Do places in Portugal accept American Express?

I tried using Amex throughout the Algarve region in March, and honestly, it was a hassle. Some resorts and fine dining spots like in Quinta do Lago took it, but when I tried to use it at a surf shop and a beach cafe in Lagos, they politely declined and asked for cash or Visa. My Wise Mastercard worked everywhere without issue. Amex just doesn’t seem worth relying on in Portugal unless you’re only sticking to high-end places. For everyday payments and convenience, carry a Visa or Mastercard.

Spent two weeks in Portugal, mostly around Porto and the Douro Valley, and while I could use my Amex in a few larger places  like shopping malls or chain hotels  I ran into a lot of refusals at mid-range restaurants and neighborhood stores. Even at a supermarket in Vila Nova de Gaia, the cashier pointed to a sign that said “Visa/Mastercard Only.” The Amex network is limited here, and many businesses still prefer the local Multibanco system. Visa or Mastercard is a much safer bet for everyday spending.

I brought my Amex Gold card thinking I could use it like I do in the US, but Portugal was a mixed bag. In Lisbon, some upscale restaurants and hotels took it, but when I tried using it at local bakeries, taxis, and small shops, they either didn’t recognize it or said their machines didn’t process Amex. I ended up relying on my Visa card most of the time. For anyone visiting smaller towns or local places, you’ll definitely want to have a Mastercard or Visa as backup  Amex just isn’t as widely supported here.

Millennium BCP ATM in Lisbon, floor 3 of Mercado Chiado. Accepted all card types and worked fine. Not sure if it accepts american express

No issues at Banco BPI. Both Visa and Mastercard worked fine. Does not accept Amex

Worked perfectly with my Wise card at Banco CTT. Easy to use even for foreigners. No amex though

Activo Bank ATM was easy to use with my Visa card. No issues. Doubt it accepts amex