Pros
American Express has great people who are smart and accomplished, yet don't feel the need to lead the consultant/banking lifestyle anymore. There's a great culture of development/growth and openness at the company. It's a world class brand that stands for quality and respect - so you can be proud of the company and its products. Amex is also sincere in its commitments to the community. At least for me, work/life balance is absolutely achievable at Amex & allows me to have a fulfilling job and also enjoy life in New York City. If you like being in touch with what premium consumers want and need, Amex is the place to be. Also the business model is so sound that even in an economic downturn, it's a great place to work unlike alot of financial institutions right now.
Kontras
Unfortunately, Amex does offer lower compensation in exchange for work/life balance. It's a trade off you have to be willing to make - but I can't say that it doesn't bother me or others at the company time and again. Although it's a smart and well managed company, it's not the most innovative company. Things take too long to happen and there are far too many meetings. We're not nimble and maverick the way start ups or tech companies like Google/Apple might be. There is sometimes alot of drinking of the Kool Aid when it comes to the brand as with any great brand/culture - and people are far too fond of acronyms, PowerPoint, and meetings - but those are really symptoms of American corporate business more than Amex per se.