IDS CERTIFICATE CO /MN/
POS AMI, 1995-04-25
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<PAGE>
PAGE 1 
                 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                           WASHINGTON, D.C.

                               FORM S-1

                   POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NUMBER 15 TO

                  REGISTRATION STATEMENT NO. 2-95577

                 IDS FLEXIBLE SAVINGS CERTIFICATE

                                 UNDER

                      THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


                        IDS CERTIFICATE COMPANY                   
          (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

                             DELAWARE                             
    (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

                               6725                               
       (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)

                            41-6009975                            
                 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

     IDS Tower 10, Minneapolis, MN 55440-0010, (612) 671-3131     
          (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
 including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

Bruce A. Kohn, IDS Tower 10, Minneapolis, MN 55440-0010
                          (612) 671-2221
      (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
              including area code, of agent for service)

The Registrant has registered an indefinite number or amount of
securities under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section
24f-2 of the Investment Company Act of 1940.  Registrants' Rule
24f-2 Notices for its most recent fiscal year (December 31) was
filed on or about February 28, 1995.

<PAGE>
PAGE 2
                         Explanatory Note

The first prospectus contained in Part I of the Registration
Statement will be used, with minor variations, in connection with
the following Registration Statements No. 2-68296, No. 2-76193, No.
33-3562 and No.33-22503.  In each case, the first several pages of
the prospectuses vary to describe the unique attributes of each
certificate.  The balance of the prospectus is almost identical for
all certificates.
<PAGE>
PAGE 3
               PART I. CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FOR PROSPECTUS
                          PURSUANT TO RULE 404(c)
                         IDS FLEXIBLE SAVINGS CERTIFICATE
                              AND VARIATIONS

                                                                
                                                                 
Item                            Caption in                       
Number                          Prospectus                       
                                                                
Item 1. Forepart of the                                          
Registration Statement                                          
and Outside Front Cover                                         
Page of Prospectus.                                             
                                                                
                                                                
Item 2. Inside Front and        Where to get information about   
Outside Back Cover Pages        IDSC;  Table of Contents.          

of Prospectus.                                         
                                                                
Item 3. Summary Informa-        About the certificate            
tion, Risk Factors                                              
and Ratio of Earnings                                           
to Fixed Charges.                                               
                                                                
Item 4. Use of Proceeds.        How your money is used and       
                                protected; Investment policies      
                             
Item 5. Determination of        Not Applicable.                  
Offering Price.                                  
                                                                
Item 6. Dilution.               Not Applicable.                  

Item 7. Selling Security        Not Applicable.                   
Holders.                         
                                                                
Item 8. Plan of                 How your certificate              
Distribution.                   is managed. 

           
Item 9. Description of          About the Certificate;           
Securities to Be                How to invest and withdraw       
Registered.                     funds;                      
                                Taxes on your earnings.          


Item 10. Interests of           Not Applicable.                  
Named Experts and Counsel.                                      
<PAGE>
PAGE 4
PART I. CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FOR PROSPECTUS
                            PURSUANT TO RULE 404(c) (Continued)
                                                             
                                                                
                                                                 
Item                            Caption in                       
Number                          Prospectus
                                   
Item 11. Information with       Invested and guaranteed by 
Respect to the Registrant.      IDSC; Regulated by government; 
                                Relationship between IDSC and  
                                American Express Financial 
                                Corporation; Capital structure and  
                                 
                                certificates issued;  Directors
                                and Officers.

Item 12. Disclosure of          Directors and Officers;       
Commission Position on          Also see Item 17 in
Indemnification for             Part II.
Securities Act Liabilities.

<PAGE>
PAGE 5
IDS Flexible Savings Certificate
Prospectus - April 26, 1995
   
Earn guaranteed competitive rates for the term you choose.
    
IDS Flexible Savings Certificates are issued by IDS Certificate
Company (IDSC).  You may purchase this certificate by selecting a
term of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 or 36 months and an initial investment of
at least $1,000 but not more than $1 million (unless you receive
prior authorization to invest more).  Your principal and interest
is guaranteed by IDSC.  IDSC guarantees a fixed rate of interest
depending upon the term you select.  You may make additional
investments during the term subject to certain limitations.  You
may invest in successive terms up to a total of 20 years from the
issue date of the certificate.  Your interest rate will be
determined as described in "About the certificate."

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.

This certificate is backed by IDSC's investments on deposit rather
than guaranteed or insured by the government or someone else.  See
"Invested and guaranteed by IDSC" and "Regulated by government"
under "How your money is used and protected."
   
This prospectus describes terms and conditions of your IDS Flexible
Savings Certificate.  It contains facts that can help you decide if
the certificate is the right investment for you.  Read the
prospectus before you invest and keep it for future reference.  No
one has the authority to change the terms and conditions of the IDS
Flexible Savings Certificate as described in the prospectus, or to
bind IDSC by any statement not in it.
    
IDS Certificate Company
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010

1-800-437-3133 (toll free) or 
(612) 671-3800 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)

TTY numbers:
1-800-846-4293 (toll free) or
(612) 671-1630 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)

An American Express company
<PAGE>
PAGE 6
       
Where to get information about IDSC

IDSC is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.  Reports and other information on IDSC are
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  Copies
can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 450
5th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.  Or you
can inspect and copy information in person at the SEC's Public
Reference Section and at the following regional offices.

Northeast Regional Office  
7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300 
New York, NY  10048   

Midwest Regional Office
Northwestern Atrium Center
500 West Madison Street
Suite 1400
Chicago, IL  60611

Pacific Regional Office
5670 Wilshire Boulevard, 11th Floor
Los Angeles, CA  90036

Initial interest rates

IDSC guarantees a fixed rate of interest for each term.  For the
initial term, the rate will be within a specified range of certain
average certificates of deposit interest rates, as published in the
most recent BANK RATE MONITOR Top 25 Market AverageTM, North Palm
Beach, FL 33408, as explained under "About the certificate."

Here are the interest rates in effect on the date of this
prospectus, April 26, 1995:

                    Simple           Effective
                    interest         annualized
Term                rate*            yield**   
 6-month            
12-month            
18-month            
24-month            
30-month            
36-month            
   
*These are the rates for investments under $100,000.  Rates may
depend on the factors described in "Rates for new purchases" under
"Promotions and pricing flexibility" under "About the certificate."
    
**Assuming monthly compounding.

These rates may or may not be in effect when you apply to purchase
your certificate.  Rates for future terms are set at the discretion
of IDSC and may also differ from the rates shown here.

We reserve the right to issue other securities with different
terms.<PAGE>
PAGE 7
   
Contents
    
Table of contents

About the certificate
  Investment amounts and terms                          p
  Face amount and principal                             p
  Value at maturity                                     p
  Receiving cash during the term                        p
  Interest                                              p
  Rates for new purchases                               p
  Promotions and pricing flexibility                    p
  Additional Investments                                p

How to invest and withdraw funds
  Buying your certificate                               p
  Full and partial withdrawals                          p
  When your certificate term ends                       p
  Transfers to other accounts                           p
  Retirement plans: special policies                    p
  Withdrawal at Death                                   p
  Transfer of ownership                                 p
  For more information                                  p
     
Taxes on your earnings
  Retirement accounts                                   p
  Gifts to minors                                       p
  Foreign investors                                     p

How your money is used and protected
  Invested and guaranteed by IDSC                       p
  Regulated by government                               p
  Backed by our investments                             p
  Investment policies                                   p

How your money is managed
  Relationship between IDSC and American
     Express Financial Corporation                      p
  Capital structure and certificates issued             p
  Investment management and services                    p
  Distribution                                          p
  Employment of other American Express affiliates       p
  Directors and officers                                p
  Auditors                                              p

Financial information
  Summary of selected financial information             p
  Management's discussion and analysis of
   financial condition and results of operations        p
  Report of independent auditors                        p
  Financial statements                                  p
  Notes to financial statements                         p
<PAGE>
PAGE 8
About the certificate

Investment amounts and terms

You may purchase the IDS Flexible Savings Certificate with a single
payment of at least $1,000 payable in U.S. currency.  Unless you
receive prior authorization, your total amount paid in over the
life of the certificate, less withdrawals, cannot exceed $1
million.

After determining the amount you wish to invest, you select a term
of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 or 36 months for which IDSC will guarantee an
interest rate.  Generally, you will be able to select any of the
terms offered.  But if your certificate is nearing its 20-year
maturity, you will not be allowed to select a term that would carry
the certificate past its maturity date.

The certificate may be used as an investment for your Individual
Retirement Account (IRA), 401(k) plan account or other qualified
retirement plan account.  If so used, the amount of your
contribution (investment) will be subject to any limitations of the
plan and applicable federal law.

Face amount and principal

The face amount of the certificate is the amount of your initial
investment, and will remain the same over the life of the
certificate.  Any investment or withdrawal within 15 days of the
end of a term will be added on or deducted to determine principal
for the new term.  The principal is the amount that is reinvested
at the beginning of each subsequent term, and is calculated as
follows:

   Principal equals       Face amount (initial investment)
        plus              At the end of a term, interest credited
                          account during the term
        minus             Any interest paid to you in cash
        plus              Any additional investments to your
                          certificate
        minus             Any withdrawals, fees and applicable    
                          penalties.

Principal may change during a term as described in "Add-on feature"
and "Full and partial withdrawals."

For example:  Assume your initial investment (face amount) of
$5,000 has earned $75 of interest during the term.  You have not
taken any interest as cash, or made any withdrawals.  You have
invested an additional $2,500 prior to the beginning of the next
term.  Your principal for the next term will equal:
<PAGE>
PAGE 9                                 $5,000.00        Face
Amount (initial investment)
plus           $75.00        Interest credited to your account
minus          ($0.00)       Interest paid to you in cash
plus        $2,500.00        Additional investment to your
                              certificate
minus          ($0.00)       Withdrawals and applicable penalties
                              or fees
            $7,575.00        Principal at the beginning of the next
                              term.          
Value at maturity

You may continue to invest for successive terms for up to a total
of 20 years.  Your certificate matures at 20 years from its issue
date.  At maturity, the value of your certificate will be the total
of your purchase price, plus additional investments and any
credited interest not paid to you in cash, less any withdrawals and
penalties.  Some fees may apply as described in "How to invest and
withdraw funds."

Receiving cash during the term

If you need your money before your certificate term ends, you may
withdraw part or all of its value at any time, less any penalties
that apply.  Procedures for withdrawing money, as well as
conditions under which penalties apply, are described in "Full and
partial withdrawals" under "How to invest and withdraw funds."

Interest

Your investments earn interest from the date they are credited to
your account.  Interest is compounded and credited at the end of
each certificate month (on the monthly anniversary of the issue
date).

IDSC declares and guarantees a fixed rate of interest for each term
during the life of your certificate.  We calculate the amount of
interest you earn each certificate month by:

     o    applying the interest rate then in effect to your balance
          each day

     o    adding these daily amounts to get a monthly total

     o    subtracting interest accrued on any amount you withdraw
          during the certificate month.

Interest is calculated on a 30-day month and 360-day year basis.

Rates for new purchases 
   
When your application is accepted, you will receive a confirmation
of your purchase showing the rate that your investment will earn. 
IDSC guarantees that when rates for new purchases take effect, the
rates will be within a range based on the average interest rates
then published in the BANK RATE MONITOR Top 25 Market AverageTM
(the BRM Average).<PAGE>
PAGE 10
In the case of the 6-, 12-, 24-, and 30-month terms IDSC guarantees
that, for purchases of certificates for less than $100,000, your
rate for your initial term will be 10 basis points (.10%) below to
90 basis points (.90%) above such rates for comparable length
certificates of deposit (CDs).  In the case of these terms, for
purchases of certificates for $100,000 or more, IDSC guarantees
that your rate for your initial term will be within a range of 5-
105 basis points above such rates for comparable length
certificates of deposit.
           
In the case of the 18-month term, because the BRM Average doesn't
typically publish rates for comparable length certificates of
deposit, IDSC guarantees that, for purchases of certificates for
less than $100,000, the rate for your initial term will be within a
range of 0-100 basis points above the rates for the 12-month
certificates of deposit.  In the case of the 18-month term, for
purchases of certificates of $100,000 or more, IDSC guarantees that
your rate for your initial term will be within a range of 15-115
basis points above the rates for the 12-month certificates of
deposit.

In the case of the 36-month term, because the BRM Average doesn't
typically publish rates for comparable length certificates of
deposit, IDSC guarantees that, for purchases of certificates for
less than $100,000, the rate for your initial term will be within
0-100 basis points above the rates for the 30-month certificate of
deposit.  In the case of the 36-month term, for purchases of
certificates of $100,000 or more, IDSC guarantees that your rate
for your initial term will be within 15-115 basis points above the
rates for the 30-month certificates of deposit.  For example, if
the rate most recently published in the BRM Average with respect to
the 30-month certificate of deposit is 6.00% our rates in effect
for that week for 36-month terms would be between 6.00% and 7.00%
for purchases for less than $100,000.

However, IDSC guarantees that, for persons who have received a
special promotional coupon from IDSC for purchase of a Flexible
Savings Certificate with an initial term of 6, 12, 24 or 30 months
and have satisfied the conditions in the coupon, when rates for new
purchases take effect, the rate for the initial term will be within
a range from 100 basis points (1%) to 200 basis points above the
average interest rate published for comparable length CDs in the
BRM Average.  Similarly, IDSC guarantees that, for persons who have
received a special promotional coupon from IDSC for purchase of a
Flexible Savings Certificate with an initial term of 18 or 36
months and have satisfied the conditions in the coupon, when rates
for new purchases take effect, the rate for an initial term of 18
or 36 months will be within a range from 100 basis points (1%) to
200 basis points above the average interest rate published for 12-
month CDs or 30-month CDs, respectively, in the BRM Average.  For
example, the coupon may require that you make a minimum investment
and that you are not an existing client of American Express
Financial Corporation, American Express Financial Advisors Inc., or
another subsidiary of American Express Financial Corporation. 
American Express Financial Corporation will select persons to
receive the coupon based on a business strategy to build
relationships with new clients in selected market segments who
American Express Financial Corporation believes meet threshold <PAGE>
PAGE 11
requirements for such factors as household income and home values. 
From time to time coupons may be sent only to persons who both fit
this strategy and live in particular parts of the country or are
affiliated with particular organizations such as an automobile
club.
   
From time to time, for your initial term, IDSC may offer
certificates with different terms than those described above.  Such
terms may be from 7-47 months.  For these terms, IDSC guarantees
that, for purchases of certificates for less than $100,000, your
rate for your initial term will be within a range of 50-150 basis
points above the rates published in the BRM Average for the
certificates of deposit specified above that have the maturity that
is closest to the term of the IDS certificate in question.  If the
term is equidistant from two different BRM Averages, use the
longest maturity that is shorter than the term of the IDS
certificate in question.  For purchases of certificates of $100,000
or more, the range for your initial term will be 65 -165 points
above the same rate.  For example, in the case of a 7-month term,
IDSC guarantees that, for purchases of certificates less than
$100,000, your rate for your initial term will be within a range of
50-150 basis points above the rates for the 6-month certificates of
deposit, and for purchases of certificates for $100,000 or more,
your rate for your initial term will be within a range of 65-165
basis points above the rates for the 6-month certificates of
deposit.  Purchase of a certificate in one of these special offers
may result in a later term of less than 6 months in order to permit
your certificate to mature 20 years from its issue date.
    
The BANK RATE MONITOR is a weekly magazine published in North Palm
Beach, FL 33408 by Advertising News Service Inc., an independent
national news organization that collects and disseminates
information about bank products and interest rates.  Advertising
News Service Inc. has no connection with IDSC, American Express
Financial Corporation, or any of their affiliates.  
   
The BRM Average is an index of rates and annual effective yields
offered on various length certificates of deposit by large banks
and thrifts in 25 metropolitan areas.  The frequency of compounding
varies among the banks and thrifts.  Certificates of deposit in the
BRM Average are government insured fixed-rate time deposits.
    
The BANK RATE MONITOR is available in your local library.  To
obtain information on current BRM Average rates, call the Client
Service Organization from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. your local time at:

                              1-800-437-3133 or
                        TTY:  1-800-846-4293.

Rates for new purchases are reviewed and may change weekly. 
Normally, the rate you receive will be the higher of:

     o    the rate in effect for your chosen term on the date of
          your application
     o    the rate in effect on the date your application is
          accepted by IDSC.

<PAGE>
PAGE 12
However, if your application bears a date more than seven days
before its receipt by IDSC, the rate you receive will be the higher
of:

     o    the rate in effect on the date your application is
          accepted by IDSC
     o    the rate in effect seven days before receipt.

Except for specific promotions, IDSC guarantees an initial rate 25
basis points above the rate offered to the general public on this
IDSC certificate if it is purchased by using the CD transfer
service offered by American Express Financial Advisors, Inc. to
help you transfer money from a bank or thrift CD account into IDSC
investments.  To be eligible for this rate, you must transfer at
least $10,000 from a CD account to IDSC to purchase one or more IDS
Cash Reserve Certificates and/or IDS Flexible Saving Certificates,
and this rate will only apply to those certificates.

Except for specific promotions, IDSC guarantees active or retired
American Express Financial Corporation employees, IDSC's directors,
American Express financial advisors, their immediate families and
any U.S. employee of any affiliated company of IDSC an initial rate
75 basis points above the rate offered to the general public,
reflecting the lower distribution costs associated with such sales.

Promotions and pricing flexibility

From time to time, IDSC may sponsor or participate in promotions
involving one or more of the certificates and their respective
terms.  For example, we may offer different rates to new clients,
to existing clients, or to individuals who have purchased other
products or used other services of American Express Financial
Corporation or its subsidiaries.

We also may offer different rates based on your amount invested,
maturity selected, geographic location and whether the certificate
is purchased for an IRA or a qualified retirement account.

These promotions will generally be for a specified period of time. 
If we offer a promotion, the rates for new purchases will be within
the range of rates described under "Rates for new purchases". 

