American Express Credit Card - Online Credit Cards

American Express Online Credit Cards

Along with Diners Club online credit cards, American Express online credit cards are two of the earliest credit card companies which started it all. Although the history of online credit cards can be traced to as far back as the 17th century, the plastic, magnetic cards that we know today began almost at the same time that these two companies, the American Express Company and Diners Club International were born.

Today, the American Express Company operates from their main headquarters in New York City with Kenneth Chenault as the Chief Executive Officer.

The Early Beginnings of the American Express Credit Card

The American Express Company traces its roots back during the 1850's, when the corporation was formed as a joint stock operation. Along with Diners Club, American Express cards were then accepted at around twenty different establishments. However, the earliest versions of the American Express credit card did not allow partial or flexible payments.

Instead, a full payment for the entire amount charged against the online credit cards were needed. For the succeeding years, the payment plans have become more flexible to cope up with the ever-changing needs of the average consumer.

American Express credit cards were also the first ones in the industry to issue plastic cards where the name and account number of the credit card holder are embossed. From this point on, several new products were introduced by the American Express Company. This includes:

- American Express Gold Card (1966)
- American Express Platinum Card (1984)
- American Express Optima Card (1987)
- American Express Optima True Grace Card (1994)
- American Express Centurion Card (1999)
- American Express Plum Card (2007)

American Express Credit Card Benefits

In terms of security, the American Express Company uses a global fraud protection system, a travel back-up and consumer protection methods to ensure that each financial transaction is highly secure.

In terms of benefits, American Express online credit cards offer a whole range of exciting rewards and advantages. For the American Express Platinum card, for example, you can enjoy travel rewards, travel and shopping insurance, free additional Platinum cards, dinners reservations and travel arrangement services, as well as dining and special events privileges.

American Express online credit cards are also offered to small businesses and corporate clients. Due to the length of experience that they have in the credit card industry, there is no doubt that American Express credit card holders are making a good decision when choosing among the many types of financial options that the company offers.