American Express Card in Britain?

Pretty much so. Years ago would take the AMX so I could exchange money at their office by Leicester Square. Advent of ATM's changed everything. Don't even take my AMX for back up. Hope one of your VISA's is from Capital One.

Your Visa card is more likely to be accepted, but there are places that take AmEx. While travelling on business, I was able to use my corporate AmEx in Europe at business hotels, some restaurants, for rail tickets, etc. It doesn't hurt to ask if they take it.

Amex is more widely accepted in the UK than it used to be, but it's still mostly high-end businesses and large chains that accept it.

I think it's getting better. I took an Amex, as a backup and to rent my car (for their CDW deal), this year. I don't use a credit card often on the road - usually just at large hotels. I noticed many of the places I used a card accepted Amex. Still, if anyone accepts cards, you can be sure they'll take a Visa or MC, both seem to be the same now (Visa used to be more widely accepted of the two).

I don't have a Capital One. Is it better than the others? I might have time to get one if it is important.

Hmmm. I'm rethinking things now that OP have shared info on AMX usage in England. Good stuff. Might have to take the Plantinum AMX next time.

I live in the U.K. and my impression is that American Express is not accepted as widely as Visa and Mastercard. It is mainly large organisations, shops and hotels that accept American Express. Some small businesses refuse to take the Amexcard because they have to pay a higher commission on it. Those free flights have to be paid for by someone, and its not the card handlers. I am a member of a local history organisation which has just started accepting credit and debit cards. We have just had a letter from our bank, who are also our card handler, stating that we will be able to accept Diners Club and Discover cards in a few weeks time when our terminal has had its software auotmatically updated.

I have a Cap One Venture Card as my primary travel card now. In addition to not charging a foreign transaction fee, they seem to have the best system for notifying about upcoming travel. I felt more confident that they actually would know I was traveling (and not get a fraud hold on my card) than I have with other cards.

I also take 2 Visa cards in addition to my debit card. Neither is thru Capital One tho I have heard good things about it. BTW in 2011 my son brought along his Discover card. It was ablsolutely useless, no one would accept it.

I will echo that Amex is much more widely accepted in the UK than elsewhere in Europe. It is though common for Amex cards issued by banks other than Amex itself to be backed up with Visa/MC. There is one place I can think of that only takes Amex. However you probably won't be going to Costco.

I see more and more folks on this web site saying to use a CapOne card due to its not charging exchange fees in Europe. Isn't that a credit card? All these years I have been using a debit card in ATMs to get local currency to pay for my travels.
At least I do not have any bills when I get home.

We always use our Capital One card. There aren't any transaction fees I also think Chase offers transaction free services also. We just recently applied for a different Capital One card and received it in the mail the other day. The only drawback is there is a $59 yearly fee. Our old Capital One card didn't charge that.

I just ordered a Cap One card with no annual fee. I was also able to personalize the card by putting my my picture on the front...thought that would be useful. I liked the 'no international fee.'