Rates for future terms:  Interest on your certificate for future
terms may be greater or less than the rates you receive during your
first term.  In setting future interest rates, a primary
consideration will be the prevailing investment climate, including
certificate of deposit yields as reflected in the BRM Average. 
Nevertheless, we have complete discretion as to what interest rate
shall be declared beyond the initial term.  At least six days in
advance of each term, we will send you notice of the rate that your 
certificate will earn for that term.  If the BRM Average is no
longer publicly available or feasible to use, IDSC may use another,
similar index as a guide for setting rates.

<PAGE>
PAGE 13
   
Performance:  From February 1990 through February 1995, IDS
Flexible Savings Certificate one year yields were higher than
average bank and thrift one year certificate of deposit yields and
Super NOW accounts, as measured by the BRM Average (prior to Jan.
13, 1993, rates were measured by the BRM National IndexTM, an
average of CD yields in 10 cities). 
    
Yields from February 1990 through February 1995

8%
                        ____ IDS Flexible Savings - 1 year
                        .... Certificate of deposit - 1 year
6%


4%  Two lines comparing the yields for one-year IDS Flexible
    Savings Certificate against those of one-year certificates
    of deposit with Flexible's yield generally above the CD's

2%

90          91          92          93          94          95

o    The graph compares past yields and should not be considered a
     prediction of future performance.


Additional investments

You may make investments within 15 calendar days after the end of a
term (the "grace period").  Additional investments may be in any
amount so long as your total investment, less withdrawals, does not
exceed $1 million (unless you receive prior authorization from IDSC
to invest more).  You will earn interest on additional investments
from the date we accept them.  IDSC will send a confirmation of
additional investments.

Add-on feature:  You may also add to your certificate during the
term.  Additional investments may not exceed 25% of the
certificate's principal balance at the end of the grace period. 
This principal includes the balance at the end of the previous
term, plus or minus any deposits or withdrawals during the grace
period.

Any add-on or withdrawal during the grace period will change the
principal amount used to determine the amount available for the 25%
add-on feature.

For example, suppose your original balance is $9,000.  During the
grace period, you add $1,000.  At any time during the current term,
you could add up to 25% of principal ($9,000 + $1,000 = $10,000),
or $2,500 to your certificate.

The interest rate for these additional investments is the rate then
in effect for your account.  If your additional investment
increases the principal of your certificate so that your
certificate's principal has exceeded a break point for a higher <PAGE>
PAGE 14
interest rate, the certificate will earn this higher interest rate
for the remainder of the term, from the date the additional
investment is accepted.

How to invest and withdraw funds

Buying your certificate

Your American Express financial advisor will help you fill out and
submit an application to open an account with us and purchase a
certificate.  We will process the application at our corporate
offices in Minneapolis.  When your application is accepted, you
will receive a confirmation of your purchase, indicating your
account number and applicable rate of interest for your first term,
as described under "Rates for new purchases."  See "Purchase
policies" below.

IMPORTANT:  When opening an account, you must provide IDSC with
your correct Taxpayer Identification Number (Social Security or
Employer Identification Number).  See "Taxes on your earnings."

Purchase policies

o    You have 15 days from the date of purchase to cancel your
     investment without penalty by either writing or calling the
     Client Service Organization at the address or phone number on
     the back of this prospectus.  If you decide to cancel your
     certificate within this 15-day period, you will not earn any
     interest.

o    If you purchase a certificate with a personal check or other
     non-guaranteed funds, American Express Financial Corporation
     must convert your check to federal funds (e.g., monies of
     member banks within the Federal Reserve Bank) before your
     purchase will be accepted and you begin earning interest. 
     This could take up to two business days.

o    IDSC has complete discretion to determine whether to accept an
     application and sell a certificate.

A number of special policies apply to purchases, withdrawals and
exchanges within IRAs, 401(k) plans and other qualified retirement
plans.  See "Retirement plans: special policies."

Two ways to make additional investments

1
By mail

Send your check along with your name and account number to:

Regular mail:                        Express mail:
IDS Certificate Company              IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization          Client Service Organization
IDS Tower 10                         733 Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010          Minneapolis, MN  55402
<PAGE>
PAGE 15
2
By wire

For investment into an established account, you may wire money to:

     Norwest Bank Minneapolis
     Routing No. 091000019
     Minneapolis, MN
     Attn:  Domestic Wire Dept.

Give these instructions:

     Credit IDS Account #00-30-015 for personal account # (your
     account number) for (your name).

If this information is not included, the order may be rejected and
all money received, less any costs IDSC incurs, will be returned
promptly.

o    Minimum amount you may wire:  $1,000

o    Wire orders can be accepted only on days when your bank,
     American Express Financial Corporation, IDSC and Norwest Bank
     Minneapolis are open for business.

o    Wire purchases are completed when wired payment is received
     and we accept the purchase.

o    Bank wire purchases are not sent until the next business day.

o    Wire investments must be received and accepted in the
     Minneapolis headquarters on a business day before 3 p.m.
     Central time to be credited that day.  Otherwise your purchase
     will be processed the next business day.

o    IDSC, American Express Financial Corporation and its other
     subsidiaries are not responsible for any delays that occur in
     wiring funds, including delays in processing by the bank.

o    You must pay any fee the bank charges for wiring.

Full and partial withdrawals

You may withdraw your certificate for its full value or make a
partial withdrawal of $100 or more at any time.  However:

o    Full and partial withdrawals of principal are subject to
     penalties, described below.

o    If a withdrawal reduces your account value to a point where we
     pay a lower interest rate, you will earn the lower rate from
     the date of the withdrawal.

o    You may not otherwise make a partial withdrawal if it would
     reduce your certificate balance to less than $1,000.  If you
     request such a withdrawal, we will contact you for revised
     instructions.
<PAGE>
PAGE 16
o    Scheduled partial withdrawals may be made monthly, quarterly,
     semiannually, annually and at term end.

o    Withdrawals before the end of the certificate month will
     result in loss of accrued interest on the amount withdrawn. 
     You'll get the best result by timing a withdrawal at the end
     of the certificate month.

Penalties for early withdrawal during a term:  When you request a
full or partial withdrawal, we pay the amount you request:

o    first from interest credited during the current term
o    then from the principal of your certificate.

Any additional investments or withdrawals during a term are added
to or deducted from the principal and are used in determining any
withdrawal charges.

Penalty exceptions:  There is never a penalty for withdrawal of
interest.  In addition, you may withdraw up to 10% of your
principal during the term without a withdrawal penalty.  The
principal available for the 10% no-penalty withdrawal feature is
the balance in the certificate at the beginning of the term plus or
minus any deposits or withdrawals made during the grace period. 
See "Retirement plans: special policies" for additional penalty
exceptions.

The following example demonstrates how this feature works:

Suppose your certificate balance is $1,000.  During the grace
period, you add $500, bringing the principal to $1,500.  At any
time during the term, you could withdraw up to $150 of principal
with no penalty.

Any additional investments or withdrawals following the grace
period will not change the principal amount used to determine the
amount available for the 10% no-penalty withdrawal feature.

Withdrawal penalties:  For withdrawals during the term of more than
the interest credited that term and over 10% of the certificate's
principal, a 2% withdrawal penalty will be deducted from the
account's remaining balance.

For example, assume you invest $20,000 in a certificate and select
a two-year term.  A little over a year later assume you have earned
$1,600 in interest.  The following demonstrates how the withdrawal
charge is deducted:

When you withdraw a specific amount of money, we would have to
withdraw somewhat more from your account to cover the withdrawal
charge.  For instance, suppose you request a $5,000 check.  The
first $1,600 paid to you is interest earned that term, the next
$2,000 is 10% of principal, and not subject to the withdrawal
penalty, and the remaining $1,400 paid to you is principal over the
10% limit.  We would send you a check for $5,000 and deduct a <PAGE>
PAGE 17
withdrawal charge of $28.00 ($1,400 x 2%) from the remaining
balance of your certificate account.  Your new balance would be
$16,572 ($21,600 - $5,028).

     Total investments                                 $20,000.00
     Interest credited                                  $1,600.00
     Total balance                                     $21,600.00

     Requested check                                    $5,000.00
     Credited interest withdrawn                       ($1,600.00)
     10 percent of principal -- not subject to         ($2,000.00)
     penalty
                                                       ___________
     Remaining portion of requested withdrawal --       $1,400.00
     subject to penalty
     Withdrawal penalty percent                              2.00%
     Actual withdrawal penalty                             $28.00

     Balance prior to withdrawal                       $21,600.00
     Requested withdrawal check                        ($5,000.00)
     Withdrawal penalty                                ($   28.00)
     Total balance after withdrawal                    $16,572.00

Additionally, if you withdraw during a certificate month, you will
not earn interest for the month on the amount withdrawn.

For more information on withdrawal charges, talk with your American
Express financial advisor or call Client Service Organization at
the number on the back cover.

When your certificate term ends
   
Shortly before the end of the term you have selected for your
certificate, we will send you a notice indicating the interest rate
that will apply to the certificate for the new term.  When your
certificate term ends we will automatically renew your certificate
for the standard term (6, 12, 18, 24, 30 or 36 month) nearest in
length to your initial term.  If your initial term is equidistant
from two standard terms, we will automatically renew your
certificate to the term with the largest maturity that is shorter
than your initial term.  If you wish to select a different term,
you must notify us in writing before the end of the grace period.
You will not be allowed to select a term that would carry the
certificate past its maturity date.
    
The interest rates that will apply to your new term will be those
in effect on the day the new term begins.  We will send you a
confirmation showing the rate of interest that will apply to the
new term you have selected.  This rate of interest will not be
changed during that term.

If you want to withdraw your certificate without a withdrawal
charge, you must notify us within 15 calendar days following the
end of a term.  However, you will lose any interest accrued since
the end of the term.

<PAGE>
PAGE 18
You may also add to your investment within the 15 calendar days
following the end of your term.  see "Additional investments" under
"About the certificate."

Other full and partial withdrawal policies:

o    If you request a partial or full withdrawal of a certificate
     recently purchased or added to by a check or money order that
     is not guaranteed, we will wait for your check to clear. 
     Please expect a minimum of 10 days from the date of your
     payment before IDSC mails a check to you.  A check may be
     mailed earlier if your bank provides evidence that your check
     has cleared.

o    If your certificate is pledged as collateral, any withdrawal
     will be delayed until we get approval from the secured party.

o    Any payments to you may be delayed under applicable rules,
     regulations or orders of the SEC.

Transfers to other accounts

You may transfer part or all of your certificate for any other IDSC
certificate or into another existing American Express Financial
Advisors, Inc. account that has the same registered ownership
(subject to any terms and conditions that may apply).

Two ways to request a withdrawal or transfer

1
By phone

Call between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. your local time:

1-800-437-3133 (toll free) or
(612) 671-3800 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)

TTY numbers:
1-800-846-4293 (toll free) or
(612) 671-1630 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)

o    Maximum phone request:  $50,000

o    Transfers into an American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
     account with the same ownership.

o    A telephone withdrawal request will not be allowed within 30
     days of a phoned-in address change.

o    We will honor any telephone request believed to be authentic
     and will use reasonable procedures to confirm that they are,
     such as asking identifying questions.  As long as the
     procedures are followed, neither IDSC nor American Express
     Financial Corporation will be liable for any loss resulting
     from fraudulent requests.

You may request that telephone withdrawals not be authorized from
your account by writing the Client Service Organization.<PAGE>
PAGE 19
2
By mail

Send your name, account number and request for a withdrawal or
transfer to:

Regular mail:
IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis MN  55440-0010

Express mail:
IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization
733 Marquette Avenue
Minneapolis MN  55402

Written requests are required for:

o    Transactions over $50,000.

o    Pension plans and custodial accounts where the minor has
     reached the age at which custodianship should terminate.

o    Transfers to another American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
     account with different ownership (all current registered
     owners must sign the request).

Three ways to receive payment when you withdraw funds

1
By regular or express mail

o    Mailed to address on record; please allow seven days for
     mailing

o    Payable to name(s) you requested

o    For express mail, you will pay charges that vary depending on
     the courier you select.  For a partial withdrawal leaving a
     remaining balance of more than $1,000, these charges will be
     deducted from the remaining balance.  If the remaining balance
     is less than $1,000, or if it is a full withdrawal, charges
     are deducted from proceeds of the withdrawal.

2
By wire

o    Minimum wire withdrawal: $500

o    Request that money be wired to your bank

o    Bank account must be in same ownership as IDSC account

<PAGE>
PAGE 20
o    Pre-authorization required.  Complete the bank wire
     authorization section in the application or use a form
     supplied by your American Express financial advisor.  All
     registered owners must sign.

o    A service fee, if any, may be deducted from your balance (for
     partial withdrawals) or from the proceeds of a full
     withdrawal.

3
Electronic transfer
   
o    Only for preauthorized, recurring payments
    
o    No charge

o    Deposited electronically in your bank account

o    Three to five days from request to first deposit

Retirement plans:  special policies

o    If the certificate is purchased for a 401(k) plan or other
     qualified retirement plan account, the terms and conditions of
     the certificate apply to the plan as the owner of this
     certificate.  However, the terms of the plan, as interpreted
     by the plan trustee or administrator, will determine how a
     participant's individual account under the plan is
     administered.  These terms may differ from the terms of the
     certificate.

o    If your certificate is held in a Custodial Retirement Plan (or
     Keogh plan), special rules may apply at maturity.  If no other
     investment instructions are provided directing how to handle
     your certificate at maturity, the full value of the
     certificate will automatically transfer to a new or existing
     cash management account according to the rules outlined in the
     Custodial Retirement Plan document. 

o    The annual custodial fee for IRA or non-401(k) qualified
     retirement plans may be deducted from your certificate
     account.  It may reduce the amount payable at maturity or the
     amount received upon an early withdrawal.

o    Retirement plan withdrawals may be subject to withdrawal
     penalties or loss of interest even if they are not subject to
     federal tax penalties.

o    We will waive withdrawal penalties on withdrawals for IRA
     accounts of clients who have reached age 70 1/2.

o    If you withdraw all funds from your last account in an IRA
     plan at American Express Trust Company, a $25 termination fee
     will apply.

o    The IRA termination fee will be waived if withdrawal occurs
     upon the holder's death.
<PAGE>
PAGE 21
Withdrawal at death

If a certificate is surrendered upon the client's death, any
applicable surrender charge will be waived.  In addition, if an IRA
termination fee is applicable, it will also be waived.

Transfer of ownership

While the certificate is not negotiable, IDSC will transfer
ownership upon written notification to our Client Service
Organization.  However, if you have purchased your certificate for
an IRA, 401(k) plan or other qualified retirement plan, you may be
unable to transfer or assign the certificate without losing the
account's favorable tax status.  Please consult your tax advisor.

For more information

For information on purchases, withdrawals, exchanges, transfers of
ownership, proper instructions and other service questions
regarding your certificate, please consult your financial advisor
or call IDSC's toll free client service number.

                         1-800-437-3133 or
                    TTY: 1-800-846-4293

Taxes on your earnings

Interest on your certificate is taxable when credited to your
account.  Each calendar year we provide the certificate account
owner and the IRS with reports of all earnings over $10 (Form
1099).  Withdrawals are reported to the certificate account owner
and the IRS on Form 1099-B, Proceeds from Broker Transactions.

Retirement accounts

If you are using the certificate as an investment for an IRA,
401(k) plan account or other qualified retirement plan account,
income tax rules for your IRA or qualified plan apply.  Generally,
you will pay no income taxes on your investment's earnings--and, in
many cases, on part or all of the investment itself--until you
begin to make withdrawals.

IDSC will withhold federal income taxes of 10% on IRA withdrawals
unless you tell us not to.  IDSC is required to withhold federal
income taxes of 20% on most other qualified plan distributions,
unless the distribution is directly rolled over to another
qualified plan or IRA.

Withdrawals from retirement accounts are generally subject to a
penalty tax of 10% by the IRS if you make them before age 59-1/2,
unless you are disabled or if they are made by your beneficiary in
the event of your death.  (Other exceptions may apply.)  Also,
withdrawals of principal during a certificate month may be subject
to the certificate's provision for loss of interest.

Consult your tax advisor to see how these rules apply to you before
you request a distribution from your plan or IRA.<PAGE>
PAGE 22
Gifts to minors

The certificate may be given to a minor under either the Uniform
Gifts or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UGMA/UTMA), whichever
applies in your state.  UGMAs/UTMAs are irrevocable.  Generally,
under federal tax laws, income over $1,200 on property owned by
children under age 14 will be taxed at the parents' marginal tax
rate, while income on property owned by children 14 or older will
be taxed at the child's rate.

Your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and backup withholding:
As with any financial account you open, you must list your current
and correct Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)--either your
Social Security or Employer Identification Number.  The TIN must be
certified under penalties of perjury on your application when you
open an account with IDSC.

If you don't provide the TIN to IDSC, or the TIN you report is
incorrect, you could be subject to backup withholding of 31% of
your interest earnings.  You could also be subject to further
penalties, such as:

o    a $50 penalty for each failure to supply your correct TIN

o    a civil penalty of $500 if you make a false statement that
     results in no backup withholding

o    criminal penalties for falsifying information.

You could also be subject to backup withholding because you failed
to report interest on your tax return as required.

To help you determine the correct TIN to use on various types of
accounts, please use this chart:
   
How to determine the correct TIN:
    
                                 Use the Social Security or
For this type of account         Employer Identification Number of

Individual or joint              The individual or first person
                                 listed on the account

Custodian account of a minor     The minor
(Uniform Gifts/Transfers to
Minors Act)

A living trust                   The grantor-trustee (the person
                                 who puts the money into the trust)

An irrevocable trust,            The legal entity (not the personal
pension trust or estate          representative or trustee, unless
                                 no legal entity is designated in
                                 the account title)

Sole proprietorship or           The owner or partnership
partnership
<PAGE>
PAGE 23
Corporate                        The corporation

Association, club or             The organization
tax-exempt organization

For details on TIN requirements, ask your financial advisor or
local American Express Financial Advisors Inc. office for Federal
Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and
Certification.

