American Express Revenue Climbs 9% In Third Quarter
The company added over 3 million new card members as it plans to integrate new technology for its customers.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Credit Cards
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American Express reported $20.1 billion in net revenue for the third quarter of 2026, marking a 9% increase compared to the same period last year. The company added 3.1 million new card members as it continues to target affluent users to manage credit risk.
Why it matters
The company’s ability to grow billed business volume by 8% reflects resilience in consumer spending among its base of affluent cardholders. This financial performance allows the firm to adjust its full-year earnings projections upward despite maintaining a conservative net write-off rate of 1.8%.
American Express reported third quarter net revenue of $20.1 billion, an increase of 9% year-over-year. During the same period, the company added 3.1 million net new card members while maintaining a net write-off rate of 1.8%.
The players
American Express
A global financial services company that provides credit cards and payment processing services to consumers and businesses.
Berkshire Hathaway
A multinational conglomerate holding company that maintains a 22.5% ownership stake in American Express.
The details
American Express generates revenue through a combination of card member fees and spend-based commissions processed on its closed-loop platform. By focusing its acquisition strategy on affluent segments, the firm maintains higher credit quality, evidenced by a 38% return on equity over the past nine months. This model supports continued growth in billed business volume, which rose 8% during the recent quarter.
Timeline
Q3 2026 marks the period of reported financial results.
October 27, 2026, served as the measurement date for the value of the Berkshire Hathaway stock stake.
Money Landscape
The firm's current performance follows the long-term trend established by its 440% total return over the last decade. This steady growth positions American Express favorably within the current rate and policy cycle relative to the broader credit card market.
As American Express plans to integrate new artificial intelligence tools into its card member services, users should monitor their account dashboards for upcoming feature updates. Households should ensure their contact information is current to receive notifications regarding new digital service capabilities.
The takeaway
American Express maintains consistent financial health by targeting segments with higher credit stability. Review your current card terms and fee structures periodically to ensure they remain aligned with your household budget and usage habits.
Further reading
For more information on managing your own accounts, visit our guide to Credit Cards.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Motley Fool.
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