American Express

American Express is a global financial company that specializes in payment cards for consumers and businesses, as well as travel services. The company's green charge card has the distinction of being the world's first charge card to be made out of plastic, replacing the paper cards that were in use prior to its 1959 introduction. The company was founded as a freight forwarding company in 1850. American Express Travelers Cheques, introduced in 1891, made it possible for people to obtain cash in foreign countries, changing the nature of travel and the company's profile. Over its history, American Express has owned railways, cable television, and investment banking. The company is currently organized in four business segments: U.S. consumer services, international card services, commercial services, and global merchant and networking services.