American Express (AXP) owes much of its recent success to a new and lucrative market — Millennials and Generation Z.
The financial services giant has always been known as a high-quality company that caters to a premium clientele; its largest shareholder is Berkshire Hathaway, founded by Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha, who once said he only owns “wonderful companies.” Berkshire Hathaway now holds 22% of Amex’s total outstanding shares, worth a whopping $46 billion.
But over the past decade, under the direction of CEO Stephen Squeri, Amex has deliberately shifted its focus to younger demographics by positioning itself as a credit card that offers its customers “experiential value” rather than traditional rewards, including airport lounge access, dining credits, rideshare benefits, and travel perks.
This new strategy didn’t just help Amex stay relevant — it also built a new generation of loyal customers who don’t blink at paying $900 in annual fees. In 2024, Squeri told CNBC that Millennials and Gen Z consumers now account for approximately 60% of all new Amex card signups.
Their spending has helped drive record revenues and earnings for the company, along with 16.6% annual shareholder returns, which means that since Squeri started in 2018, Amex has outperformed Visa (V), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), and the S&P 500.
Now the financial services giant is channeling its momentum into an ambitious new landmark: a 55-story headquarters in the new World Trade Center complex. This signifies that American Express isn’t only thriving today — it’s building a future for generations to come.
Where is American Express’ headquarters?
For the past 40 years, American Express has been headquartered in New York City, in the American Express Tower at 200 Vesey Street in Lower Manhattan.
But on February 25, 2026, Amex announced it would relocate to a new state-of-the-art skyscraper right across the street, at 2 World Trade Center.
“Our new headquarters will be more than just a building,” Squeri stated in a press release. “It will be a place for our colleagues to feel energized, inspired, and proud — a home for innovation, interaction, and growth.”
Amex’s decision to develop and occupy 2 World Trade Center marks another milestone for the city of New York, as it will be the last building in the World Trade Center complex to be developed. Currently, four new office buildings tower at the site, along with a performing arts center, a transportation hub, and a museum and memorial dedicated to the remembrance of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Here’s a look at the buildings that currently occupy the World Trade Center complex
- One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower: At 1,776 feet, it’s the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. It’s also home to Condé Nast, Ameriprise Financial, and Servcorp.
- 3 World Trade Center houses McKinsey & Company, Uber, and Asana.
- 4 World Trade Center hosts the headquarters of Spotify, Morningstar, and Duolingo.
- 7 World Trade Center is the home of Moody’s Corporation, Moët Hennessy, and Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI).
- The complex also includes the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, the Perelman Performing Arts Center, and the Oculus Transportation Hub.
Unlike the complex’s other office buildings, which house multiple companies, American Express will be the sole tenant of 2 World Trade Center; construction is already underway and is expected to be completed in 2031.
CrossingLights, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
What are some unique features of American Express’ new headquarters?
Designed by Foster + Partners, the 55-story skyscraper will encompass 2 million square feet of office space and eventually house up to 10,000 Amex employees.
The building will boast a glass exterior interspersed with landscaped terraces and garden areas.
According to the company’s fact sheet, these green spaces are designed to introduce nature into the vertical workplace that will rise 1,226 feet above Lower Manhattan.
The workspaces will inspire collaboration and creativity, Amex says, and the building itself will boast the latest in smart technology, along with energy-efficient, all-electric HVAC systems.
Related: History of American Express: Company timeline & facts
No doubt that artificial intelligence will play a leading role in making the building’s operations efficient, from its lighting systems to its security. CEO Squeri has often talked about how agentic AI has helped accelerate company growth, and so it’s safe to say it will be fully on display in Amex’s sleek new headquarters as well.
As for the cost? Amex is fully covering the construction costs for the building, stating in its press release that the expense will not materially impact its financial results.
Can I tour American Express’ new headquarters?
Unlike other World Trade Center buildings, notably the Freedom Tower, which houses the One World Observatory, American Express’ new headquarters at 2 World Trade Center will not have public observation decks or tourist access. It will be a secure facility accessible only to company employees.
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However, the base of the building will include retail and publicly accessible amenities and will connect the building to the Oculus transportation hub, according to the World Trade Center website.
What is American Express’ address?
American Express’ current headquarters is at 200 Vesey Street in New York City.
Once construction at 2 World Trade Center has been completed, the company’s new address will be 200 Greenwich Street.
Related: Where is Microsoft’s headquarters? Inside the tech giant’s corporate campus
