Quick Answer

Yes, American Express hires individuals with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. As a global financial services company headquartered in New York City, American Express employs approximately 75,100 employees worldwide and operates in over 130 countries. The company has stated: "Disclosure of a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you for employment. Each conviction or guilty plea will be evaluated on its own merits with respect to time, circumstances and seriousness in relation to the job for which you apply.

Employment decisions are conditional upon passing a comprehensive background check conducted by HireRight and are subject to EEOC guidelines and New York City's Fair Chance Act. As a financial services company, American Express is subject to industry regulations that may create additional barriers for certain positions.

The greatest barriers are created by felonies related to financial crimes (fraud, theft, embezzlement), dishonesty offenses (due to trust requirements in financial services), and identity theft or data breaches (access to sensitive customer information). Recent offenses within the past 7 years face the highest scrutiny regardless of type.

Best entry points include customer service representative positions, call center roles, and administrative support positions. American Express offers competitive compensation with customer service roles averaging $19-$28/hr, plus excellent benefits including a 6% 401(k) match and 20 weeks of parental leave.

Table of Content

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second Chance Employers

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements:

• No Blanket Exclusion: American Express explicitly states that conviction disclosure will not automatically disqualify you. Each case is evaluated on its own merits considering time, circumstances, and job relevance.

  
  

• Job-Related Assessment: Must be prepared for evaluation of whether your felony relates to the job duties. Financial crimes create higher barriers for positions involving money handling or customer financial data.

  
  

• Verifiable Employment History: All employment listed on application must be 100% verifiable. HireRight will contact previous employers. Unverifiable information may result in offer rescission.

  
  

• Drug Screen: Must pass pre-employment drug screening within 72 hours of accepting offer. Drug screening is not required in California, Maine, and Vermont. American Express maintains a drug-free workplace.

  
  

• Honesty is Paramount: Must be completely honest about criminal record when asked. Dishonesty or misrepresentation is an automatic disqualifier and may result in termination if discovered later.

  
  

• Work Authorization: Must complete I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification confirming U.S. citizenship or work authorization.

  
  

• Arbitration Agreement: Must sign Employment Arbitration Policy Acknowledgment form as a condition of employment.

Critical Regulatory Information

Understanding the legal landscape for criminal records in financial services employment is essential for Second Chance applicants. American Express is headquartered in New York City and operates in all 50 states, subject to varying fair chance hiring laws and financial industry regulations.

EEOC Guidelines

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission advises employers not to automatically refuse to consider an applicant because of a criminal record. Employers must conduct an individualized assessment considering the Green Factors:

(1) Nature and gravity of the offense;

(2) Time elapsed since the offense and/or completion of sentence;

(3) Nature of the job sought and its relationship to the offense. American Express explicitly follows this approach in their hiring statement.

FCRA Requirements

American Express uses HireRight as their background check provider and must comply with Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requirements:

(1) Provide written notice and obtain consent before conducting background check; (2) Provide pre-adverse action notice with copy of report if considering denial;

(3) Allow reasonable time to dispute inaccuracies;

(4) Provide final adverse action notice if decision stands. The FCRA generally limits reporting of non-conviction information to 7 years.

State-Specific Considerations

New York City's Fair Chance Act provides strong protections for American Express's headquarters location. Employers cannot inquire about criminal history until after a conditional job offer. Criminal history can only be considered if directly related to the job or poses an unreasonable safety risk. If rescinding an offer, employers must provide written analysis and allow 5 business days to respond. Similar protections exist in California, Massachusetts, and other states where American Express operates major offices. Sealed records, youthful offender adjudications, and non-convictions cannot be considered.

Financial Services-Specific Considerations

Financial services companies face industry-specific regulations. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) requires registration and background checks for certain positions. Some financial crimes may create statutory bars for specific roles. However, the NYC Fair Chance Act provides limited exemptions for financial services only where it conflicts with self-regulatory organization rules. Most customer service and administrative positions are not subject to these elevated requirements. American Express evaluates each position individually for regulatory requirements.

