Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in US Virgin Islands easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
I lived in St. Thomas for a month this spring and carried Amex, Visa, and a travel prepaid Mastercard. Guess which worked? The prepaid Mastercard and Visa. Amex only got me into high-end resorts maybe once but got declined everywhere else. The local banks’ ATM networks don’t handle Amex. So, yes - bring Visa/Mastercard for ATMs and anywhere you want to eat or shop.
Working in a bar in Red Hook, I watch card usage daily. Most terminals are UZ-oriented but present to US networks - they support Visa and Mastercard, not American Express. Amex transactions sometimes get rejected because of higher processing costs. If you can, bring Visa or Mastercard for easier payments and ATM access. Helps avoid awkward “we don't take that” moments.
Used Amex at exactly zero spots on the island - tried in about six restaurants and a couple of small shops. They all declined it. ATM machines also refuse Amex deposits or withdrawals. You’ll want a Visa debit or credit card - works flawlessly, fewer hiccups than Mastercard. Don’t rely on Amex for daily expenses in USVI.
We brought both Amex and Visa when we visited last December. Amex was almost useless - large restaurants, duty‑free stores, and tour vendors all said “Visa or Mastercard only.” Visa worked 90% of the time, including POS machines in Cruz Bay boutiques. ATMs universally accept only Visa/Mastercard. Amex cards had to stay tucked away.