American Express Assessments

Prepare for the American Express recruitment process with tailor-made practice materials.

Careers at American Express

American Express is a multinational financial services company that was established in 1850 as a freight company, but has since expanded to become the fourth largest card network globally - just behind China UnionPay, Visa and Mastercard.

American Express, or Amex as it is also known, offers careers in the following business areas:

  • Customer Service
  • Technology
  • Sales and Relationship Management
  • Marketing
  • Product
  • Finance
  • Analytics and Risk Management
  • Travel & Lifestyle Customer Service
  • Corporate Functions

With 55 offices worldwide, Amex offers financial services in 110 countries. Employees can choose to work in US and Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, and has been voted one of the Fortune 100 Global Best Companies to Work For, and one of the Best Workplaces for Millennials.

Employees at American Express benefit from a company focused on holistic mental, physical, and financial wellbeing, with medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, disability benefits, and care assistance alongside annual incentive awards based on individual and company performance.

The core values of American Express reflect not only how the business wants to be viewed by their customers, but also what the recruitment team will be looking for in an employee. Throughout the recruitment process, keep these values in mind. These are:

  • We back our customers
  • We make it great
  • We do what's right
  • We respect people
  • We embrace diversity
  • We stand for inclusion
  • We win as a team
  • We support our communities.

While there are many opportunities for experienced professionals, there are great options for students including undergraduate internships, graduate programmes, MBA internships, and technology apprenticeships - and these can all be applied for online.

American Express Recruitment Process

Every application for open positions at Amex starts with an online application form. If you are unsure of the business area that might be most suitable for you, then you can upload your CV online to be matched to open roles that suit your skills, experience and education.

The stages and specific order of the application process will depend on the level of the role and business area you have applied for.

American Express Online Application

The online application follows a standard format, including uploading your CV and cover letter, and answering some basic questions about yourself, including contact details.

There will be some 'motivational' questions, looking for why you want to work at Amex, and this is a good place to begin demonstrating your passion for the role.

If your application is successful, you will be invited to the next stage of the application process (which depends on the programme you are applying for).

American Express Aptitude Tests

There are several possible aptitude tests that you could be asked to complete, and the combination depends on the type of role you have applied for.

American Express Situational Judgement Test

In a situational judgement test, you are being assessed on the way you deal with problems in the workplace. You will be provided with a number of workplace scenarios, with several possible responses. These are fictional, but based on realistic experiences that you might face at work.

The scenarios will challenge you to decide on one of several possible courses of action, and the test will be timed so you cannot spend too long choosing. There is likely to be one or more answers that might seem to fit, so the best course of action is to ensure that you answer in the way that is most appropriate for you - bearing in mind the company values of Amex.

American Express Numerical Reasoning Test

As you will be working in the financial space if you are successful in your application, it is likely that you will be assessed on your numerical aptitude.

In anumerical reasoning test, it is not your mathematical ability that is being assessed; it is your ability to understand and analyse numerical data presented in graphs and tables. While calculations will need to be performed on this data, the answers presented are usually multiple choice and are based on GCSE-level mathematical theory and operations.

Each question will be based on a table or a graph, and to be successful you will need to quickly read and understand the data, and then perform any necessary calculations. These might be simple operations like multiplication or subtraction, but they might also involve ratios, percentages and fractions.

American Express Logical Reasoning Test

In the logical reasoning test, you are likely to be presented with a series of shapes, numbers, or pictures that follow a pattern. In most cases, you will be tasked to find the missing item in the sequence from a number of potential answers.

The images in the sequence will follow a logical pattern, which might include movement, size, colour, or any number of other differences. The timed test means that you will have to find the pattern and decide on the missing part of the sequence fast, using inference skills.

American Express Coding Skills Assessment

If you are applying for a technology position, such as an engineering internship or graduate programme - or the Technology Apprentice role - then you will be asked to undertake a short coding skills assessment.

The coding skills test is based on simple programming learning, to see how much knowledge you have in software, technology, and engineering.

American Express Virtual Video Interview

There are two types of video interview that you might be invited to, depending on the programme you have applied for.

American Express Pre-Recorded Video Interview

If you have applied for an undergraduate internship or as part of the graduate programme, then you will be required to answer a number of questions with pre-recorded video responses. The questions that are asked will be related to the job area applied for.

American Express Live Video Interview

If you have applied for an MBA Internship, then you will be asked to complete one or two consecutive 45-60 minute interviews with the American Express recruitment team. This should be considered an opportunity to demonstrate creativity and your skill set. Some of these interviews might be hosted by a panel of senior Amex staff.

American Express Virtual Assessment Centre

For graduate and internship opportunities, the final stage of the application process is a virtual assessment centre.

Along with other applicants, you will be invited to attend a series of activities hosted virtually. These include some competency-based interviews, where you will be asked to provide descriptions of scenarios and actions that you have taken to demonstrate your ability in that area.

There will also be a number of case studies that should be tackled through group work and presentations, and through these exercises you will be assessed by the recruitment team on your teamwork and communication, as well as your individual skills like analysis.

Sample American Express Assessments question Test your knowledge!

Score: /10

If a customer must have a credit score above 670 to qualify for a premium card offer and a customer has a score of 690, which statement correctly assesses the customer's eligibility?

  • The customer qualifies for the premium card offer.
  • The customer does not qualify for the premium card offer.
  • The customer's score is insufficient to determine eligibility.
  • The customer qualifies for only a standard card offer.

