Do most places accept Discover?

Asked by: Jesse Wolf  |  Last update: June 17, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (32 votes)

Discover gradually expanded its network and is now accepted in 99% of stores that accept credit cards and in millions of retailers around the globe. As of 2024, Discover is the fourth largest issuer of cards.

Where is the Discover card not accepted?

Costco. Costco only accepts Visa credit cards at its warehouses. However, if you order from Costco through Uber Eats or Instacart, you can charge the purchase to Discover. Ordering Costco online could be more expensive, as you'll pay delivery, processing fees, tip to the driver, and a markup on Costco's goods.

Is the Discover card widely accepted?

Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards. You can use your Discover Card to make withdrawals for cash advances. Discover Card acceptance is convenient at gas stations, restaurants, online, and at major retailers for cash back rewards.

Why do so many stores not accept Discover?

Merchants Pay More

It may come as no surprise that the reason many merchants opt-out of accepting Discover cards (and American Express, for that matter) is about the bottom line. The Discover card is also like American Express in that they both charge a bit more to store owners to accept their cards.

Does McDonald's accept Discover?

Credit & Debit Charges

You can register Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards in the app. Payment cards registered must be issued by a U.S. bank.

Why are Discover Credit Cards Popular? (Explained)

27 related questions found

Is Discover accepted at Walmart?

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.

Does Target take Discover card?

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.

Does Amazon accept Discover?

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.

Why are Discover cards being declined?

Your card may not get approval if you've reached your credit limit, or if you attempt a purchase that exceeds your available credit. A large purchase that doesn't fit your spending patterns may appear suspicious to your credit card company, so they may decline the transaction.

What is the most accepted credit card?

Most Widely Accepted in the U.S.: Visa and Mastercard (10.7+ million U.S. merchant locations). Least Widely Accepted Internationally: American Express (198+ countries and territories). Least Widely Accepted in the U.S.: American Express and Discover (10.6+ million U.S. merchant locations).

Is it better to have a Visa or Discover?

Key takeaways. Where Discover credit cards shine for their lack of fees, they come up short in terms of global acceptance and available cardholder perks. Visa credit cards stand out for their rewards rates and cardholder benefits, but only with the top cards available within the network.

What is the least accepted credit card?

Most retailers accept Visa and MasterCard card payments. Discover is the least popular card in terms of service to other countries. Customers who use American Express or Discover credit cards will have difficulty finding merchants that accept them, especially when traveling outside the United States.

Why does Costco not take Discover?

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.

What major places don't take Discover?

3 Places that Don't Take Discover Credit Cards
  • Costco. Costco only accepts Visa credit cards at its warehouses. ...
  • Some local businesses. ...
  • Most places abroad.

Why does my Discover card get declined at gas stations?

Some reasons credit card companies may decline transactions are that your purchase exceeds your credit limit, or the purchase is in a location where you don't normally shop. If the credit card issuer declines your transaction, it's a good idea to call the number on the back of your card and find out why.

Does CVS take Discover card?

For online payments, we accept VISA credit/debit cards, MasterCard credit/debit cards, American Express, Discover or electronic check. If you pay by mail or over the phone, we also accept checks and health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) cards. CVS Specialty accepts money orders by mail only.

Why is discover card not popular?

Due to its more specific, affluent target audience Discover also charges higher merchant credit card processing fees, which may explain why some businesses "opt out" or "opt in" to accepting it at their cash registers.

Why do some stores not accept Discover?

Some local businesses and restaurants -- that is, those that aren't franchised or part of national brands -- won't accept Discover credit cards, mainly because the processing fees are slightly higher than Mastercard and Visa.

Why is it so hard to get a Discover card?

Common reasons applicants are denied credit cards include low credit scores, no credit history, inadequate ratio of income vs. expenses, and not meeting minimum age requirements.

Does Target accept Discover cards?

Target accepts any card from the major credit card providers — Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. The retailer also accepts Apple Pay to pay for your purchases, and other contactless payment methods including Samsung Pay and Google Pay.

Does Kohl's take Discover?

Kohls.com accepts a variety of online payment methods, including Kohl's Card and other major credit cards such as Discover, MasterCard, Visa and American Express. Only one credit card may be applied to each purchase.

Does Walmart accept Discover?

Create a Walmart.com account, or sign in to your existing account. Select Add Payment Methods and enter your Discover card details. Agree to the Terms and Conditions, follow prompts to verify proper set up, and create a Walmart PIN.

Does Wendy's accept Discover card?

"They like the convenience of paying with a credit card and they appreciate the fact that the systems we've put in place ensure rapid service, both inside our restaurants and at Pick-Up Window." Wendy's accepts four major credit cards: American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® and Visa®.