Accepted Credit Cards In Antigua And Barbuda: What You Need

Antigua and Barbuda is a nation that uses two currencies: the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$ or XCD) and the US dollar. The former is the official currency, but the latter is also widely accepted. In fact, US currency, travellers' cheques and major credit cards are accepted everywhere. Visa and Mastercard are preferred by merchants, as Amex processing charges are much higher.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted

Additionally, the ECAB Visa Credit Card offers benefits such as 24-hour customer service, emergency card replacement, and chip and PIN technology for added security. The card is also protected by the Visa and Mastercard 3D Secure security protocol, providing an extra layer of protection for online transactions.

You can easily manage your Visa and Mastercard transactions through the ECAB MoreBanking and Caribbean Credit Card Corporation Mobile App, which allows you to pay bills, monitor transactions, and check your balance anytime, anywhere.

When travelling to Antigua and Barbuda, it is recommended to inform your credit card company to avoid any restrictions on your cards. This will ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when using your Visa or Mastercard during your trip.

Amex processing charges are higher for merchants

Credit cards are widely accepted in Antigua and Barbuda, with Visa and Mastercard being the most commonly recognised cards among merchants. American Express (Amex) is also accepted, although less frequently due to higher processing charges for merchants.

American Express charges merchants a higher fee to process transactions than Visa and Mastercard. This is because American Express operates what is known as a "closed-loop" payment network, where the company issues cards directly to consumers, and also provides payment processing services to merchants. This means that American Express assumes more risk by having to handle both the issuing and acquiring sides of transactions. As a result, they can charge higher fees to merchants. In contrast, Visa and Mastercard operate "open-loop" networks, where issuing and acquiring are handled by different entities, which can result in lower fees for merchants.

The higher fees associated with American Express cards can be a disincentive for merchants in Antigua and Barbuda to accept them, especially smaller businesses with thinner profit margins. As a result, while Amex cards may be accepted at some higher-end establishments, Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted and preferred by merchants.

Additionally, American Express has a different pricing model than Visa and Mastercard, which contributes to higher costs for merchants. Amex typically charges a higher percentage of the transaction amount as a fee, whereas Visa and Mastercard have slightly lower percentages but also include a per-transaction fee. For smaller purchases, this fixed fee can make Amex less economical for merchants.

It's important to note that these higher processing charges do not necessarily mean that merchants are overcharging customers who use Amex cards. While the merchants bear the cost of these fees, they are not usually passed on directly to the cardholder. However, the higher fees may influence a merchant's decision to accept Amex, particularly in a competitive market like Antigua and Barbuda, where keeping costs low is essential.

To summarise, American Express cards are accepted in Antigua and Barbuda, but their higher processing charges for merchants make them less prevalent than Visa and Mastercard. This dynamic is common in the payment processing industry and influences the choices made by both businesses and consumers regarding the payment methods they accept and use, respectively.

Contact your credit card company before travelling

It is always a good idea to contact your credit card company before travelling to a new country. This is especially true for a place like Antigua and Barbuda, where credit and debit card fraud is known to occur. By letting your credit card company know that you will be travelling abroad, you can avoid any issues with your card being unexpectedly frozen due to suspicious activity.

When you contact your credit card company, be sure to ask about any international transaction fees or other charges that may apply to your purchases in Antigua and Barbuda. It is also a good idea to confirm the contact information for your credit card company's fraud department, so you know who to call if you need to report a lost or stolen card.

In addition to contacting your credit card company, there are several other steps you can take to protect yourself from fraud when using your credit card in Antigua and Barbuda. When using your card, be sure to cover the keypad with your hand to prevent onlookers from seeing your PIN. Avoid using card readers that look irregular or unusual, and only use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business. Check your account statements regularly for any unauthorized transactions.

It is also worth noting that US dollars are widely accepted in Antigua and Barbuda, and you may find that some merchants attempt to take advantage of this by quoting prices in US dollars and then converting them to Eastern Caribbean dollars (the local currency) at unfavourable rates. To avoid this, you may want to carry some US cash and use it to pay for purchases in US dollars. This will also help you avoid the higher exchange rates that some restaurants and bars may charge when paying by credit card.

Finally, be aware that credit cards may not be accepted at all establishments, especially smaller ones in rural areas. So, it is always a good idea to carry some cash with you as well.

US currency is accepted at an exchange rate of around 1:2.6/2.7

The official currency of Antigua and Barbuda is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), which is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of EC$2.60-EC$2.70 per US$1.00. This means that US currency is widely accepted across the islands, with many businesses and merchants accepting both currencies interchangeably.

When paying in US dollars, it is important to be aware of the exchange rate to ensure you are not overcharged. The rate is generally around US$1.00 = EC$2.60-EC$2.70, but some businesses may offer less favourable rates. For example, a beach bar may charge 6 XCD for a beer, but the equivalent in USD may be quoted as 3 USD, which is a less favourable rate. Therefore, it is recommended to do a quick mental calculation and pay in the currency that offers the best value.

If you receive change in XCD after paying in USD, don't worry—this is a common occurrence. However, if you prefer to have XCD, you can easily exchange USD for XCD at any bank in Antigua or withdraw local currency from an ATM that accepts your card. It is worth noting that you cannot withdraw USD from ATMs in Antigua, so only withdraw as much as you plan to spend.

Using credit cards is also a convenient option, as they are generally accepted across the islands in businesses equipped to handle them. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, while American Express may be accepted at some higher-end establishments.

Most restaurants, bars and shops accept credit cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Antigua and Barbuda. Most restaurants, bars and shops will take credit cards, although it's always worth carrying some cash, too.

Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, with Visa being accepted at most beach bars and smaller restaurants. Mastercard is also widely accepted, and you'll be able to use it at many ATMs. American Express (Amex) is accepted at some higher-end restaurants, but it's best to check with the individual merchant before you go ahead as processing charges are much higher for merchants.

If you're planning on using your credit card, it's a good idea to let your bank know in advance to avoid any restrictions. It's also worth noting that some ATMs will only accept a four-digit PIN, so you may need to change your PIN before you travel.

The official currency in Antigua and Barbuda is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$ or XCD), which is fixed to the US dollar. The exchange rate is usually around US$1.00 = EC$2.65, but this can vary depending on where you exchange your money. Many establishments will also accept US dollars, although you may get your change in EC$.

Frequently asked questions