Foreign investors

If you are not a citizen or resident of the United States, you must
supply IDSC with Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status when you
purchase your certificate, and you must resupply it every three
years.  You must also supply a current mailing address and an
address of foreign residency, if different.  IDSC will not accept
purchases of certificates by nonresident aliens without an
appropriately certified Form W-8 (or approved substitute).  Also,
if you do not supply Form W-8 you will be subject to backup
withholding on interest payments and withdrawals.

Interest on the certificate is "portfolio interest" as defined in
U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 871(h) if earned by a
nonresident alien.  Even though your interest income is not taxed
by the U.S. government, it will be reported at year end to you and
to the U.S. government on a Form 1042S, Foreign Person's U.S.
Source Income Subject to Withholding.  The United States
participates in various tax treaties with foreign countries, which
provide for sharing of tax information.

Estate tax:  If you are a nonresident alien and you die while
owning a certificate, IDSC will need a statement from persons IDSC
believes are knowledgeable about your estate.  The statement must
be in a form satisfactory to IDSC and must tell us that, on your
date of death, your estate did not include any property in the
United States for U.S. estate tax purposes.  If we do not receive
the statement, we generally will not take action regarding your
certificate until we receive a transfer certificate from the IRS.  

In general, a transfer certificate requires the opening of an
estate in the United States and provides assurance that the IRS
will not claim your certificate to satisfy estate taxes.

IMPORTANT:  This information is a brief and selective summary of
certain federal tax rules that apply to this certificate.  Tax
matters are highly individual and complex, and you should consult a
qualified tax advisor about your personal situation.

<PAGE>
PAGE 24
How your money is used and protected

Invested and guaranteed by IDSC
   
The IDS Flexible Savings Certificate is issued and guaranteed by
IDSC, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial
Corporation.  We are by far the largest issuer of face amount
certificates in the United States, with total assets of more than
$3.0 billion and a net worth in excess of $141 million on Dec. 31,
1994.
    
We back our certificates by investing the money received and
keeping the invested assets on deposit.  Our investments generate
interest and dividends, out of which we pay:

o    interest to certificate holders

o    various expenses, including taxes, fees to American Express
     Financial Corporation for advisory and other services and
     distribution fees to American Express Financial Advisors, Inc.

For a review of significant events relating to our business, see
"Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations."  Our certificates are not rated by a
national rating agency.

Most banks and thrifts offer investments known as certificates of
deposit (CDs) that are similar to our certificates in many ways. 
Early withdrawals of bank CDs often result in penalties.  Banks and
thrifts generally have federal deposit insurance for their deposits
and lend much of the money you deposit to individuals, businesses
and other enterprises.  Other financial institutions may offer
investments with comparable combinations of safety and return on
investment.

Regulated by government

Because the IDS Flexible Savings Certificate is a security, its
offer and sale are subject to regulation under federal and state
securities laws.  (It is a face-amount certificate--not a bank
product, an equity investment, a form of life insurance or an
investment trust.)

The federal Investment Company Act of 1940 requires us to keep
investments on deposit in a segregated custodial account to protect
all of our outstanding certificates.  These investments back the
entire value of your certificate account.  Their amortized cost
must exceed the required carrying value of the outstanding
certificates by at least $250,000.  As of Dec. 31, 1994, the
amortized cost of these investments exceeded the required carrying
value of our outstanding certificates by more than $121 million.

<PAGE>
PAGE 25
Backed by our investments

Our investments are varied and of high quality.  This was the
composition of our portfolio as of Dec. 31, 1994:

Type of investment            Net amount invested

Corporate and other bonds            31%
Government agency bonds              27%
Preferred stocks                     23%
Mortgages                             9%
Municipal bonds                       5%
Cash and cash equivalents             5%

More than 95% of our securities portfolio (bonds and preferred
stocks) is rated investment grade.  For additional information
regarding securities ratings, please refer to Note 3B in the
financial statements.

Most of our investments are on deposit with American Express Trust
Company (formerly IDS Trust Company), Minneapolis, although we also
maintain separate deposits as required by certain states.  American
Express Financial Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of
American Express Company.  Copies of our Dec. 31, 1994 schedule of
Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers are available
upon request.  For comments regarding the valuation, carrying
values and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment
securities, see Notes 1, 2 and 3 to the financial statements.

Investment policies

In deciding how to diversify the portfolio--among what types of
investments in what amounts--the officers and directors of IDSC use
their best judgment, subject to applicable law.  The following
policies currently govern our investment decisions:

Purchasing securities on margin:  We will not purchase any
securities on margin or participate on a joint basis or a joint-
and-several basis in any trading account in securities.

Commodities:  We have not and do not intend to purchase or sell
commodities or commodity contracts.

Underwriting:  We do not intend to engage in the public
distribution of securities issued by others.  However, if we
purchase unregistered securities and later resell them, we may be
considered an underwriter under federal securities laws.

Borrowing money:  From time to time we have established a line of
credit if management believed borrowing was necessary or desirable. 
While a line of credit does not currently exist, it may be
established again in the future.  We may pledge some of our assets
as security.  We may occasionally use repurchase agreements as a
way to borrow money.  Under these agreements, we sell debt
securities to our lender, and repurchase them at the sales price
plus an agreed-upon interest rate within a specified period of
time.<PAGE>
PAGE 26
Real estate:  We may invest directly in real estate, though we have
not generally done so in the past.  We do invest in mortgage loans.

Lending securities:  We may lend some of our securities to broker-
dealers and receive cash equal to the market value of the
securities as collateral.  We invest this cash in short-term
securities.  If the market value of the securities goes up, the
borrower pays us additional cash.  During the course of the loan,
the borrower makes cash payments to us equal to all interest,
dividends and other distributions paid on the loaned securities. 
We will try to vote these securities if a major event affecting our
investment is under consideration.

When-issued securities:  Most of our investments are in debt
securities, some of which are purchased on a when-issued basis.  It
may take as long as 45 days before these securities are issued and
delivered to us.  We generally do not pay for these securities or
start earning on them until delivery.  We have established
procedures to ensure that sufficient cash is available to meet
when-issued commitments.
   
Financial transactions:  We buy or sell various types of options
contracts for hedging purposes or as a trading technique to
facilitate securities purchases or sales.  We buy interest rate
caps for hedging purposes.  These pay us a return if interest rates
rise above a specified level.  If approved by the SEC, IDSC may
enter into other financial transactions, including futures and
other derivatives, for the purpose of managing the interest rate
exposures associated with IDSC's assets or liabilities. 
Derivatives are financial instruments whose performance is derived,
at least in part, from the performance of an underlying asset,
security or index.  A small change in the value of the underlying
asset, security or index may cause a sizable gain or loss in the
fair value of the derivative.
    
Restrictions:  There are no restrictions on concentration of
investments in any particular industry or group of industries or on
rates of portfolio turnover.

How your money is managed

Relationship between IDSC and American Express Financial
Corporation

IDSC was originally organized as Investors Syndicate of America,
Inc., a Minnesota corporation, on Oct. 15, 1940, and began business
as an issuer of face amount investment certificates on Jan. 1,
1941.  The company became a Delaware corporation on Dec. 31, 1977,
and changed its name to IDS Certificate Company on April 2, 1984.<PAGE>
PAGE 27
   
Before IDSC was created, American Express Financial Corporation
(formerly known as IDS Financial Corporation) our parent company
and organizer, had issued similar certificates since 1894.  As of
Jan. 1, 1995, IDS Financial Corporation changed its name to
American Express Financial Corporation.  IDSC, IDS Financial
Corporation and now American Express Financial Corporation have
never failed to meet their certificate payments.

During its many years in operation, American Express Financial
Corporation has become a leading manager of investments in
mortgages and securities.  American Express Advisors Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of American Express Financial Corporation,
provides a broad range of financial planning services for
individuals and businesses through its nationwide network of more
than 175 offices and more than 7,800 financial advisors.  American
Express Financial Advisors Inc. financial planning services are
comprehensive, beginning with a detailed written analysis that's
tailored to your needs.  Your analysis may address one or all of
these six essential areas:  financial position, protection
planning, investment planning, income tax planning, retirement
planning and estate planning.
    
American Express Financial Corporation itself is a wholly owned
subsidiary of American Express Company, a financial services
company with executive offices at American Express Tower, World
Financial Center, New York, NY 10285.  American Express Company is
a financial services company engaged through subsidiaries in other
businesses including:

o    travel related services (including American Express(trademark) Card and
     Travelers Cheque operations through American Express Travel
     Related Services Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries), and

o    international banking services (through American Express Bank
     Ltd. and its subsidiaries).

American Express Financial Advisors, Inc. is not a bank, and the
securities offered by it, such as face amount certificates issued
by IDSC, are not backed or guaranteed by any bank, nor are they
insured by the FDIC.

Capital structure and certificates issued

IDSC has authorized, issued and has outstanding 150,000 shares of
common stock, par value of $10 per share.  American Express
Financial Corporation owns all of the outstanding shares.
   
As of Dec. 31, 1994, IDSC had issued (in face amount)
$12,727,756,065 of installment certificates and $13,016,532,575 of
single payment certificates.
    
Investment management and services

Under an Investment Advisory and Services Agreement, American
Express Financial Corporation acts as our investment advisor and is
responsible for:<PAGE>
PAGE 28
     o    providing investment research,
     o    making specific investment recommendations
     o    executing purchase and sale orders according to our
          policy of obtaining the best price and execution.

All these activities are subject to direction and control by our
board of directors and officers.  Our agreement with American
Express Financial Corporation requires annual renewal by our board,
including a majority of directors who are not interested persons of
American Express Financial Corporation or IDSC as defined in the
federal Investment Company Act of 1940.

For its services, we pay American Express Financial Corporation a
monthly fee, equal on an annual basis to a percentage of the total
book value of certain assets (included assets):

Advisory and services fee computation:

                                Percentage of
Included assets                 total book value

First $250 million                   0.75%
Next 250 million                     0.65  
Next 250 million                     0.55  
Next 250 million                     0.50  
Any amount over $1 billion           0.45  

Included assets are all assets of IDSC except mortgage loans, real
estate, and any other asset on which we pay an advisory or service
fee.

Advisory and services fees for the past three years:

                         Percentage of
Year      Total fees     included assets

1994      $13,565,432        0.51%
1993      $15,036,091        0.50
1992      $17,851,271        0.50

Estimated advisory and services fees for 1995 are $15,074,000.

Other expenses payable by IDSC:  The Investment Advisory and
Services Agreement provides that we will pay:
o    costs incurred by us in connection with real estate and
     mortgages,
o    taxes,
o    depository and custodian fees,
o    brokerage commissions,
o    fees and expenses for services not covered by other agreements
     and provided to us at our request, or by requirement, by
     attorneys, auditors, examiners and professional consultants
     who are not officers or employees of American Express
     Financial Corporation,
o    fees and expenses of our directors who are not officers or
     employees of American Express Financial Corporation,
<PAGE>
PAGE 29
o    provision for certificate reserves (interest accrued on
     certificate holder accounts), and
o    expenses of customer settlements not attributable to sales
     function.  

Distribution

Under a Distribution Agreement with American Express Financial
Advisors, Inc. we pay for the distribution of this certificate as
follows:

o    0.25% of the initial payment on the issue date of the
     certificate, and

o    0.25% of the certificate's reserve at the beginning of the
     second and subsequent quarters from issue date.  This fee is
     not assessed to your certificate account.

For certificates paying a special promotional coupon rate described
in "Rates for new purchases" under "About the certificate,"
American Express Financial Advisors Inc. waives its distribution
fee.

Total distribution fees paid to American Express Financial
Advisors, Inc. for all series of certificates amounted to
$34,534,747 during the year ended Dec. 31, 1994.  We expect to pay
American Express Financial Advisors Inc. distribution fees
amounting to $33,700,000 during 1995.

See Note 1 to financial statements regarding deferral of
distribution fee expense.

American Express Financial Advisors Inc. pays commissions to its
financial advisors and pays other selling expenses in connection
with services to us.  Our board of directors, including a majority
of directors who are not interested persons of American Express
Financial Advisors, Inc. or IDSC, approved this distribution
agreement.

Employment of other American Express affiliates

American Express Financial Corporation may employ affiliates of
American Express Company as executing broker for our portfolio
transactions only if:

o    we receive prices and executions at least as favorable as
     those offered by qualified independent brokers performing
     similar services;
o    the affiliate charges us commissions consistent with those
     charged to comparable unaffiliated customers for similar
     transactions; and
o    the affiliate's employment is consistent with the terms of the
     current Investment Advisory and Services Agreement and federal
     securities laws.

<PAGE>
PAGE 30
Directors and officers

IDSC's directors, chairman, president and controller are elected
annually for a term of one year.  The other executive officers are
appointed by the president.

We paid a total of $37,000 during 1994 to directors not employed by
American Express Financial Corporation.

Board of directors

David R. Hubers* 
Age 52.  Director since April 1987

President and chief executive officer of American Express Financial
Corporation since 1993.  Senior vice president and chief financial
officer of American Express Financial Corporation from 1984 to
1993.

Charles W. Johnson 
Age 65.  Director since August 1989

Former vice president and group executive, Industrial Systems, with
Honeywell Inc.  Retired 1989.

Edward Landes  
Age 75.  Director since May 1984

Development consultant.  Former sales manager - Supplies Division
and district manager - Data Processing Division of IBM Corporation. 
Retired 1983.

John V. Luck Ph.D. 
Age 69.  Director since April 1987

Former senior vice president - Science and Technology with General
Mills, Inc.  Employed with General Mills Inc. since 1970.  Retired
1987.

James A. Mitchell*
Age 53.  Director since January 1994 

Chairman of the board of directors since February, 1994.  Executive
vice president - marketing and products of American Express
Financial Corporation since February 1994.  Senior vice president -
insurance operations of American Express Financial Corporation and
president and chief executive officer of IDS Life Insurance Company
from 1986 to 1994.

Harrison Randolph 
Age 79.  Director since 1968<PAGE>
PAGE 31
Gordon H. Ritz 
Age 67.  Director since 1968

President, Con Rad Broadcasting Corp.  Director, Sunstar Foods and
Mid-America Publishing.

Stuart A. Sedlacek* 
Age 37.  Director since January 1994 

President since February 1994.  Vice president - assured assets of
American Express Financial Corporation since March 1994.  Vice
president and portfolio manager from 1988 to 1994.  Executive vice
president - assured assets of IDS Life Insurance Company since
March 1994.

*"Interested Person" of IDSC as that term is defined in Investment
Company Act of 1940.

Executive officers
   
Stuart A. Sedlacek 
Age 37.  President since February 1994.
    
Louis C. Fornetti 
Age 45.  Vice president since January 1990.
   
Chief financial officer of American Express Financial Corporation
since 1993 and senior vice president, corporate controller and
director of American Express Financial Corporation since 1988.
    
Morris Goodwin Jr. 
Age 43.  Vice president and treasurer since 1989.
   
Vice president and corporate treasurer of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1989.  Chief financial officer and
treasurer of American Express Trust Company from 1988 to 1989.
    
Colleen Curran 
Age 42.  Secretary since 1990.

Secretary and assistant vice president of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1990.  Senior counsel to American
Express Financial Corporation since 1990.  Counsel from 1985 to
1990.<PAGE>
PAGE 32
Lorraine R. Hart
Age 43.  Vice president-investments since February 1994.

Vice President - insurance investments of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1989.  Vice president, investments of
IDS Life Insurance Company since 1992.

Jay C. Hatlestad
Age 37.  Vice president and controller of IDS Certificate Company 
since 1994.

Manager of investment accounting of IDS Life Insurance Company from
1986 to 1994.

Bruce A. Kohn 
Age 44.  Vice president and general counsel since 1993.

Counsel to American Express Financial Corporation since 1992. 
Associate counsel from 1987 to 1992.

F. Dale Simmons 
Age 57.  Vice president - Real Estate Loan Management since 1993.

Vice president of American Express Financial Corporation since
1992.  Senior portfolio manager of American Express Financial
Corporation since 1989.  Assistant vice president from 1987 to
1992.
   
The officers and directors as a group beneficially own less than 1%
of the common stock of American Express Company.
    
IDSC has provisions in its bylaws relating to the indemnification
of its officers and directors against liability, as permitted by
law.  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or
persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of
the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.
<PAGE>
PAGE 33
Auditors

A firm of independent auditors audits our financial statements at
the close of each fiscal year (Dec. 31).  Copies of our annual
financial statements (audited) and semiannual financial statements
(unaudited) are available to any certificate holder upon request.
   
Ernst & Young LLP, Minneapolis, has audited the financial
statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended
Dec. 31, 1994.  These statements are included in this prospectus. 
Ernst & Young LLP is also the auditor for American Express Company,
the parent company of American Express Financial Corporation and
IDSC.
    
Other certificates issued by IDSC:  Your American Express financial
advisor can give you more information on four other certificates
issued by IDSC.  These certificates offer a wide range of
investment terms and features.

IDS Cash Reserve Certificate - A single payment certificate that
permits additional investments and on which IDSC guarantees
interest in advance for a three-month term.

IDS Installment Certificate - An installment payment certificate
that declares interest in advance for a three-month period and
offers bonuses in the third through sixth years for regular
investments.

IDS Future Value Certificate - A single payment certificate on
which IDSC guarantees interest in advance for a four, five, six,
seven, eight, nine or ten-year maturity.

