Where Is Mastercard NOT Accepted? (2024)

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This question is about Mastercard Credit Cards

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WalletHub, Financial Company

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Mastercard is not accepted at certain stores and merchants that only take cash, such as vendors at a local fair. Mastercard is also not accepted at retail chains that have an exclusive agreement with another card network. For example, Costco accepts Mastercard only for online purchases. There are also some websites that only take electronic currency though outlets like PayPal, Venmo, or Bitcoin. Additionally, Mastercard credit cards can’t be used to pay a credit card bill, but no credit cards can be used for that.

Outside of those exceptions, you can use Mastercards globally, in over 210 countries and territories. Plus, millions of merchants within those countries take Mastercard.

Here’s where Mastercard is not accepted:

  • Merchants who don’t take credit cards. Small businesses may not always want to bother with the fees they get charged for accepting credit cards. So, you’ll probably run into some cash-only merchants at some point. In addition, you might not be able to use your credit card at certain events, like a food stall at your local fair, for instance.
  • Merchants with exclusive deals. Sometimes, a merchant will give its business to only one credit card network. Costco is a good example. They used to only accept American Express cards, and now they only accept Visa cards. However, you won’t find a lot of places that accept credit cards and exclude Mastercard.
  • Certain online purchases. Some online purchases can only be completed using virtual currency (e.g. bitcoin).
  • Monthly credit card bills. You can’t use any credit card, whether from Mastercard or another network, to pay another credit card’s bill on a monthly basis. You can transfer a balance from one card to another, just not regularly. That usually makes sense only if you’re opening a new account with a 0% introductory balance transfer APR.

So, if you’re able to use credit cards at a merchant, it’s almost guaranteed they’ll take your Mastercard. In case they don’t, it helps to have some cash on you or a backup credit card from another network.


This answer was last updated on 08/09/24 and it was first published on 12/28/17. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

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Diana Fincher, Member

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Only in smaller shops, that don't take cards, or ones with specific partnerships. Visa and Mastercard are the biggest networks on the planet, so you'll have to look hard to find a place that doesn't take them.

This answer was first published on 02/15/18. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

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Keira Johnson, Member

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Mastercard is accepted in more than 210 countries, according to their website. I don't think you'll find a list anywhere of the places where you can't use it, but what's certain is that you can't pay with a Mastercard at Costco.

This answer was first published on 02/15/18. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

Simon Hermes @Simonhermes

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I have tried everywhere in noumea to pay with Mastercard or obtain cash from an atm without success I have found one tiny corner store that can process my Mastercard payment so I am sitting in my hotel eating instant noodles for my month long holiday Be warned and have a Visa card in case

People also ask

Is Mastercard accepted everywhere?

Yes, Mastercard is accepted almost everywhere you can use a credit or debit card. Millions of merchants in more than 210 countries and territories take Mastercard. And that includes more than 10.7 million retailers in the U.S. alone. Furthermore, Visa is accepted in just over 200 countries and territories, while American Express lags well behind.

Here’s what you should know about Mastercard’s acceptance:

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What is the most widely accepted credit card?

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards, as both types can be used at 100+ million locations in 200+ countries and territories. Mastercard is accepted in more countries than Visa, yet roughly 20 million more merchants worldwide take Visa. Both have a claim to the title of most widely accepted credit card as a result. Visa is also the most widely used type of credit card.

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Is Mastercard or Visa more widely accepted?

There isn’t much of a difference between Mastercard and Visa when it comes to acceptance. Both card networks are accepted in more than 200 countries and territories, and almost every merchant that takes credit cards accepts both Visa and Mastercard.

Mastercard does have a slight advantage over Visa in terms of worldwide acceptance. Mastercard works in 210+ counties and territories, compared to 200+ for Visa.

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We work hard to show you up-to-date product terms, however, this information does not originate from us and thus, we do not guarantee its accuracy. Actual terms may vary. Before submitting an application, always verify all terms and conditions with the offering institution. Please let us know if you notice any differences.

* The information about the following cards has been independently collected by WalletHub: U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card, Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card, Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card, U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card, and U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard®.

Where Is Mastercard NOT Accepted? (2024)

FAQs

What places don't accept mastercards? ›

Costco warehouses are notorious for refusing Discover, Mastercard, and American Express, accepting only Visa. Some small businesses don't take Discover, and most merchants outside the U.S. also won't accept them.

