William Harnden founded the first express company in the United States in 1839, which laid the foundation for the express transportation industry in the country.

Henry Wells founded an express business in New York in 1841, which eventually evolved into the roots of American Express Company providing travel and financial services worldwide.

In 1846, Wells decided to focus on the growing routes serving New York City, Buffalo, Boston, and Albany, leaving the express business west of Buffalo to Fargo's company, Livingston, Fargo and Co.

On March 18, 1850, American Express Company was formed through the consolidation of three companies - Wells & Company, Butterfield, Wasson & Co., and Fargo's company. Wells was elected as the first president and Fargo as the vice-president.

In 1852, Wells Fargo & Company was launched as an independent venture by Wells and Fargo to provide express and banking services in California, after the rejection of the transcontinental express service idea by the American Express board of directors.

AMEX Bank of Canada was founded in 1853 in Toronto. It officially began operations as a bank on July 1, 1990, after receiving approval from the Canadian government. The bank has faced controversies due to federal banking policies.

In 1854, American Express created an affiliate, United States Express Co., to acquire the Erie express rights from Daniel Drew of the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railroad. This move helped American Express maintain its share of the lucrative Midwestern business.

American Express launched the Overland Mail Co. in 1857 as a joint venture with Wells Fargo, Adams Express Co., and United States Express Co.

James C. Fargo, younger brother of William Fargo, proposed and created Merchants Dispatch in 1858, a fast and successful bulk freight express service for merchants.

The Pony Express was created in 1860 by American Express to provide fast mail service across the western United States.

In 1861, American Express provided services to customers during the U.S. Civil War.

American Express and Merchants Union Express Company, both facing financial challenges, decided to merge on November 25, 1868. The new entity was named the American Merchants’ Union Express Company, later renamed as the American Express Company in 1873.

In 1874, the U.S. Postal Service began delivering packages at a new, low rate of a half-cent per ounce, significantly impacting express company profits and leading to governmental involvement in the express business.

In 1878, American Express started offering financial products as part of its business, leveraging its reputation in delivery services to create a business-to-business service.

American Express constructed a new warehouse behind the Broadway Building at 46 Trinity Place in 1880, showcasing architectural elements reminiscent of pre-skyscraper New York.

William Fargo, one of the founders of American Express, passed away in 1881.

American Express introduced the Money Order service in 1882, allowing customers to purchase certificates for specific amounts of money for secure cash withdrawals or payments. This service quickly gained popularity and became a significant revenue source for the company.

In 1883, American Express started expedited shipping services through express trains.

American Express introduced Travellers’ Cheques in 1890 as a secure alternative to letters of credit for travellers. This innovation became a major revenue stream for the company and gained widespread acceptance globally.

In 1891, American Express introduced the Travelers Cheque as a secure and convenient alternative to the time-consuming letter of credit for transferring funds from the United States to Europe. The cheque could easily be converted into foreign currency and offered a refund in case of loss or theft.

American Express opened its first European office in Paris in 1895, expanding its operations internationally.

In 1910, the Mann-Elkins Act marked the beginning of government regulation of the express industry, making express companies subject to the oversight of the Interstate Commerce Commission. This was a response to the railroads' increasing rates and the need for fair practices.

In 1912, drivers and helpers of New York express companies went on strike for better wages and working conditions, drawing negative public attention. This highlighted the issues of underpayment and overwork in the industry during that era.

In 1913, the U.S. Post Office expanded its parcel delivery services at reduced rates, posing a challenge to the express industry. Additionally, the ICC set express rates that were considered too low by the industry.

During the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the company assisted over 150,000 stranded Americans by helping them cash their Traveler’s Cheques and arranging safe passage home.

American Express ventured into the travel industry in 1915 and rapidly expanded its services to offer luxury tours to various destinations worldwide. The company became synonymous with premium travel experiences.

In July 1918, the American Railway Express Agency was created as a result of the consolidation of all existing express companies into a single entity to serve the country's needs during World War I. This action ended American Express's express business.

In 1919, George C. Taylor established the American Express Co. as a wholly owned subsidiary to expand international banking operations. The subsidiary was created primarily to enhance international banking operations that had been conducted since 1904.

In 1929, Chase Securities Corp., an affiliate of Chase National Bank, acquired control of American Express in a stock exchange. Albert H. Wiggin, chairman of Chase National Bank, played a significant role in this acquisition.

In May 1930, Chase National merged with Equitable Trust Co., becoming the largest bank in the world. John D. Rockefeller became the largest shareholder of American Express, and Winthrop W. Aldrich became chairman of both Chase Securities and American Express boards.

