American Express#Publishing

File:American Express Company 1865.JPG

In 1850, American Express was started as a freight forwarding company in Buffalo, New York.{{cite web|title=Our History|url=https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/company/who-we-are/|publisher=American Express Co.|quote=We began as a freight forwarding company in 1850, earning a reputation as a company people could trust while transporting some of their most valuable possessions.}} It was founded as a joint-stock corporation by the merger of the cash-in-transit companies owned by Henry Wells (Wells & Company), William G. Fargo (Livingston, Fargo & Company), and John Warren Butterfield (Wells, Butterfield & Company, the successor earlier in 1850 of Butterfield, Wasson & Company). Wells and Fargo also started Wells Fargo & Co. in 1852 when Butterfield and other directors objected to the proposal that American Express extend its operations to California.

American Express initially established its headquarters in a building at the intersection of Jay Street and Hudson Street in what was later called the Tribeca section of Manhattan. For years it enjoyed a virtual monopoly on the movement of express shipments (goods, securities, currency, etc.) throughout New York State. In 1874, American Express moved its headquarters to 65 Broadway in what was becoming the Financial District of Manhattan, a location it was to retain through two buildings.{{cite book |last=Jackson|first=Kenneth T. |date=1995|title=The Encyclopedia of New York City |location=Connecticut, USA |publisher=Yale University Press |page=23}}File:Amer express dog 1890.jpgIn 1854, the American Express Co. purchased a lot on Vesey Street in New York City as the site for its stables. The company's first New York headquarters was an 1858 marble Italianate palazzo at 55–61 Hudson Street, which had a busy freight depot on the ground story with a spur line from the Hudson River Railroad. A stable was constructed in 1867, five blocks north at 4–8 Hubert Street. The company prospered sufficiently that headquarters were moved in 1874 from the wholesale shipping district to the budding Financial District and into rented offices in two five-story brownstone commercial buildings at 63 and 65 Broadway that were owned by the Harmony family.{{cite web|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/reports/amerexpress.pdf|title=December 12, 1995, Designation List 269; LP-1932|date=n.d.|publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation CommissionNew York City Landmarks Preservation Commissionurl-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020225802/http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/reports/amerexpress.pdf |archive-date=October 20, 2013 }}

In 1880, American Express built a new warehouse behind the Broadway Building at 46 Trinity Place. The designer is unknown, but it has a façade of brick arches that are reminiscent of pre-skyscraper New York. American Express has long been out of this building, but it still bears a terracotta seal with the American Express Eagle.{{cite book|last1=White|first1=Norval|last2=Willensky|first2=Elliot|title=AIA Guide to New York City|edition=4|chapter=New York|publisher=Crown Publishers/Random House|date=2000|isbn=0-8129-3107-6}}{{rp|23}} In 1890–91 the company constructed a new ten-story building by Edward H. Kendall on the site of its former headquarters on Hudson Street. By 1903, the company had assets of some $28 million, second only to the National City Bank of New York among financial institutions in the city. To reflect this, the company purchased the Broadway buildings and site.

At the end of the Wells-Fargo reign in 1914, an aggressive new president, George Chadbourne Taylor (1868–1923), who had worked his way up through the company over the previous thirty years, decided to build a new headquarters. The old buildings, dubbed by The New York Times as "among the ancient landmarks" of lower Broadway, were inadequate for such a rapidly expanding concern.

After some delays due to the First World War, the 21-story neo-classical American Express Co. Building was constructed in 1916–17 to the design of James L. Aspinwall, of the firm of Renwick, Aspinwall & Tucker, the successor to the architectural practice of James Renwick Jr. The building consolidated the two lots of the former buildings with a single address: 65 Broadway. This building was part of the "Express Row" section of lower Broadway at the time. The building completed the continuous masonry wall of its block-front and assisted in transforming Broadway into the "canyon" of neo-classical masonry office towers familiar to this day.{{rp|22}} American Express sold this building in 1975, but retained travel services there. The building was also the headquarters over the years of other prominent firms, including investment bankers J.& W. Seligman & Co. (1940–74), the American Bureau of Shipping, a maritime concern (1977–86), and later J.J. Kenny, and Standard & Poor's, the latter of which renamed the building for itself.{{rp|22}}

American Express extended its reach nationwide by arranging affiliations with other express companies (including Wells Fargo – the replacement for the two former companies that merged to form American Express), railroads, and steamship companies. In 1857, American Express started its expansion in the area of financial services by launching a money order business to compete with the United States Post Office's money orders. Sometime between 1888 and 1890, J. C. Fargo took a trip to Europe and returned frustrated and infuriated. Despite the fact that he was president of American Express and that he carried with him traditional letters of credit, he found it difficult to obtain cash anywhere except in major cities. Fargo went to Marcellus Flemming Berry and asked him to create a better solution than the letter of credit. Berry introduced the American Express Traveler's Cheque which was launched in 1891 in denominations of $10, $20, $50, and $100.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,866900-7,00.html|title=Host With The Most|date=1959-04-09|magazine=Time|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616020709/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,866900-7,00.html |archive-date=June 16, 2010 }}

Traveler's cheques established American Express as a truly international company. In 1914, at the onset of World War I, American Express in Europe was among the few companies to honor the letters of credit (issued by various banks) held by Americans in Europe, because other financial institutions refused to assist these stranded travelers. The British government appointed American Express its official agent at the beginning of World War I. They were to deliver letters, money, and relief parcels to British prisoners of war. Their employees went into camps to cash drafts for both British and French prisoners and arranged for them to receive money from home. By the end of the war they were delivering 150 tonnes of parcels per day to prisoners in six countries.{{cite journal|last1=Barham|first1=Peter|title=The impact of the Great War in 1916.|journal=Great Eastern Journal|date=January 2016|issue=165|page=14}}

In 1915, American Express established a travel division and soon established its first travel agency.{{Cite web | url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1820872/000110465921146138/tm2134032d1_ex99-3.htm | title=Investor Presentation: Global Business Travel | via=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission | date=December 2021}} Albert K. Dawson was instrumental in expanding business operations overseas, even investing in tourist relations with the Soviet Union. During World War I, Dawson was a photographer and film correspondent with the German army.

File:Veel Amerikanen bij American Express Damrak om geld en dergelijke in te wisselen, Bestanddeelnr 924-8211.jpg

American Express was one of the monopolies that President Theodore Roosevelt had the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) investigate during his administration (1901–1909). The interest of the ICC was drawn to its strict control of the railroad express business. However, the solution did not come immediately to hand. The solution to this problem came as a coincidence to other problems during World War I. During the winter of 1917, the United States suffered a severe coal shortage and on December 26 President Woodrow Wilson commandeered the railroads on behalf of the United States government to move federal troops, their supplies, and coal. Treasury Secretary William Gibbs McAdoo was assigned the task of consolidating the railway lines for the war effort. All contracts between express companies and railroads were nullified and McAdoo proposed that all existing express companies be consolidated into a single company to serve the country's needs. This ended American Express's express business and removed them from the ICC's interest. The result was that a new company called the American Railway Express Agency formed in July 1918. The new entity took custody of all the pooled equipment and property of existing express companies (the largest share of which, 40%, came from American Express, who had owned the rights to the express business over {{convert|71280|mi|km}} of railroad lines, and had 10,000 offices, with over 30,000 employees).

American Express executives discussed the possibility of launching a travel charge card as early as 1946, but it was not until Diners Club launched a card in March 1950, that American Express began to seriously consider the possibility. At the end of 1957, under American Express CEO Ralph Reed the company entered the business and by the launch date of October 1, 1958, public interest had become so significant that 250,000 cards were issued prior to the official launch date.{{cite news| url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/clairetsosie/2016/08/29/what-the-first-credit-cards-were-like/| title=What The First Credit Cards Were Like| first=Claire| last=Tsosie| work=Forbes| date=August 29, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410133053/https://www.forbes.com/sites/clairetsosie/2016/08/29/what-the-first-credit-cards-were-like/| archive-date=April 10, 2017| url-status=live}} The card was launched with an annual fee of $6, $1 higher than Diners Club, to be seen as a premium product. The first cards were made of paper, with the account number and card member's name typed. In 1959, American Express became the first company to issue embossed plastic cards.{{cite web | url=https://postalmuseum.si.edu/exhibition/america%E2%80%99s-mailing-industry-industry-segments-financial-services-industry/american-express | title=American Express | work=National Postal Museum}}

In 1966, American Express introduced the Gold Card for "big-spending members".{{Cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/clairetsosie/2016/05/12/how-platinum-and-gold-credit-cards-lost-their-shine/ | title=How 'Platinum' And 'Gold' Credit Cards Lost Their Shine | first=Claire | last=Tsosie | work=Forbes | date=May 12, 2016}}{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/27/business/american-express-turns-to-its-core-customers-the-affluent.html | title=With Revamped Gold Cards, Bruised American Express Returns Focus to Affluent | first=Hilary | last=Stout | work=The New York Times | date=February 26, 2015 | url-access=limited | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205130404/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/27/business/american-express-turns-to-its-core-customers-the-affluent.html| archive-date=February 5, 2018| url-status=live}}

In 1977, James D. Robinson III became chairman and CEO of the company.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/31/us/american-express-chairman-quits-after-days-of-corporate-turmoil.html | title=American Express Chairman Quits After Days of Corporate Turmoil | first=Allen R. | last=Myerson | work=The New York Times | date=January 31, 1993 | url-access=limited}}

