How many people have an American Express card? This is a question that many consumers and businesses ponder, often due to the brand's reputation for premium benefits, strong customer service, and distinct merchant network. Understanding the reach of American Express provides insight into its market position and the demographics it serves.
Step 1: Let's unravel the mystery together!
Have you ever wondered how widely used American Express cards are? Perhaps you've seen the distinctive Centurion logo at a high-end restaurant or while booking a luxury trip, and thought about the exclusive world of Amex cardholders. Well, you're not alone! The perception of American Express often aligns with a certain level of affluence and spending power. So, how many people actually carry that iconic card in their wallet? Let's dive into the numbers and explore the landscape of American Express card membership.
Step 2: Understanding the Global Footprint
American Express is a globally integrated payments company, and its presence extends far beyond just the United States. To truly understand "how many members have an American Express card," we need to consider their worldwide reach.
Sub-heading: The Latest Figures (as of late 2023 / early 2024 data)
According to recent reports, as of December 31, 2023, there were approximately 141.2 million American Express cards in force worldwide. This is a significant number, showcasing their extensive global network. It's important to note that this figure includes both proprietary cards (issued directly by American Express) and cards issued by third-party banks and institutions on the American Express network.
Proprietary Cards: As of December 31, 2024, American Express had 83.6 million proprietary cards-in-force worldwide. These are the cards directly managed and issued by Amex.
Third-Party Issued Cards: Additionally, there were 62.8 million cards-in-force issued by third parties worldwide on the American Express network as of the same date.
The overall number demonstrates American Express's continuous growth strategy, including expanding its position with small and mid-sized enterprise (SME) customers and attracting premium consumers, particularly from younger demographics.
Step 3: Focusing on the United States
While American Express has a strong global presence, its roots are deeply embedded in the U.S. market. Many often think of Amex primarily as a "U.S. card," and for good reason, as a significant portion of their card base resides there.
Sub-heading: American Express in the U.S. Market
While precise, up-to-the-minute figures for solely U.S. cardholders can fluctuate, reports from around 2021 indicated that American Express had approximately 56.4 million cards in the United States alone. Given the growth trends American Express has demonstrated, this number has likely increased.
The U.S. is a crucial market for American Express, and they continue to focus on acquiring new customers and increasing spending among existing card members. Their efforts to appeal to a broader range of consumers, including millennials and Gen Z, by adding benefits beyond traditional travel perks (like streaming service credits and dining offers) are designed to further solidify their domestic market share.
Step 4: Who are the American Express Cardholders?
American Express has historically been associated with affluent individuals and businesses. While this remains a significant part of their customer base, the company has actively been diversifying its cardholder demographics.
Sub-heading: A Closer Look at the Demographics
Higher Spending Power: American Express card members generally exhibit higher spending power. The average annual spend per card member worldwide was US$24,059 as of December 31, 2023. This is a testament to the premium nature of many Amex products and the spending habits of their cardholders.
Millennials and Gen Z Driving Growth: A notable trend is the increasing acquisition and spending by younger generations. In 2023, Millennial and Gen Z consumers accounted for more than 60% of new Consumer account acquisitions globally and 75% of Consumer Platinum and Consumer Gold account acquisitions in the U.S. This indicates a successful strategy by Amex to attract and cater to these important demographic segments, recognizing their long-term value. These younger cohorts are seen as having "2-times the lifetime value and 2-times higher spend growth in the first 10 years."
Diverse Customer Base: Beyond individual consumers, American Express serves a broad and diverse customer base, including small businesses, mid-sized companies, and large corporations around the world.
Step 5: American Express's Market Share
While the number of cardholders is impressive, it's also important to understand American Express's market share in the broader credit card landscape, which is dominated by giants like Visa and Mastercard.
Sub-heading: Where Amex Stands in the Competitive Landscape
In terms of payment volume, American Express holds a significant, albeit smaller, share compared to Visa and Mastercard globally. For example, in 2024, American consumers charged $1.19 trillion to their American Express brand cards, which is substantial.
American Express's business model is unique as it operates as both a card issuer and a payment network. This integrated approach allows them to control the entire customer experience, from card issuance to transaction processing, contributing to their reputation for excellent customer service and exclusive benefits. While they may not have the sheer volume of cards as Visa or Mastercard, their focus on premium segments and high-value transactions sets them apart.
Step 6: The "Centurion Card" Myth and Reality
When discussing American Express, the fabled "Black Card" often comes to mind, evoking images of ultimate exclusivity.
Sub-heading: The Ultra-Exclusive Centurion Card
The American Express Centurion Card (colloquially known as the "Black Card") is indeed ultra-exclusive and invitation-only. While American Express does not disclose the exact number of Centurion cardholders, it's believed to be fewer than 1,000 globally during its initial trial runs. This card is reserved for clients with incredibly high spending patterns and net worth, offering unparalleled benefits and concierge services. It represents the pinnacle of American Express's premium offerings and contributes to the brand's aspirational image, even if the number of holders is small.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Apply for an American Express Card?
You can apply for an American Express card directly on their official website by selecting the card that best suits your needs and completing the online application form.
How to Increase Your American Express Credit Limit?
American Express often offers credit limit increases automatically based on your spending and payment history, or you can request an increase through your online account or by contacting customer service.
How to Check Your American Express Card Balance?
You can check your American Express card balance by logging into your online account on the Amex website or mobile app, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
How to Redeem American Express Membership Rewards Points?
American Express Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, merchandise, or transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs, all accessible through your online account.
How to Report a Lost or Stolen American Express Card?
Immediately report a lost or stolen American Express card by calling their 24/7 customer service number, which can be found on their website or on previous statements.
How to Close an American Express Card Account?
You can close your American Express card account by calling their customer service. It's often recommended to redeem any outstanding rewards points before closing the account.
How to Add an Authorized User to Your American Express Card?
You can typically add an authorized user to your American Express card through your online account or by contacting customer service, providing their personal details.
How to Pay Your American Express Bill?
American Express offers various payment options, including online payments through your bank account, setting up automatic payments, mailing a check, or paying via their mobile app.
How to Get the American Express Black Card?
The American Express Centurion (Black) Card is invitation-only, extended to individuals with extremely high spending (often hundreds of thousands of dollars annually) and net worth, along with excellent credit.
How to Find American Express Merchant Acceptance Locations?
While American Express has a vast merchant network, you can look for the American Express decal at physical stores or check if they list Amex as an accepted payment method on their website for online purchases.