IDS Stock Market Certificate - A single payment certificate that
calculates all or part of your interest based on stock market
performance, as measured by a broad stock market index, with IDSC's
guarantee of return of principal.
<PAGE>
PAGE 34
Summary of selected financial information                           
                       

The following selected financial information has been derived from
the audited financial statements and should be read in conjunction
with those statements and the related notes to financial
statements.  Also see Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional
comments.
<TABLE><CAPTION>                                                    
                    
Year Ended Dec. 31,                           1994         1993        1992        1991        1990
                                                                   ($ thousands)     
<S>                                           <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Statement of Operations Data:
Investment income                             $207,975     $236,859    $294,799    $351,970    $331,521
Investment expenses                             58,690       65,404      69,630      63,353      55,176

Net investment income before provisions
  for certificate reserves and income taxes    149,285      171,455     225,169     288,617     276,345
Net provision for certificate reserves         107,288      123,516     178,175     258,443     271,267

Net investment income before income taxes       41,997       47,939      46,994      30,174       5,078
Income tax benefit                               2,663        3,365      11,666      20,537      28,588

Net investment income                           44,660       51,304      58,660      50,711      33,666

Realized gain (loss) on investments - net:
Securities of unaffiliated issuers              (7,514)      (9,870)     (9,498)        (129)     2,178
Other - unaffiliated                             1,638         (418)       (500)      (1,053)      (851)

Total gain (loss) on investments                (5,876)      (10,288)    (9,998)      (1,182)      1,327 
Income tax benefit (expense)                     2,047         4,617      3,399          402        (451)

Net realized gain (loss) on investments         (3,829)       (5,671)    (6,599)        (780)        876
Net income - wholly owned subsidiary               241           120          3          139         286

Net income                                     $41,072       $45,753    $52,064      $50,070     $34,828

Dividends declared:
Cash                                           $40,200       $64,500    $83,750      $74,800     $47,000
In-kind(a)                                           -             -     64,558       25,466           -

Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets                                $3,040,857    $2,951,405 $3,444,985   $3,971,583  $4,168,586
Certificate loans                               58,203        67,429     77,347       88,570      99,192
Certificate reserves                         2,887,405     2,777,451  3,256,472    3,712,570   3,859,530
Stockholder's equity                           141,852       161,138    179,885      223,820     273,600
</TABLE> 

IDS Certificate Company (IDSC) is 100% owned by American Express
Financial Corporation (Parent) formerly IDS Financial Corporation.

(a) Consisted of an investment security at amortized cost in 1992
and a reduction in the note receivable from Parent in 1991.
<PAGE>
PAGE 35
Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations

Results of operations:

IDS Certificate Company's (IDSC) earnings are derived primarily
from the after-tax yield on invested assets less investment
expenses and interest credited on certificate reserve liabilities. 
Changes in earnings' trends occur largely due to changes in the
margin between rates of return on investments and rates of interest
credited to certificate holder accounts and also, the mix of fully
taxable and tax-advantaged investments in the IDSC portfolio.

During the years 1991 through 1993, total assets and certificate
reserve liabilities decreased due to certificate maturities and
surrenders exceeding certificate sales.  The excess of certificate
maturities and surrenders over certificate sales in 1993, 1992 and
1991 primarily reflected lower accrual rates declared by IDSC in
those years, which in turn, reflected lower interest rates
available in the marketplace.

During 1994, total assets and certificate reserves increased due to
certificate sales exceeding certificate maturities and surrenders. 
The excess of certificate sales over certificate maturities and
surrenders resulted primarily from higher accrual rates declared by
IDSC during the last six months of 1994, reflecting rising interest
rates in the marketplace.  The increase in total assets in 1994 was
tempered by $23 million of net unrealized depreciation on
investment securities classified as available for sale, net of
deferred taxes of $13 million.

1994 Compared to 1993:

Gross investment income decreased 12% due primarily to a lower
average balance of invested assets.

The 10% decrease in investment expenses resulted primarily from
lower amortization of the cost of interest rate caps and $2.3
million of reimbursement under cap agreements in 1994.  Lower
amortization of deferred distribution fees, and lower investment
advisory and services fees due to a lower average asset base on
which the fee is calculated contributed also, to the decrease in
investment expenses.

Net provision for certificate reserves decreased 13% reflecting
lower accrual rates during the first six months of the year and a
lower average balance of certificate reserves.

The decrease in income tax benefit resulted primarily from lower
tax-advantaged income.

1993 Compared to 1992:

Gross investment income decreased 20% due to a lower average
balance of invested assets and lower investment yields. 

<PAGE>
PAGE 36
The 6.1% decrease in investment expenses resulted primarily from
lower amortization of deferred distribution fees, and lower
investment advisory and services fee due to a lower average asset
base on which the fee is calculated.  These decreases were
partially offset by higher amortization of the cost of interest
rate caps.  The higher amortization reflects additional purchases
and accelerated amortization of certain interest rate caps in 1993.

Net provision for certificate reserves decreased 31% reflecting
lower accrual rates and a lower average balance of certificate
reserves.

The $7.1 million decrease in income tax benefit resulted primarily
from lower tax-advantaged income in 1993.  The impact of the change
in Federal statutory income tax rate in 1993 was an increase in
income tax benefit of $.6 million of which $.4 million reflects the
increase in rate on the Dec. 31, 1992 balance of temporary
differences.

Liquidity and cash flow:

IDSC's principal sources of cash are reserve payments from sales of
face-amount certificates and cash flows from investments.  In turn,
IDSC's principal uses of cash are payments to certificate holders
for matured and surrendered certificates, purchase of investments
and payments of dividends to the Parent.

Certificate sales volume increased 86% in 1994, reflecting higher
accrual rates and clients' ongoing desire for safety of principal.
Sales of certificates totaled $1.1 billion compared to $.6 billion
in 1993 and $.7 billion during 1992.

IDSC, as an issuer of face-amount certificates, is affected
whenever there is a significant change in interest rates.  In view
of the uncertainty in the investment markets and due to the
short-term repricing nature of certificate reserve liabilities,
IDSC continues to invest in securities with relatively short
maturities and in securities that provide for more immediate,
periodic interest/principal payments, resulting in improved
liquidity.  To accomplish this, IDSC continues to invest much of
its cash flow in mortgage-backed securities and in intermediate-
term bonds.

IDSC's investment program is designed to maintain an investment
portfolio that will produce the highest possible after-tax yield
within acceptable risk standards with additional emphasis on
liquidity.  The program considers investment securities as
investments acquired to meet anticipated certificate holder
obligations. 

Effective Jan.1, 1994, IDSC adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115, "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities".  Under the SFAS 115,
debt securities that IDSC has both the positive intent and ability
to hold to maturity are carried at amortized cost.  Debt securities
IDSC does not have the positive intent to hold to maturity, as well
as all marketable equity securities, are classified as available
for sale and carried at fair value.  The available-for-sale
classification does not mean that IDSC expects to sell these <PAGE>
PAGE 37
securities, but that under SFAS No. 115 positive intent criteria,
these securities are available to meet possible liquidity needs
should there be significant changes in market interest rates or
certificate holder demand.  See notes 1 and 3 to the financial
statements for additional information relating to SFAS No. 115.

At Dec. 31, 1994, securities classified as held to maturity and
securities classified as available for sale were $1.3 billion and
$1.2 billion, respectively.  These securities, which comprise 84%
of IDSC's total invested assets, are well diversified.  Of these
securities, 96% are of investment grade and, other than U.S.
Government Agency mortgage-backed securities, no  one issuer
represents more than 1% of these securities.  See note 3 to
financial statements for additional information on ratings and
diversification.

In 1994, in reaction to the rising interest rate environment, IDSC
continued to restructure a portion of its investment security
portfolio by selling $275 million of available-for sale securities. 
Gross gains of $.4 million and gross losses of $10.1 million were
realized on the sales.

During 1992, IDSC charged earnings with $23.7 million of
write-downs in the value of certain interest-only, mortgage-backed
securities that resulted from high prepayments due to refinancing
and additional payment activity on the underlying pool of mortgages
due to declining interest rates.  At Dec. 31, 1992, the carrying
value of these securities was $30.2 million.  During 1993,
additional write-downs of $.6 million were recorded and all of
these securities with a carrying value of $27.4 million were sold
for $14.3 million.  At Dec. 31, 1994, IDSC held no investments in
interest-only or principal-only mortgage-backed securities.

During 1994, IDSC's reserve for possible losses on its below
investment grade securities was reduced from $2.0 million at Dec.
31, 1993, to $1.0 million.  The reduction reflects sales and
exchanges of certain of these issues in 1994.  IDSC does not
generally invest in below investment grade securities and is
limited by regulation as to the amount of such securities it can
hold.  IDSC's holdings in these securities result principally from
the downgrading of the securities subsequent to purchase by IDSC. 
Management reviews these securities on a case-by-case basis to
determine whether it is appropriate to hold them in IDSC's
portfolio.  Management believes that reserves for possible losses
on securities owned at Dec. 31, 1994, are adequate, however, future
economic factors could impact the ratings of securities owned and
additional reserves for losses may need to be recognized.

Derivative financial instruments:

IDSC enters into transactions involving interest rate caps, and
purchased and written call options to manage its exposure to rising
interest rates.  IDSC does not enter into such transactions for
trading purposes.  There is a possibility that the value of these
instruments will change due to fluctuations in a factor from which
the instrument derives its value.  IDSC is not subject to this
market risk because these instruments are largely used to hedge
such risks, and therefore, the cash flow and income effects of the <PAGE>
PAGE 38
instruments are inverse to the effects of of the underlying
transactions.  See note 8 to financial statements for additional
information regarding derivative financial instruments.

Impact of new accounting standards:

The Financial Accounting Standards Board's SFAS No. 114 "Accounting
by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan," and SFAS No. 118
"Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan-Income
Recognition and Disclosures", are effective Jan. 1, 1995.  These
statements apply to collateralized and uncollateralized loans
except for large groups of homogeneous loans.  A loan is considered
impaired if, based on current information, it is probable that
principal and interest due under the loan agreement will not be
collected.  The amount of impairment is the excess of the loan's
carrying value over the present value of expected future cash flows
discounted at the loan's effective rate, or if more practical, the
loan's observable market price, or the fair value of collateral if
the loan is collateral dependent.  The new rules are not expected
to have a material impact on IDSC's results of operations or
financial condition.

Capital Contributions:

To manage its regulatory capital requirements, IDSC received a
capital contribution from the Parent of $3.0 million in 1994.

Due to the decrease in IDSC's assets in 1992, IDSC felt its holding
in Fund America Companies, Inc. preferred stock was too large an
exposure to a single credit risk, resulting in IDSC's dividend-
in-kind of the issue to Parent.  Parent subsequently contributed
capital to IDSC of $52 million. The contribution was necessary to
manage IDSC's regulatory capital requirements.

Ratios:

The ratio of stockholder's equity, excluding net unrealized holding
gains and losses on investment securities, to total assets less
certificate loans at Dec. 31, 1994, was 5.54%, compared to 5.59%
in 1993.  IDSC intends to maintain a ratio of at least 5.0% in
1995, which meets current regulatory requirements.

<PAGE>
PAGE 39
Annual Financial Information

Report of Independent Auditors

The Board of Directors and Security Holders
IDS Certificate Company:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of IDS Certificate
Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial
Corporation (formerly IDS Financial Corporation), as of December
31, 1994 and 1993, and the related statements of operations,
stockholder's equity and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1994.  These financial statements are
the responsibility of the management of IDS Certificate Company.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards.  Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  Our
procedures included confirmation of investments owned as of
December 31, 1994 and 1993 by correspondence with custodians and
brokers.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. 
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of IDS
Certificate Company at December 31, 1994 and 1993, and the results
of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1994, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in note 1 to the financial statements, IDS Certificate
Company changed its method of accounting for certain investments in
debt and equity securities in 1994.



ERNST & YOUNG  LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 2, 1995
<PAGE>
PAGE 40
IDS Certificate Company

Responsibility for Preparation of Financial Statements

The management of IDS Certificate Company (IDSC) is responsible for
the preparation and fair presentation of its financial statements. 
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles appropriate in the
circumstances, and include amounts based on the best judgment of
management. IDSC's management is also responsible for the accuracy
and consistency of other financial information included in the
prospectus.

In recognition of its responsibility for the integrity and
objectivity of data in the financial statements, IDSC maintains a
system of internal control over financial reporting. The system is
designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance with
respect to the reliability of IDSC's financial statements.  The
concept of reasonable assurance is based on the notion that the
cost of the internal control system should not exceed the benefits
derived.

The internal control system is founded on an ethical climate and
includes an organizational structure with clearly defined lines of
responsibility, policies and procedures, and the careful selection
and training of employees.  Internal auditors monitor and assess
the effectiveness of the internal control system and report their
findings to management throughout the year. IDSC's independent
auditors are engaged to express an opinion on the year-end
financial statements and, with the coordinated support of the
internal auditors, review the financial records and related data
and test the internal control system over financial reporting.

<PAGE>
PAGE 41
Balance Sheets, Dec. 31,                                            
<TABLE><CAPTION>                      
Assets                                                   
                                                                              
Qualified Assets (note 2)                                                 1994             1993
<S>                                                                  <C>              <C>                                      
                                                                              ($ thousands)
Investments in unaffiliated issuers (notes 3 and 9):                   
  Cash and cash equivalents                                           $140,128          $54,059
  Securities at amortized cost or the lower of cost or market                -        2,431,919
  Held-to-maturity securities                                        1,245,793                -
  Available-for-sale securities                                      1,226,674                -
  First mortgage loans on real estate                                  253,968          281,865
  Certificate loans - secured by certificate reserves                   58,203           67,429
Investments in and advances to affiliates                                5,399            4,812

Total investments                                                    2,930,165        2,840,084

Receivables:                                                                    
  Dividends and interest                                                42,261           40,432
  Investment securities sold                                             7,269           10,068

Total receivables                                                       49,530           50,500

Other (notes 8 and 9)                                                   25,094           41,153

Total qualified assets                                               3,004,789        2,931,737

                                                                                
Other Assets                                                                              

Deferred distribution fees                                              27,142           19,615
Deferred federal income taxes (note 7)                                   8,372                -
Other                                                                      554               53

Total other assets                                                      36,068           19,668


Total assets                                                        $3,040,857       $2,951,405

See notes to financial statements.                                              
<PAGE>
PAGE 42
Balance Sheets, Dec. 31,                                                                  

Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity                        
                                                                         
Liabilities                                                               1994             1993
                                                                              ($ thousands)
Certificate Reserves (notes 4 and 9):                             
Installment certificates:
  Reserves to mature                                                  $335,712         $352,649
  Additional credits and accrued interest                               19,698           18,555
  Advance payments and accrued interest                                  1,634            1,943
  Other                                                                     56               54
 Fully paid certificates:                                             
  Reserves to mature                                                 2,389,198        2,243,416
  Additional credits and accrued interest                              140,766          160,440
Due to unlocated certificate holders                                       341              394

Total certificate reserves                                           2,887,405        2,777,451

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities:
  Due to Parent (note 6A)                                                1,186            1,182
  Due to Parent for federal income taxes                                     -            5,862
  Due to affiliates (note 6B and 6C)                                     2,883            1,457
  Payable for investment securities purchased                            1,362                -
  Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other (notes 8 and 9)           6,169            4,150

Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities                          11,600           12,651

Deferred federal income taxes (note 7)                                       -              165

Total liabilities                                                    2,899,005        2,790,267

Stockholder's Equity (notes 4B, 4C, and 5):                                              

Common stock, $10 par - authorized and issued 150,000 shares             1,500            1,500
Additional paid-in capital                                             140,344          147,144
Retained earnings:
  Appropriated for predeclared additional credits/interest              18,398            2,726
  Appropriated for additional interest on advance payments                  50               25
  Unappropriated                                                         4,718            9,743
Unrealized holding gains and losses on investment
  securities - net (note 3A)                                           (23,158)               -

Total stockholder's equity                                             141,852          161,138

Total liabilities and stockholder's equity                          $3,040,857       $2,951,405

See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
PAGE 43
Statements of Operations                                                                  
                                                   
Year ended Dec. 31,                                              1994            1993            1992
                                                                            ($ thousands)
Investment Income:         
Interest income from investments:
  Bonds and notes:
    Unaffiliated issuers                                      $125,546       $140,991        $178,071
   Mortgage loans on real estate:
    Unaffiliated                                                24,006         24,071          18,430
    Affiliated                                                      68             78              88
  Certificate loans                                              3,342          3,882           4,479
Dividends                                                       54,170         67,115          92,599
Other                                                              843            722           1,132

Total investment income                                        207,975        236,859         294,799

Investment Expenses:
Parent and affiliated company fees (note 6):
  Distribution                                                  27,007         28,477          32,752
  Investment advisory and services                              13,565         15,036          17,851
  Depositary                                                       183            201             225
  Transfer agent                                                    -              -                7
Options (note 8)                                                 9,854          9,419          10,323
Interest rate caps (note 8)                                      7,608         11,667           7,649
Other                                                              473            604             823

Total investment expenses                                       58,690         65,404          69,630

Net investment income before provisions
  for certificate reserves and income taxes                   $149,285       $171,455        $225,169

See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
PAGE 44
Statements of Operations (continued)                                                      
                                                                                                           
Year ended Dec. 31,                                               1994           1993            1992
                                                                             ($ thousands)
Provision for Certificate Reserves (notes 4 and 8):                 
According to the terms of the certificates:
  Provision for certificate reserves                           $13,317         $20,555        $28,685
  Interest on additional credits                                 3,174           3,605          3,904
  Interest on advance payments                                      61              90             68
Additional credits/interest authorized by IDSC:
  On fully paid certificates                                    85,101          93,546        141,197
  On installment certificates                                    6,741           6,704          5,270
  On advance payments                                                -               -             89

Total provision before reserve recoveries                      108,394         124,500        179,213
Reserve recoveries from terminations
 prior to maturity                                              (1,106)           (984)        (1,038)

Net provision for certificate reserves                         107,288         123,516         178,175

Net investment income before income taxes                       41,997          47,939          46,994
Income tax benefit (note 7)                                      2,663           3,365          11,666

Net investment income                                           44,660          51,304          58,660