Company Overview

American Express Company is a global financial services corporation founded in 1850 and headquartered at 200 Vesey Street (American Express Tower) in Lower Manhattan, New York City. The company provides charge cards, credit cards, travel-related services, and merchant payment network services operating in over 130 countries. American Express is one of the 30 components of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

American Express employs approximately 75,100 employees worldwide with major operations in New York, Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale, Salt Lake City, and international locations. The company generated $70.4 billion in revenue (trailing twelve months) with a market capitalization of approximately $232 billion. American Express has been recognized as one of the best places to work, with 89% CEO approval rating on Glassdoor.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1850 (New York)

• Headquarters: 200 Vesey Street, New York, NY

• Employees: Approximately 75,100 worldwide

• Revenue: $70.4 billion (TTM)

• Stock Exchange: NYSE: AXP

• Industry: Financial Services / Consumer Finance

• Major Locations: New York, Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale, Salt Lake City, Singapore, London

• Recognition: Fortune 500 company, Dow Jones component, 89% CEO approval (Glassdoor)

Hiring Policy Analysis

American Express has provided an encouraging official statement regarding hiring individuals with criminal records: "American Express is an equal opportunity employer. Disclosure of a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you for employment. Each conviction or guilty plea will be evaluated on its own merits with respect to time, circumstances and seriousness in relation to the job for which you apply." This demonstrates commitment to individualized assessment as required by EEOC guidelines.

Background checks are conducted after conditional offers are extended, using HireRight as the screening provider. The company conducts comprehensive verification including criminal history (federal and local), employment history, education credentials, and drug screening. All information must be verifiable—unverifiable employment history may result in offer rescission. The process typically takes 3-10 days depending on verification complexity.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels vary significantly based on financial data access, customer account handling, and regulatory requirements for specific roles.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, and company postings. Compensation is highly competitive with strong benefits. Remote work options available for many positions.

Career Path Examples

American Express emphasizes career development with strong internal mobility. The company offers tuition reimbursement up to $7,500/year for graduate degrees and partners with Harvard for leadership programs.

Customer Service Track: Customer Service Rep ($47K) → Senior Customer Service Rep ($55K) → Team Lead ($65K) → Customer Service Manager ($80K+). Strong performers can advance within 2-3 years per level.

Operations Track: Operations Associate ($45K) → Operations Analyst ($60K) → Senior Analyst ($75K) → Operations Manager ($95K+). Process improvement skills valued.

Technology Track: Junior Developer ($80K) → Software Engineer ($120K) → Senior Engineer ($150K) → Tech Lead/Architect ($180K+). Technical certifications accelerate advancement.

Background Check Process

American Express conducts one of the most thorough background checks in the industry, using HireRight as their screening provider. Understanding this process helps you prepare appropriately.

What They Check: Criminal history (federal and local levels); SSN verification; employment history (5+ years, must be verifiable); education verification; drug screening (except CA, ME, VT); reference checks. All information must be accurate and verifiable.

Lookback Period: Standard 7-year criminal lookback in most states. Reports indicate some checks going back 16+ years. State-specific limitations apply (7 years in CA, NY for non-convictions). Employment verification typically 5-7 years.

Timeline: Background checks typically take 3-10 business days depending on verification complexity. If HireRight cannot quickly verify information, delays may occur. Drug screening must be completed within 72 hours of offer acceptance.

Process Flow: Application submitted → Phone/video interview → In-person/final interview → Conditional offer extended → Background check authorization signed → HireRight conducts screening → Employment verification → Education verification → Criminal records check → Drug screening → Results reviewed → Final decision → Pre-adverse or adverse action if applicable → Start date confirmed.

Disqualifying Factors

High Risk for Disqualification: Fraud and financial crimes (embezzlement, identity theft, credit card fraud); dishonesty or misrepresentation on application; unverifiable employment history; theft convictions (especially recent); failed drug test.

Moderate Risk (Case-by-Case): Non-financial felonies; DUI convictions; drug possession (non-trafficking); violent offenses (depending on role and recency). All subject to individualized assessment per company policy.

Lower Risk: Old offenses (7+ years) unrelated to financial services; minor property crimes; offenses with clear rehabilitation evidence. Company explicitly states time elapsed is a consideration factor.

Your Rights as Applicant

• FCRA Protections: You must receive written notice and provide consent before HireRight conducts the background check. If denied based on the report, you're entitled to a copy and the right to dispute inaccuracies.

  
  

• Fair Chance Act (NYC): Criminal history cannot be inquired about until after conditional offer. If rescinding offer, employer must provide written Fair Chance Analysis and allow 5 business days to respond while holding position open.

  
  

• State Protections: Many states where American Express operates have Ban-the-Box laws. Sealed records, youthful offender adjudications, and non-convictions cannot be considered in most jurisdictions.

  
  

• Dispute Rights: You can dispute inaccurate information directly with HireRight. Check your own records beforehand. Misrepresentation is distinguished from inaccuracies—honest disclosure of accurate information is protected.

Application Strategy

1. Target Customer Service Positions: Focus on Customer Service Representative, Call Center, and Administrative Support roles which have the highest volume hiring and lower barriers for non-financial offenses. Remote positions may offer additional flexibility.

   
   

2. Ensure 100% Verifiable Information: American Express's background check is extremely thorough. Every employer, date, and credential must be verifiable. Unverifiable information may result in offer rescission. Gather W-2s or pay stubs as backup documentation.

