A once proud brand is now tarnished - Senior Project Manager American Express Employee Review

1.0
Feb 6, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

American Express offers an above average benefits package, yet over the past few yeas the move to a HSA medical plan ensures that you will pay more in premiums and out of pocket year over year. Offers a flexible work environment at times, just don’t get caught taking advantage of it as it will be held against you in the long run.

Cons

Amex suffers from a lack of innovation, with an attitude of wait and see. Amex is not and will never be a market leader as the are too timid to take a risk, and when presented with a opportunity will turn away if will require any innovation or investment. The company is chock full of 'lifers' with 20 years or more in the same job. They offer no value to the company and are part of the drag on being able to make any significant change to catch up with the previous market changes. There is pervasive fear of it’s customer and merchant base. Nothing can be done, no changes can be made as there is constant fear of the customer. In lieu of an approach of customer satisfaction, there is an effort to keep the status quo, and not make any change for fear that some customer may not like it. Jr. and Sr. management live in fear of the layer above them. The result is that there is zero upwards communication of issues and problems faced at the lower levels. When problems are encountered that require input from the next level to solve them the solution is to push back on the line level to come up with a solution, not draw any attention to the issue as the leader may be made to look bad, and god knows you can not have that!

Explore other reviews about American Express

5.0
Jun 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great work-life balance and leadership

Cons

it'd be nice to be fully remote

3.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Complimentary lunch and starbucks everyday - On-site clinic for basic check ups - Hybrid

Cons

you will be taking phone calls every minute of the day. There will come a time where you feel like at the bottom of the world. You will ask yourself "is my role in life to help people reset their password online and assist them in logging in?" You cannot use the bathroom whenever you want, they have time coding that if you "abuse" them you will be flagged and subject to discipline. You have to give world class service but at the same time rush them off the phone or else you are not getting paid a good bonus. You will quickly find yourself gasping for air and time to relax when you take 50+ calls a day , you will feel drained. When is finally time to move up there is a high chance you will be paid less than you're current role as there are no bonuses in higher roles.

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