Realized gain (loss) on investments - net:           
  Securities of unaffiliated issuers                            (7,514)         (9,870)         (9,498)
  Other-unaffiliated                                             1,638            (418)           (500)
Total loss on investments                                       (5,876)        (10,288)         (9,998)
Income tax benefit (expense) (note 7):
  Current                                                        2,414          19,508          (6,121)
  Deferred                                                        (367)        (14,891)          9,520
Total income tax benefit                                         2,047           4,617           3,399
Net realized loss on investments                                (3,829)         (5,671)         (6,599)
Net income - wholly owned subsidiary                               241             120               3
Net income                                                     $41,072         $45,753         $52,064

See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
PAGE 45
Statements of Stockholder's Equity                                                            
                                                  
Year ended Dec. 31,                                                1994           1993            1992
                                                                              ($ thousands)

Common Stock:
Balance at beginning and end of year                             $1,500         $1,500          $1,500

Additional Paid-in Capital:
Balance at beginning of year                                   $147,144       $166,144        $206,393
Contribution from Parent                                          3,000              -          52,309
Dividends declared:
  Cash                                                           (9,800)       (19,000)        (28,000)
  Investment security                                                 -              -         (64,558)

Balance at end of year                                         $140,344       $147,144        $166,144

Retained Earnings:
Appropriated for predeclared additional credits/interest (note 4B):
Balance at beginning of year                                     $2,726         $2,804          $4,247
Transferred from (to) unappropriated retained earnings           15,672            (78)         (1,443)

Balance at end of year                                          $18,398         $2,726          $2,804

Appropriated for additional interest on advance payments (note 4C):
Balance at beginning of year                                        $25           $100            $100
Transferred from (to) unappropriated retained earnings               25            (75)              -

Balance at end of year                                              $50            $25            $100

Unappropriated (note 5):
Balance at beginning of year                                     $9,743         $9,337         $11,580
Net income                                                       41,072         45,753          52,064
Transferred (to) from appropriated retained earnings            (15,697)           153           1,443
Cash dividends declared                                         (30,400)       (45,500)        (55,750)

Balance at end of year                                           $4,718         $9,743          $9,337

Unrealized holding gains and losses on investment securities -
  net (notes 1 and 3A):
Balance at beginning of year                                          $-            $-             $-
Adjustment due to initial application of SFAS 115                 8,827              -              -
Decrease during year                                            (31,985)             -              -

Balance at end of year                                         ($23,158)            $-             $-

Total stockholder's equity                                     $141,852       $161,138       $179,885

See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
PAGE 46
Statements of Cash Flows                                                                        
                                                 
Year ended Dec. 31,                                                 1994            1993          1992
                                                                                ($ thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income                                                       $41,072         $45,753       $52,064
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Net income of wholly owned subsidiary                               (241)           (120)           (3)
Certificate reserves                                             107,288         123,516       178,175
Interest income added to certificate loans                        (2,133)         (2,454)       (2,743)
Amortization of premium/discount-net                              22,114          27,494        30,136
Deferred federal income taxes                                      4,263          11,446       (13,501)
Deferred distribution fees                                        (7,527)          1,935         1,277
Net loss on investments                                            5,876          10,288         9,998
(Increase) decrease in dividends and interest receivable -        (1,829)         10,009        10,946
(Increase) decrease in other assets                                 (466)            967         2,277
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities                          (3,210)          4,979        (2,934) 

Net cash provided by operating activities                        165,207         233,813       265,692
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Maturity and redemption of investments:
  Held-to-maturity securities                                    350,411         641,778       951,155
  Available-for-sale securities                                  173,547               -             -
  Other investments                                               35,130          21,373        17,492
Sale of investments:
  Held-to-maturity securities                                      3,164         329,942       616,628
  Available-for-sale securities                                  267,808               -             -
  Other investments                                                    -           5,454             -
Certificate loan payments                                          7,508           8,991        10,505
Purchase of investments:
  Held-to-maturity securities                                    (46,080)       (498,841)   (1,025,097)
  Available-for-sale securities                                 (830,826)              -             -
  Other investments                                               (9,208)        (78,816)     (122,465)
Certificate loan fundings                                         (7,603)        (10,275)      (12,610)
Investment in subsidiary                                            (450)         (2,000)            -

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities             ($56,599)       $417,606      $435,608

See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
PAGE 47
Statements of Cash Flows (continued)                                                                        
                                                 
Year ended Dec. 31,                                                 1994            1993          1992
                                                                                ($ thousands)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Reserve payments by certificate holders                       $1,613,820      $1,103,391    $1,380,376
Proceeds from securities loaned to brokers                             -           6,150        52,721
Proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements                            -          72,800       215,475
Capital contribution from Parent                                   3,000               -        52,309
Certificate maturities and cash surrenders                    (1,599,159)     (1,705,967)   (2,007,880)
Payments to brokers upon return of securities loaned                   -          (7,793)      (53,550)
Payments under reverse repurchase agreements                           -         (72,800)     (215,475)
Dividends paid                                                   (40,200)        (64,500)      (83,750)

Net cash used in financing activities                            (22,539)       (668,719)     (659,774)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents              86,069         (17,300)       41,526
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of year                       54,059          71,359        29,833

Cash and cash equivalents end of year                           $140,128          $54,059       $71,359


Supplemental disclosures including non-cash transactions:
Cash received for income taxes                                    $2,416          $26,606        $3,847
Certificate maturities and surrenders through loan reductions     11,454           13,656        16,071
Dividend-in-kind of preferred stock including related
deferred income tax of $516                                            -                -        64,558

See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 48
Notes to Financial Statements ($ in thousands unless indicated
otherwise)


1.  Summary of significant accounting policies

IDS Certificate Company (IDSC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of
American Express Financial Corporation (Parent) (formerly IDS
Financial Corporation), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of
American Express Company.

IDSC is in the business of issuing face-amount investment
certificates.

Described below are certain accounting policies that are important
to an understanding of the accompanying financial statements.

Basis of financial statement presentation

The accompanying financial statements are presented in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, except only the
accounts of IDSC are included.  IDSC uses the equity method of
accounting for its wholly owned unconsolidated subsidiary, which is
the method prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) for issuers of face-amount certificates.  Certain amounts
from prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current
year presentation.

Fair values of financial instruments

The fair values of financial instruments disclosed in the notes to
financial statements are estimates based upon current market
conditions and perceived risks, and require varying degrees of
management judgment.

Preferred stock dividend income

IDSC recognizes dividend income from cumulative redeemable
preferred stocks  with fixed maturity amounts on an accrual basis
similar to that used for recognizing interest income on debt
securities. 

Securities

Cash equivalents are carried at amortized cost, which approximates
fair value.  IDSC has defined cash and cash equivalents as cash in
banks and highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months
or less at acquisition and are not interest rate sensitive.

In May 1993, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115,
"Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,"
which IDSC adopted as of Jan. 1, 1994.  Under the new rules, debt
securities that IDSC has both the positive intent and ability to
hold to maturity are carried at amortized cost.  Debt securities
IDSC does not have the positive intent to hold to maturity, as well
as all marketable equity securities, are classified as available
for sale and carried at fair value.  Unrealized holding gains and <PAGE>
PAGE 49
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

losses on securities classified as available for sale are carried,
net of deferred income taxes, as a separate component of
stockholder's equity.  The opening balance of stockholder's equity
was increased by $8,827 (net of $4,752 in deferred income taxes) to
reflect the net unrealized holding gains on securities classified
as available for sale previously carried at amortized cost or the
lower of cost or market. 

The basis for determining cost in computing realized gains and
losses on securities is specific identification.  When there is a
decline in value that is other than temporary, the securities are
carried at estimated realizable value with the amount of adjustment
included in income.

First mortgage loans on real estate

Mortgage loans are carried at amortized cost, less reserves for
losses, which is the basis for determining any realized gains or
losses.  When economic evaluations of the underlying real estate
indicate a loss on a loan is likely to occur, an allowance for loss
is recorded.  IDSC generally stops accruing interest on loans for
which interest is delinquent more than three months.

Certificates

Investment certificates may be purchased either with a lump-sum
payment or by installment payments.  Certificate holders are
entitled to receive at maturity a definite sum of money.  Payments
from certificate holders are credited to investment certificate
reserves.  Investment certificate reserves accumulate at specified
percentage rates.  Reserves also are maintained for advance
payments made by certificate holders, accrued interest thereon, and
for additional credits and accrued interest thereon.  On
certificates allowing for the deduction of a surrender charge, the
cash surrender values may be less than accumulated investment
certificate reserves prior to maturity dates.  Cash surrender
values on certificates allowing for no surrender charge are equal
to certificate reserves.  The payment distribution, reserve
accumulation rates, cash surrender values, reserve values and other
matters are governed by the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("the
1940 Act").

Deferred distribution fee expense

On certain series of certificates, distribution fees are deferred
and amortized over the estimated lives of the related certificates,
which is approximately 10 years.  Upon surrender, unamortized
deferred distribution fees are charged against income.

Federal income taxes

IDSC's taxable income or loss is included in the consolidated
federal income tax return of American Express Company.  IDSC
provides for income taxes on a separate return basis, except that,
under an agreement between Parent and American Express Company, tax
<PAGE>
PAGE 50
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

benefits are recognized for losses to the extent they can be used
in the consolidated return.  It is the policy of Parent and its
subsidiaries that Parent will reimburse a subsidiary for any tax
benefits recorded.

2.  Deposit of assets and maintenance of qualified assets

 A)  Under the provisions of its certificates and the 1940 Act,
IDSC was required to have qualified assets (as that term is defined
in Section 28(b) of the 1940 Act) in the amount of $2,895,226 and
$2,767,057 at Dec. 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively.  IDSC had
qualified assets of $3,040,416 at Dec. 31, 1994 and $2,931,737 at
Dec. 31, 1993, excluding net unrealized depreciation on
available-for-sale securities of $35,627 at Dec. 31, 1994.

Qualified assets are valued in accordance with such provisions of
the Code of the District of Columbia as are applicable to life
insurance companies.  Qualified assets for which no provision for
valuation is made in such code are valued in accordance with rules,
regulations or orders prescribed by the SEC.  These values are the
same as financial statement carrying values, except for debt
securities classified as available for sale and all marketable
equity securities, which are carried at fair value in the financial
statements but are valued at amortized cost for qualified asset and
deposit maintenance purposes.

B)  Pursuant to provisions of the certificates, the 1940 Act, the
central depositary agreement and to requirements of various states,
qualified assets of IDSC were deposited as follows:
             
                                               Dec. 31, 1994        
  
                                               Required             
                                   Deposits    deposits    Excess  
Deposits to meet certificate
liability requirements:
States                                $417        $388         $29  
Central Depositary               2,939,538   2,817,716     121,822  
  
Total                           $2,939,955  $2,818,104    $121,851  
       


                                             Dec. 31, 1993          

                                             Required               
                                   Deposits  deposits      Excess  
Deposits to meet certificate
liability requirements:
States                                $421       $393         $28   
Central Depositary               2,814,553  2,695,884     118,669   
 

 Total                          $2,814,974 $2,696,277    $118,697   
      
<PAGE>
PAGE 51
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

The assets on deposit at Dec. 31, 1994 and 1993 consisted of
securities having a deposit value of $2,659,676 and $2,500,790,
respectively; mortgage loans of $252,263 and $276,711,
respectively; and other assets of $28,016 and $37,473,
respectively.  Mortgage loans on deposit include an affiliated
mortgage loan.

American Express Trust Company (formerly IDS Trust Company) is the
central depositary for IDSC.  See note 6C.

3.  Investments

A)  Fair values of investments in securities represent market
prices and estimated fair values when quoted prices are not
available.  Estimated fair values are determined by IDSC using
established procedures, involving review of market indexes, price
levels of current offerings and comparable issues, price estimates
and market data from independent brokers and financial files.  The
procedures are reviewed annually.  IDSC's vice president -
investments reports to the board of directors on an annual basis
regarding such pricing sources and procedures to provide assurance
that fair value is being achieved.

The following is a summary of securities held to maturity and
securities available for sale at Dec. 31, 1994 and securities
carried at amortized cost at Dec. 31, 1993.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Dec. 31, 1994          
                                                                                     Gross           Gross 
                                                           Amortized      Fair     unrealized      unrealized  
                                                              cost        value      gains           losses
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>          <C>              <C>     
HELD TO MATURITY
U.S. Government and agencies obligations                     $417         $417        $1               $1  
Mortgage-backed securities                                 65,101       66,329     1,251               23
State and municipal obligations                           145,205      150,856     5,659                8
Corporate debt securities                                 405,716      408,087     5,683            3,312
Foreign government bonds and obligations                   10,048       10,065        17                -
Stated maturity preferred stock                           619,306      616,655    10,201           12,852

                                                       $1,245,793   $1,252,409   $22,812          $16,196   
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Mortgage-backed securities                               $745,513     $724,276    $1,079          $22,316
Corporate debt securities                                 487,799      473,865       460           14,394
Stated maturity preferred stock                            28,234       27,894        50              390
Common stock                                                  755          639         -              116   

                                                       $1,262,301   $1,226,674    $1,589          $37,216    

                                                                              Dec. 31, 1993          
                                                                                     Gross           Gross 
                                                           Amortized      Fair     unrealized      unrealized  
                                                              cost        value      gains           losses

CARRIED AT AMORTIZED COST
U.S. Government and agencies obligations                     $421         $443       $22               $- 
Mortgage-backed securities                                750,719      765,238    16,934            2,415
State and municipal obligations                           179,394      195,081    15,687                -
Corporate debt securities                                 702,123      746,331    45,608            1,400
Stated maturity preferred stock                           797,044      835,320    40,933            2,657
Common stock                                                2,218        2,357       139                -     

                                                       $2,431,919   $2,544,770  $119,323           $6,472

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 52
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

The amortized cost and fair value of securities held to maturity
and available for sale, by contractual maturity, at Dec. 31, 1994,
are shown below.  Cash flows will differ from contractual
maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay
obligations.

                                           Amortized       Fair  
                                             cost          value 
HELD TO MATURITY
Due within 1 year                           $142,206    $144,388   
Due after 1 through 5 years                  491,017     497,199
Due after 5 years through 10 years           384,200     383,699
Due after 10 years                           163,269     160,794
                                           1,180,692   1,186,080   
Mortgage-backed securities                    65,101      66,329

                                          $1,245,793  $1,252,409  
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Due within 1 year                            $78,018     $77,683
Due after 1 through 5 years                  315,279     306,508
Due after 5 years through 10 years            70,698      65,590
Due after 10 years                            52,038      51,978
                                             516,033     501,759
Mortgage-backed securities                   745,513     724,276
Common stock                                     755         639   

                                          $1,262,301  $1,226,674  

During the year ended Dec. 31, 1994, there were no securities
classified as trading securities.

During the year ended Dec. 31, 1994, securities classified as
available for sale were sold with proceeds of $265,008 and gross
realized gains on such sales of $363 and gross realized losses on
such sales of $10,140.

During the year ended Dec. 31, 1994, a held-to-maturity security
was sold with an amortized cost of $3,158.  A gain of $5 was
realized on the sale.  The security was sold due to deterioration
in the issuer's creditworthiness.

There were no transfers from securities classified as held to
maturity during the year ended Dec. 31, 1994.

B)  Investments in securities with fixed maturities comprised 84%
and 85% of IDSC's total invested assets at Dec. 31, 1994 and 1993,
respectively.  Securities are rated by Moody's and Standard & Poors
(S&P), or by Parent's internal analysts, using criteria similar to
Moody's and S&P, when a public rating does not exist.  A summary of
investments in securities with fixed maturities by rating of
investment is as follows:

Rating                             1994      1993              
Aaa/AAA                              36%      35%               
Aa/AA                                 5        4                 
Aa/A                                  3        1                 
A/A                                  25       22                <PAGE>
PAGE 53
A/BBB                                 3        3                 
Baa/BBB                              24       31                
Below investment grade                4        4                 

                                    100%      100%              

Of the securities rated Aaa/AAA, 88% at Dec. 31, 1994 and 87% at
Dec. 31, 1993, are U.S. Government Agency mortgage-backed
securities that are not rated by a public rating agency. 
Approximately 17% at Dec. 31, 1994 and 23% at Dec. 31, 1993 of
other securities with fixed maturities are rated by Parent's
internal analysts.  No investment in any one issuer at Dec. 31,
1994 and  1993, is greater than 1% and 2%, respectively, of  IDSC's
total investment in securities with fixed maturities.

At Dec. 31, 1994 and 1993, approximately 9% and 10%, respectively,
of IDSC's invested assets were first mortgage loans on real estate. 
A summary of first mortgage loans by region and by type of real
estate is as follows:

Region                                 1994       1993             

East North Central                       25%        23%             
South Atlantic                           24         23              
West North Central                       18         21              
Middle Atlantic                          16         14              
Mountain                                  6          6              
West South Central                        5          8              
Pacific                                   3          3              
New England                               3          2              
                                        100%       100%             

Property Type                          1994        1993             

Apartments                               41%        40%             
Retail/shopping centers                  30         28              
Industrial buildings                     12         13              
Office buildings                          8         10              
Retirement homes                          1          1              
Hotels/motels                             -          1              
Other                                     8          7              
  
                                        100%       100%             
                                                                 
The carrying amounts and fair values of first mortgage loans on
real estate are as follows at Dec. 31.  The fair values are
estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, using market
interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms
to borrowers of similar credit quality.
<PAGE>
PAGE 54
                               Dec. 31, 1994        Dec. 31, 1993   
                         Carrying      Fair     Carrying      Fair
                         amount        value    amount        value

Residential               $48           $43      $53           $59  
Commercial            254,531       246,874  282,773       289,726
                      254,579       246,917  282,826       289,785
Reserve for losses       (611)            -     (961)            -  
  
Net first mortgage 
loans on real estate $253,968      $246,917  $281,865     $289,785  


At Dec. 31, 1994 and 1993, there were no commitments for fundings
of first mortgage loans.  If there were any commitments, IDSC
employs policies and procedures to ensure the creditworthiness
of the borrowers and that funds will be available on the funding
date.  IDSC's first mortgage loan fundings are restricted to 75% or
less of the market value of the real estate at the time of the loan
funding.