In 1979, American Express acquired 50% of the cable subsidiary of Warner Communications, forming Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment, for $175 million in cash and short-term notes.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/09/15/archives/american-express-and-warner-in-deal.html | title=American Express And Warner in Deal | agency=Associated Press | work=The New York Times | date=September 15, 1979 | url-access=limited}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1979/09/15/american-express-in-accord-to-buy-50-of-warners-cable-subsidiary/11c0c41b-76bd-4bb0-81e4-63cb22363f76/ | title=American Express in Accord to Buy 50% of Warner's Cable Subsidiary | first=William H. | last=Jones | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=September 15, 1979}} It owned two-thirds of MTV, Nickelodeon, and The Movie Channel. The venture was unprofitable, and, in 1985, Amex sold its 50% interest to Viacom for $450 million.{{Cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1985/08/10/warner-buys-all-stock-in-warner-amex/bc9e3fab-2a0e-40ab-b311-868eab50eedc/ | title=Warner Buys All Stock in Warner Amex | first=Nell | last=Henderson | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=August 10, 1985}}

In the 1980s, American Express embarked on an effort to become a financial services holding company and made several acquisitions, creating an investment banking arm. In mid-1981 it purchased Sanford I. Weill's Shearson Loeb Rhoades, the second-largest securities firm in the United States to form Shearson/American Express. Shearson Loeb Rhoades itself was the culmination of several mergers in the 1970s as Weill's Hayden, Stone & Co. merged with Shearson, Hammill & Co. in 1974,{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/05/29/archives/merger-of-hayden-stone-and-shearson-discussed-firms-say-deal-would.html |last=Kilborn |first=Peter |title=Merger of Hayden Stone And Shearson Discussed |work=The New York Times |date=May 29, 1974 | url-access=limited|issn=0362-4331}} to form Shearson Hayden Stone. Shearson Hayden Stone then merged with Loeb, Rhoades, Hornblower & Co. (formerly Loeb, Rhoades & Co.) to form Shearson Loeb Rhoades in 1979. With capital totaling $250 million at the time of its acquisition, Shearson Loeb Rhoades was the second-largest brokerage firm, behind Merrill Lynch.

After the purchase of Shearson, Weill was given the position of president of American Express in 1983. Weill grew increasingly unhappy with responsibilities within the company and his conflicts with CEO James D. Robinson III. Weill soon realized that he was not positioned to be named CEO and resigned in August 1985. In 1984, American Express acquired Lehman Brothers and added it to the Shearson family, creating Shearson Lehman/American Express. Lehman CEO and former trader Lewis Glucksman became CEO of Shearson Lehman/American Express.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/11/business/shearson-to-pay-360-million-to-acquire-lehman-brothers.html |last=Cole |first=Robert J.|title=SHEARSON TO PAY $360 MILLION TO ACQUIRE LEHMAN BROTHERS |work=The New York Times |date=April 11, 1984 | url-access=limited |issn=0362-4331}} In 1984, Shearson/American Express acquired Investors Diversified Services (IDS), bringing with it a fleet of financial advisors and investment products. In 1988, Shearson Lehman acquired the E.F. Hutton & Co., a brokerage firm that was merged with the investment banking business. The investment banking arm was renamed Shearson Lehman Hutton, Inc.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/03/business/shearson-reported-to-acquire-hutton-in-a-1-billion-deal.html |title=Shearson Reported To Acquire Hutton In a $1 Billion Deal |work=The New York Times |date=December 3, 1987 |first=Robert J. |last=Cole |access-date=February 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110012931/http://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/03/business/shearson-reported-to-acquire-hutton-in-a-1-billion-deal.html |archive-date=November 10, 2016 |url-status=live }}

In 1983, as part of Robinson's plan to expand into international banking of wealthy clients, Amex acquired Trade Development Bank of Geneva from Edmond Safra for US$550 million and Safra became a member of the board of directors of Amex.{{cite news | last=Evans | first=Richard | title=Safra's Private War with Amexco | url=https://www.euromoney.com/article/b1cyjpgmgvynhh/safras-private-war-with-amexco | work=Euromoney | date=February 1, 1988}} TDB executives were excluded from important company decisions and Safra unsuccessfully tried to repurchase the bank. Safra then opened a competing bank. In response, American Express launched an international smear campaign against Safra by inaccurately reporting to news and media outlets in that Safra was being investigated by the FBI for being involved in the Iran–Contra affair, along with drug trafficking and the mafia.{{cite book | last=Burrough | first=Bryan |title=Vendetta: American Express and the Smearing of Edmond Safra | year=1992 |publisher=HarperCollins | location=New York |isbn=0-06-016759-9 |page=101}} All of the accusations were confirmed to be false and led to the resignation of Harry L. Freeman, public relations chief of American Express, after admitting to the entire scandal. In July 1989, American Express publicly apologized to Edmond Safra and donated $8 million to the charity of his choice.{{cite news |last=Shapiro |first=T. Rees |title=Harry L. Freeman, American Express executive embroiled in unsavory investigation, dies at 79 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/harry-l-freeman-american-express-executive-embroiled-in-investigation-dies-at-79/2011/06/16/AGD63BaH_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=June 18, 2011}} In 1990, American Express sold its Swiss banking operations to Compagnie de Banque et d'Investissements, which led to the creation of Union Bancaire Privée (UBP).{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/12/29/business/american-express-to-sell-geneva-bank-for-1-billion.html | title=American Express to Sell Geneva Bank for $1 Billion | first=Kurt | last=Eichenwald | work=The New York Times | date=December 29, 1989 | url-access=limited}}

In 1984, Amex launched the Platinum Card, billed as an "ultra-exclusive" credit card with a $250 annual fee. It was offered by invitation only to American Express customers with at least two years of tenure, significant spending, and excellent payment history.{{Cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/courier-post-1984-platinum-card-amex/16835375/ | title=American Express Hopes Card Gives Classy Touch | first=Christopher | last=Lindsay | agency=Associated Press | work=Courier-Post |via=Newspapers.com | date=September 10, 1984}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/02/15/American-Express-moves-up-to-platinum/4904445669200/ | title=American Express moves up to platinum | work=United Press International | date=February 15, 1984}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/03/15/business/credit-crad-drives-wooing-the-affluent.html | title=Credit Card Drives Wooing the Affluent | first=Pamela G. |last=Hollie | work=The New York Times | date=March 15, 1984 | url-access=limited}}

In 1987, American Express introduced the Optima card, its first credit card product that did not have to be paid in full at the end of the month.{{Cite news | url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/03/09/American-Express-to-launch-Optima-card/9424025560441/ | title=American Express to launch 'Optima' card | work=United Press International | date=March 9, 1987}}{{cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-03-11-fi-9866-story.html | title=American Express introduced a new credit card | work=Los Angeles Times | date=March 11, 1987 | url-access=limited}}

In 1991, a group of restaurants in Boston, including some that were exclusive to Amex, stopped accepting American Express while accepting and encouraging the use of Visa and Mastercard.{{Cite news | url=https://www.aspendailynews.com/boston-fee-party-put-amex-in-its-place/article_33e8550d-57bb-5383-b6b3-2671897dcb93.html | title=Boston Fee Party put Amex in its place | first=Dave | last=Danforth | work=Aspen Daily News | date=February 21, 2015}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2010-10-21/american-express-courts-merchants-aims-to-avoid-boston-fee-party-repeat | title=AmEx Courts Merchants to Avoid 'Fee Party' Reprise | first=Peter | last=Eichenbaum | work=Bloomberg News | date=October 21, 2010 | url-access=subscription}}{{cite news | url=https://www.pymnts.com/news/2015/amex-ceo-says-company-was-arrogant-in-80s-and-90s/ | title=AmEx CEO Says Company Was 'Arrogant' In '80s and '90s | work=Pymnts.com | date=April 1, 2015}} The rationale was due to far lower fees as compared to American Express' fees at the time (which were about 4% for each transaction versus around 1.2% for Visa and Mastercard). The revolt, known as the "Boston Fee Party" (alluding to the Boston Tea Party), spread to over 250 restaurants across the United States, including restaurants in other cities such as New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Visa offered to pay the Fee Party's legal bills, and Discover Card was able to increase their acceptance among Boston restaurants by 375%. Kenneth Chenault, then head of Travel Related Services prior to becoming American Express CEO, cut fees to bring these restaurants back into the fold.{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2015-how-amex-lost-costco/ | title=How Bad Will It Get for American Express? | last1=Leonard | first1=Devin | last2=Dexheimer | first2=Elizabeth | work=Bloomberg News | date=October 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413071646/https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2015-how-amex-lost-costco |archive-date=April 13, 2017 | url-status=live}} American Express then shifted its focus from exclusivity to broadening acceptance, adding mainstream merchants like Walmart to the American Express network. American Express was, at the time, known for cutting its interchange fee to merchants and restaurants if they accepted only American Express and no other credit or charge cards.{{Cite book | last=Mandell | first=Lewis | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JWUgAQAAIAAJ&q=history+of+american+express | title=The Credit Card Industry: A History | date=1990 |publisher=Twayne Publishers | isbn=978-0-8057-9810-4 }} This prompted competitors such as Visa and Mastercard to file complaints as the tactics gave Amex exclusivity at restaurants. Capitalizing on this elitist image, American Express frequently mentioned such exclusive partnerships in its advertising.{{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeSnqSfRkgE |title=American Express Super Bowl XXV ad feat. Dana Carvey & Jon Lovitz – Travelling (1991) | via=YouTube |date=April 16, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323090235/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeSnqSfRkgE |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |url-status=live}} Aside from some holdouts including Neiman Marcus, which continued exclusivity until 2011, the practice largely ended in 1991.{{cite news

| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/13/news/more-restaurants-are-just-saying-no-to-american-express.html | title=More Restaurants Are Just Saying No to American Express | first=Leonard | last=Sloane | work=The New York Times |date=April 13, 1991}}

In April 1992, American Express spun off First Data in an initial public offering.{{cite web |title=History |url=https://www.fiserv.com/en/about-fiserv/our-history.html | work=Fiserv}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.americanbanker.com/payments/news/first-datas-expanding-universe | title=First Data's Expanding Universe | first=Burney | last=Simpson | work=American Banker | date=August 1, 2003}}

