American Express Company, commonly known as Amex, is a leading player in the financial services industry, headquartered in the United States. Founded in 1850, the company has evolved significantly, establishing itself as a premier provider of charge cards, credit cards, and travel-related services. With a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia, American Express is renowned for its unique rewards programmes and exceptional customer service. The company’s core offerings include personal and business credit cards, travel services, and merchant solutions, all designed to enhance customer experiences. American Express has achieved notable milestones, such as being one of the first companies to introduce a traveler's cheque. Its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has solidified its position as a trusted brand in the financial sector, making it a preferred choice for millions worldwide.
How does American Express's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Financial Intermediation industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
American Express's score of 71 is higher than 84% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2023, American Express reported total carbon emissions of approximately 31,221,000 kg CO2e for Scope 1 and 2 combined (market-based), with Scope 1 emissions at about 28,952,000 kg CO2e and Scope 2 emissions at approximately 2,269,000 kg CO2e. Additionally, Scope 3 emissions included about 18,064,000 kg CO2e from business travel and 807,000 kg CO2e from waste generated in operations. The total emissions for 2023, including all scopes, amounted to approximately 49,092,000 kg CO2e. American Express has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for net-zero emissions across all scopes by 2050. Near-term targets include a 60% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2033 from a 2019 baseline and a 35% reduction in absolute Scope 3 emissions within the same timeframe. Furthermore, the company aims to achieve a 90% reduction in both Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050, as well as a 90% reduction in Scope 3 emissions. The company is also committed to reducing energy use by 35% across its managed facilities by 2025, compared to a 2011 baseline. These targets align with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and reflect American Express's dedication to addressing climate change and reducing its carbon footprint.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 36,158,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 126,270,000 | 000,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 33,173,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
American Express's Scope 3 emissions, which increased by 57% last year and decreased by approximately 43% since 2013, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. A significant portion of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 38% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Business Travel" being the largest emissions source at 96% of Scope 3 emissions.
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
American Express has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

Common questions about American Express's sustainability data and climate commitments