   
   

3. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit applications through americanexpress.com/careers. Positions are also posted on LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Apply to multiple locations—American Express has offices in Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale, Salt Lake City, and other cities.

   
   

4. Prepare for Multiple Interviews: Expect phone screening followed by video or in-person interviews. Research American Express products and services. Demonstrate customer service skills and financial services interest.

   
   

5. Be Completely Honest: American Express values transparency. Their official statement emphasizes evaluating convictions "on their own merits." Never misrepresent your history—dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier.

   
   

6. Prepare Your Narrative: Have a brief, honest explanation ready focusing on: acknowledgment without excuses, what you learned, time elapsed, and your commitment to integrity in financial services. Emphasize stability and reliability.

   
   

7. Document Rehabilitation: Gather evidence of positive changes: stable employment history, completed programs, education, community involvement, and professional references. These support the individualized assessment.

   
   

8. Complete Drug Screening Promptly: Drug screening must be completed within 72 hours of offer acceptance (except in CA, ME, VT). Address any substance issues before applying. Failed drug test will disqualify your application.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. American Express Evaluates Individually: The company's official statement confirms case-by-case evaluation. They consider time elapsed, circumstances, and job relevance. This is more favorable than blanket exclusion policies.

   
   

2. Non-Financial Offenses Have Better Outcomes: If your conviction is unrelated to financial crimes, theft, or fraud, your chances improve significantly. Customer service roles focus on communication skills over financial risk factors.

   
   

3. Time Matters—Older Offenses Are Better: American Express explicitly considers "time elapsed" in their assessment. Offenses 7+ years old are viewed more favorably than recent convictions.

   
   

4. Verifiable Work History is Critical: HireRight will contact every employer listed. Gaps must be explained. Consider gathering W-2s, pay stubs, or tax records as backup verification if employers are difficult to reach.

   
   

5. Remote Positions May Offer Advantages: American Express offers work-from-home customer service positions. These high-volume roles may provide more opportunities for second chance applicants.

   
   

6. Build Customer Service Experience: If lacking experience, build customer service skills through other employers first. Strong customer service background strengthens your application regardless of record.

   
   

7. Leverage Fair Chance Protections: If applying for positions in NYC, you're protected by the Fair Chance Act. Criminal history cannot be discussed until after conditional offer. Use this to demonstrate qualifications first.

   
   

8. Be Patient with the Process: Background checks take 3-10 days. Don't assume the worst if there are delays. Verification of multiple employers takes time. Follow up professionally if needed.

Benefits Overview

American Express offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the financial services industry. Benefits are a key reason for their high employee satisfaction ratings.

401(k) and Retirement: Generous 6% 401(k) match (100% match on first 6% of base salary). Additional stock bonus and profit sharing options. Pension plan available. Maximum annual 401(k) benefit approximately $7,200.

Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families. No monthly paycheck deductions for basic coverage. Free access to Healthy Living Wellness Centers. Healthy Minds counseling program.

Parental Leave: 20 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave for eligible employees (among the best in the industry). Financial assistance for adoption, surrogacy, and reproductive treatments.

Time Off: 23 days PTO (vacation/personal days). Full salary military leave. Flexible work arrangements including remote options.

Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement up to $7,500/year for graduate degrees. American Express Scholarship Program for employees' children. Harvard Leadership Excellence Program partnership.

Additional Perks: Employee discount programs. On-site gyms and wellness programs. Life and disability insurance. Regional transit subsidies. Charitable donation matching.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: "Best benefits I've seen in a US company"; excellent 401k match; 6 months parental leave; work-from-home flexibility; good work-life balance; free food at some offices.

Cons: High deductibles on some health plans; targets can be stressful; recent return-to-office requirements at some locations; limited upward mobility in some departments.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does American Express hire people with felonies?

   Yes, American Express hires individuals with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. The company has officially stated: "Disclosure of a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you for employment. Each conviction or guilty plea will be evaluated on its own merits with respect to time, circumstances and seriousness in relation to the job for which you apply." Financial crimes like fraud and theft face higher scrutiny due to the nature of the business, but non-financial offenses are generally assessed more favorably.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at American Express?

   American Express uses HireRight to conduct comprehensive background checks after extending conditional offers. The screening includes criminal history (federal and local), SSN verification, employment history verification (5+ years), education verification, and drug screening (except in CA, ME, VT). All information must be 100% verifiable—unverifiable employment history may result in offer rescission. The process typically takes 3-10 business days.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go at American Express—what is the lookback period?