In early 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared a national bank holiday to address the financial panic. American Express, not being a bank, remained open and provided financial services like redeeming traveler's checks during the crisis.

In 1944, Ralph T. Reed took over as the President of American Express, leading the company through a period of expansion in the late 1940s and 1950s, particularly in the travel industry.

American Express was founded in 1850 as an express mail business, later expanding into financial services including credit cards, traveler's cheques, and charge cards.

American Express entered the business of travel charge cards in 1958, launching their card with an annual fee of $6, positioning it as a premium product.

American Express became the first issuer to offer a plastic credit card in 1959.

In 1959, American Express became the first company to issue embossed plastic cards, a significant advancement in card technology.

On April 26, 1960, Howard L. Clark was elected as the President and CEO of American Express, initiating a new era of management focused on diversification and growth.

In 1962, George Waters, with experience from IBM and Colonial Stores, implemented strategies to make the charge card division profitable, leading to over 900,000 cards issued by the end of the year.

Due to involvement in the salad oil scandal, American Express share prices fall to $35.

In 1964, Warren Buffett purchased shares of American Express, which marked the company's transition from traveler's cheques to credit cards. Buffett's investment in the company proved to be highly successful, recognizing its potential to become a major player in the financial industry.

The complex and protracted litigation stemming from the 'salad oil swindle' involving American Express was finally settled in 1965, with the company bearing a cost of $60 million, excluding attorneys' fees.

In 1966, the company expanded its credit card offerings to commercial customers by introducing the Corporate Card.

By 1967, American Express had 2 million cardholders spending over $1 billion annually, marking a significant milestone in the growth of its credit card business. Strategic changes and innovations led to substantial profits for the company.

In 1968, the stock price of American Express reached $180 per share, resulting in a $20 million profit on a $13 million investment. This showcased a successful investment decision.

American Express introduced the Green Card in 1969, expanding its portfolio of credit card offerings.

During the international monetary crisis of 1971, American Express demonstrated resilience by honoring traveler's checks at pre-devaluation rates, extending emergency funds to tourists, and advising corporate clients on safeguarding foreign assets.

In 1972, the company expanded its credit card program abroad, paving the way for global expansion in the financial industry.

In 1975, David Ogilvy of Ogilvy & Mather created the successful 'Don't Leave Home Without Them' ad campaign for American Express Traveler's Cheques, featuring actor Karl Malden as the face of the campaign.

In 1977, James D. Robinson III assumed the roles of chairman and CEO at American Express, leading the company through a significant period of growth and change.

In 1979, American Express acquired 50% of the cable subsidiary of Warner Communications, forming Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment, which included ownership of MTV, Nickelodeon, and The Movie Channel.

In 1981, American Express acquired Shearson Loeb Rhoades Inc., a leading brokerage house, which later acquired other firms like Robinson-Humphrey, Foster & Marshall, and Balcor.

In 1982, American Express was reorganized under a holding company called American Express Corp., with its travel services becoming a wholly owned subsidiary known as American Express Travel Related Services.

In 1983, American Express launched a promotion where they pledged to donate one penny to the renovation of the Statue of Liberty for each purchase made with an American Express Card. This initiative raised $1.7 million for the restoration project and increased card usage by 28%.

In 1984, American Express acquired Lehman Brothers and integrated it into the Shearson family, forming Shearson Lehman/American Express.

In 1985, American Express announced the spin-off of Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, which it had purchased in 1968, due to declining profits and increased competition in the insurance industry.

In April 1986, American Express relocated its headquarters to the Three World Financial Center in New York City. Following the September 11 attacks, the headquarters had to be temporarily evacuated due to its proximity to the World Trade Center.

In 1987, American Express introduced its Optima Card, the company's first credit card. Unlike regular American Express charge cards, the Optima Card allowed users to carry a balance from month to month.

Shearson Lehman acquired E.F. Hutton & Co. in 1988, merging it with the investment banking business and renaming it Shearson Lehman Hutton, Inc.

In July 1989, American Express publicly apologized to Edmond Safra and donated $8 million to the charity of his choice after a smear campaign against him was proven false.

In December 1989, American Express announced plans to inject $900 million into its struggling subsidiary Shearson. This recapitalization aimed to improve Shearson's financial health and profitability.

In 1990, American Express sold its Swiss banking operations to Compagnie de Banque et d'Investissements, leading to the creation of Union Bancaire Privée (UBP).

In 1991, American Express launched its Membership Rewards program, one of the first loyalty programs in the industry. This program offered customers various benefits and rewards for using their American Express cards.