If the income from card transactions fees increased by 15% this quarter over the previous quarter, and the income from these fees was $1.2 million last quarter, how much is the income from card transactions fees this quarter?

  • $1.38 million
  • $1.3 million
  • $1.5 million
  • $1.2 million

A customer has a credit card balance of $3,450 and decides to repay $1,200. Later that month, they make $800 of new purchases. What is their new balance?

  • $3,050
  • $2,450
  • $2,650
  • $4,250

If the average expenditure of five different divisions is $4 million, and four of the divisions spend $3.5 million, $4 million, $4.5 million, and $5 million respectively, how much did the fifth division spend?

  • $3 million
  • $3.5 million
  • $4.25 million
  • $5 million

Within a set of financial transactions, there are 5 instances of fraud. If the fraud detection system correctly flagged 3 out of these 5 fraudulent transactions and in total flagged 8 transactions, how many non-fraudulent transactions were incorrectly flagged?

  • 5
  • 3
  • 8
  • 2

A team observes that the number of new credit card sign-ups has doubled every month for four months. If there were 200 sign-ups in the first month, how many sign-ups were there in the fourth month?

  • 1600
  • 800
  • 3200
  • 400

Imagine you are evaluating a series of customer complaints. If the third complaint is considered more urgent than the first and the second one is less urgent than the fourth, which complaint should be addressed first?

  • The third complaint
  • The first complaint
  • The second complaint
  • The fourth complaint

When analyzing transaction sequences, you notice that if Event A occurs, Event B cannot occur. If Event B has not occurred, which of the following must be true?

  • Event A may or may not have occurred.
  • Event A definitely occurred.
  • Event A and Event C both occurred.
  • Event A definitely did not occur.

A group of analysts are comparing credit card plans. Plan X offers better rewards than Plan Z but has a higher interest rate than Plan Y. If the goal is to choose a plan with moderate rewards and the lowest interest rate, which plan is the best option?

  • Plan Y
  • Plan X
  • Plan Z
  • Insufficient information to determine

You are given a rule that whenever transaction type 'P' is processed, types 'Q' and 'R' are never processed on the same day. If transaction type 'Q' was processed today, which of the following must be true?

  • Transaction type 'P' may or may not have been processed today.
  • Transaction types 'P' and 'R' were not processed today.
  • Transaction type 'R' was processed today.
  • None of these statements must be true.

Build your confidence today

Try one of our American Express tests for FREE.

I've always been poor at maths, but the numerical reasoning tests really improved my scores.

Imani used Fintest to help pass her aptitude tests for PWC.

testimonial

American Express Assessments Tips

Know the Company

Before you dive into the practice exams, take the time to understand American Express. It's not just about knowing the answers to potential questions, but also demonstrating an awareness of the company's history and services. Get to know their milestones, products, and corporate values; this knowledge can give context to your answers and show that you're a well-informed candidate eager to be a part of their team.

Simulate Real Exam Conditions

When taking the practice exams on Fintest, create an environment that mimics the actual test conditions. Find a quiet space, set a timer, and work without interruptions. This will help you build the stamina and focus you need for the real exam, and you'll also become more confident in managing your time effectively during the test.

Understand the Question Types

Familiarize yourself with the types of questions that American Express is likely to ask. On Fintest, you'll find a variety of question formats designed to reflect what you might encounter, such as multiple-choice, true/false, and scenario-based questions. By understanding these formats, you'll be less likely to be caught off guard and more likely to tackle the test with confidence.

Review and Reflect

After completing each practice exam, take the time to review your answers. Reflect on the questions you got wrong and understand why. Fintest offers detailed explanations for the answers, so you can learn and improve with each attempt. Remember, the goal is to not just memorize answers but to comprehend the material.

Stay Calm and Positive

Test anxiety can be a challenge, but maintaining a calm and positive mindset can greatly impact your performance. Use positive affirmations and remember that practice is key to building confidence. The more you practice with Fintest, the more adept you'll become, and the more your nerves will settle. Breathe, stay focused, and tackle each question to the best of your ability.

Level up

Choose the package that works for you.

Pro

Pay Annually
Pay Monthly
  • 30 Numerical reasoning tests
  • 30 Verbal reasoning tests
  • 30 Diagrammatic reasoning tests
  • 30 Situational judgement tests
  • 86 Employer packages
  • 17 Publisher packages
  • Dashboard performance tracking
  • Full solutions and explanations
  • Tips, tricks, guides and resources

  • Access to free tests
  • Basic performance tracking
  • Full solutions and explanations
  • Tips and resources

American Express Assessments FAQs

How many rounds of interviews are there in American Express?

There are typically four rounds of interviews depending on the seniority of the role.

Is it hard to get hired at American Express?

Yes, job competitiveness is high at American Express and they receive a high volume of applications for roles. The hiring process is therefore thorough and challenging to ensure top applicants are shortlisted.

What are American Express's core values?

Exceptional delivery for American Express customers, respect, caring for communities, unparalleled standard of excellence, differentiating views, doing what's right and winning as a team.

Are the American Express tests difficult?

The American Express assessments are challenging but with some practice and preparation you should be able to achieve a good score to allow you to be considered for shortlisting. You can practice free test questions here.

What is the STAR method in American Express interviews?

STAR (situation, task, action and result) is an interview technique used to structure answers to behavioral-style questions. It is recommended to use this technique when interviewing for American Express.