Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-53801) of American Express Company of our report dated June 26, 2014 relating to the financial statements of American Express Retirement Savings Plan, which appears in this Form 11-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

June 26, 2014