   Standard criminal lookback is 7 years in most states, though some reports indicate checks going back 16+ years in certain cases. State-specific limitations apply—California, New York, and other states limit reporting of non-convictions to 7 years. Employment verification typically extends 5-7 years. Sealed records and non-convictions generally cannot be reported or considered.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at American Express?

   Financial crimes create the highest barriers: fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, credit card fraud, and theft. As a financial services company handling customer financial data, American Express scrutinizes integrity-related offenses carefully. Recent offenses (within 5-7 years) face more scrutiny than older ones. Non-financial offenses like DUI or non-violent crimes are generally assessed more favorably, especially when time has elapsed and rehabilitation is demonstrated.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at American Express for applicants with a record?

   Customer Service Representative ($19-$28/hr, averaging $47K-$52K/yr) is the best entry point—high volume hiring with case-by-case evaluation. Call Center positions ($19-$25/hr) and Administrative Support roles ($20-$28/hr) also offer accessible pathways. Many positions offer work-from-home options. Focus on roles where your offense is clearly unrelated to job duties.

   
   

6. Does American Express drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, American Express requires pre-employment drug screening as part of the background check process. Drug screening must be completed within 72 hours of accepting the offer. The test is typically a urine screening. Drug screening is NOT required for candidates in California, Maine, and Vermont, or for individuals under 18. American Express maintains a drug-free workplace policy.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will American Express ask about criminal history?

   For positions in New York City (headquarters), the Fair Chance Act prohibits criminal history inquiry until after a conditional job offer is extended. Similar protections exist in other jurisdictions. The background check, including criminal records search, is conducted after the conditional offer. You should be prepared to discuss your history honestly if asked, but cannot be asked on the initial application in most locations.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at American Express if they have a felony?

   Yes, career advancement is possible for employees with felony convictions. American Express emphasizes internal mobility and career development. Customer service representatives can advance to senior roles, team leads, and management positions. Time since offense, demonstrated reliability, and job performance become the primary factors once employed. FINRA-registered positions have additional regulatory requirements that may create barriers.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take at American Express?

   The total hiring process from application to start date typically takes 3-6 weeks. Background checks specifically take 3-10 business days once initiated. If HireRight has difficulty verifying employment or education, delays may occur. Drug screening must be completed within 72 hours of offer acceptance. Having documentation ready (W-2s, transcripts) can help expedite verification if issues arise.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at American Express?

    Key strategies:

    (1) Ensure all employment history is 100% verifiable—gather backup documentation; (2) Target customer service positions with lower barriers;

    (3) Be completely honest—misrepresentation is an automatic disqualifier;

    (4) Prepare a brief narrative emphasizing time elapsed, rehabilitation, and commitment to integrity;

    (5) Build customer service experience if lacking;

    (6) Apply to multiple locations;

    (7) Complete drug screening promptly (within 72 hours);

    (8) Leverage Fair Chance Act protections in applicable jurisdictions;

    (9) Focus on roles where your offense is unrelated to job duties;

    (10) Be patient—background verification takes time.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If American Express doesn't work out, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring in financial services and related industries:

Conclusion

American Express offers genuine opportunities for individuals with criminal records, particularly in customer service and administrative roles. The company's explicit statement that "disclosure of a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you" demonstrates commitment to individualized assessment. With approximately 75,100 employees worldwide and high-volume customer service hiring, opportunities exist for those who approach the process strategically.

The primary challenges are the extensive background check process (one of the most thorough in the industry) and heightened scrutiny for financial crimes. All employment history must be 100% verifiable—this is non-negotiable. Financial offenses like fraud, theft, and embezzlement face significant barriers due to the nature of financial services work.

The compensation and benefits are exceptional: customer service roles averaging $47K-$52K/yr, 6% 401(k) match, 20 weeks parental leave, and comprehensive health coverage. Career advancement is possible with strong performance. Remote work options provide flexibility.

Key Success Factors: 100% verifiable employment history; target customer service positions; complete honesty about record; non-financial offenses; time elapsed since offense; demonstrated rehabilitation; leverage Fair Chance Act protections.

Biggest Barriers: Financial crimes (fraud, theft, embezzlement); unverifiable employment history; misrepresentation; recent offenses; failed drug test.

If you meet the eligibility requirements and can demonstrate verifiable work history, American Express represents a strong opportunity for second chance employment with one of America's most respected financial services companies.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Hiring policies vary by position, location, and individual circumstances. While we strive for accuracy using publicly available sources including company statements, job postings, employee reviews (Glassdoor, Indeed), and salary databases, employment information and company policies may change without notice. Always verify current practices directly with American Express.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. Background check laws, expungement procedures, and fair chance hiring requirements vary by state and should be confirmed with legal professionals. Financial services industry regulations may create additional requirements for certain positions. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization for specific legal advice about your situation.

Apply Now: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/careers/