Do taxi drivers accept credit cards?

Yes, it is a Transport for London requirement for taxis

Yes. No additional fee for paying by card. I was able to use a US Amex card tthat has a contactless capability. I try to have cash in case the machine is down.

Yes, but I would recommend using something like Uber. We took a Taxi and they have some advantages for sure but not worth the cost IMO. I.e we took a taxi from heathrow to our hotel an it cost us 60 pounds whereas an uber charged us 22 pounds from our hotel to the airport.

" I.e we took a taxi from heathrow to our hotel an it cost us 60 pounds"

Was this a "black cab" from the rank, if so you should have used a car service, a lot cheaper.

I had a long journey in a black cab, gave him a credit card, and he repeatedly said he would prefer cash until I offered to have him add the fees to the fare. I told him since he had no sign up saying cash only, and did not say anything before the big trip, he had no right to insist on taking all of our cash.
I would definitely ask before getting in a cab into the future, just to be clear.
I hope to have some good experiences in black cabs there some day, but so far all 3 times have not gone well, no matter what Rick Steves says about them never being able to rip you off. :(

The favourite ploy from black cab drivers to get you to pay cash is "card machine isn't working guv".

And you then say: what is your licence number, I will report your cab as unfit to TfL (0343 222 4000)

We were desperate for a cab by the Globe Theatre and jumped in a black van. When we arrived at our hotel the driver informed us that he only took cash. We didn't have any pounds, so he took American. I'm not sure what kind of "cab" we were in . . .

Well if it was a taxi, he'd have a meter. Since you make no reference to this it would have either been a licenced or unlicenced private hire vehicle. In either of these cases the driver is not legally allowed to ply for business on the street - and even a taxi driver can't actually approach you to see if you want a taxi - you have to hail the cab.

Well, they are supposed to. Mine did not. His card machine was not working. If it really was or was not I don't know.

"Well, they are supposed to. Mine did not. His card machine was not working. If it really was or was not I don't know."

My friends in London tell me that it's a common excuse from black cab drivers, it's only when they say they are going to report the driver that the card reader suddenly starts working again (as if by magic).

The card machine isn't working is common among many taxi drivers around the world. That's how Uber exploded in business.

We had no problem using cards (contactless, even better!) in cabs last week. Had some really awesome drivers, too.

I had no issues with credit cards and cabs while in London earlier this year, but obviously my experience might not be the same as everyone else's.