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 28, 2016 relating to the financial statements and supplemental schedule of the American Express Retirement Savings Plan which appears in this Form 11-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

June 28, 2016