American Express
Headquarters:
200 Vesey Street
New York, NY 10285
212-640-2000
Employees: 62,500
CEO: Kenneth Chenault
Stock Symbol: AXP
Website:
http://www.americanexpress.com
Company News
Career Page
Best known for its upscale charge card,
American Express provides financial, banking and travel services
in over 130 countries.
American Express cards are used by many
large corporations for their employees to make payments and track
expenses. Card holders tend to be more affluent and charge more
with American Express than using Mastercard or Visa. American
Express also charges a higher processing fee to merchants than
Mastercard and Visa.
In 2011, American Express reported revenues of $29.9 billion, a 9% increase from the previous year. Net income was $4.93 billion, a 22% increase.
The company had total cards in force of 97.4 million at the end of 2011. The average Amercian Express cardmember spent $14,881 during the year. A total of $822.2 billion was charged by all members, a 15% increase.
"Cardmembers spent a record amount on their American Express cards, continuing a trend that has translated into overall share gains during the last two years. Billed business rose 11 percent, showing broad-based improvements from the strong levels of a year ago. Online spending was strong as we capitalized on the accelerating popularity of digital commerce. Revolving credit balances grew, but at a much slower rate than spending as Cardmembers continued to manage their debt and household finances more cautiously. Credit quality remained excellent, with past-due loans and write-offs at historically low levels," said Kenneth Chenault, chairman and chief executive officer, American Express.
"The overall recovery in the U.S. remains uneven and the environment in Europe continues to pose challenges for the global economy. But, we start 2012 from a position of strength and with a unique network that connects millions of consumers, merchants and businesses around the world. A network based on service, relationships, data and market insights is a tremendous asset for a digital age when the boundaries between online and offline commerce are being quickly redefined."
History
American Express began in New York in 1850
as an express delivery service and quickly became one of the
most successful to operate during a time of intense US westward
expansion. As a majority of their clients were banks, American
Express began to create and sell their own financial products
such as money orders and travelers cheques.
In 1882, American Express launched the
money order business, which proved an almost instant success.
The company introduced the world's first travelers cheque in
1891 and within ten years was selling more than $6 million in
cheques annually.
American Express issued its first charge
card in 1958. Within five years, more than 1 million cards were
in use at approximately 85,000 establishments within and outside
the United States. Soon, the company began introducing local
currency cards in markets outside the United States, adding programs
that made it possible for cardmembers to extend payment on large
travel expenditures, and launching additional products, such
as the American Express Gold Card in 1966.
American Express spun off its financial
advisory unit in 2005 which now operates independently as Ameriprise
Financial.
On November 10, 2008, American Express became a bank holding company regulated by the Federal Reserve Board.
In January 2009, American Express received a $3.4 billion investment from the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program. The company paid back the investment in 2009.
Benefits
The company offers medical, dental and
vision care.
Employees receive a base salary and merit
increases yearly along with lump sum payments for oustanding
performers. Incentive pay is also provided for departments that
exceed their yearly goals.
A 401(k) plan is offered that matches dollar-for-dollar
up to the first 3% of employee contributions along with 1% in
a company stock fund. Vesting for this portion is immediate.
Profit-sharing contributions are offered after one year of service
which can be up to 7% depending upon company performance. Vesting
for profit-sharing is 100% after five years of service.
The company also provides a retirement
plan after one year of service with contributions ranging from
2.5-10% depending on age and years of service. This plan vests
100% after five years of service.
American Express offers employees a pool
of days for time off each year. The pool represents vacation,
holiday and personal days. Time off is based on experience and
level shown in the chart below.
| Years of Service |
Associate & Professional |
Manager & Director |
Vice President & Above |
| 0* to 4 years |
23 days |
28 days |
33 days |
| 5-9 years |
28 days |
28 days |
33 days |
| 10 to 19 years |
33 days |
33 days |
33 days |
| 20-24 years |
33 days |
33 days |
38 days |
| 25 years or more |
38 days |
38 days |
38 days |
* Time off is prorated for new
hires.
An additional week of vacation can be purchased
from the company after one year of service.
Educational assistance is also offered
for job-related courses. The company will reimburse 90% of tuition
and fees up to a maximum of $5,000 per year.
|