C)  IDSC reserves freedom of action with respect to its acquisition
of restricted securities that offer advantageous and desirable
investment opportunities.  In a private negotiation, IDSC may
purchase for its portfolio all or part of an issue of restricted
securities.  Since IDSC would intend to purchase such securities
for investment and not for distribution, it would not be "acting as
a distributor" if such securities are resold by IDSC at a later
date.

The fair values of restricted securities are determined by the
board of directors using the procedures and factors described in
paragraph A of note 3.

In the event IDSC were to be deemed to be a distributor of the
restricted securities, it is possible that IDSC would be required
to bear the costs of registering those securities under the
Securities Act of 1933, although in most cases such costs would be
borne by the issuer of the restricted securities.

<PAGE>
PAGE 55
4.  Certificate reserves

Reserves maintained on outstanding certificates have been computed
in accordance with the provisions of the certificates and Section
28 of the 1940 Act.  The average rates of accumulation on
certificate reserves at Dec. 31, 1994 and 1993 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1994        
                                                                 Average      Average
                                                Reserve           gross      additional 
                                                balance        accumulation   credit    
                                                at Dec.31         rate         rate  
<S>                                          <C>                 <C>           <C>
Installment certificates:
Reserves to mature:
With guaranteed rates                            $49,278         3.49%         1.51% 
Without guaranteed rates (A)                     286,434            -          2.97  
Additional credits and accrued interest           19,698         3.11            -     
Advance payments and accrued interest (C)          1,634         3.08          1.92
Other                                                 56            -            - 
Fully paid certificates:
Reserves to mature:
  With guaranteed rates                          234,822         3.25          1.09  
  Without guaranteed rates (A) and (D)         2,154,376            -          4.81  
Additional credits and accrued interest          140,766         3.35             -
Due to unlocated certificate holders                 341            -             -

                                              $2,887,405              

                                                                 1993        
                                                                 Average      Average
                                                Reserve           gross      additional 
                                                balance        accumulation   credit    
                                                at Dec.31         rate         rate  

Installment certificates:
Reserves to mature:
  With guaranteed rates                           $57,958          3.49%        1.01% 
  Without guaranteed rates (A)                    294,691             -         2.74  
Additional credits and accrued interest            18,555          3.09            -
Advance payments and accrued interest               1,943          3.05         1.45  
Other                                                  54             -            - 
Fully paid certificates:
Reserves to mature:
  With guaranteed rates                           291,923          3.30         1.07  
  Without guaranteed rates (A) and (D)          1,951,493             -         3.56  
Additional credits and accrued interest           160,440          3.37            -
Due to unlocated certificate holders                  394             -            -

                                               $2,777,451              
</TABLE>


A)  There is no minimum rate of accrual on these reserves. Interest
is declared periodically, quarterly or annually, in accordance with
the terms of the separate series of certificates.

<PAGE>
PAGE 56
B)  On certain series of single payment certificates, additional
interest is predeclared for periods greater than one year.  At Dec.
31, 1994, $18,398 of retained earnings had been appropriated for
the predeclared additional interest, which represents the
difference between certificate reserves on these series, calculated
on a statutory basis, and the reserves maintained per books.

C)  Certain series of installment certificates guarantee accrual of
interest on advance payments at an average of 3.08%.  IDSC has
increased the rate of accrual to 5.00% through April 30, 1996.  An
appropriation of retained earnings amounting to $50 has been made,
which represents the estimated additional accrual that will result
from the increase granted by IDSC.

D)  IDS Stock Market Certificate enables the certificate holder to
participate in any relative rise in a major stock market index
without risking loss of principal.  Generally the certificate has a
term of 12 months and may continue for up to 14 successive terms.
The reserve balance at Dec. 31, 1994 and 1993 was $263,494 and
$402,801, respectively.

E)  The carrying amounts and fair values of certificate reserves
consisted of the following at Dec. 31, 1994 and 1993.  Fair values
of certificate reserves with interest rate terms of one year or
less approximated the carrying values less any applicable surrender
charges.  The fair values for other certificate reserves are a
discounted cash flow analysis using interest rates currently
offered for certificates with similar remaining  terms, less any
applicable surrender charges.
<TABLE><CAPTION>

                                                          1994                         1993  
                                                   Carrying      Fair          Carrying       Fair
                                                   amount        value         amount         value
<S>                                           <C>              <C>             <C>           <C>    
Reserves with terms of one year or less       $2,425,880       $2,415,970      $2,409,668    $2,402,972
Other                                            461,525          461,060         367,783       384,484

Total certificate reserves                     2,887,405        2,877,030       2,777,451     2,787,456
Unapplied certificate transactions                 2,671            2,671           1,064         1,064
Certificate loans and accrued interest           (58,840)         (58,840)        (68,174)      (68,174)

Total                                         $2,831,236       $2,820,861      $2,710,341    $2,720,346
</TABLE>

5.  Dividend restriction

Certain series of installment certificates outstanding provide that
cash dividends may be paid by IDSC only in calendar years for which
additional credits of at  least one-half of 1% on such series of
certificates have been authorized by IDSC.  This restriction has
been removed for 1995 and 1996 by action of IDSC on additional
credits in excess of this requirement.

6.  Fees paid to Parent and affiliated companies ($ not in
thousands)

A) The basis of computing fees paid or payable to Parent for
investment advisory and services is:

The investment advisory and services agreement with Parent provides
for a graduated scale of fees equal on an annual basis to 0.75% on<PAGE>
PAGE 57
the first $250 million of total book value of assets of IDSC, 0.65%
on the next $250 million, 0.55% on the next $250 million, 0.50% on
the next $250 million and 0.45% on the amount in excess of $1
billion.  The fee is payable monthly in an amount equal to
one-twelfth of each of the percentages set forth above.  Excluded
from assets for purposes of this computation are first-mortgage
loans, real estate and any other asset on which IDSC pays a service
fee.

B)  The basis of computing fees paid or payable to American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. (formerly IDS Financial Services Inc.) (an
affiliate) for distribution services is:

Fees payable to American Express Financial Advisors Inc. on sales
of IDSC's certificates are based upon terms of agreements giving
American Express Financial Advisors Inc. the exclusive right to
distribute the certificates covered under the agreements.  The
agreements provide for payment of fees over a period of time.  The
aggregate fees payable under the agreements per $1,000 face amount
of installment certificates and $1,000 purchase price of single
payments, and a summary of the periods over which the fees are
payable, shown by series are:
<TABLE><CAPTION>

                                                                    Number of   
                                                                    certificate 
                                                                    years over  
                                    Aggregate fees payable            which 
                                                                    subsequent  
                                            First    Subsequent     years' fees 
                                    Total   year     years          are payable 
<S>                                <C>     <C>       <C>                  <C>
Installment certificates(a)        $30.00  $6.00     $24.00               4
Single-payment certificates         60.00  60.00          -               -     
Future Value certificates           50.00  50.00          -               -     
</TABLE>

Fees on Cash Reserve and Flexible Savings (formerly Variable Term) 
certificates are paid at a rate of 0.25% of the purchase price at
time of issuance and 0.25% of the reserves maintained for these
certificates at the beginning of the second and subsequent quarters
from issue date.

Fees on the Investors Certificate are paid at an annualized rate of
1% of the reserves maintained for the certificates.  Fees are paid
at the end of each term on certificates with a one, two or
three-month term.  Fees are paid each quarter from date of issuance
on certificates with a six, 12, 24 or 36-month term.

Fees on the Stock Market Certificate are paid at a rate of 1.25% of
the purchase price on the first day of the certificate's term and
1.25% of the reserves maintained for these certificates at the
beginning of each subsequent term.

(a)  At the end of the sixth through the 10th year, an additional
fee is payable of 0.5% of the daily average balance of the
certificate reserve maintained during the sixth through the 10th
year, respectively.
<PAGE>
PAGE 58
C)  The basis of computing depositary fees paid or payable to
American Express Trust Company (formerly IDS Trust Company) (an
affiliate) is:
<TABLE><CAPTION>
<S>                                  <C>
Maintenance charge per account       5 cents per $1,000 of assets on deposit   

Transaction charge                   $20 per transaction                 

Security loan activity:
  Depositary Trust Company
    receive/deliver                  $20 per transaction          
  Physical receive/deliver            25 per transaction         
  Exchange collateral                 15 per transaction              
</TABLE>

A transaction consists of the receipt or withdrawal of securities
and commercial paper and/or a change in the security position.  The
charges are payable quarterly except for maintenance, which is an
annual fee.

 D)  The basis for computing fees paid or payable to American
Express Service Corporation (an affiliate) in connection with the
American Express Savings Certificate was:

Distribution Fees - Fees were paid at a rate of 0.25% of the
reserves maintained at the end of the first and subsequent calendar
quarters.

Transfer Agent Fees - Fees of $3.50 per certificate account were
paid each month.

E)  The basis for computing fees paid or payable to American
Express Bank  Ltd. (an affiliate) for the distribution of the IDS
Special Deposits certificate on an annualized basis is:

0.80% of the reserves maintained for the certificates on an amount
from $250,000 to $499,000, 0.65% on an amount from $500,000 to
$999,000 and 0.50% on an amount $1,000,000 or more.  Fees are paid
at the end of each term on certificates with a one, two or
three-month term.  Fees are paid at the end of each quarter from
date of issuance on certificates with a six, 12, 24 or 36-month
term.

7.  Income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit) as shown in the statement of
operations for the three years ended Dec. 31, consists of:
                                        1994       1993       1992 
Federal:
  Current                            ($8,743)  ($19,777)   ($1,571)
  Deferred                             3,933     11,446    (13,501)
                                      (4,810)    (8,331)   (15,072)
State                                    100        349          7  
                                     ($4,710)   ($7,982)  ($15,065)

<PAGE>
PAGE 59
Income tax expense (benefit) differs from that computed by using
the U.S. Statutory rate of 35% for 1994 and 1993 and 34% for 1992. 
The principal causes of the difference in each year are shown
below:
<TABLE><CAPTION>

                                                          1994       1993       1992 
<S>                                                    <C>        <C>       <C>
Federal tax expense (benefit) at U.S. statutory rate   $12,642    $13,178    $12,579
Tax-exempt interest                                     (4,205)    (4,929)    (6,212)
Dividend exclusion                                     (13,862)   (17,326)   (22,317)
Change in statutory rates                                    -       (406)         -    

Other, net                                                 615      1,152        878   

Federal tax benefit                                    ($4,810)   ($8,331)  ($15,072)
</TABLE>

Deferred income taxes result from the net tax effects of temporary
differences.  Temporary differences are differences between the tax
bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the
financial statements that will result in differences between income
for tax purposes and income for financial statement purposes in
future years.  Principal components of IDSC's deferred tax assets
and liabilities as of Dec. 31, are as follows.

                                                   1994        1993 
Deferred tax assets:

Investment unrealized losses                    $12,470          $- 
Certificate reserves                              4,315       6,127 
Investments                                       1,390       1,225 
Investment reserves                               1,120       1,487 
Purchased/written call options                      283           - 
         
Total deferred tax assets                        19,578       8,839 
    
Deferred tax liabilities:

Deferred distribution fees                        9,500       6,865 
Dividends receivable                              1,000       1,255 
Return of capital dividends                         508         463 
Purchased/written call options                        -         254 
Other, net                                          198         167 
    
Total deferred tax liabilities                   11,206       9,004


Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)            $8,372      ($165)

8.  Derivative financial instruments

IDSC enters into transactions involving derivative financial
instruments as an end user (nontrading). IDSC uses these
instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate risk, including
hedging specific transactions.  IDSC manages risks associated with
these instruments as described below.

<PAGE>
PAGE 60
Market risk is the possibility that the value of the derivative
financial instrument will change due to fluctuations in a factor
from which the instrument derives its value, primarily an interest
rate or a major market index.  IDSC is not impacted by market risk
related to derivatives held because derivatives are largely used to
manage risk and, therefore, the cash flows and income effects of
the derivatives are inverse to the effects of the underlying hedged
transactions.

Credit exposure is the possibility that the counterparty will not
fulfill the terms of the contract.  IDSC monitors credit exposure
related to derivative financial instruments through established
approval procedures, including setting concentration limits by
counterparty, reviewing credit ratings and requiring collateral
where appropriate.  The majority of IDSC's counterparties to the
interest rate caps are rated A or better by nationally recognized
rating agencies.  The counterparties to the call options are five
major broker/dealers.

The notional or contract amount of a derivative financial
instrument is generally used to calculate the cash flows that are
received or paid over the life of the agreement.  Notional amounts
do not represent market risk or credit exposure.

Credit exposure related to derivative financial instruments is
measured by the carrying amount, if higher, or the replacement cost
of those contracts in a gain position at the balance sheet date. 
The replacement cost represents the fair value of the instrument,
and is determined by market values, dealer quotes or pricing
models.

IDSC's holdings of derivative financial instruments were as follows
at Dec. 31, 1994.
<TABLE><CAPTION>

                                   Notional                                 Total 
                                   or contract      Carrying      Fair      credit
                                   amount           value         value     exposure
<S>                                <C>              <C>           <C>       <C> 
Assets:
Interest rate caps                 $1,020,000       $14,946       $24,727   $24,727
Purchased call options                191,496         7,770         8,886     8,886
Total                              $1,211,496       $22,716       $33,613   $33,613

Liabilities:
Written call options                 $189,443        $2,070        $1,779        $-
</TABLE>

The fair values of derivative financial instruments are based on
market values, dealer quotes or pricing models.  The interest rate
caps expire on various dates from 1995 to 1997.  The options expire
in 1995.

Interest rate caps and options are used to manage IDSC's exposure
to rising  interest rates. These instruments are used primarily to
protect the margin between the interest rate earned on investments
and the interest rate accrued to related investment certificate
holders.
<PAGE>
PAGE 61
The interest rate caps are quarterly reset caps and IDSC earns
interest on the notional amount to the extent the London Interbank
Offering Rate exceeds the reference rates specified in the cap
agreements.  These reference rates range from 4% to 13%.  The cost
of these caps of $14,946 at Dec. 31, 1994, is being amortized over
the terms of the agreements (three to seven years) on a straight
line basis and is included in other qualified assets.  The
amortization, net of any interest earned, is included in investment
expenses.

IDSC offers a series of certificates which pay interest based upon
the relative change in a major stock market index between the
beginning and end of the certificates' term.  The certificate
holders have the option of participating in the full amount of
increase in the index during the term (subject to a specified
maximum) or a lesser percentage of the increase plus a guaranteed
minimum rate of interest.  As a means of hedging its obligations
under the provisions of these certificates, IDSC purchases and
writes call options on the major market index.  The options are
cash settlement options, that is, there is no underlying security
to deliver at the time the contract is closed out.

The option contracts are less than one year in term.  The premiums
paid or received on these index options are reported in other
qualified assets or other liabilities, as appropriate, and are
amortized into investment expenses over the life of the option. 
The intrinsic value of these index options is also reported in
other qualified assets or other liabilities, as appropriate.  The
unrealized gains and losses related to the changes in the intrinsic
value of these options are recognized currently in provision for
certificate reserves. 

Following is a summary of open option contracts at Dec. 31, 1994
and 1993.
<TABLE><CAPTION>

                                                        1994              
                                          Face        Average          Index at   
                                         amount     strike price     Dec.31,1994    
<S>                                     <C>             <C>             <C>     
Purchased call options                  $191,496        460             459         
Written call options                     189,443        506             459        

                                                        1993              
                                          Face        Average         Index at   
                                         amount     strike price    Dec.31,1993       

Purchased call options                   $221,389       452             466         
Written call options                      207,540       497             466         
</TABLE>

9.  Fair values of financial instruments

IDSC is required to disclose fair value information for most on-
and off-balance sheet financial instruments for which it is
practical to estimate that value.  Certain financial instruments
such as trade receivables and payables (when the carrying value
approximates the fair value), and all non-financial instruments,
such as deferred distribution fees, are excluded from required <PAGE>
PAGE 62
disclosure.  IDSC's off-balance sheet intangible assets, such as
IDSC's name and future earnings of the core business are also
excluded.  IDSC's management believes the value of these excluded
assets is significant.  The fair value of IDSC, therefore, cannot
be estimated by aggregating the amounts presented.

A summary of fair values of financial instruments as of Dec. 31, is
as follows:
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                    1994                      1993  

                                                           Carrying     Fair          Carrying       Fair
                                                           value        value         value          value
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>
Financial assets
  Cash equivalents (note 1)                                $152,912     $152,912      $68,871        $68,871
  Investment securities (note 3)                          2,472,467    2,479,083    2,431,919      2,544,770
  First mortgage loans on real estate (note 3)              253,968      246,917      281,865        289,785
  Derivative financial instruments (note 8)                  22,716       33,613       38,424         21,425
Financial liabilities
  Certificate reserves (note 4)                           2,831,236    2,820,861    2,710,341      2,720,346
  Derivative financial instruments (note 8)                   2,070        1,779        1,640          2,992
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
PAGE 63
               PART I. CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FOR PROSPECTUS
                          PURSUANT TO RULE 404(c)
                         IDS CASH RESERVE CERTIFICATE
                              AND VARIATIONS

                                                                
                                          
Item                            Caption in
Number                          Prospectus
                                                                
Item 1. Forepart of the                   
Registration Statement                                          
and Outside Front Cover                                         
Page of Prospectus.                                             
                                                                
                                                                
Item 2. Inside Front and        Where to get information about 
Outside Back Cover Pages        IDSC;  Table of Contents.          

of Prospectus.                                         
                                                                
Item 3. Summary Informa-        About the certificate          
tion, Risk Factors                                              
and Ratio of Earnings                                           
to Fixed Charges.                                               
                                                                
Item 4. Use of Proceeds.        How your money is used and     
                                protected; Investment policies      
                             
Item 5. Determination of        Not Applicable.                
Offering Price.                                  
                                                                
Item 6. Dilution.               Not Applicable.                

