Consolidated total revenues net of interest expense were $7bn, up 7% from $6.6bn a year ago.
Consolidated provisions for losses totaled $97m compared to $943m in the year-ago period.
Consolidated expenses totaled $5.2bn, up 19% from $4.4bn a year ago.
The company’s return on average equity (ROE) was 27.9%, up from 18% a year ago.
US Card Services reported first-quarter net income of $555m, up 34% from $414m a year ago.
International Card Services reported first-quarter net income of $189m, up 36% from $139m a year ago.
Global Commercial Services reported first-quarter net income of $184m, up 116% from $85m a year ago.
American Express chairman and CEO Kenneth Chenault said record earnings this quarter reflect credit quality and billed business trends that are among the best they have seen.
"Cardmember spending was up 17%, with broad-based strength across all our businesses segments. After several years of decline, our lending portfolio leveled off and total revenues grew at the healthiest pace since before the recession," Chenault said.
