American Express issues credit and pay-in-full charge cards to consumers and businesses, and unlike most card issuers it also runs the payment network its cards use. Its Travelers Cheque, launched in 1891, made carrying money abroad safer, and in 1959 it became the first major issuer of plastic cards. Cardholders earn points toward flights and hotels plus perks such as airport lounges, while companies use its corporate cards for employee travel and expenses. American Express earns a fee from merchants on each purchase, plus annual fees and interest on balances cardholders carry. Henry Wells and William Fargo, who later started Wells Fargo, co-founded it in 1850 as a freight delivery business; it is based in New York City.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
1850
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