I don't think that many of you think about the history of a credit card company when you are choosing a credit card offer. Credit cards have become so usual nowadays that we rarely think that the history of card issuers can be interesting.

What do you think about when you hear the name American Express? Probably, most of you will answer that they think about credit card company. But in reality American Express is much more than that! It is a company with magnificent and interesting history!

American Express was founded in 1850 by William Fargo, John Butterfield and Henry Wells. Originally the company was founded as an express business. In 1882, in order to compete with the US Post Office's money orders, AmEx launched its money order business. Such financial service didn't exist in Europe, so very soon it became very popular there.

Somewhere around 1890 J.C. Fargo went to Europe, he came back infuriated and frustrated. Mr. Fargo carried original letters of credit with him, but it was very difficult to obtain cash anywhere except in big cities.

So he thought that American Express has to create a better solution than the letter of credit.

And they did! American Express Travelers Checks in dominations of $10, $20, $50 and $100 were launched in 1891.

American Express Travelers Checks truly established AmEx as an international company that was well-known all over the world.

The history of American Express as a credit card company started in 1950, when Diners Club introduced their own credit card and AmEx began to consider the possibility. The first American Express credit card was launched in 1958. The card was made of paper with the cardholder's name and account number typed on it. The first plastic card was launched a year later.

Later on American Express introduced Gold Card and Platinum Card. The Platinum Card offered a great variety of benefits and had $250 annual fee. The card was offered by invitation to a limited number of people with excellent credit history.

In 1999 American Express issued Centurion Card also known as black card for their privileged customers. The card offered great benefits but charged a high annual fee, which was $1000! Also the company has introduced the card that became very popular among the young consumers - Blue from American Express.

Most of us are used to credit cards that have no annual fee, and don't know that in 2005 the Centurion card had $3500 annual fee!

Today American Express is known all over the world! This credit card company offers the best credit cards for consumers with different income, life styles and credit history! You can choose American Express frequent flyer cards, cash back cards, hotel rewards plastics and what not! In the 21st century you can enjoy a wireless RFID payment method: simply wave your card and the transaction is made!

As you can see American Express has an interesting history full of amazing facts! Small express business company has become major credit card issuer! As you can see everything is possible in America!

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