American Express Co
A payments company that issues credit and charge cards to consumers and businesses around the world, known for premium cards and cobrand partnerships. It also processes merchant payments through a global network spanning dozens of countries. Founded in 1850 in Buffalo as an express-delivery firm hauling valuables, it shares founders with Wells Fargo. Company president J.C. Fargo was so frustrated getting cash abroad that he had the Travelers Cheque invented in 1891.