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B&Q will now accept American Express cards

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Just in time for a Bank Holiday weekend full of DIY, American Express has announced that B&Q will now accept its cards.

A reader tipped us off about this last week after seeing a sign in his local store, but forgot to take a photograph. Rhys and I both headed down to our respective local B&Q stores looking for evidence but couldn’t find any. The rumours were true, however.

For years, B&Q was the company we always mentioned as the exception when discussing ‘who accepts American Express?’. If you were ultra-dedicated, you would go to Tesco or another retailer to buy B&Q gift cards with your American Express card, but this wasn’t exactly ideal or practical for most people.

I’m not sure who the biggest hold-out is now. Aldi and Lidl both take American Express. Costa Coffee seems to have pulled back from its decision to stop taking American Express this month, as the ‘no more Amex’ signs quietly disappeared.

For clarity, I am not sure of the exact day that this kicks in. It will definitely be in place before the Bank Holiday weekend but it might not be working today.

Based on what we’ve seen when Amex has brought other major partners on board, we may see a cashback offer popping up to encourage cardholders to visit and to show B&Q it is getting a return on its investment.

If you will now spend more time in B&Q, remember to join B&Q Club. You receive reward vouchers based on your spending and all new members receive a £5 discount voucher, valid on a £30 purchase.

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Category

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Comments (129)

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

  • Craig says:
    18 May18 May 19:05

    After trying two Amex and Apple Pay taking a photo was the last thing on my mind!

  • Colin Kelso says:
    18 May18 May 19:22

    Does anyone know about B&Q online? I know Wickes accept in store, but not online.

  • Tigbox says:
    18 May18 May 20:05

    Use PayPal linked to Amex

  • Travel Strong says:
    18 May18 May 20:27

    For the DIY store enthusiasts – don’t forget to ask friends in the trade about trade discount if you haven’t wrangled a card for yourself already!

    B&Q trade card gives a flat 5% or 10% off everything depending on spend in previous period. Wickes gives a flat 10% off everything.
    AND both of these stack with discounted vouchers, whether from supermarkets or Perks at work.

    Turns out being able to wire a plug is useful for something after all! 😉

    • Sam says:
      18 May18 May 21:29

      I wonder how strict are they at B&Q for the trade discount as some of the Wickes stores are pretty straight about their 10%.

      • Sloth says:
        18 May18 May 22:47

        The one in Wandsworth was always pretty lax but it’s been knocked down now to build more flats. A bit ironic

    • Andrew says:
      19 May19 May 10:16

      Or your mates who work for a Merchanting company.

      Cost +4% “staff rates” made a massive difference on the build of an extension when I did 6 months maternity cover at a builder’s merchant.

    • kevbar says:
      19 May19 May 11:24

      is this Trade Point? I have an account which always seems to be 0% discount on anything I want to buy, and often find the B&Q club is cheaper, or take my Mum to buy stuff on Wednesdays 🙂

      Generally find Screwfix much better anyway, even though same ownership. Paypal refunds are a pain though

  • Chrisasaurus says:
    18 May18 May 20:41

    Sorrry if already mentioned but didn’t Homebase go the other way and stop accepting Amex?

  • Anna says:
    18 May18 May 21:13

    I can’t believe this but my OH who goes to B & Q at least once a week did not know about the B & Q club! HFP enriches our lives in so many ways 😃

    • Sam says:
      18 May18 May 21:28

      Yes they never advertise the B&Q club at all until I downloaded their app. Pretty sure a lot of DIYer don’t actually know there is such thing that exists.

    • Dave says:
      18 May18 May 21:41

      I know! And you found out recently that you dont get the sign up bonuses on supplemental cards. Truely is a great place!

    • Chris Heyes says:
      18 May18 May 22:26

      Anna and if you know anyone who works at B & Q 25% off shusss

  • Vit says:
    18 May18 May 21:49

    Thanks Rob. Not aware of this at all as been away from B&Q for a few weeks now since “finished” up with my current DIY. But another renovation project is coming up. Great news indeed!

  • Nick says:
    18 May18 May 21:55

    Would be very interesting to know how much Amex had to cut from their rates at the last minute to get Costa to stay. And offer B&Q to get them to join – they’ve long been embarrassed about them being the last major retailer not to accept it – so you can bet they cut a good deal. Wouldn’t surprise me if other merchants started playing hardball as well.

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

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