In April 1992, American Express spun off First Data in an initial public offering.

In 1993, Harvey Golub took over as the chief executive officer of American Express after the resignation of the previous CEO. He implemented various strategies to revitalize the company, such as focusing on core businesses, launching new products, cutting costs, and strengthening the brand.

In June 1994, American Express completed the spin-off of its investment banking and institutional businesses as Lehman Brothers, marking the end of its brokerage business.

In September 1994, American Express introduced the Optima True Grace card, offering a unique grace period on all purchases regardless of carrying a balance, but the card was discontinued later.

In January 1995, American Express launched ExpressNet, a dedicated website for online cardmember and travel services, marking the company's entry into the online service domain.

In July 1995, American Express partnered with leading technology firms to develop secure online business transaction methods, addressing concerns over Internet security and privacy.

In 1996, American Express launched American Express Financial Direct, offering financial products directly to customers, contributing to the company's consistent growth in financial services.

American Express focused on expanding its foreign operations, signing agreements with overseas partners and introducing new card products in foreign markets, aiming for international revenues to account for 50 percent of total earnings.

In 1998, the federal government filed an antitrust lawsuit against Visa and MasterCard for prohibiting member banks from issuing cards of rival companies like American Express and Discover, which was seen as anticompetitive and harmful to consumers.

In September 1999, American Express launched Blue, the first 'smart card' in the United States, featuring a computer chip and magnetic strip. This innovation allowed consumers to consolidate credit and debit information in a single card, catering to the growing e-commerce market.

In December 2000, American Express agreed to acquire the $226 million credit card portfolio of Bank of Hawaii, which was then a division of Pacific Century Financial Corporation.

American Express launched the 'My life. My card.' brand campaign in 2004, featuring celebrities like Kate Winslet, Robert De Niro, and others who use American Express cards.

On September 30, 2005, American Express completed the corporate spin-off of its American Express Financial Advisors unit, creating Ameriprise Financial. Additionally, RSM McGladrey acquired American Express Tax & Business Services (TBS).

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.

In May 2007, American Express introduced the Members Project initiative, inviting cardholders to submit project ideas with the promise of funding the winning project. This initiative aimed to engage cardholders in community projects.

On November 10, 2008, during the 2007–2008 financial crisis, American Express received Federal Reserve System approval to convert to a bank holding company, making it eligible for government assistance under the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

In November 2009, Brighton and Hove City Council granted planning permission for American Express to redevelop the site of the Amex House in Brighton, England.

Since 2011, American Express has had a £100 million sponsorship deal with football club Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., which includes naming rights over the stadium, training facilities, and shirt sponsorship for various teams.

In October 2012, American Express and Walmart introduced Bluebird, a prepaid debit card offering roadside assistance, identity theft protection, and the ability to receive deposits and FDIC insurance.

In October 2013, Amex sold several publications to Time Inc., including Travel + Leisure and Food & Wine, which were later restructured under Dotdash Meredith.

In March 2014, American Express announced the spin-off of its corporate travel business as American Express Global Business Travel, selling 50% to an investor group for $900 million.

David from Mexico City highlighted his growth journey at American Express, mentioning how interacting with company leaders and learning from their experiences boosted his self-confidence.

Effective in 2016 in the US and 2015 in Canada, Costco terminated its exclusive relationship with Amex, switching to Capital One and Mastercard. This move significantly impacted Amex's financials.

On March 1, 2017, ANZ announced the discontinuation of American Express card issuance, completing the phase-out by August 5, 2017.

In June 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' decision regarding American Express' ability to block merchants from steering customers to other credit cards.

In March 2019, American Express purchased LoungeBuddy, a company that provides pay-per-use access to airport lounges globally.

In July 2019, Amex purchased Acompay, a digital payment automation platform.

In September 2019, Pedestrian Group acquired American Express Openair Cinemas, known for organizing outdoor film screenings in Australia and New Zealand.

In 2020, American Express acquired Kabbage, a financial technology company specializing in small business lending.

In January 2021, the US Department of the Treasury, FDIC, and Federal Reserve initiated an investigation into American Express for alleged misleading practices and aggressive sales tactics.

In October 2021, Amex introduced full-service business checking accounts for small and mid-sized businesses under the American Express brand.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions, American Express halted all operations in Russia and Belarus in March 2022.

American Express's history and unique business model have influenced the finance structure. Warren Buffett holds a high opinion of American Express.

In 2024, American Express Company Forum was mentioned in a public comment section.