3 Reasons to Buy American Express

The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which consumer goods editor and analyst Austin Smith discusses topics across the investing world.

In today's edition, Austin gives investors three reasons to consider buying shares of American Express today. He cites the undeniable march toward increased credit card usage, the nature of our economic recovery, and American Express' relative cheapness compared to other credit card companies as just a few reasons to consider an investment in the company. Given American Express' emphasis on the business consumer instead of the individual, it tends to have a higher average spend per purchase and a lower default rate than other financial institutions. That's just one of the reasons it's a top Dow stock, and one of Warren Buffett's core holdings.

Of course, there is also its dividend. At 1.4% it's less than the broad index it calls home, but it's still something. However, there are better income plays out there, like the 9 Rock-Solid Dividends our Motley Fools love. You can uncover the picks in this elite group totally free today; just click here to read more.

At the time thisarticle was published Austin Smithhas no positions in the stocks mentioned above. The Motley Fool owns shares of Bank of America.Motley Fool newsletter services recommendAmerican Express. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.

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