<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-16
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>exh16.txt
<DESCRIPTION>ERNST & YOUNG'S LETTER
<TEXT>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 16.1




E    r Ernst & Young LLP   rPhone:  (212) 773-3000
                                                  5 Times Square      www.ey.com
                                                  New York, NY  10036







March 10, 2005




Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20549


Gentlemen:

We have read item 4.01 of Form 8-K/A filed March 10, 2005,  of American  Express
Company and are in agreement with the portion of the first sentence of the first
paragraph  related to the dismissal of Ernst & Young LLP, the second sentence of
the first paragraph, and the statements contained in the second, third and fifth
paragraphs  on page 1 therein.  We have no basis to agree or  disagree  with the
fourth paragraph and the other statements of the registrant contained therein.


Very truly yours,

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP



















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</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