In 1993, Harvey Golub became CEO of American Express.{{Cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-01-26-fi-1902-story.html | title=Amex Job Shuffle Full of Surprises: Finance: Harvey Golub | work=Los Angeles Times | date=January 26, 1993 | url-access=limited}} That year, American Express negotiated the sale of Shearson's retail brokerage and investment management business to Primerica. The Shearson business was merged with Primerica's Smith Barney to create Smith Barney Shearson.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/10/business/shearson-name-may-disappear.html | title=Shearson Name may Disappear | work=The New York Times | agency=Bloomberg News |date=November 10, 1993 | url-access=limited| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110013647/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/10/business/shearson-name-may-disappear.html | archive-date=November 10, 2016 |url-status=live}}

In June 1994, American Express completed the spin-off of the remaining investment banking and institutional businesses as Lehman Brothers, ending its foray into the brokerage business.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/06/business/company-news-american-express-decides-to-cut-ties-with-lehman.html|title=American Express Decides To Cut Ties With Lehman | first=Alison Leigh | last=Cowan | work=The New York Times |date=April 6, 1994}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/01/business/company-news-american-express-finishes-lehman-brothers-spinoff.html | title=COMPANY NEWS; AMERICAN EXPRESS FINISHES LEHMAN BROTHERS SPINOFF | agency=Bloomberg News | work=The New York Times | date=June 1, 1994 | url-access=limited}}

In September 1994, the Optima True Grace card was introduced. The card was unique in that it offered a grace period on all purchases whether a balance was carried on the card or not, not charging interest on new purchases immediately for cards with unpaid balances.{{cite news |last=Kristof |first=Kathy M. |title=American Express Launches New Credit Card | work=Los Angeles Times |date=September 7, 1994 | url-access=limited |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-09-07-fi-35691-story.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413073208/http://articles.latimes.com/1994-09-07/business/fi-35691_1_grace-period |archive-date=April 13, 2017 |url-status=live }} The card was discontinued a few years later.

In 1998, Amex launched the Blue credit card, targeted at young adults, in the UK after testing it in other countries. The card had a smart chip and users were encouraged to pay bills and get information via the company website.{{cite news | url=https://www.marketingweek.com/amex-launches-blue-card-in-uk/ | title=Amex launches Blue Card in UK | work=Marketing Week | date=March 7, 1998}} It launched in the US in 1999.{{Cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-oct-08-fi-19931-story.html | title=American Express Slow to Deal Blue Card | work=Los Angeles Times | date=October 8, 1999 | url-access=limited}} A television media campaign for Blue adopted the 1979 UK Synthpop hit "Cars" by Gary Numan as its theme music.{{Cite news | url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=104500&page=1 | title=Gary Numan Hates, Loves His 'Cars' | work=ABC News | date=May 31, 2001}}

In 1999, American Express introduced the high-fee Centurion Card, often referred to as the "black card," which caters to an even more affluent customer segment. The card was initially available only to select users of the Platinum card. American Express created the card line amid rumors and urban legends in the 1980s that it produced an ultra-exclusive black card for elite users who could purchase anything with it.{{cite web | url=http://www.snopes.com/business/bank/blackcard.asp |last=Mikkelson |first=David | website=Snopes.com| title=Black American Express Card| date=December 6, 2006}}{{cite news | url=https://www.cnbc.com/select/what-is-a-black-card/ | title=Black credit cards are the ultimate status symbol — but what are they? | first=Megan | last=DeMatteo | work=CNBC | date=October 5, 2023}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/05/business/vicarious-consumption-beyond-the-glow-of-platinum.html | title=VICARIOUS CONSUMPTION; Beyond The Glow Of Platinum | first=Jane | last=Wolfe | work=The New York Times | date=December 5, 1999 | url-access=limited}}

In December 2000, American Express agreed to acquire the $226 million credit card portfolio of Bank of Hawaii, then a division of Pacific Century Financial Corporation{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2655/496201500004/filing-main.htm |title=American Express, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Jan 22, 2001 |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512082051/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2655/496201500004/filing-main.htm |archive-date=May 12, 2013 |url-status=live}} In January 2006, American Express sold its Bank of Hawaii card portfolio to Bank of America (MBNA).

Until 2004, Visa and Mastercard rules prohibited issuers of their cards from issuing American Express cards in the United States. This meant, as a practical matter, that U.S. banks could not issue American Express cards. These rules were struck down as a result of antitrust litigation brought by the United States Department of Justice.{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1342/95011704000966/filing-main.htm |title=American Express, Form 10-K, Annual Report, Filing Date Mar 12, 2004 |publisher=Securities and Exchange Commission |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512060014/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1342/95011704000966/filing-main.htm |archive-date=May 12, 2013 |url-status=live }} In January 2004, American Express reached a deal to have its cards issued by MBNA.{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1529/496204000044/filing-main.htm |title=American Express, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Feb 2, 2004 |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512044824/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1529/496204000044/filing-main.htm |archive-date=May 12, 2013 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/30/business/deal-to-let-mbna-issue-american-express-cards.html | title=Deal to Let MBNA Issue American Express Cards | first=Jennifer | last=Bayot | work=The New York Times | date=January 30, 2004 | url-access=limited}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.americanbanker.com/payments/news/behind-the-amex-mbna-deal | title=Behind the AmEx/MBNA Deal | work=American Banker | date=March 1, 2004}} Initially decried by Mastercard executives as nothing but an "experiment", the cards were issued beginning in October 2004.{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/06/business/company-news-mbna-issuing-american-express-credit-cards.html | title=COMPANY NEWS; MBNA ISSUING AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CARDS | first=Jennifer A. | last=Kingson | work=The New York Times | date=November 6, 2004 | url-access=limited}}{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2830/496205000012/filing-main.htm |title=American Express, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Jan 24, 2005 |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512061705/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2830/496205000012/filing-main.htm |archive-date=May 12, 2013 |url-status=live }} An agreement was reached regarding the acquisition of MBNA by Bank of America whereby Bank of America owned the customer loans and American Express processed the transactions. American Express dismissed Bank of America from its antitrust litigation against Visa, Mastercard, and other banks. The first card from the partnership, the Bank of America Rewards American Express card, was released on June 30, 2006.{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/39/496205000220/filing-main.htm |title=American Express, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Dec 23, 2005 |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512054046/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/39/496205000220/filing-main.htm |archive-date=May 12, 2013 |url-status=live }}

File:EMVCoContactlessIndicator.svg

In June 2005, American Express introduced ExpressPay, a contactless payment system based on wireless RFID.{{Cite press release | url=https://www.securetechalliance.org/american-express-begins-issuing-contactless-payment-cards-nationwide-and-signs-7-eleven-inc-as-newest-expresspay-merchant/ | title=American Express Begins Issuing Contactless Payment Cards Nationwide and Signs 7-Eleven, Inc. as Newest Expresspay Merchant | publisher=Secure Technology Alliance | date=June 6, 2005}} In July 2005, American Express issued the American Express Travelers Cheque Card, a stored-value card that serves the same purposes as a traveler's cheque, but can be used in stores like a credit card.{{Cite news | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2005-07-17-0507160089-story.html | title=AmEx offers an alternative to travelers checks | first=Ed | last=Perkins | work=Chicago Tribune | date=July 17, 2005 | url-access=limited}} Amex discontinued the card in October 2007.{{Cite news | url=https://www.numismaticnews.net/paper-money/coming-demise-travelers-checks | title=Coming demise of traveler's checks | work=Numismatic News | date=August 2, 2017}}

On September 30, 2005, American Express completed the corporate spin-off of its American Express Financial Advisors unit, Ameriprise Financial, to its shareholders and RSM McGladrey acquired American Express Tax & Business Services (TBS).{{cite web | url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/31/496205000212/filing-main.htm | title=American Express, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Oct 24, 2005 | publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512063829/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/31/496205000212/filing-main.htm | archive-date=May 12, 2013 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news | url=https://news.ambest.com/PR/PressContent.aspx?altsrc=1&refnum=10505 | title=A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Ameriprise and Its Subsidiaries | work=AM Best | date=June 21, 2006}}{{Cite press release | url=https://investors.hrblock.com/news-releases/news-release-details/hr-block-acquire-american-express-tax-and-business-services | title=H&R Block to Acquire American Express' Tax and Business Services Division and Combine It with RSM McGladrey | publisher=H&R Block | date=August 1, 2005}}

{{anchor|American Express Red}}In 2006, the UK division of American Express joined the Product Red coalition and issued a Red Card, donating with each purchase through The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to help African women and children with HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases.{{cite news| url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/american-express-launches-red-card-digital-campaign/544285 | title=American Express launches Red Card with digital campaign| first=Emma | last=Rig | work=Campaign| date=March 3, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206131435/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/american-express-launches-red-card-digital-campaign/544285| archive-date=February 6, 2018| url-status=live}}

In late 2007, the company announced the Plum Card for small business owners.{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2534/496207000049/filing-main.htm |title=American Express, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Oct 22, 2007 |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512043558/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2534/496207000049/filing-main.htm |archive-date=May 12, 2013 |url-status=live }}

In March 2008, American Express acquired the Corporate Payment Services business of General Electric, which primarily focused on providing purchasing card solutions for large global clients, for $1.1 billion in cash.{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/824/496208000005/filing-main.htm |title=American Express, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Mar 27, 2008 |publisher=Securities and Exchange Commission |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512050655/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/824/496208000005/filing-main.htm | archive-date=May 12, 2013 |url-status=live }} The transaction added V-Payment to its product portfolio. V-Payment enables a tightly controlled, single-use card number.

