Exhibit 15


November 14, 1996



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. 33-38777, No. 33-48629, No. 33-62124, No. 33-65008 and
No. 33-53801 and No. 333-12683; Form S-3 No. 2-89469, No. 33-17706, 
No. 33-43268, No. 33-66654 and No. 33-50997) of American Express Company of our
report dated November 14, 1996 relating to the unaudited consolidated interim 
financial statements of American Express Company which are included in its 
Form 10-Q for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 1996.

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