American Express

American Express is a globally integrated payments company founded in 1850. It provides charge and credit cards, travel services, business solutions, and rewards programmes for consumers, businesses, and merchants. The company operates worldwide and employs over 70,000 colleagues. It reports that millions of consumers, businesses, and merchants use its services daily.

Its products span four main areas: charge and credit card offerings for consumers and businesses; travel services for cardmembers; business solutions intended to help firms run and grow their operations; and premium lifestyle benefits and rewards programmes. The company operates across several industry verticals, including payments and financial services, consumer credit and charge cards, travel and lifestyle services, business financial solutions, and merchant commerce services.

American Express describes its mission as providing "powerful backing" to customers, colleagues, and communities. Stated cultural priorities include a commitment to exceptional service, an emphasis on relationship-building over transaction processing, a focus on innovation and transformation, and efforts to strengthen communities worldwide. In 2025 the company marked 175 years in operation.