Item 7. Selling Security        Not Applicable.                 
Holders.                         
                                                                
Item 8. Plan of                 How your certificate            
Distribution.                   is managed. 

           
Item 9. Description of          About the Certificate;         
Securities to Be                How to invest and withdraw     
Registered.                     funds.                      
                                Taxes on your earnings.        


Item 10. Interests of           Not Applicable.                 
Named Experts and Counsel.                                      

<PAGE>
PAGE 64
                    PART I. CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FOR PROSPECTUS
                            PURSUANT TO RULE 404(c) (Continued)

                                                                
                                                                
                                          
Item                            Caption in
Number                          Prospectus
                                                                
Item 11. Information with       Invested and guaranteed by 
Respect to the Registrant.      IDSC; Regulated by government; 
                                Relationship between IDSC and  
                                American Express Financial 
                                Corporation; Capital structure 
                                and certificates issued; 
                                Directors and Officers.

Item 12. Disclosure of          Directors and Officers        
Commission Position on          
Indemnification for        
Securities Act Liabilities.

                                                                
<PAGE>
PAGE 65
IDS Cash Reserve Certificate

Prospectus April 26, 1995

Earn attractive rates with ready access to your cash reserves.

IDS Cash Reserve Certificates are issued by IDS Certificate Company
(IDSC).  You can purchase this certificate with an initial
investment of at least $1,000 or monthly investments of at least
$50.  Your principal and interest are guaranteed by IDSC.  Your
certificate earns a fixed rate of interest, declared every three
months.  Investments in the certificate may continue for 
successive three-month terms up to a total of 20 years from the
issue date of the certificate.  Unless you receive prior
authorization from IDSC, your total investment, excluding interest
earned, cannot exceed $1 million.  Your interest rate will be
determined as described in "About the certificate."  

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OF ADEQUACY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
   
This certificate is backed by IDSC's investments on deposit rather
than guaranteed or insured by the government or someone else.  See
"Invested and guaranteed by IDSC" and "Regulated by government"
under "How your money is used and protected."
    
This prospectus describes terms and conditions of your IDS Cash
Reserve Certificate.  It contains facts that can help you decide if
the certificate is the right investment for you.  Read the
prospectus before you invest and keep it for future reference.  No
one has the authority to change the terms and conditions of the IDS
Cash Reserve Certificate as described in the prospectus, or to bind
IDSC by any statement not in it.

IDS Certificate Company
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010
   
1-800-437-3133
(612) 671-3800 
(Minneapolis/St. Paul area)

TTY numbers:
1-800-846-4293 (toll free) or
(612) 671-1630 
(Minneapolis/St. Paul area)
    
An American Express Company
<PAGE>
PAGE 66
INSIDE COVER:
Where to get information about IDSC

IDSC is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.  Reports and other information on IDSC are
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  Copies
can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 450
5th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.  Or you
can inspect and copy information in person at the SEC's Public
Reference Section and at the following regional offices:

Northeast Regional Office
7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300
New York, NY  10048

Midwest Regional Office
Northwestern Atrium Center
500 West Madison St. Suite 1400
Chicago, IL  60611

Pacific Regional Office
5670 Wilshire Blvd., 11th Floor
Los Angeles, CA  90036

Initial interest rates

IDSC guarantees a fixed interest rate for each three-month term
during the life of the certificate.  For your initial term, IDSC
guarantees that when the rate for new purchases takes effect, the
rate will be within a specified range of the average rate for
three-month certificates of deposit as published in the most recent
BANK RATE MONITOR Top 25 Market AverageTM, North Palm Beach, FL 
33408, as explained under "About the certificate."

Here are the interest rates in effect on the date of this
prospectus, April 26, 1995:

Investment               Simple              Effective
amount                   interest rate*      annualized yield**
$50 to $999  
$1,000 to $24,999
$25,000 or more  

*Rates may depend on factors described in "Rates for new purchases"
under "About the certificate."
**Assuming monthly compounding.

These rates may or may not be in effect when you apply to purchase
your certificate.  Rates for later three-month terms are set at the
discretion of IDSC and may also differ from the rates shown here.

We reserve the right to issue other securities with different
terms.
<PAGE>
PAGE 67
   
Contents
    
About the certificate......
     Investment amounts and terms......                 p
     Face amount and principal......                    p
     Value at maturity......                            p
     Receiving cash during the term......               p
     Interest......                                     p
     Rates for new purchases......                      p

How to invest and withdraw funds......
     Buying your certificate......                      p
     Additional investments......                       p
     Full and partial withdrawals......                 p
     When your certificate term ends                    p
     Transfers to other accounts......                  p
     Retirement plans:  special policies......          p
     Transfer of ownership......                        p
     For more information......                         p

Taxes on your earnings......
      Retirement accounts                               p
      Gifts to minors                                   p
      Foreign investors......                           p

How your money is used and protected
      Invested and guaranteed by IDSC......             p
      Regulated by government......                     p
      Backed by our investments......                   p
      Investment policies......                         p

How your money is managed
      Relationship between IDSC and American
        Express Financial Corporation......             p
      Capital structure and certificates issued......   p
      Investment management and services......          p
      Distribution......                                p
      Employment of other American Express affiliates...p
      Directors and officers......                      p
      Auditors......                                    p

Financial information......

      Summary of selected financial information......   p
      Management's discussion and analysis of
       financial condition and results of operations....p
      Report of independent auditors......              p

Financial statements......                              p

Notes to financial statements......                     p
<PAGE>
PAGE 68
About the certificate

Investment amounts and terms

You can purchase this certificate with an initial investment of at
least $1,000 or monthly investments of at least $50 through
scheduled bank authorization or payroll deduction.  Your total
investments over the life of the certificate may not exceed $1
million unless you receive prior authorization from IDSC.

The certificate may be used as an investment for your Individual
Retirement Account (IRA), 401(k) plan account or other qualified
retirement plan account.  A minimum investment of $50 per month is
required for these types of accounts.  If so used, the amount of
your contribution (investment) will be subject to any limitations
of the plan and applicable federal law.

Face amount and principal

The face amount of the certificate is the amount of your initial
investment, and will remain the same over the life of the
certificate.

The principal is the amount that is reinvested at the beginning of
each subsequent term, and is calculated as follows:

     Principal equals  Face Amount (initial investment)
          plus      At the end of a term, interest credited to
                    your account during the term
          minus          Any interest paid to you in cash
          plus      Any additional investments to your
                    certificate
          minus          Any withdrawals, fees and applicable
                    penalties.

For example:  Assume your initial investment (face amount) of
$5,000 has earned $75 of interest during the term.  You have not
taken any interest as cash, or made any withdrawals.  You have
invested an additional $2,500 prior to the beginning of the next
term.  Your principal for the next term will equal:

          $5,000.00 Face Amount (initial investment)
     plus    $75.00 Interest credited to your account
     minus        ($0.00)     Interest paid to you in cash
     plus $2,500.00 Additional investment to your certificate
     minus        ($0.00)     Withdrawals and applicable penalties 
                      or fees

          $7,575.00 Principal at the beginning of the next
                    term.

<PAGE>
PAGE 69
Value at maturity

Your certificate matures 20 years from its issue date.  At
maturity, the value of your certificate will be the total of your
actual investment, plus credited interest not paid to you in cash,
less withdrawals, penalties and fees.  When your certificate 
matures, you will receive a check for your principal, plus any
credited interest, less any withdrawals, penalties and fees.  Bank
authorizations will automatically be stopped at maturity or full
withdrawal.

Receiving cash during the term

If you need your money before your certificate matures, you may
withdraw part or all of its value at any time, less any penalties
that apply.  Procedures for withdrawing money, as well as
conditions under which penalties apply, are described in "Full and
partial withdrawals" under "How to invest and withdraw funds."

Interest

Your investments earn interest from the date they are credited to
your account.  Interest is compounded and credited at the end of
each certificate month (on the monthly anniversary of the issue
date).

IDSC declares and guarantees a fixed rate of interest for each
three-month term during the life of your certificate.  We calculate
the amount of interest you earn each certificate month by:

     o    applying the interest rate then in effect to your balance
          each day
     o    adding these daily amounts to get a monthly total
     o    subtracting interest accrued on any amount you withdraw
          during the certificate month.

Interest is calculated on a 30-day month and 360-day year basis.

Rates for new purchases  

When your application is accepted, you will receive a confirmation
showing the rate that your investment will earn for the first term. 
For accounts of $1,000 to $24,999.99 IDSC guarantees that this rate
will be within a range from 20 basis points (0.20%) below to 80
basis points (0.80%) above the average interest rate published for
3-month CDs in the BANK RATE MONITOR Top 25 Market AverageTM (the
BRM Average).  For example, if the average rate most recently
published is 4.00%, our rate in effect for that week for amounts of
$1,000 to $24,999.99 would be between 3.80% to 4.80%.  For accounts
of $25,000 or more, this rate will be within a range from 0 basis
points (0.0%) below to 100 basis points (1.00%) above the same
index rate.  For accounts of less than $1,000, this rate will be
within a range of 90 basis points (0.90%) below to 10 basis points
(0.10%) above the average interest rate.
  <PAGE>
PAGE 70
The BANK RATE MONITOR is a weekly magazine published in North Palm
Beach, FL 33408 by Advertising News Service Inc., an independent
national news organization that collects and disseminates
information about bank products and interest rates.  Advertising
News Service Inc. has no connection with IDSC, American Express
Financial Corporation, or any of their affiliates.  
   
The BRM Average is an index of rates and annual effective yields
offered on various length certificates of deposit by large banks
and thrifts in 25 metropolitan areas.  The frequency of compounding
varies among the banks and thrifts.  Certificates of deposit in the
BRM Average are government insured fixed-rate time deposits.
    
The BANK RATE MONITOR may be available in your local library.  To
obtain information on the current BRM Average rates, call the
Client Service Organization at the number listed on the back cover.

                    1-800-437-3133
                    TTY 1-800-846-4293.

Rates for new purchases are reviewed and may change weekly. 
Normally, the rate you receive will be the higher of:

     o    the rate in effect on the date of your application
     o    the rate in effect on the date your application is accept
          ed by IDSC.

However if your application bears a date more than seven days
before its receipt by IDSC, the rate you receive will be the higher
of:
     o    the rate in effect on the date your application is
          accepted by IDSC
     o    the rate in effect seven days prior to receipt.

Except for specific promotions, IDSC guarantees an initial rate 25
basis points above the rate offered to the general public on this
IDS certificate if it is purchased by using the CD transfer service
offered by American Express Financial Advisors Inc. to help you
transfer money from a bank or thrift CD account to American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. investments.  To be eligible for this rate,
you must transfer at least $10,000 from a CD account to IDSC to
purchase one or more IDS Cash Reserve Certificates and/or IDS
Flexible Savings Certificates, and this rate will only apply to
those certificates.

Promotions and pricing flexibility: From time to time, IDSC may
sponsor or participate in promotions involving one or more of the
certificates and their respective terms.  For example, we may offer
different rates to new clients, to existing clients, or to
individuals who purchase or use other products or services offered
by American Express Financial Advisors Inc. or its affiliates. 
These promotions will generally be for a specified period of time. 
If we offer a promotion, the rates for new purchases will be within
the range of rates described under "Rates for new purchases,"
above.       

<PAGE>
PAGE 71
Rates for future terms:  Interest on your certificate for future
three-month terms may be greater or less than the rates you receive
during the first three months.  In setting future rates, a primary
consideration will be the prevailing investment climate, including
3-month CD rates as reflected in the BRM Average.  Nevertheless, we
have complete discretion as to what interest shall be declared
beyond the initial three-month term.  If the BRM Average is no
longer publicly available or feasible to use, IDSC may use another
similar index as a guide for setting rates.

Performance:  From February 1990 through February 1995, IDS Cash
Reserve interest rates were generally higher than average bank and
thrift 3-month CD yields, as measured by the BRM Average (prior to
January 13, 1993, rates were measured by the BRM National Index, an
average of CD yields in 10 cities).
   
             Yield from May 1990 through February 1995
8%                  _____ IDS Cash Reserve Certificate
                    ..... Money Market Deposit Account
6%                  ***** Certificate of Deposit - Three Month
 
4%        Three lines comparing the rates for IDS Cash Reserve
          Certificate versus money market deposit accounts and
2%        three-month certificates of deposit, with IDS Cash
          Reserve's line generally above the other two.
0%
     1990     1991     1992     1993     1994     1995
    
*This graph compares past interest rates offered on IDS Cash
Reserve Certificate to those of 3-month CDs and money market
deposit accounts and should not be considered a prediction of
future performance.

How to invest and withdraw funds

Buying your certificate

Your American Express financial advisor will help you fill out and
submit an application to open an account with us and purchase a
certificate.  We will process the application at our corporate
offices in Minneapolis.  When your application is accepted, you
will receive a confirmation of your purchase, indicating your
account number and applicable rate of interest for your first term,
as described under "Rates for new purchases."  See "Purchase
policies" below.

Additional investments

You may make additional investments at any time.  Additional
investments must be at least $50 and your total investment, less
withdrawals, may not exceed $1 million (unless you receive prior
authorization from IDSC to invest more).  You will earn interest on
additional investments from the date we accept them.  IDSC will
send a confirmation of additional investments.

<PAGE>
PAGE 72
   
Important: When opening an account, you must provide IDSC with your
correct Taxpayer Identification Number (Social Security or Employer
Identification Number).  See "Taxes on your earnings."
    
Purchase policies

o    You have 15 days from the date of purchase to cancel your
     investment without penalty by either writing or calling the 
     Client Service Organization at the address or phone number on
     the back of this prospectus.  If you decide to cancel your
     certificate within this 15-day period you will not earn any
     interest.

o    If you purchase a certificate with a personal check or other
     non-guaranteed funds, American Express Financial Corporation
     must convert your check to federal funds (e.g., monies of
     member banks with the Federal Reserve Bank) before your
     purchase will be accepted and you begin earning interest.

o    IDSC has complete discretion to determine whether to accept an
     application and sell a certificate.

o    If you make no investments for a period of at least 12
     consecutive months and your principal is less than $1,000, we
     may send you a notice of our intent to cancel the certificate. 
     After the notice, if an investment is not made within 60 days
     your certificate will be canceled, and we will send you a
     check for its full value.

A number of special policies apply to purchases, withdrawals and
exchanges within IRAs, 401(k) plans and other qualified retirement
plans.  See "Retirement plans:  special policies."

                  Three ways to make investments
1
By scheduled investment plan

Contact your financial advisor to set up one of the following
scheduled plans for monthly investments:

o    bank authorization (automatic deduction from your bank
     account)
o    automatic payroll deduction
o    direct deposit of Social Security check
o    other plan approved by IDSC

To cancel a bank authorization, you must instruct IDSC in writing
or over the phone.  We must receive notice at least three business
days before the date funds would normally be withdrawn from your
bank account.

<PAGE>
PAGE 73
2
By mail

For monthly or lump sum investments, send your check along with
your name and account number to:

Regular mail:                 Express mail:
IDS Certificate Company            IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization        Client Service Organization
IDS Tower 10                       733 Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010        Minneapolis, MN  55402

3
By wire

If you have an established account, you may wire money to:

     Norwest Bank Minneapolis
     Routing No. 091000019
     Minneapolis, MN
     Attn:  Domestic Wire Dept.

Give these instructions:

     Credit IDS Account #00-30-015 for personal account # (your
     account number) for (your name).

If this information is not included, the order may be rejected and
all money received, less any costs American Express Financial
Corporation incurs, will be returned promptly.

o    Minimum amounts each wire investment:   $1,000

o    Wire orders can be accepted only on days when your bank,
     American Express Financial Corporation, IDSC and Norwest Bank
     Minneapolis are open for business.

o    Wire purchases are completed when wired payment is received
     and we accept the purchase.

o    Bank wire purchases are not sent until the next business day.

o    Wire investments must be received and accepted in the
     Minneapolis headquarters on a business day before 3 p.m.
     Central time to be credited that day.  Otherwise your purchase
     will be processed the next business day.

o    IDSC, American Express Financial Corporation and its other
     subsidiaries are not responsible for any delays that occur in
     wiring funds, including delays in processing by the bank.

o    You must pay any fee the bank charges for wiring.

<PAGE>
PAGE 74
Full and partial withdrawals

You may withdraw your certificate for its full value at any time. 
If you purchase this certificate for an IRA, 401(k), or other
retirement plan account, early withdrawals or cash payments of
interest taken prematurely may be subject to IRS penalty taxes.

o    Complete withdrawal of your certificate is made by giving us
     proper instructions.

To complete these transactions, see "Two ways to request a
withdrawal or transfer."

o    You may make an unscheduled partial withdrawal of at least
     $100 at any time.

o    Interest payments in cash may be sent to you at the end of
     each month, quarterly, semiannually or annually.

o    Scheduled partial withdrawals may be sent to you monthly,
     quarterly, semiannually or annually.  The minimum withdrawal
     amount is $50.

o    Withdrawals before the end of the certificate month will
     result in loss of interest on the amount withdrawn.  You'll
     get the best result by timing a withdrawal at the end of the
     certificate month.

o    You may not otherwise make a partial withdrawal if it would
     reduce your certificate balance to less than $1,000.  If you
     request such a withdrawal, we will contact you for revised
     instructions.

o    Withdrawals that reduce your certificate's principal below a
     break point for a lower interest rate will cause the remaining
     principal to earn the lower interest rate for the rest of the
     term from the date of the withdrawal.

o    Withdrawals on certificates purchased by bank authorization or
     payroll deduction may cause the balance to fall below $1,000. 
     The remaining balance will earn the lower interest rate that
     applies to balances of less than $1,000.  

When your certificate term ends

Shortly before the end of your certificate's term we will send you
a notice indicating the interest rate that will apply to the new
term.  Unless you tell us otherwise, your certificate will
automatically continue for another term.  The interest rate that
will apply to your new term will be the rate in effect on the day
the new term begins.  This rate of interest will not be changed
during that term unless your certificate's principal falls below a
break point for a lower interest rate.

