American Express AXP

Founded in 1850 by Henry Wells, William Fargo and J.C. Fargo, American Express has gone from delivering parcels to serving as the golden ticket to a life of conspicuous consumption. Known for its signature “black card” that screams wealth more audibly than a fleet of Lamborghinis, it’s the company that made credit cards not just a means to spend but a symbol of social status. The defining moment? When they transformed from a modest express delivery service into a financial powerhouse with the launch of the American Express Card in 1958—a move that cemented their place in the pantheon of luxury. With a current valuation flirting around $150 billion, American Express has made its mark with awards for customer service and loyalty programs, though not without a few scandals. The company’s history includes a spat over anti-trust allegations and customer data privacy issues. Under the current leadership of Stephen Squeri, American Express continues to navigate the high seas of finance with its mix of exclusivity and corporate ambition, remaining a favored tool for those who like their spending with a side of prestige.