Exhibit 15


May 14, 2001

The Shareholders and Board of Directors
American Express Company


We are aware of the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 No. 2-46918, No. 2-59230, No. 2-64285, No. 2-73954, No. 2-89680, No.
33-01771, No. 33-02980, No. 33-28721, No. 33-33552, No. 33-36422, No. 33-48629,
No. 33-62124, No. 33-65008, No. 33-53801, No. 333-12683, No. 333-41779, No.
333-52699 and No. 333-73111; Form S-3 No. 2-89469, No. 33-43268, No. 33-50997,
No. 333-32525, No. 333-45445, No. 333-47085, No. 333-55761 and 333-51828) of
American Express Company of our report dated May 14, 2001 relating to the
unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of American Express Company
which are included in its Form 10-Q for the three-month period ended March 31,
2001.

Pursuant to Rule 436(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, our report is not a
part of the registration statement prepared or certified by accountants within
the meaning of Section 7 or 11 of the Securities Act of 1933.


                                  /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York