Ah, the American Express Credit Card! It's more than just a piece of plastic (or, in its early days, paperboard!). It's a symbol of a long-standing legacy in the financial world. So, how long has American Express credit card been around? Let's dive in and explore its fascinating history!
Step 1: Let's Take a Trip Down Memory Lane! ⏳
Before we get to the exact year, imagine a time when carrying large sums of cash was the norm, especially for travelers. Businesses needed a reliable way to send goods and money across the country. What do you think was American Express's original business, long before credit cards were even a twinkle in anyone's eye? Keep that in mind as we uncover the story!
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| How Long Has American Express Credit Card Been Around |
Step 2: The Genesis of American Express – More Than Just Cards
American Express didn't start as a credit card company. In fact, its roots go back much further than any credit card in existence today!
The Mid-19th Century: Freight and Financial Innovation
American Express was founded in 1850 as an express mail service. Yes, you read that right! It began by consolidating three express mail companies: Wells & Company, Livingston, Fargo & Company, and Wells, Butterfield & Company. Their primary business was the secure and efficient transportation of parcels, documents, and valuable items across the burgeoning United States. Think of it as a crucial logistical network for a growing nation.
Beyond Freight: Money Orders and Traveler's Cheques
As the company prospered and built a reputation for trust and reliability, it gradually expanded into financial services.
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1882: American Express launched its money order business. This was a significant step, providing a safer alternative to carrying cash.
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1891: The iconic Traveler's Cheques were introduced. These revolutionized travel by offering a secure and widely accepted way to carry funds, reducing the risk of theft or loss while journeying. Many of us might remember our parents or grandparents using these!
Step 3: The Birth of the American Express Card – Not a "Credit" Card Yet!
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
While American Express had a strong presence in financial services and travel, the concept of a "credit card" as we know it today was still years away. The first card they introduced was actually a charge card.
October 1, 1958: The First Amex Card
American Express officially launched its first charge card in the U.S. and Canada on October 1, 1958. This was a groundbreaking moment!
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Initial Form: The very first cards were made of purple paperboard. They were designed to offer traveling customers greater flexibility, allowing them to purchase airline, steamship, and cruise tickets.
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The Key Difference (Charge vs. Credit): It's crucial to understand that these were charge cards, not credit cards. The fundamental difference was that the full balance had to be paid back every month. There was no revolving credit where you could carry a balance and pay interest.
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Rapid Adoption: By its official launch date, American Express had already issued 250,000 cards and had 17,500 establishments signed on to accept them. This shows the immediate demand for such a product.
May 1959: The Plastic Revolution
Just seven months later, in May 1959, American Express made another significant leap: they became the first major issuer to introduce a plastic card. This durable, more modern format quickly became the standard for payment cards.
Step 4: The Evolution Towards "Credit" and Beyond
While American Express was a pioneer in the charge card space, the true "credit card" with revolving credit came later.
1966: The Gold Card Arrives
American Express continued to expand its offerings, introducing the Gold Card in 1966. This card further solidified Amex's image as a premium travel and entertainment card.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
1984: The Platinum Card Debuts
Recognizing a need for even more exclusive benefits, American Express launched the Platinum Card in 1984. This invitation-only card catered to high-net-worth individuals, offering unparalleled perks and services.
1987: The First American Express "Credit" Card
It wasn't until 1987 that American Express introduced its first true credit card, the Optima Card. This was a significant shift, as it allowed customers to carry forward a balance, marking Amex's full entry into the revolving credit market.
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The Iconic Centurion Card (Black Card)
In 1999, American Express created the legendary Centurion Card, widely known as the "Black Card." This ultra-exclusive, invitation-only card became a symbol of ultimate prestige and luxury.
Step 5: American Express Today – A Legacy of Innovation
From its humble beginnings as an express mail company to its current status as a global payments and travel giant, American Express has continuously innovated. Today, it offers a wide array of products, from personal and business credit cards to charge cards, each with unique benefits and reward programs.
So, to answer the question directly: While American Express as a company has been around since 1850, its first card (a charge card) was introduced in 1958, and its first true credit card with revolving credit was launched in 1987. This means the American Express card, in some form, has been around for over 66 years as of 2025, and their true credit cards for over 38 years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
How to distinguish between an American Express Charge Card and a Credit Card?
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Charge Cards require you to pay your balance in full each month, with no option to carry a balance. Examples include the Green, Gold, and Platinum Cards (though some Platinum versions now offer Pay Over Time).
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Credit Cards allow you to carry a balance month-to-month, subject to interest charges. The Optima Card was their first, and many of their modern cards offer revolving credit.
How to apply for an American Express Card?
You can apply for an American Express Card directly on their official website. They will typically ask for personal information, contact details, and financial information. You may also be able to apply through partner banks or financial institutions.
How to check my American Express card application status?
After applying, you can usually check your application status online through the American Express website by providing your application reference number or personal details.
How to activate a new American Express Card?
New American Express Cards can typically be activated online through your Amex account, or by calling the activation phone number provided with your card.
How to report a lost or stolen American Express Card?
Immediately report a lost or stolen American Express Card by calling their customer service number, which is usually available 24/7. You can often find this number on their website or on the back of a previous card.
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
How to earn Membership Rewards points with American Express?
Membership Rewards points are earned by using your eligible American Express Card for purchases. The earning rate varies by card type and spending category. Points can then be redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or statement credits.
How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards points?
You can redeem Membership Rewards points through your online American Express account, or by contacting their customer service. Redemption options include booking travel, purchasing gift cards, paying for charges on your statement, or transferring to airline and hotel loyalty programs.
How to find out my American Express credit limit?
For credit cards, your credit limit is usually stated on your monthly statement or can be viewed by logging into your online American Express account. For charge cards, there isn't a pre-set spending limit, but rather a "spending power" that adjusts based on your financial history and other factors.
How to pay my American Express bill?
American Express offers various ways to pay your bill, including online payments through your account, setting up auto-pay, paying by phone, or mailing a check.
How to contact American Express customer service?
You can contact American Express customer service by phone (numbers are usually found on the back of your card or on their website), through secure messaging within your online account, or sometimes via live chat on their website.
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