Yes, Mastercard is widely accepted in Europe. You’ll be able to use your card in all European countries, at virtually every merchant that takes credit cards. Mastercard enjoys acceptance just about everywhere in the world, as does the Visa network.
Aside from merchants who don’t take credit cards, you may run into a few isolated businesses that don’t take your card. Some merchants may have exclusive deals with a certain issuer. Costco is one example, as they only take Visa. But don’t worry, this type of exclusivity is extremely rare.
Here’s where Mastercard is accepted in Europe:
- Mastercard is accepted in all European countries, at just about all merchants who take credit cards within those countries.
- Some retailers have exclusive deals with card networks, both in Europe and the U.S. For example, Costco only takes Visa credit cards, and they have a few European locations – in the UK, Spain and Iceland.
- Many European payment terminals are equipped for “chip” cards. So, if your Mastercard has a magnetic stripe but no chip, you may have trouble paying at an unmanned terminal. And you may find it harder to persuade a merchant to accept a card without a chip.
- In addition to a Mastercard credit card with no foreign transaction fee, make sure to bring a no foreign fee debit card to withdraw cash when you need it.
Mastercard is as widely accepted in Europe as it is in the United States. So, if you have a Mastercard, you can travel in Europe with little worry. Your card should be accepted almost everywhere. Just make sure you get a card with no foreign transaction fees in order to save yourself a lot of money when making purchases abroad.
This answer was first published on 07/27/18 and it was last updated on 03/28/24. 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.
FAQs
When Europeans buy something with plastic, they insert their card, then type in their PIN. Despite some differences between European and US cards, there's little to worry about. US-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards, along with familiar payment apps, typically work fine in Europe.
What credit card is most widely accepted in Europe? ›
American credit cards work throughout Europe (at hotels, larger shops and restaurants, travel agencies, car-rental agencies, and so on); Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. American Express is less common, and the Discover card is unknown in Europe.
Do I need a PIN number to use a credit card in Europe? ›
Much of Europe has already implemented a chip-and-PIN system. That means that using credit cards and debit cards embedded with a microchip and require a Personal Identification Number (PIN code) for transactions.
Is Visa or Mastercard better for international travel to Europe? ›
There is no clear winner between Visa and Mastercard when it comes to which one is better in Europe, as both networks are widely accepted. In most European countries, you'll find that merchants and ATMs accept both Visa and Mastercard.
Is Mastercard good internationally? ›
International merchants with credit card terminals will almost always accept Visa or Mastercard, issuers with strong international payment networks. Unfortunately, American Express and Discover can prove finicky abroad, as these two issuers have less robust payment networks outside the United States.
Which countries use Mastercard most? ›
North America and Europe: Mastercard is heavily used in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and several countries in Europe.
What is the most accepted credit card for international travel? ›
Visa and Mastercard are usually accepted anywhere you can pay with a card. So if you want to use a Discover or Amex card abroad, you may want to bring a Visa or Mastercard along as well, just to be safe.
Is Mastercard accepted in Italy? ›
Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards are widely accepted in Italy. You can also shop around for the best prepaid debit cards to use in Italy, as these should be accepted in just the same way (as long as you've topped up the balance).
Which one is better Visa or Mastercard? ›
Benefits comparison: Visa vs. Mastercard. On entry level cards, there is very little difference between Visa and Mastercard, as both provide a similar suite of basic features. However, Mastercard includes impressive special luxury offers on its World and World Elite level cards, which can be attractive for big spenders ...
How much cash should I bring to Europe for 2 weeks? ›
Consider carrying between $50 and $100 a day on average, but remember that cash can bring fees and thieves along with it.
Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.
Some tourists feel like they must have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.
Is it cheaper to get euros in the US or in Europe? ›
With time at your disposal, you'll be able to see exactly what the fee and rate is, and how many euros you'll get for your dollars. It's possible of course that you might get a better deal when you land in Europe. It may well be the case that fees are lower and exchange rates better.
Is Mastercard more popular in Europe? ›
For instance, credit cards and prepaid cards issued across the European continent were used for nearly 97 billion transactions in 2019. Nearly 60 percent of all these transactions were done with Visa general purpose cards, while MasterCard made up for 39 percent of the market.
Why don't Europeans use credit cards? ›
Credit card aversion may come down to a simple preference for cash. A recent study by the European Central Bank found that cash was the most frequently used payment method at the point of sale in the eurozone, used in 59% of transactions.
How to carry money in Europe? ›
Top Tips! Keep your money safe when travelling in Europe
- Keep your belongings safe in crowded areas with our expert tips.
- Leave some items in the hotel safe so that you don't have to carry everything with you.
- Keep your money close with a money belt.
- Always try to visit ATMs within banks while travelling.
Credit cards are accepted in shops across France, and of course in Paris. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. American Express is not nearly as widely accepted as the first two. Travelers' Cheques have gone the way of the Dodo Bird.
Is Visa or Mastercard more widely accepted in Italy? ›
Italian residents prefer Visa over Mastercard. Visa is the predominant card network in Italy with 55% of the nation's market share. Many of these cards are issued by Bancomat and co-branded as Visa.