In March 2008, Standard Chartered Bank acquired American Express Bank Ltd, the international banking subsidiary of American Express for $823 million.{{cite press release | url=https://www.sc.com/global/av/ae-news-media-080304.pdf |title=Standard Chartered completes acquisition of American Express Bank for $823 million |publisher=Standard Chartered | date=March 3, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408082638/https://www.sc.com/vn/latest-news/03-08-completes-acquisition-of-american-express-bank/en/ | archive-date=April 8, 2017 | url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2528/496207000043/filing-main.htm |title=American Express, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Sep 18, 2007 | publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512071516/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2528/496207000043/filing-main.htm | archive-date=May 12, 2013 | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2007/sep/18/9| title=Standard Chartered buys American Express Bank | first=Andrew | last=Clark | work=The Guardian | date=September 18, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316210222/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2007/sep/18/9 | archive-date=March 16, 2017 | url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=https://www.sc.com/in/_documents/tools-utilities/ar_0607.pdf | title=Auditors' Report on the financial statements of Standard Chartered Bank – India Branches under Section 30 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, Page 7, Economic & Political Weekly EPW June 28, 2008 |publisher=Standard Chartered |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215223604/https://www.sc.com/in/_documents/tools-utilities/ar_0607.pdf | archive-date=December 15, 2013 |url-status=live }}

On November 10, 2008, during the 2008 financial crisis, the company received Federal Reserve System approval to convert to a bank holding company, making it eligible for government assistance under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).{{cite web| url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2714/0001104659-08-078273.pdf| title=American Express, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Dec 23, 2008| publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512070738/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2714/0001104659-08-078273.pdf | archive-date=May 12, 2013 | url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=American Express Gets Fed Approval to Convert to Bank | work=NPR | url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96844962 | date=November 11, 2008 | series=Morning Edition |first=Ari | last=Shapiro | author-link=Ari Shapiro |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205130124/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96844962 |archive-date=February 5, 2018 |url-status=live}} At that time, American Express had total consolidated assets of about $127 billion. In June 2009, $3.39 billion in TARP funds were repaid plus $74.4 million in dividend payments. In July 2009, the company ended its obligations under TARP by buying back $340 million in Treasury warrants.{{cite web| url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2182/496209000030/filing-main.htm| title=American Express, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Jul 29, 2009| publisher=Securities and Exchange Commission | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512074543/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2182/496209000030/filing-main.htm | archive-date=May 12, 2013| url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=8204825&page=1 | title=AmEx pays Treasury $340M to buy back stock warrants | work=ABC News | date=July 29, 2009}}{{cite web| title=AmEx gets out of TARP | url=https://money.cnn.com/2009/07/29/news/economy/american_express_tarp.reut/index.htm | work=CNN | date=July 29, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514205159/https://money.cnn.com/2009/07/29/news/economy/american_express_tarp.reut/index.htm| archive-date=May 14, 2011| url-status=live}} As part of the conversion, the company reduced or closed many business lines of credit.{{Cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123595172956305055 | title=Bruised AmEx Returns to Roots | first=Robin | last=Sidel | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=March 2, 2009 | url-access=subscription}}

In 2009, American Express introduced the ZYNC charge card, a white card targeting young adults.{{cite news| url=https://archive.nytimes.com/bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/08/american-express-zync-will-young-adults-want-a-charge-card/ | title=American Express Zync: Will Young Adults Want a Charge Card?| last=Lieber| first=Ron | work=The New York Times | date=December 8, 2009 | url-access=limited | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119060640/https://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/08/american-express-zync-will-young-adults-want-a-charge-card/| archive-date=January 19, 2018| url-status=live}} The card was later discontinued.

In November 2010, the UK division of American Express was cautioned by the Office of Fair Trading for the use of controversial charging orders against those in debt. The company was one of four companies who were allegedly encouraging customers to turn their unsecured credit card debts into a form of secured debt.{{cite news | title=OFT Warns Credit Card Providers Off 'Charging Orders'| url=https://www.choose.co.uk/news/oft-warns-against-charging-orders.html| publisher=Choose | date=November 10, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302053525/http://www.choose.net/money/guide/news/oft-warns-against-charging-orders.html| archive-date=March 2, 2012| url-status=live}}

In November 2011, Neiman Marcus, which gave general-purpose card exclusivity to American Express since the 1980s, began accepting cards using the Visa and Mastercard payment networks.{{cite news| url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204505304577000103355671444| title=Hoity-Toity to Hoi Polloi: Neiman Takes More Plastic | last=Mattioli | first=Dana | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=October 27, 2011 | url-access=subscription}}{{Cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/neiman-marcus-stores-to-accept-visa-and-mastercard-nationwide-132689823.html | title=Neiman Marcus Stores to Accept Visa and MasterCard Nationwide | publisher=PR Newswire | date=October 27, 2011}} In 2011, Amex launched the Blue Cash Preferred Card credit card.{{Cite press release | url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190502005280/en/American-Express%C2%AE-Unveils-the-Refreshed-Blue-Cash-Preferred%C2%AE-Card-Offering-Rich-New-Benefits-for-Card-Members-to-Further-%E2%80%9CElevate-Their-Every-Day%E2%80%9D | title=American Express® Unveils the Refreshed Blue Cash Preferred® Card, Offering Rich New Benefits for Card Members to Further "Elevate Their Every Day" | publisher=Business Wire | date=May 2, 2019}}

In October 2012, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) required three American Express subsidiaries to refund an estimated $85 million to approximately 250,000 customers for illegal card practices between 2003 and 2012. Allegations included that American Express made misleading statements regarding signup bonuses, charged unlawful late fees, discriminated against applicants due to age, and failed to report consumer complaints to regulators.{{cite press release| url=https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-orders-american-express-to-pay-85-million-refund-to-consumers-harmed-by-illegal-credit-card-practices/ | title=CFPB Orders American Express to Pay $85 Million Refund to Consumers Harmed by Illegal Credit Card Practices| publisher=Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)| date=October 1, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413074426/https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-orders-american-express-to-pay-85-million-refund-to-consumers-harmed-by-illegal-credit-card-practices/| archive-date=April 13, 2017| url-status=live}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/02/business/american-express-to-refund-85-million.html | title=American Express Says It Will Refund $85 Million | first=Jessica | last=Silver-Greenberg | work=The New York Times | date=October 2, 2012 | url-access=limited}} Also in October 2012, American Express and Walmart announced the launch of Bluebird, a prepaid debit card with roadside assistance and identity theft protection that can also be used as a substitute for a traditional transactional account whereby users can have payments deposited to the account and have insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.{{cite news | url=https://money.cnn.com/2012/10/08/pf/walmart-american-express-bluebird/ | title=Wal-Mart and American Express launch new prepaid card | first=Emily Jane | last=Fox | work=CNN | date=October 8, 2012}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/halahtouryalai/2012/10/08/walmart-targets-unhappy-bank-customers-should-big-banks-be-nervous/ | title=Walmart Targets Unhappy Bank Customers With New Prepaid Card--Should Big Banks Be Nervous? | first=Halah | last=Touryalai | work=Forbes | date=October 8, 2012 | url-access=limited}}{{cite news |last=Kopecki | first=Dawn | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-03-26/amex-bluebird-customers-get-fdic-backing-check-writing-feature | title=AmEx Bluebird Customers Get FDIC Backing, Can Write Checks | work=Bloomberg News | date=March 26, 2013 | url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108053845/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-26/amex-bluebird-customers-get-fdic-backing-check-writing-feature.html |archive-date=November 8, 2013 |url-status=live}}

In October 2013, Amex sold most of its publications: Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, Executive Travel, Black Ink, and Departures magazines, to Time Inc.{{cite news| title=Media It's Official: Time Inc. Buys AmEx's Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure Magazines| url=https://adage.com/article/media/time-buys-amex-s-food-wine-travel-leisure/244065 | work=Advertising Age | date=September 10, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012104625/http://adage.com/article/media/time-buys-amex-s-food-wine-travel-leisure/244065/| archive-date=October 12, 2013| url-status=live}} Time restructured the publications, which are now owned by Dotdash Meredith.{{cite journal| url=http://www.wwd.com/media-news/fashion-memopad/time-inc-lays-out-restructuring-7407860?src=nl/mornReport/20140205| title=Time Inc. Lays Out Restructuring| journal=Women's Wear Daily| last=Steigrad | first=Alexandra | date=February 5, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140215035949/http://www.wwd.com/media-news/fashion-memopad/time-inc-lays-out-restructuring-7407860?src=nl%2FmornReport%2F20140205 | archive-date=February 15, 2014| url-status=live}}

File:Entrance to American Express Centurion Lounge at JFK NYC airport (2022).jpg at JFK NYC airport (2022)]]

In 2013, the company opened its first airport lounge, offering access to certain cardmembers.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ericrosen/2018/01/16/american-express-centurion-lounge-new-york-jfk/|title=New American Express Centurion Lounge Will Open At New York JFK Airport |work=Forbes | first=Eric | last=Rosen |date=January 16, 2018}}

In March 2014, American Express announced the corporate spin-off its corporate travel business as American Express Global Business Travel and the sale of 50% of the business to an investor group led by Certares LP for $900 million.{{Cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/samanthasharf/2014/03/17/american-express-to-spin-off-business-travel-division/ | title=American Express To Spin Off Business Travel Division Into Joint Venture | first=Samantha | last=Sharf | work=Forbes | date=March 17, 2014 | url-access=limited}}{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-mo-american-express-travel-20140317-story.html |title=American Express sells half its business travel division | first=Hugo | last=Martin | work=Los Angeles Times |date=March 17, 2014 | url-access=limited}}