Why is my Mastercard not accepted? ›

Your card may be declined for a number of reasons: the card has expired; you're over your credit limit; the card issuer sees suspicious activity that could be a sign of fraud; or a hotel, rental car company, or other business placed a block (or hold) on your card for its estimated total of your bill.

Why does my Mastercard keep getting rejected? ›

Some common reasons that your credit card might get declined include having the card's credit limit maxed out, accidentally triggering the card's fraud protections and even entering incorrect payment information on a website.

Is Mastercard accepted almost everywhere? ›

Near universal acceptance worldwide

Both Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted almost anywhere, as the world's most extensive global card networks.

Does Walmart take mastercards? ›

Walmart accepts most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. In addition to accepting external credit cards, Walmart also offers its own store credit card called the Walmart Credit Card.

Is Mastercard less accepted than Visa? ›

Visa and Mastercard are the two largest card networks in the world, accepted in more than 200 countries and territories. Mastercard credit cards are more widely accepted internationally, while Visa cards tend to offer more benefits. But for most consumers, there is no practical difference between Visa and Mastercard.

Why are places no longer accepting Mastercard? ›

Mastercard is not accepted at certain stores and merchants that only take cash, such as vendors at a local fair. Mastercard is also not accepted at retail chains that have an exclusive agreement with another card network. For example, Costco accepts Mastercard only for online purchases.

Why does Costco not take Mastercard? ›

Since Costco has an exclusive contract with Visa, shoppers can't use credit cards backed by the other three main networks — American Express, Mastercard and Discover — at Costco warehouses. However, you can pay with Mastercard for purchases made at Costco.com and the Costco app.

Does Amazon accept Mastercard? ›

Amazon Pay accepts credit and debit cards. Credit cards currently accepted include Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, and JCB. The Amazon.com store card is available for use with selected merchants. In some circ*mstances, you might be limited to using Visa and Mastercard credit cards.

Why is my card declining even though I have enough? ›

Why might my debit card be denied even if I have money in the account? It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Your debit card may be denied due to overdrafting, reaching daily purchase limits, or your bank suspecting fraud.

How do I get my card to stop declining? ›

3. Address the Problem
  1. Storing credit card information to prevent incorrectly entering it for an online purchase.
  2. Asking the card issuer to reopen your closed account.
  3. Making overdue payments.
  4. Paying your balance in full every month.
  5. Carrying at least two credit cards in case one of them is declined.
Jul 31, 2024

Why does my one card keep declining? ›

If your transaction is declined, be sure to check the following: You have enough money in your Debit balance to cover the transaction. You have not frozen your One debit card. Your One debit card is activated.

Does anywhere not accept Mastercard? ›

Both Visa and Mastercard credit cards are generally accepted by the same merchants, anywhere you go. Therefore, any real choice between the two networks should only come down to which of their benefits you prefer.

Which is better, Visa card or Mastercard? ›

Although Mastercard and Visa cards are accepted almost everywhere in the globe, Visa cards have a few more advantages. Even with a Visa card at the most basic level, you can access advantages like stolen or lost card reporting, urgent card replacement, emergency cash disbursem*nt, roadside dispatch, and zero liability.

What is the most accepted credit card in the world? ›

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards, as both types can be used at 100+ million locations in 200+ countries and territories.

Can Mastercard be used anywhere? ›

Mastercard cards are issued by member banks with the Mastercard logo and are characterized as open loop. This means that the card can be used anywhere that the Mastercard brand is accepted. Across the payments industry, there are four major payment card processors: Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover.

Does Target accept Mastercard? ›

Target stores

Third-party credit cards: Visa®, Mastercard®, Discover®/Novus®, American Express®, credit cards from foreign banks (JCB Japanese Credit Bureau), Diner's Club International, and FSA/HSA cards are redeemable for FSA/HSA eligible items. Debit/ATM and EBT cards: U.S.-issued debit/ATM cards.

Can you pay with Mastercard anywhere? ›

Where can I use my Mastercard Prepaid Card? Use your Mastercard Prepaid Card anywhere that Debit Mastercard is accepted, including millions of locations worldwide plus online, and for mail and phone orders. You can also use your card to pay bills online.

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