American Express Overview: Global Financial Institution with Charge and Credit Card Payment Products.

American Express is a global financial institution that provides charge and credit card payment products to consumers and businesses in about 130 countries.

American Express (AXP) has announced a significant milestone in its global merchant acceptance network. As of June 2025, the company's cards are accepted at an estimated 160 million merchant locations worldwide, a nearly fivefold increase since 2017 American Express is Accepted at 160 Million Merchants ...^[1]. This expansion underscores American Express's commitment to enhancing the convenience and security of its cardholders' transactions.

The company's global acceptance network now includes a wide range of merchants, from 4- and 5-star hotels to transit authorities and restaurants. Key growth areas include Japan, the UK, and the Caribbean, where American Express has driven substantial increases in acceptance rates. In Japan, for instance, over 1 million new merchant locations were added in 2024 alone. In the UK, acceptance has tripled since 2021, while in the Caribbean, over 25,000 new locations were added in 2024. Additionally, American Express has expanded its acceptance at major airlines and transit authorities, including the bustling metro systems of Beijing and Shanghai American Express is Accepted at 160 Million Merchants ...^[1].

American Express's strategy to expand acceptance benefits both merchants and cardholders. Merchants can now attract high-spending customers, while cardholders can enjoy the benefits of their Amex cards at more locations worldwide. The average annual spend on American Express cards in the U.S. is 2.9 times that of cards on other networks, and outside the U.S., it is 4 times higher American Express is Accepted at 160 Million Merchants ...^[1].

The company's growth is not limited to merchant acceptance. American Express has also seen a surge in new card members, with Millennials and Gen Z accounting for 75% of new U.S. Consumer Gold and Platinum Card Members in the second quarter of 2025. This growth is driven by the affinity of these demographic groups for travel, dining, and experiences American Express is Accepted at 160 Million Merchants ...^[1].

Investors have taken note of American Express's performance. While NatWest Group plc reduced its holdings in the company by 23.8% in the first quarter, other major investors such as Vanguard Group and Goldman Sachs have increased their stakes. Goldman Sachs, for instance, grew its holdings by 25.5% in the same period. American Express reported earnings of $4.08 per share in the most recent quarter, exceeding analyst estimates and reflecting a 9.3% increase in revenue year-over-year NatWest Group plc Decreases Holdings in American Express Company $AXP^[2].

American Express's expansion and strong financial performance indicate a robust strategy that benefits both merchants and cardholders. As the company continues to grow its merchant acceptance network, it is poised to maintain its leadership in the global payments industry.

References:
American Express is Accepted at 160 Million Merchants ...^[1] https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/stocks/AXP-N/pressreleases/34690054/american-express-is-accepted-at-160-million-merchants-around-the-world-since-2017-amex-accepting-locations-have-increased-by-nearly-5x/
NatWest Group plc Decreases Holdings in American Express Company $AXP^[2] https://www.marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/filing-natwest-group-plc-decreases-holdings-in-american-express-company-axp-2025-09-05/