Effective in 2016 in the United States, and in 2015 in Canada, Costco ended its relationship with Amex that had provided co-branded Costco membership cards since 2004. The cards issued by Costco in the United States were an extension of an exclusive deal between Costco and American Express dating from 1999. Costco was the last major US merchant that accepted American Express cards exclusively. Costco's Canadian stores ended its exclusive deal with American Express in January 2015, in favor of one with Capital One and Mastercard.{{cite news | url=https://financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/costco-canada-american-express| last1=Schecter| first1=Barbara | last2=Leong | first2=Melissa | title=Costco to stop accepting American Express cards in Canada, switches to Capital One and Mastercard | work=Financial Post | date=September 18, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103213312/http://business.financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/costco-canada-american-express| archive-date=January 3, 2018| url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/capital-one-said-to-replace-amex-as-costcos-canada-card-issuer/article20665637/| title=Costco Canada switches to MasterCard from AmEx | first=Marina | last=Strauss | newspaper=The Globe and Mail | date=September 18, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516160940/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/capital-one-said-to-replace-amex-as-costcos-canada-card-issuer/article20665637/| archive-date=May 16, 2017| url-status=live}} Citigroup became the exclusive issuer of Costco's credit cards and Visa replaced American Express as the exclusive credit card accepted at Costco's stores in the United States.{{cite news | newspaper=San Antonio Express-News | url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/business/national/article/What-to-expect-from-Costco-s-new-deal-with-Visa-6119462.php | title=What to Expect From Costco's New Deal With Visa | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201221834/http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/national/article/What-to-expect-from-Costco-s-new-deal-with-Visa-6119462.php| archive-date=February 1, 2016| url-status=live}}{{cite news| url=https://latimes.com/business/la-fi-costco-visa-20150302-story.html| title=Costco names Citi, Visa as new credit card partners after AmEx deal ends| work=Los Angeles Times| date=March 2, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703133135/http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-costco-visa-20150302-story.html| archive-date=July 3, 2015| url-status=live}} All TrueEarnings card accounts and balances held by American Express were sold to Citigroup, and new Costco Anywhere Visa cards were sent to Costco members prior to the switch date. The Costco partnership represented 8%, or $80 billion, of American Express' billed business and about 20%, or about $14 billion, of its interest-bearing credit portfolio. The impact of losing the Costco card accounts was significant; in the first quarter without Costco cards, company profit dropped 10% and revenue dropped 5% compared to the previous year.{{cite news | url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2016/10/21/costco-american-express-citigroup-credit-card.html| title=The Costco effect: How American Express is faring after losing co-branded credit cards | first=Coral | last=Garnick | work=American City Business Journals | date=October 21, 2016| url-access=subscription | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316204246/http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2016/10/21/costco-american-express-citigroup-credit-card.html| archive-date=March 16, 2017| url-status=live}}

On March 1, 2017, ANZ announced that it was no longer issuing American Express cards, with them phased out entirely by August 5, 2017.{{cite web| url=https://www.ausbt.com.au/anz-stops-issuing-american-express-credit-cards | title=ANZ stops issuing American Express credit cards| work=Australian Business Traveller| first=Chris| last=Chamberlin| date=March 1, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205184349/https://www.ausbt.com.au/anz-stops-issuing-american-express-credit-cards | archive-date=February 5, 2018| url-status=live}} In October 2017, American Express established a joint venture company, LianTong ({{Lang|zh|连通}}), in China to operate its payment card brand locally. In June 2020, it obtained a local bank card clearing business license in China.{{Cite news |author1=吴雨 |date=2018-11-09 |title=央行审查通过连通公司银行卡清算机构筹备申请 |publisher=新华网 |agency=新华社 |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/fortune/2018-11/09/c_1123691468.htm |access-date=2019-07-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109143947/http://www.xinhuanet.com/fortune/2018-11/09/c_1123691468.htm |archive-date=2018-11-09 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=2020-06-15 |title=央行:向连通公司核发银行卡清算业务许可证 |url=https://finance.sina.com.cn/money/bank/bank_hydt/2020-06-15/doc-iircuyvi8498527.shtml |access-date=2020-08-06 |work=金融时报 |via=新浪财经综合}}

In a court case Ohio v. American Express Co. (2018), merchants filed a class action lawsuit against American Express and claimed that charging high fees to merchants is a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.{{Cite journal | title=No Market Power Needed In 2nd Circ. Vertical Restraint Cases | url=https://www.law360.com/articles/544885/no-market-power-needed-in-2nd-circ-vertical-restraint-cases | journal=Law360 | date=June 5, 2014 | url-access=subscription | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714164229/http://www.law360.com/articles/544885/no-market-power-needed-in-2nd-circ-vertical-restraint-cases | archive-date=July 14, 2014 | url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2014/06/19/five-questions-with-john-godwin.html |title=Five questions with... John Godwin |last=Petro |first=Michael |date=June 19, 2014 | work=American City Business Journals | url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715044638/http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/blog/buffalo-law-journal/2014/06/five-questions-with-john-godwin.html |archive-date=July 15, 2014}} According to the lawsuit, American Express charges significantly higher fees than other credit card providers.{{cite news | last=Frankel | first=Matthew |date=June 16, 2014 |title=Here's Why American Express Can Charge More Than Visa or MasterCard | url=https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/06/16/heres-why-american-express-can-charge-more-than-vi.aspx | url-status=live | work=The Motley Fool | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015202816/https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/06/16/heres-why-american-express-can-charge-more-than-vi.aspx |archive-date=October 15, 2017}}{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-antitrust-amex-idUSBREA460QI20140507 | last=Longstreth | first=Andrew | title=U.S. judge: Government's antitrust suit vs AmEx may proceed | work=Reuters |date=May 7, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924200555/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/07/us-usa-antitrust-amex-idUSBREA460QI20140507 |archive-date=September 24, 2015}} In January 2017, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court ruling that American Express could block merchants that accept its cards from steering customers to other cards, like those offered by Visa and Mastercard.{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-american-express-antitrust/u-s-loses-bid-to-overturn-amex-antitrust-decision-idUSKBN14P2JE | last=Stempel | first=Jonathan | title=U.S. loses bid to overturn AmEx antitrust decision | work=Reuters | date=January 15, 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020084400/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-american-express-antitrust/u-s-loses-bid-to-overturn-amex-antitrust-decision-idUSKBN14P2JE |archive-date=October 20, 2017}} In June 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed the 2nd Circuit's ruling.{{cite court|litigants=Ohio v. American Express Co. |court=U.S.|vol=585 |opinion=16-1454 |date=June 25, 2018 |url=https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/17pdf/16-1454_5h26.pdf}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.ropesgray.com/en/insights/alerts/2018/06/supreme-courts-decision-in-amex-summary-and-potential-implications | title=Supreme Court's Decision in Amex: Summary and Potential Implications | work=Ropes & Gray | date=June 26, 2018}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/25/us/politics/supreme-court-american-express-fees.html | title=Supreme Court Sides With American Express on Merchant Fees | first=Adam | last=Liptak | work=The New York Times | date=June 25, 2018 | url-access=limited}}

In 2018, the Gold Card was converted to a credit card for UK residents, but remains a charge card in the US.{{Cite web |url=https://www.which.co.uk/news/2018/04/american-express-launches-new-reward-credit-card/ |title=American Express launches new reward credit card|date=April 30, 2018 |website=Which? |archive-date=2021-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808003509/https://www.which.co.uk/news/2018/04/american-express-launches-new-reward-credit-card/}}{{Cite web |url=https://thriftypoints.com/american-express-preferred-rewards-gold-card/ |title=Amex Gold Card - American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card Review UK |date=2019-03-05 |website=Thrifty Points |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421143905/https://thriftypoints.com/american-express-preferred-rewards-gold-card/ |archive-date=April 21, 2019|url-status=live}}

In March 2019, American Express acquired LoungeBuddy, a provider which offers pay-per-use access to select airport lounges worldwide.{{cite news |last1=Liddington-Cox |first1=Alexander |title=Aussie entrepreneur's airline lounge app is snapped up by American Express |url=https://www.businessinsider.com.au/american-express-snaps-up-aussie-entrepreneurs-airline-lounge-app-2019-3 |work=Business Insider |date=14 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103234616/https://www.businessinsider.com.au/american-express-snaps-up-aussie-entrepreneurs-airline-lounge-app-2019-3 |archive-date=November 3, 2019 }} Also in March 2019, Amex reduced its presence in the European Union, due to changes to the EU's banking regulations.{{cite news|title=FINANCE: Amex says goodbye to Cyprus and Europe|url=https://www.financialmirror.com/2019/03/29/finance-amex-says-goodbye-to-cyprus-and-europe/|work=Financial Mirror |date=29 March 2019}} In July 2019, Amex acquired Acompay, a digital payment automation platform.{{Cite press release | url=https://acom.com/acom-solutions-american-express-acquisition/ | title=American Express Expands Suite of Global Business Payment Capabilities Through Acquisition of acompay | work=Acom Solutions | date=August 1, 2019}} In September 2019, Pedestrian Group acquired American Express Openair Cinemas, which facilitated outdoor showings of films at 10 locations in Australia and New Zealand and was operated by Fairfax Events.{{Cite news | url=https://mumbrella.com.au/pedestrian-group-acquires-american-express-openair-cinemas-596283 | title=Pedestrian Group acquires American Express Openair Cinemas | first=HANNAH | last=BLACKISTON | work=Mumbrella | date=September 2, 2019}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/pedestrian-goes-to-the-movies-acquires-open-air-cinemas/ | title=Pedestrian goes to the movies: Acquires Open Air Cinemas | work=Mediaweek | date=September 3, 2019}}

