Where Will American Express Stock Be in 3 Years?
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By Anders Bylund – Feb 7, 2026 at 11:37AM ESTKey PointsAmerican Express stock has doubled in three years and tripled in five, outpacing Visa, Mastercard, and the S&P 500.The company rests on five strategic pillars instead of chasing specific financial targets.CEO Stephen Squeri credited the Platinum card relaunch directly for increased cardholder engagement.We’re bullish on these 10 stocks ›NYSE: AXPAmerican ExpressMarket Cap$247BToday's Changeangle-down(1.33%) $4.73Current Price$359.35Price as of February 6, 2026 at 3:58 PM ETAmerican Express stock has tripled in five years. A recent premium card relaunch suggests the good times aren't over yet.American Express (AXP +1.33%) is on a roll. As of Feb. 5, 2026, the financial services veteran's stock has gained 20% over the past six months, doubled over the past three years, and tripled over the past five years. These market-beating gains put it far ahead of archrivals Visa (V +0.81%) and Mastercard (MA 0.57%) in all three periods. The company's focus on premium services and excellent customer service is paying off. But that's a history lesson, not an investment thesis.
Can American Express keep outrunning its rivals and the S&P 500 (^GSPC +1.97%) in the next three years? ExpandNYSE: AXPAmerican ExpressToday's Change(1.33%) $4.73Current Price$359.35Key Data PointsMarket Cap$247BDay's Range$354.62 - $361.3952wk Range$220.43 - $387.49Volume149KAvg Vol2.8MGross Margin62.86%Dividend Yield0.91% The new Platinum card is a hit, despite 29% higher fees The recent Q4 2025 earnings call holds some clues. American Express is leaning into a premium strategy, charging higher fees for more luxurious consumer services. In September 2025, the annual fee for American Express Platinum cards rose from $695 to $895, along with a refreshed set of card benefits. Despite shaky consumer confidence ratings in 2025, the new Platinum card was an immediate hit. Retention rates didn't change, despite the higher fees and fairly modest initial incentives for new cardholders. The fees provide incentives for people to use the card and earn the included credits. Together with the Platinum Travel experience planning phone app, the strong Platinum Card relaunch inspired a 30% year-over-year increase in travel bookings. "It is a direct result of that Platinum launch and the engagement of our cardholders," CEO Stephen Squeri said. Image source: Getty Images. American Express has a flexible plan The company doesn't set long-term financial goals. Instead, American Express operates according to five "core strategic pillars" while adjusting to ever-changing market conditions. The premium services market is one of the five pillars, along with data-driven technology investments, international expansion, targeting small and medium-size business accounts, and refreshing existing products over time. This flexible business plan is working wonders even in a difficult economy, and shareholders are enjoying strong returns. I think that will be true over the next three years, too. American Express is making the most of a luxurious niche.Read NextFeb 5, 2026 •By Eric VolkmanIs American Express a Buy, Sell, or Hold in 2026?Feb 4, 2026 •By Neil Patel3 Things Every American Express Investor Needs to KnowFeb 4, 2026 •By Leo SunCould Buying American Express (AXP) Today Set You Up for Life?Jan 29, 2026 •By David Jagielski, CPAUp More Than 210% in 5 Years, Can American Express Stock Still Rise Higher?Jan 20, 2026 •By Neil PatelIs 2026 the Year to Buy American Express Stock?Jan 13, 2026 •By Daniel SparksAmerican Express Stock Dips. Time to Buy?About the AuthorAnders Bylund is a contributing Motley Fool media and technology analyst covering semiconductors, cloud computing, internet infrastructure, quantum computing, and streaming media. Previously, Anders was a systems administrator for Nielsen Technology and CSX, gaining hands-on experience with enterprise-class systems. He was also a freelance writer for Ars Technica, TIME, USA Today, CNN, WIRED, and AOL's Daily Finance. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in library and information sciences from Florida State University. He believes in coyotes and time as an abstract.TMFZahrimX@TMFZahrimStocks MentionedAmerican ExpressNYSE: AXP$359.35 (+1.33%) $+4.73S&P 500 IndexSNPINDEX: ^GSPC$6932.30 (+1.97%) $+133.90MastercardNYSE: MA$548.75 (0.57%) $3.14VisaNYSE: V$331.81 (+0.81%) $+2.68*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.