Exhibit 15


August 13, 1997



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 and No. 333-12683; Form
S-3 No. 2-89469, No. 33-43268, No. 33-50997, and No. 333-32525) of American
Express Company of our report dated August 13, 1997 relating to the unaudited
consolidated interim financial statements of American Express Company which
are included in its Form 10-Q for the three and six month periods ended
June 30, 1997.

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