In 2023, it was ranked 63rd in the ''Forbes'' Global 2000. American Express National Bank is a direct bank owned by Amex.

Founded in 1850 as a freight forwarding company, Amex introduced financial and travel services during the early 1900s. It developed its first paper charge card in 1958, gold card in 1966, green card in 1969, platinum card in 1984, and Centurion Card