AmEx reaches 190 million merchants, doubles overseas footprint

American Express says its cards are now accepted at more than 190 million merchant locations worldwide, with acceptance outside the United States more than doubling in four years. The expansion is intended to narrow the international acceptance gap with Visa and Mastercard, focusing on destinations popular with cardholders, cities hosting major events, and spending categories such as restaurants. AmEx is also expanding through partnerships with global payment platforms, local acquirers and other payment providers. The company says broader acceptance encourages more everyday and travel spending; recent card spending rose 9% year over year.