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Basis of Presentation | 3 Months Ended
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Mar. 31, 2012
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Basis of Presentation | 1. Basis of Presentation The Company American Express Company (the Company) is a global service s company that provides customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. The Company's principal products and services are charge and credit payment card products and travel-related services offered to consumers and businesses around the worl d. The Company has also focused on generating alternative sources of revenue on a global basis in areas such as online and mobile payments and fee-based services. The Company's various products and services are sold globally to diverse customer groups, including consumers, small businesses, mid-sized companies and large corporations. These products and services are sold through various channels, including direct mail, online applications, targeted direct and third-party sales forces and direct response advertising. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ameri can Express Company for the year ended December 31, 2011. The interim consolidated financial information in this report has not been audited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the interim period consolidated financial information, have been made. Results of operations reported for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expense, and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could be different from these estimates and assumptions. In the first quarter of 2012, t he Company revised the i ncome statement reporting of annual membership card fees on lending products, increasing net card fees and reducing interest and fees on loans. Corresponding amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Certain other reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to conform to the current presentation. The card fees revision discussed above and these other r eclassifications did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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