EXHIBIT 23(a)

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption 'Experts' in the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 and related Prospectus of American Express
Company (the 'Company') for the registration of $3 billion of its Debt
Securities, Preferred Shares, Depositary Shares, Common Shares and Warrants and
to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 3, 2000,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of the
Company incorporated by reference in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                          .....................................
                                          Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York
December 13, 2000