of offers from American Express but I’m not sure that there are that many places I can actually use the card. How easy is it to meet minimum spend requirements with its more limited reach compared to Visa and Mastercard?

We explore where you can use your American Express card within Australian in 2021, so you can make the most of your rewards.

Where is American Express accepted in Australia?

It is true that Visa and Mastercard are accepted at more merchants both in Australia and overseas. However, American Express has been expanding its footprint, with more than 100,000 participating businesses added over the last few years.

The following list of merchants that accept Amex cards is by no means exhaustive — search the full list for the latest results. Remember that there are also thousands of small businesses that accept American Express.

PH Amex Acceptance Infographic 2021

Where can I use Amex for big purchases?

Cracked mobile phone screen
Buy your phone outright or pay a mobile phone plan with an eligible American Express card and insurance will cover you if the screen breaks

Where can I use American Express for shopping, subscriptions and bills?

  • Supermarkets: Woolworths, Coles, Harris Farm Markets
  • Bottle shops: Liquorland, Dan Murphy’s, First Choice Liquor, BWS
  • Department stores: Myer, David Jones, Big W, Kmart, Target, Bunnings Warehouse
  • Clothes retailers: The Iconic, Zara, Best & Less, Cotton On, Country Road, Espirit, Lowes, Rebel, Decathlon, H&M
  • Utilities: Australia Post, City of Sydney, City of Perth, Cairns Regional Council, Central Coast Council, Randwick, Council, Whitsunday Regional Council, Lumo Energy
  • Insurance: Allianz, Bupa, HCF, nib
  • Fuel: BP, Shell Coles Express, and Ampol (being rebranded from Caltex starting late 2020)
  • Entertainment: Hoyts, Event Cinemas, Dreamworld, Taronga Zoo, Ticketek, Ticketmaster, Village Cinemas
  • Subscription services: Foxtel, Netflix, Stan, Hello Fresh, Spotify, Stan
  • Communications: Telstra, Optus
  • Charities: Australian Red Cross
  • Payment platforms: PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay
American Express Apple Pay
Being able to use your American Express card for purchases through digital wallets amplifies your options

Where can I use Amex for day-to-day purchases and miscellaneous items?

  • Food & drink: McDonald’s, Starbucks, Nando’s, Grill’d, TheFork, Merivale, Starbucks, Grill’d, Deliveroo, Menulog, Uber Eats
  • Miscellaneous: Uber, 7-Eleven, NewsLink, Priceline Pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse
Ad – Scroll down to continue reading.Minimum spend, terms & conditions apply.

How do I maximise points earn with American Express cards?

A wise strategy is to choose an American Express card with a large sign-up bonus, use that card where you can, and pair it with a Visa or Mastercard to use where Amex is not accepted.

Due to restrictive bonus points eligibility rules for American Express-issued cards, you should choose the first one you hold carefully so you can earn a big sign-up bonus.

Then you could always add on another American Express-issued card like the Platinum Edge, on which you will not earn the sign-up bonus but is great for buying groceries and fuel.

Bananas at a supermarket
You’ll effectively earn 1.5 frequent flyer points per A$1 spent at supermarkets and petrol stations with the American Express Platinum Edge

Summing up

Question: Just how widely are American Express cards accepted?

Answer: Probably more than you originally thought! American Express cards can be used for a large chunk of your expenditure on groceries, regular bills, travel, entertainment and clothes.

Given the wide range of merchants that accept Amex as a payment method, you shouldn’t have too much trouble meeting minimum spend requirements and/or maximising your ongoing points-earning potential.


Frequently asked questions

Do Woolies take Amex?

Yes, Woolworths supermarkets in Australia accept American Express cards for payment.

Do Bunnings accept Amex?

Yes, Bunnings hardware stores in Australia allow American Express cards as a form of payment.

Does Aldi accept Amex?

No, Aldi supermarkets in Australia do not accept American Express cards for payment.

Does Nandos accept Amex?

Yes, you can certainly pay for your Portuguese grilled chicken with an American Express card.

Does KFC accept Amex?

Yes, your next fix of crispy ‘Hot and Spicy’ chicken from KFC can be paid for with an American Express cad.

This article was originally written by Matt Moffitt.

Just how widely are American Express cards accepted? was last modified: May 27th, 2022 by Brandon Loo