In 2020, American Express acquired Kabbage.{{cite press release | url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200817005350/en/American-Express-to-Acquire-Kabbage | title=American Express to Acquire Kabbage | publisher=Business Wire | date=August 17, 2020}}{{Cite news | url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/08/17/amex-acquires-softbank-backed-kabbage-after-tough-2020-for-the-smb-lender/ | title=Amex acquires SoftBank-backed Kabbage after tough 2020 for the SMB lender | first=Ingrid | last=Lunden | work=TechCrunch | date=August 17, 2020}}{{Cite news | first1=Kiah | last1=Treece | first2=Jordan | last2=Tarver | title=Kabbage Business Loans Review 2022 | url=https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business-loans/kabbage-review |work=Forbes | date=February 21, 2022}}{{cite news | url=https://www.americanbanker.com/news/why-amex-is-buying-kabbage | title=Why Amex is buying Kabbage | first=Penny | last=Crosman | work=American Banker | date=August 18, 2020}} In June 2021, the company's first checking account for small businesses, Kabbage Checking, was launched. American Express also offers credit lines of $1,000 to $150,000 for small businesses, using Kabbage's automated underwriting software.{{Cite news | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/14/small-business-bank-account-american-express-puts-kabbage-acquisition-to-work-with-first-checking-account.html |title=American Express puts Kabbage acquisition to work with card company's first checking account | last=Son | first=Hugh | work=CNBC | date=June 14, 2021}}{{Cite press release | url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211208005617/en/Kabbage%C2%AE-from-American-Express-Launches-Kabbage-Funding%E2%84%A2-to-Help-Simplify-Funding-for-U.S.-Small-Businesses | title=Kabbage® from American Express Launches Kabbage Funding™ to Help Simplify Funding for U.S. Small Businesses | publisher=Business Wire | date=December 8, 2021}} In January 2023, the Kabbage brand was renamed American Express Business Blueprint.{{Cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/american-express-launches-products-for-small-businesses/2023/01/31/461c65cc-a167-11ed-8b47-9863fda8e494_story.html | title=American Express launches products for small businesses | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=January 31, 2023}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-loans/new-enhancements-to-amex-business-blueprint/ | title=All-New Enhancements To American Express Business Blueprint Program | first=Kennedy | last=Edgerton | work=Forbes | date=September 29, 2023}}

In January 2021, the United States Department of the Treasury, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Federal Reserve launched an investigation into whether the company had misled potential corporate customers and used aggressive tactics while selling American Express cards in 2015 and 2016.{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/federal-investigators-probing-amex-card-sales-practices-11610039815 | title=Federal Investigators Probing AmEx Card Sales Practices | last=Andriotis | first=AnnaMaria | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=January 7, 2021 | url-access=subscription}}{{cite news | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/07/american-express-shares-dip-on-report-that-investigators-are-probing-sales-practices.html |title=American Express shares dip on report that federal investigators are probing sales practices |last=Son |first=Hugh |work=CNBC |date=January 7, 2021}} In October 2021, Amex launched full-service business checking for small and mid-sized businesses under the American Express brand.{{Cite press release | url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211028005659/en/American-Express%C2%AE-Launches-New-Fully-Digital-Business-Checking-Account-for-U.S.-Small-and-Mid-Sized-Businesses-with-First-Ever-Amex-Issued-Debit-Card | title=American Express® Launches New Fully Digital Business Checking Account for U.S. Small and Mid-Sized Businesses, with First-Ever Amex-Issued Debit Card | publisher=Business Wire | date=October 28, 2021}}

In March 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and related sanctions, American Express suspended all operations in Russia and Belarus.{{cite news | url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/06/business/american-express-russia/index.html | title=American Express suspends operations in Russia and Belarus | last=Maruf | first=Ramishah | work=CNN | date=March 6, 2022}}

In July 2023, Amex agreed to pay $15 million to the US Treasury to settle an investigation accusing the company of failing to govern and oversee a third-party affiliate and for violation of regulations in efforts to retain small business customers.{{Cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-jones-07-25-2023/card/american-express-to-pay-15-million-over-business-card-sales-practices-YfvAFd4UlBqvoNWBYRp5 | title=American Express to Pay $15 Million Over Business Card Sales Practices | first=AnnaMaria | last=Andriotis | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=July 25, 2023 | url-access=subscription}}{{cite press release | url=https://www.occ.treas.gov/news-issuances/news-releases/2023/nr-occ-2023-78.html | title=OCC Assesses $15 Million Civil Money Penalty Against American Express National Bank Related to Bank's Governance and Oversight of Third-Party Affiliate | publisher=Office of the Comptroller of the Currency | date=July 25, 2023}} Net income for 2023 was $8.4 billion, 14% higher than expected.{{Cite web|language=en|url=https://www.stocktitan.net/news/AXP/american-express-announces-record-full-year-2023-revenue-of-60-5-bqbzhxbysxfn.html|title=American Express Announces Record Full-Year 2023 Revenue of $60.5 Billion, Up 14% on a Reported Basis and 15% on an FX-Adjusted Basis|website=Stock Titan|date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=2024-02-27|archive-date=2024-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228000303/https://www.stocktitan.net/news/AXP/american-express-announces-record-full-year-2023-revenue-of-60-5-bqbzhxbysxfn.html}} Also in 2023, the company undertook a restructuring, costing up to $277 million.{{Cite web|language=en|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/amexs-cumulative-restructuring-cost-277-mln-2023-2024-02-09/|title=American Express' cumulative restructuring cost at $277 million in 2023|website=Reuters|access-date=2024-02-27|archive-date=2024-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228000919/https://www.reuters.com/business/amexs-cumulative-restructuring-cost-277-mln-2023-2024-02-09/}}

In June 2024, Amex acquired Tock, a restaurant reservation platform, further expanding its portfolio in dining reservations following its earlier acquisition of Resy.{{Cite web |last=Wack |first=Christ |date=June 21, 2024 |title=American Express Buying Reservation Company Tock for $400 Mln in Cash |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/american-express-buying-reservation-company-tock-for-400-mln-in-cash-30b29046?mod=investing}}[https://www.eater.com/24183263/reservations-systems-explained-tock-resy-opentable-yelp As American Express Acquires Tock, Who's Winning the Reservation Wars?]

In January 2025, American Express announced that it will pay about $230 million to settle U.S. criminal and civil probes into alleged deceptive practices in selling credit card and wire transfer products to small business customers. The company has agreed to pay $138.4 million, which includes about $108 million in fines, and entered a non-prosecution agreement to end criminal and civil probes by the U.S. Department of Justice.{{Cite news |date=January 17, 2025 |title=American Express to pay $230 million to settle US charges over deceptive sales practices |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/american-express-pay-1087-mln-settle-deceptive-marketing-allegations-justice-2025-01-16/}}

American Express has a specialized corporate meeting credit card.{{cite web|url=https://business.americanexpress.com/us/corporate-cards/corporate-meeting-card|title=American Express Corporate Meeting Card information |date=n.d.|website=American Express|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620025159/https://business.americanexpress.com/us/corporate-cards/corporate-meeting-card |archive-date=June 20, 2016|access-date=2016-07-13}} Another specialized American Express business card is the American Express Corporate Purchasing Card, which can be assigned to individual employees or departments. Reconciliation and accounting services are available to make these functions easier for the corporation.{{cite web|url=https://business.americanexpress.com/us/corporate-cards/p-card|title=American Express Corporate Purchasing Card information |date=n.d.|website=American Express|access-date=2016-07-13|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914123814/https://business.americanexpress.com/us/corporate-cards/p-card |archive-date=September 14, 2016 }}

Citibank, First National Bank of Omaha, USAA, Navy Federal Credit Union, Synchrony Financial, and US Bancorp issue American Express cards. Citi issues the Macy's and Bloomingdale's American Express cards along with Citi-branded cards. US Bancorp issues American Express-branded cards for US Bank along with Elan Card Services, a subsidiary that issues credit cards on behalf of small to midsize banks. Some credit unions, including PenFed, also issue American Express cards. Until August 2023, Wells Fargo issued American Express cards under their own brand and for Dillard's. JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo are the only Big Four (banking)#United States Big Four banks in the U.S. that do not partner with American Express.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-30 |title=Understanding third-party American Express cards |url=https://www.creditcards.com/card-advice/american-express-third-party-cards/ |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=CreditCards.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last= |last2= |last3= |last4= |last5= |last6= |title=Amex bets on millennials, Gen Z for growth |url=https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/amex-bets-on-millennials-gen-z-for-growth/644789/ |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=Payments Dive |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |author=Katherine Fan |author2=Angela Fung |title=Best American Express Cards of February 2025 |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/credit-cards/best-american-express-cards |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}

File:HK West Kln Waterfront Promenade Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival Nov-2012 booths American Express sponsor view ICC.JPG, 2012]]

The company logo, a gladiator or centurion, appears at the center of several cards. The figure and his pose evoke classical antiquity, demonstrate strength and stability, and the designs on these cards, especially the Green card, bear resemblance to those on the United States Federal Reserve Notes.

In 1975, David Ogilvy of Ogilvy & Mather developed the highly successful "Don't Leave Home Without Them" ad campaign for American Express Traveler's Cheques, featuring Academy Award-winning actor Karl Malden. Malden served as the public face of American Express Travelers Cheques for 25 years. In the UK, the spokesman was Alan Whicker, a television personality.{{cite news |title=Best-Loved Advertising Taglines |url=https://www.forbes.com/2010/05/28/nike-bmw-amex-apple-cmo-network-best-advertising-taglines_slide_4.html |last=Bruno |first=Ken |work=Forbes |date=May 29, 2010 | url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507090036/https://www.forbes.com/2010/05/28/nike-bmw-amex-apple-cmo-network-best-advertising-taglines_slide_4.html |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |url-status=live }}

