American Express - The Grandfather of Credit Cards

In a world full of credit lenders that issue credit cards to consumers, American Express has emerged as one of the leaders in the credit card industry. In 2006, BusinessWeek rated American Express (also known as AMEX) as the 14th most valuable brand in the world, worth close to $20 billion. Originally started as a merger of express services in 1850, American Express began to issue credit cards in 1958 to consumers. Since that initial offering, American Express has expanded its credit card services to include a variety of credit cards to satisfy a variety of credit needs.

American Express has always had a reputation for providing products that satisfy the credit needs of a wide range of consumers. Their dedication to creating credit cards based on the needs of their customers has ensured that they will remain the credit issuing powerhouse that they are today. One of the most popular cards from American Express is the Blue from American Express card. This credit card quickly became popular with young adults after its release in 1999 because the card carried no annual fee, provided rewards for purchases, and also included an onboard chip that was multifunctional. The American Express rewards points earned from purchases charged to the card could be redeemed for a number of items, including travel vouchers, gift certificates, and items from participating retailers. Because of the massive popularity of the Blue from American Express card, many imitators followed suit and offered credit cards with similar properties in the hopes of increasing their business.

American Express is also the issuer of the most expensive credit card in the world. The credit card is named the Centurion Card, also known as the “black card”, and is the most sought after, exclusive credit card in the world. It cost $5,000 to initially receive the card and there is a $2,500 annual fee charged to the card each year. To keep the Centurion card, card members must charge a minimum of $250,000 to the credit card each year and maintain an excellent credit history. The Centurion Card offers card members many exclusive benefits, such as personal shoppers at some of the most exclusive stores in the world, first class flight upgrades, a personal concierge and travel agent, free stays and exclusive privileges at participating hotels, and access to many exclusive airport clubs.

American Express business cards come in a wide variety as well. There are credit cards geared towards small businesses, credit cards for self employed individuals, and credit cards for the principals of large corporations. No matter what your credit needs may be, American Express is sure to have a credit card to fit those needs. This is why American Express is one of the global leaders in the credit card market today.