After Malden's departure, and as the card assumed importance over the traveler's cheques, American Express continued to use celebrities, such as Mel Blanc and ballerina Cynthia Gregory.{{cite news|title=American Express commercial featuring Mel Blanc|oclc=715152953}}{{cite web |title=Cynthia Gregory At 40: 'I Did It The Hard Way' |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-01-04-ca-1757-story.html |last=Perlmutter |first=Donna |work=Los Angeles Times |date=January 4, 1987 | url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420185049/http://articles.latimes.com/1987-01-04/entertainment/ca-1757_1_dance-studio |archive-date=April 20, 2018 |url-status=live }} A typical ad for the American Express Card began with a celebrity asking viewers: "Do you know me?" Although he/she gave hints to his/her identity, the star's name was never mentioned except as imprinted on an American Express Card, after which announcer Peter Thomas told viewers how to apply for it.{{cite news |title=Famed voice-over icon Peter Thomas dies at 91 |url=https://archive.naplesnews.com/news/local/famed-voice-over-icon-peter-thomas-dies-at-91-022ad336-4bbf-5cbb-e053-0100007f64ba-377801571.html/ |last=Schlichter |first=Jay | work=Naples Daily News |date=May 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229012743/http://archive.naplesnews.com/news/local/famed-voice-over-icon-peter-thomas-dies-at-91-022ad336-4bbf-5cbb-e053-0100007f64ba-377801571.html |archive-date=December 29, 2017 |url-status=live }} Each ad concluded with the celebrity reminding viewers: "Don't Leave Home Without It." The "Don't Leave Home Without It" slogan was revived in 2005.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/how-advertising-invented-8-phrases-we-use-every-day |title=How Advertising Invented 8 Phrases We Use Every Day |last=Grundhauser |first=Eric |magazine=Atlas Obscura |date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=May 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085735/https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/how-advertising-invented-8-phrases-we-use-every-day |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |url-status=live }}

File:Seinfeld superman.jpg]]

American Express uses celebrities in advertising. Some notable examples include a late 1990s ad campaign with comedian Jerry Seinfeld, including the two 2004 webisodes in a series entitled "The Adventures of Seinfeld & Superman".{{cite news | title=Seinfeld and Superman join forces again in spots for American Express, this time on the Web. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/30/business/media-business-advertising-seinfeld-superman-join-forces-again-spots-for.html | last=Elliott | first=Stuart | work=The New York Times | date=March 30, 2004 | url-access=limited}}

In late 2004, American Express launched the "My life. My card." brand campaign, and later the "Are You a Cardmember?" brand campaign in 2007, both by Ogilvy & Mather,{{cite magazine | url=https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/ogilvy-changes-amex-tagline-88553/ |title=Ogilvy Changes AmEx Tagline | last=McMains |first=Andrew | magazine=Adweek | date=April 6, 2007 | url-access=subscription | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507090307/http://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/ogilvy-changes-amex-tagline-88553/ |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |url-status=live }} featuring celebrities that use American Express cards including:

• Actors: Kate Winslet,{{Cite news | url=https://www.campaignlive.com/article/kate-winslet-follows-de-niros-footsteps-appear-amex-ad/476163 | title=Kate Winslet follows in De Niro's footsteps to appear in Amex ad | work=Campaign | date=May 18, 2005}} Robert De Niro,{{cite news |url=http://www.splendad.com/ads/show/1109-American-Express-Robert-De-Niro.html |title=American Express - Robert De Niro | publisher=splendAd |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085532/http://www.splendad.com/ads/show/1109-American-Express-Robert-De-Niro.html |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |url-status=live }} Ken Watanabe,{{Cite news | url=https://v.playbill.com/article/stage-portrait-king-and-i-tony-nominees-kelli-ohara-and-ken-watanabe-com-349738 | title=Stage Portrait: King and I Tony Nominees Kelli O'Hara and Ken Watanabe | first=Andrew | last=Gans | work=Playbill | date=May 22, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021115414/https://v.playbill.com/article/stage-portrait-king-and-i-tony-nominees-kelli-ohara-and-ken-watanabe-com-349738 |archive-date= Oct 21, 2023 }} and Tina Fey;{{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7m-iAX3POU|title=Tina Fey American Express Commercial | date=July 1, 2010 | via=YouTube |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323090253/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7m-iAX3POU|archive-date=March 23, 2019 |url-status=live}}
• Duke University basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski;{{cite web |url=https://www.adforum.com/creative-work/ad/player/34474558/coach-k/american-express | title=American Express - "Coach K" | publisher=adforum | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085734/https://www.adforum.com/creative-work/ad/player/34474558/coach-k/american-express | archive-date=May 7, 2018 | url-status=live }}
• Fashion designers Collette Dinnigan and Diane von Fürstenberg;{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG7OMCem_Lc |title=American Express Collette Dinnigan |date=October 28, 2008 | via=YouTube|archive-date=February 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228050429/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG7OMCem_Lc&gl=US&hl=en | url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |title=American Express - Diane von Furstenberg |url=http://www.splendad.com/ads/show/1991-American-Express-Diane-von-Furstenberg.html |publisher=splendAd |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085451/http://www.splendad.com/ads/show/1991-American-Express-Diane-von-Furstenberg.html |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |url-status=live }}
• Comedian and talk show hostess Ellen DeGeneres;{{cite web | title=American Express - Ellen's Dance | url=http://www.splendad.com/ads/show/1120-American-Express-Ellens-Dance.html | publisher=splendAd | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085720/http://www.splendad.com/ads/show/1120-American-Express-Ellens-Dance.html | archive-date=May 7, 2018 |url-status=live }}
• Golfer Tiger Woods;{{cite web | title=American Express - "Tiger Woods" | url=https://www.adforum.com/creative-work/ad/player/34474557/tiger-woods/american-express | publisher=adforum |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085422/https://www.adforum.com/creative-work/ad/player/34474557/tiger-woods/american-express |archive-date=May 7, 2018 | url-status=live }}
• Professional snowboarder Shaun White;{{cite AV media | via=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr4515xEEPM |title=Shaun White American Express Commercial |date=June 3, 2007 |archive-date=August 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820195730/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr4515xEEPM&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live}} {{cbignore}}
• Tennis pros Venus Williams, Andy Roddick, and Andre Agassi;{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhhmCeF1kZw | via=YouTube | title=Venus Williams (2004 American Express ad) |date=February 15, 2010 |archive-date=April 9, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409003344/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhhmCeF1kZw&gl=US&hl=en | url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}{{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UfGpt-0ncc | via=YouTube | title=Roddick vs Pong | date=May 28, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228010737/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UfGpt-0ncc | archive-date=February 28, 2018 | url-status=live}}{{cite web | title=American Express - "The Members Project" | url=https://www.adforum.com/talent/42675-sheryl-crow/work/6698113 | publisher=adforum | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085313/https://www.adforum.com/talent/42675-sheryl-crow/work/6698113 |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |url-status=live }}
• Surfer Laird Hamilton;{{Cite news | url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2005/01/04/Sponsorships-Advertising-Marketing/Amex-Pulls-Laird-Hamilton-Ad-In-Light-Of-Tsunami.aspx | title=AmEx Pulls Laird Hamilton Ad In Light Of Tsunami | work=American City Business Journals | date=January 4, 2005}}
• Manchester United manager José Mourinho;{{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HtsaHFAbas | via=YouTube | title=American Express Card by José Mourinho |date=May 13, 2008 | archive-date=June 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615012457/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HtsaHFAbas |url-status=live}} {{cbignore}}
• Film directors Martin Scorsese,{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45iZP6AWT3c |title=Martin Scorsese American Express | via=YouTube|date=September 23, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327013708/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45iZP6AWT3c | archive-date=March 27, 2018 |url-status=live}} Wes Anderson,{{cite web | title=American Express - Wes Anderson | url=http://www.splendad.com/ads/show/1500-American-Express-Wes-Anderson.html | publisher=splendAd | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085734/http://www.splendad.com/ads/show/1500-American-Express-Wes-Anderson.html |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |url-status=live }} and M. Night Shyamalan;{{cite web |title=American Express - M. Night Shyamalan | url=http://www.splendad.com/ads/show/1111-American-Express-M-Night-Shyamalan.html | publisher=splendAd | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085925/http://www.splendad.com/ads/show/1111-American-Express-M-Night-Shyamalan.html | archive-date=May 7, 2018 |url-status=live}}
• Singers Sheryl Crow, Alicia Keys and Beyoncé{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xH0t4Fwx_o8 | via=YouTube |title=Beyonce's American express commercial | date=October 4, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419192232/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xH0t4Fwx_o8 | archive-date=April 19, 2018|url-status=live}}

In 2007, a two-minute black-and-white ad, entitled "Animals" and starring Ellen DeGeneres, won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Commercial.{{cite web| title=59th Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners: Outstanding Commercial - 2007| url=http://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2007/outstanding-commercial| publisher=Academy of Television Arts & Sciences| access-date=February 4, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205190131/http://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2007/outstanding-commercial| archive-date=February 5, 2018| url-status=live}}{{cite journal| url=http://adage.com/article/creativity-news/american-express-animals-earns-emmy-outstanding-commercial/120503/| journal=Advertising Age| title=American Express "Animals" earns the Emmy for Outstanding Commercial| date=September 17, 2007| last=Diaz| first=Ann-Christine| access-date=February 4, 2018| url-access=subscription| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205184437/http://adage.com/article/creativity-news/american-express-animals-earns-emmy-outstanding-commercial/120503/| archive-date=February 5, 2018| url-status=live}}

Many American Express credit card ads feature a sample American Express Card with the name "C. F. Frost" on the front. This is not a fabricated name; Charles F. Frost was an advertising executive at Ogilvy & Mather.{{cite web |first=Cecil |last=Adams |url=http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_180.html |title=Who is C. F. Frost, whose name appears on sample American Express cards? |work=The Straight Dope |date=December 16, 1983 |access-date=February 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080531010042/http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_180.html |archive-date=May 31, 2008 |url-status=live }}

American Express was one of the earliest users of cause marketing, to great success.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhessekiel/2012/01/31/cause-marketing-leaders-of-the-pack/ |title=Cause Marketing Leaders of the Pack |magazine=Forbes |date=January 31, 2012 |access-date=August 18, 2013 |last=Hessekiel |first=David |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818053749/http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhessekiel/2012/01/31/cause-marketing-leaders-of-the-pack/ |archive-date=August 18, 2013 |url-status=live }} A 1983 promotion advertised that for each purchase made with an American Express Card, American Express would contribute one penny to the renovation of the Statue of Liberty. The campaign generated contributions of $1.7 million to the Statue of Liberty restoration project. What would soon capture the attention of marketing departments of major corporations was that the promotion generated approximately a 28% increase in American Express card usage by consumers.

In May 2007, American Express launched an initiative called the Members Project.{{cite web|url=http://www.membersproject.com|title=Members Project from American Express|date=n.d.|publisher=Members Project|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405122736/http://www.membersproject.com/ |archive-date=April 5, 2009|access-date=2012-01-09}}{{cite web |author=Peetu |url=http://americanexpressrewards.net/ |title=American Express Rewards |publisher=American Express Rewards |access-date=December 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219120103/http://americanexpressrewards.net/ |archive-date=December 19, 2011}} Cardholders were invited to submit ideas for projects, and were told American Express was funding the winning project.

Since 2011, American Express has a £100 million sponsorship agreement with football club Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. The agreement includes naming rights over Falmer Stadium, Brighton training facilities and shirt sponsorship over the kits of the men's, women's, youth and disability teams{{Cite news | url=https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/1303625/albion-and-amex-announce-multi-year-extension-of-long-term-partnership | title=Albion and Amex announce multi-year extension of long-term partnership | first=Paul | last=Camillin | work=Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. | date=August 8, 2019}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/17825324.albion-announce-sponsorship-extension-american-express/ | title=Albion announce sponsorship extension with American Express | work=The Argus | date=August 8, 2019}}

File:2024-08-23 Motorsport, Großer Preis der Niederlande 2024, F1 Academy STP 3239 by Stepro.jpg car]]

In May 2024, American Express became the official partner of F1 Academy, a female-only single-seater racing series founded by Formula One, for the 2024 season. The partnership deal include American Express' branding to appear on Jessica Edgar's car livery and driver suit.{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2024 |title=American Express announced as official partner of F1 ACADEMY {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/american-express-announced-as-official-partner-of-f1-academy.lFKpcgL3Ve0K1E9HnTPEU |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=Formula 1 |language=}}

In 2016, at the Corporate Art Awards, American Express received the award from pptArt for "the best international restoration programme: World's Monument Watch". American Express is a sponsor of "World Monuments Watch", launched in 1995 by World Monuments Fund.{{cite web | title=Winner of the 2016 edition of the Corporate Art Awards| url=https://www.pptart.net/winners | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213080154/https://www.pptart.net/winners| archive-date=February 13, 2018| url-status=live}}

File:American Express Tower 9-11.jpg entering the American Express Tower following September 11 terrorist attack on World Trade Center, 2001]]

File:AmExSouthFlorida.jpg

File:Amex House, Edward Street, Brighton (from southeast).jpg in Brighton, England, was built in 1977.]]

In April 1986, American Express moved its headquarters to the 51-story Three World Financial Center in New York City. After the September 11 attacks, American Express had to leave its headquarters temporarily because it was located directly opposite the World Trade Center and was damaged during the fall of the towers. The company began gradually moving back into its rehabilitated building in 2002. The company maintains major offices in Sunrise, Florida, Salt Lake City, and Phoenix, Arizona, with its main data centers in North Carolina and Phoenix.

AMEX Bank of Canada was founded in 1853, in Toronto. It has around 1,700 employees as of December 2020 in its head office at Sheppard,{{cite web| title=Top Employer: Amex Bank of Canada| url=https://reviews.canadastop100.com/top-employer-amex-canada| date=December 3, 2020}} east of Highway 404 in Toronto (relocated from Markham, Ontario, a northern suburb of Toronto where it resided from 1985 to 2015), as well as an office in Hamilton, Ontario. The company began operations as a bank on July 1, 1990, following an order-in-council made by the Brian Mulroney government on November 21, 1988. This decision was not without controversy as federal banking policy at the time would not ordinarily have permitted American Express to operate as a bank.{{cite journal| last=Newman| first=Peter C.| date=July 30, 1990| title=The brash new kid on the block| journal=Maclean's| volume=103| number=31| page=33}} It is a member of the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) and a registered member of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC), the federal agency insuring deposits at all of Canada's chartered banks.

American Express has several offices in the UK, including a European Service Center in the Carlton Hill area of Brighton, England. The building was completed in 2012. It replaced American Express's former building, Amex House, a large white tower block built in 1977 and surrounded by several other smaller offices around the city.{{cite book| last=Collis| first=Rose| others=(based on the original by Tim Carder)| title=The New Encyclopaedia of Brighton| edition=1st| year=2010| publisher=Brighton & Hove Libraries| location=Brighton| isbn=978-0-9564664-0-2| page=9}} The American Express European Service Center deals with card servicing, sales, fraud and merchant servicing. Official Europe, Middle East, and Africa HQ is located in the Belgravia district of Westminster, in central London, at Belgrave House on Buckingham Palace Road, SW1; other UK offices are based in Sussex at Burgess Hill and Manchester.{{cite web| title=American Express to open office in Manchester| url=https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2019983-american-express-to-open-office-in-manchester| date=April 24, 2018|last=Ribbeck|first=Michael|publisher=The Business Desk}} In November 2009, Brighton and Hove City Council granted planning permission for American Express to redevelop the Amex House site.

The Japan, Asia-Pacific, and Australian Headquarters are co-located in Singapore, at 16 Collyer Quay, and in Sydney's King Street Wharf area. The headquarters of Latin America and Caribbean division is in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

American Express also has a significant presence in India. Its two centers are located at Gurgaon, Haryana (Cyber City) and Bangalore, Karnataka (Bagmane capital).The Indian operations of American Express revolve around the back office customer services operations apart from the credit card business for the domestic Indian Economy, arguably the American Express campus in Gurgaon is the largest employee location by headcount for Amex and supports business continuity objectives of Amex including during Hurricane Sandy, the center works 24/7 and includes a co-located second building which was recently{{when|date=September 2019}} transferred to a third party service provider but does much work for Amex.

The company has consistently ranked highly on lists of best companies to work for compiled by Fortune{{cite web| url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2008/full_list/index.html| title=100 Best Companies to Work For| work=CNN| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723223729/https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2008/full_list/index.html| archive-date=July 23, 2010| url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://fortune.com/best-companies/american-express/ |title=Fortune Best Companies to Work For: American Express |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085732/http://fortune.com/best-companies/american-express/ |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/best-companies-to-work-for-based-on-employee-satisfaction-fortune-2020-2 |title=The 25 best companies to work for, based on employee satisfaction |work=Business Insider|author=Jessica Snouwaert | date=April 1, 2020}} and Mediacorp Canada Inc.{{cite web| url=http://www.eluta.ca/top-employer-amex-canada| title=Reasons for Selection, 2009 Greater Toronto's Top Employers Competition| publisher=Eluta.ca| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016192436/http://www.eluta.ca/top-employer-amex-canada| archive-date=October 16, 2009| url-status=live}}

1. Henry Wells (1850–1866){{Cite web |title=American Express Company |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/economics-business-and-labor/businesses-and-occupations/american-express-company}}
2. William Fargo (1866–1881)
3. J. C. Fargo (1881–1914){{Cite web |date=19 August 1881 |title=A SUCCESSOR TO W. G. FARGO |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1881/08/19/98917093.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408195926/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1881/08/19/98917093.pdf |archive-date=2023-04-08 |access-date=23 October 2021 |website=The New York Times}}
4. George C. Taylor (1914–1923)
5. Frederick P. Small (1923–1944)
6. Ralph Reed (1944–1960){{Cite news |date=1968-01-23 |title=Ralph Reed, 77, Retired Head Of American Express, Is Dead |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/01/23/archives/ralph-reed-77-retired-head-of-american-express-is-dead.html |access-date=2021-09-27 |issn=0362-4331}}
7. Howard L. Clark Sr. (1960–1977){{Cite news |last=Zuckerman |first=Laurence |date=2001-02-07 |title=Howard L. Clark Dead at 84; Ex-Chief at American Express |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/07/us/howard-l-clark-dead-at-84-ex-chief-at-american-express.html |access-date=2021-09-27 |issn=0362-4331}}
8. James D. Robinson III (1977–1993)
9. Harvey Golub (1993–2001){{cite news |date=June 28, 2000 |title=American Express reshuffles its business |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/28/business/company-news-american-express-reshuffles-its-businesses.html |quote=one of the Wall Street's highest ranking black executives}}
10. Kenneth Chenault (2001–2018)
11. Stephen Squeri (2018–present){{cite web |title=Stephen Joseph Squeri, American Express Co |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/7394026 |website=Bloomberg News |quote=Stephen Joseph Squeri is Chairman/CEO at American Express Co}}

{{Portal|Banks}}

• 1995 "Gold Card Dress" of Lizzy Gardner
• Small Business Saturday, a registered trademark of American Express
• J.P. Morgan Reserve Card (Palladium Card) – a competitor to the Centurion Card
• MasterCard, Visa and Discover Card – major competitors
• Credit score in the United States
• Banking in the United States
• American Express Community Stadium in East Sussex, England

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Commons category|American Express}}

• {{Official website|https://www.americanexpress.com}}

{{Finance links

| name = American Express Company

| symbol = AXP

| sec_cik = 4962

| yahoo = AXP

| google = AXP:NYSE

}}

{{American Express}}

{{Credit cards}}

{{Dow Jones Industrial Average companies}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:American Express

Category:1850 establishments in New York (state)

Category:1970s initial public offerings

Category:Financial services companies based in New York City

Category:Berkshire Hathaway

Category:Butterfield Overland Mail

Category:Companies based in Manhattan

Category:Companies in the Dow Jones Industrial Average

Category:Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange

Category:Contactless smart cards

Category:Credit card issuer associations

Category:Credit cards

Category:Financial services companies established in 1850

Category:Foreign exchange companies

Category:Multinational companies based in New York City

Category:Payment systems

Category:Publicly traded companies based in New York City

Category:Travel management

Category:Wells Fargo