<PAGE>
PAGE 75
Other full and partial withdrawal policies:

o    If you request a partial or full withdrawal of a certificate
     recently purchased or added to by a check or money order that
     is not guaranteed, we will wait for your check to clear. 
     Please expect a minimum of 10 days from the date of your
     payment before IDSC mails a check to you.  (A check may be
     mailed earlier if your bank provides evidence that your check
     has cleared.)

o    If your certificate is pledged as collateral, any withdrawal
     will be delayed until we get approval from the secured party.

o    Any payments to you may be delayed under applicable rules,
     regulations or orders of the SEC.

Transfers to other accounts

You may transfer part or all of your certificate for any other IDSC
certificate or into another existing American Express Financial
Advisors Inc. account that has the same registered ownership
(subject to any terms and conditions that may apply).

Two ways to request a withdrawal or transfer

1
By phone

Call between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. your local time:
   
1-800-437-3133
(612) 671-3800 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)
    
TTY numbers:
1-800-846-4293 (toll free) or
(612) 671-1630 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)

o    Maximum phone request:  $50,000

o    Transfers into an American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
     account with the same ownership.

o    We will honor any telephone request believed to be authentic
     and will use reasonable procedures to confirm that they are,
     such as asking identifying questions.  As long as the
     procedures are followed, neither IDSC nor American Express
     Financial Corporation or its other subsidiaries will be liable
     for any loss resulting from fraudulent requests.

You may request that telephone withdrawals not be authorized from
your account by writing the Client Service Organization.

<PAGE>
PAGE 76
2
By mail

Send your name, account number and request for a withdrawal or
transfer to:
   
Regular mail:
IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010

Express mail:
IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization
733 Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN  55402

Written requests are required for:

o    Transactions over $50,000
    
o    Pension plans and custodial accounts where the minor has
     reached the age at which custodianship should terminate.

o    Transferring into an American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
     account with a different ownership (all current registered
     owners must sign the request).

o    A telephone withdrawal request will not be allowed within 30
     days of a phoned-in address change.

Three ways to receive payment when you withdraw funds

1
By regular or express mail

o    Mailed to address on record; please allow seven days for
     mailing

o    Payable to name(s) you requested

o    For express mail, you will pay charges that vary depending on
     the courier you select.  For a partial withdrawal leaving a
     remaining balance of more than $1,000, these charges will be
     deducted from the remaining balance.  If the remaining balance
     is less than $1,000, or it is a full withdrawal, charges are
     deducted from proceeds of the withdrawal.

<PAGE>
PAGE 77
2
By wire

o    Minimum wire withdrawal: $500

o    Request that money be wired to your bank

o    Bank account must be in same ownership as IDSC account

o    Pre-authorization required.  Complete the bank wire
     authorization section in the application or use a form
     supplied by your American Express financial advisor.  All
     registered owners must sign.

o    Service fee, if any, is deducted from your balance (for
     partial withdrawals) or from the proceeds of a full
     withdrawal.

3
Electronic transfer

o    Only for preauthorized recurring payments

o    No charge

o    Deposited electronically in your bank account
   
o    Three to five days from request to first deposit
    
Retirement plans:  special policies

o    If the certificate is purchased for a 401(k) plan or other
     qualified retirement plan account, the terms and conditions of
     the certificate apply to the plan as the owner of this
     certificate.  However, the terms of the plan, as interpreted
     by the plan trustee or administrator, will determine how a
     participant's individual account under the plan is
     administered.  These terms may differ from the terms of the
     certificate.

o    If your certificate is held in a Custodial Retirement Plan (or
     Keogh plan), special rules may apply at maturity.  If no other
     investment instructions are provided directing how to handle
     your certificate at maturity, the full value of the
     certificate will automatically transfer to a new or existing
     cash management account according to the rules outlined in the
     Custodial Retirement Plan document. 

o    The annual custodial fee for IRA or non-401(k) qualified
     retirement plans may be deducted from your certificate
     account.  It may reduce the amount payable at maturity or the
     amount received upon an early withdrawal.

<PAGE>
PAGE 78
o    Retirement plan withdrawals may be subject to withdrawal
     penalties or loss of interest even if they are not subject to
     federal tax penalties.

o    If you withdraw all funds from your last account in an IRA
     plan, a $25 termination fee will apply.

o    The IRA termination fee will be waived if withdrawal occurs
     upon the holder's death.

Transfer of ownership

While the certificate is not negotiable, IDSC will transfer
ownership upon written notification to our Client Service
Organization.  However, if you have purchased your certificate for
an IRA, 401(k) plan or other qualified retirement plan, you may be
unable to transfer or assign the certificate without losing the
account's favorable tax status.  Please consult your tax advisor.

For more information

For information on purchases, withdrawals, exchanges, transfers of
ownership, proper instructions and other service questions
regarding your certificate, please consult your financial advisor
or call IDSC's toll free client service number:
                    
                    1-800-437-3133
                    TTY: 1-800-846-4293.

Taxes on your earnings

Interest on your certificate is taxable when credited to your
account.  Each calendar year we provide the certificate holder and
the IRS with reports of all earnings over $10 (Form 1099). 
Withdrawals are reported to the certificate holder and the IRS on
Form 1099-B, Proceeds from Broker Transactions.

Retirement accounts

If you are using the certificate as an investment for an IRA,
401(k) plan account or other qualified retirement plan account,
income tax rules for your IRA or qualified plan apply.  Generally,
you will pay no income taxes on your investment's earnings--and, in
many cases, on part or all of the investment itself--until you
begin to make withdrawals.

<PAGE>
PAGE 79
IDSC will withhold federal income taxes of 10% on IRA withdrawals
unless you tell us not to.  IDSC is required to withhold federal
income taxes of 20% on most other qualified plan distributions,
unless the distribution is directly rolled over to another
qualified plan or IRA.

Withdrawals from retirement accounts are generally subject to a
penalty tax of 10% by the IRS if you make them before age 59-1/2,
unless you are disabled or if they are made by your beneficiary in
the event of your death.  Other exceptions also may apply.  Also,
withdrawals of principal during a certificate month may be subject
to the certificate's provision for loss of interest.

Consult your tax advisor to see how these rules apply to you before
you request a distribution from your plan or IRA.

Gifts to minors

The certificate may be given to a minor under either the Uniform
Gifts or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UGMA/UTMA), whichever
applies in your state.  UGMAs/UTMAs are irrevocable.  Generally,
under federal tax laws, income over $1,200 on property owned by
children under age 14 will be taxed at the parents' marginal tax
rate, while income on property owned by children 14 or older will
be taxed at the child's rate.

Your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and backup withholding:
As with any financial account you open, you must list your current
and correct Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)--either your
Social Security or Employer Identification Number.  The TIN must be
certified under penalties of perjury on your application when you
open an account with IDSC.

If you don't provide the TIN to IDSC, or the TIN you report is
incorrect, you could be subject to backup withholding of 31% of
your interest earnings.  You could also be subject to further
penalties, such as:

o    a $50 penalty for each failure to supply your correct TIN
o    a civil penalty of $500 if you make a false statement that
     results in no backup withholding
o    criminal penalties for falsifying information.

You could also be subject to backup withholding because you failed
to report interest on your tax return as required.

To help you determine the correct TIN to use on various types of
accounts, please use this chart:

                         Use the Social Security or
For this type of account Employer Identification Number of
   
Individual or joint account   The individual or first person listed
                              on the account
    
<PAGE>
PAGE 80
Custodian account of a        The minor
minor (Uniform Gifts/
Transfers to Minors Act)

A living trust                The grantor-trustee (the person who
                              puts the money into the trust)

An irrevocable trust,         The legal entity (not the personal
pension trust or estate       representative or trustee, unless no
                              legal entity is designated in the
                              account title)

Sole proprietorship or        The owner or partnership
partnership

Corporate                     The corporation

Association, club or          The organization
tax-exempt organization

For details on TIN requirements, ask your financial advisor or
local American Express Financial Advisors Inc. office for Federal
Form W-9, "Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and
Certification."

Foreign investors

If you are not a citizen or resident of the United States, you must
supply IDSC with Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status when you
purchase your certificate, and you must resupply it every three
years.  You must also supply a current mailing address and an
address of foreign residency, if different.  IDSC will not accept
purchases of certificates by nonresident aliens without an
appropriately certified Form W-8 (or approved substitute).  Also,
if you do not supply Form W-8 you will be subject to backup
withholding on interest payments and withdrawals.

Interest on the certificate is "portfolio interest" as defined in
U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 871(h) if earned by a
nonresident alien.  Even though your interest income is not taxed
by the U.S. government, it will be reported at year end to you and
to the U.S. government on a Form 1042S, Foreign Person's U.S.
Source Income Subject to Withholding.  The United States
participates in various tax treaties with foreign countries, which
provide for sharing of tax information.

Estate tax:  If you are a nonresident alien and you die while
owning a certificate, IDSC will need a statement from persons IDSC
believes are knowledgeable about your estate.  The statement must
be in a form satisfactory to IDSC and must tell us that, on your
date of death, your estate did not include any property in the
United States for U.S. estate tax purposes.  If we do not receive
the statement, we generally will not take action regarding your <PAGE>
PAGE 81
certificate until we receive a transfer certificate from the IRS. 
In general, a transfer certificate requires the opening of an
estate in the United States and provides assurance that the IRS
will not claim your IDS certificate to satisfy estate taxes.
   
Important:  This information is a brief and selective summary of
certain federal tax rules that apply to this certificate.  Tax
matters are highly individual and complex, and you should consult a
qualified tax advisor about your personal situation.
    
How your money is used and protected

Invested and guaranteed by IDSC

The IDS Cash Reserve Certificate is issued and guaranteed by IDSC,
a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial
Corporation.  We are by far the largest issuer of face amount
certificates in the United States, with total assets of more than
$3.0 billion and a net worth in excess of $141 million on Dec. 31,
1994.

We back our certificates by investing the money received and
keeping the invested assets on deposit.  Our investments generate
interest and dividends, out of which we pay:

o    interest to certificate holders
o    various expenses, including taxes, fees to American Express
     Financial Corporation for advisory and other services and
     distribution fees to American Express Financial Advisors Inc.

For a review of significant events relating to our business, see
"Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations."  Our certificates are not rated by a
national rating agency.

Most banks and thrifts offer investments known as certificates of
deposit (CDs) that are similar to our certificates in many ways. 
Early withdrawals of bank CDs often result in penalties.  Banks and
thrifts generally have federal deposit insurance for their deposits
and lend much of the money you deposit to individuals, businesses
and other enterprises.  Other financial institutions may offer
investments with comparable combinations of safety and return on
investment.

Regulated by government

Because the IDS Cash Reserve Certificate is a security, its offer
and sale are subject to regulation under federal and state
securities laws.  (It is a face-amount certificate--not a bank
product, an equity investment, a form of life insurance or an
investment trust.)

The federal Investment Company Act of 1940 requires us to keep
investments on deposit in a segregated custodial account to protect
all of our outstanding certificates.  These investments back the <PAGE>
PAGE 82
entire value of your certificate account.  Their amortized cost
must exceed the required carrying value of the outstanding
certificates by at least $250,000.  As of Dec. 31, 1994, the
amortized cost of these investments exceeded the required carrying
value of our outstanding certificates by more than $121 million.

Backed by our investments

Our investments are varied and of high quality.  This was the
composition of our portfolio as of Dec. 31, 1994:
   
                                   Net amount      
Type of investment                 invested
Corporate and other bonds             31%
Government agency bonds               27
Preferred stocks                      23
Mortgages                              9
Municipal bonds                        5
Cash and cash equivalents              5
    
More than 95% of our securities portfolio (bonds and preferred
stocks) is rated investment grade.  For additional information
regarding securities ratings, please refer to Note 3B in the
financial statements.

Most of our investments are on deposit with American Express Trust
Company (formerly IDS Bank & Trust), Minneapolis, although we also
maintain separate deposits as required by certain states.  American
Express Trust Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American
Express Financial Corporation.  Copies of our Dec. 31, 1994
schedule of Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers are
available upon request.  For comments regarding the valuation,
carrying values and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of
investment securities, see Notes 1, 2 and 3 to the financial
statements.

Investment policies

In deciding how to diversify the portfolio--among what types of
investments in what amounts--the officers and directors of IDSC use
their best judgment, subject to applicable law.  The following
policies currently govern our investment decisions:

Purchasing securities on margin:  We will not purchase any
securities on margin or participate on a joint basis or a joint-
and-several basis in any trading account in securities.

Commodities:  We have not and do not intend to purchase or sell
commodities or commodity contracts.

Underwriting:  We do not intend to engage in the public
distribution of securities issued by others.  However, if we
purchase unregistered securities and later resell them, we may be
considered an underwriter under federal securities laws.

<PAGE>
PAGE 83
Borrowing money:  From time to time we have established a line of
credit if management believed borrowing was necessary or desirable. 
While a line of credit does not currently exist, it may be
established again in the future.  We may pledge some of our assets
as security.  We may occasionally use repurchase agreements as a
way to borrow money.  Under these agreements, we sell debt
securities to our lender, and repurchase them at the sales price
plus an agreed-upon interest rate within a specified period of
time.

Real estate:  We may invest directly in real estate, though we have
not generally done so in the past.  We do invest in mortgage loans.

Lending securities:  We may lend some of our securities to broker-
dealers and receive cash equal to the market value of the
securities as collateral.  We invest this cash in short-term
securities.  If the market value of the securities goes up, the
borrower pays us additional cash.  During the course of the loan,
the borrower makes cash payments to us equal to all interest,
dividends and other distributions paid on the loaned securities. We
will try to vote these securities if a major event affecting our
investment is under consideration.

When-issued securities:  Most of our investments are in debt
securities, some of which are purchased on a when-issued basis.  It
may take as long as 45 days before these securities are issued and
delivered to us.  We generally do not pay for these securities or
start earning on them until delivery.  We have established
procedures to ensure that sufficient cash is available to meet
when-issued commitments.

Financial transactions:  We buy or sell various types of options
contracts for hedging purposes or as a trading technique to
facilitate securities purchases or sales.  We buy interest rate
caps for hedging purposes.  These pay us a return if interest rates
rise above a specified level.  If approved by the SEC, IDSC may
enter into other financial transactions, including futures and
other derivatives, for the purpose of managing the interest rate
exposures associated with IDSC's assets or liabilities. 
Derivatives are financial instruments whose performance is derived,
at least in part, from the performance of an underlying asset,
security or index.  A small change in the value of the underlying
asset, security or index may cause a sizable gain or loss in the
fair value of the derivative.

Restrictions:  There are no restrictions on concentration of
investments in any particular industry or group of industries or on
rates of portfolio turnover.

<PAGE>
PAGE 84
How your money is managed

Relationship between IDSC and American Express Financial
Corporation

IDSC was originally organized as Investors Syndicate of America,
Inc., a Minnesota corporation, on Oct. 15, 1940, and began business
as an issuer of face amount investment certificates on Jan. 1,
1941.  The company became a Delaware corporation on Dec. 31, 1977,
and changed its name to IDS Certificate Company on April 2, 1984.
   
Before IDSC was created, American Express Financial Corporation
(formerly known as IDS Financial Corporation) had issued similar
certificates since 1894.  As of Jan. 1, 1995 IDS Financial Services
Inc. became American Express Financial Corporation.  IDSC and
American Express Financial Corporation have never failed to meet
their certificate payments.

During its many years in operation, American Express Financial
Corporation has become a leading manager of investments in
mortgages and securities.  As of Dec. 31, 1994, American Express
Financial Corporation managed investments, including its own, of
more than $105 billion.  American Express Financial Advisors Inc.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial
Corporation, provides a broad range of financial planning services
for individuals and businesses through its nationwide network of
more than 175 offices and more than 7,800 financial advisors. 
American Express Financial Corporation financial planning services
are comprehensive, beginning with a detailed written analysis
that's tailored to your needs.  Your analysis may address one or
all of these six essential areas:  financial position, protection
planning, investment planning, income tax planning, retirement
planning and estate planning.
    
American Express Financial Corporation itself is a wholly owned
subsidiary of American Express Company, a financial services
company with executive offices at American Express Tower, World
Financial Center, New York, NY 10285.  American Express Company is
a financial services company engaged through subsidiaries in other
business including:

o    travel related services (including American Express(trademark) Card and
     Travelers Cheque operations through American Express Travel
     Related Services Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries), and

o    international banking services (through American Express Bank
     Ltd. and its subsidiaries).

American Express Financial Advisors Inc. is not a bank, and the
securities offered by it, such as face amount certificates issued
by IDSC, are not backed or guaranteed by any bank, nor are they
insured by the FDIC.

<PAGE>
PAGE 85
Capital structure and certificates issued

IDSC has authorized, issued and has outstanding 150,000 shares of
common stock, par value of $10 per share.  American Express
Financial Corporation owns all of the outstanding shares.

As of Dec. 31, 1994, IDSC had issued (in face amount)
$12,727,756,065 of installment certificates and $13,016,532,575 of
single payment certificates.

Investment management and services

Under an Investment Advisory and Services Agreement, American
Express Financial Corporation acts as our investment advisor and is
responsible for:

     o    providing investment research,
     o    making specific investment recommendations
     o    executing purchase and sale orders according to our
          policy of obtaining the best price and execution.

All these activities are subject to direction and control by our
board of directors and officers.  Our agreement with American
Express Financial Corporation requires annual renewal by our board,
including a majority of directors who are not interested persons of
American Express Financial Corporation or IDSC as defined in the
federal Investment Company Act of 1940.

For its services, we pay American Express Financial Corporation a
monthly fee, equal on an annual basis to a percentage of the total
book value of certain assets (included assets).

Advisory and Services Fee Computation

Included Assets            Percentage of Total Book Value

First $250 million                    0.75%
Next 250 million                      0.65
Next 250 million                      0.55
Next 250 million                      0.50
Any amount over $1 billion            0.45

Included assets are all assets of IDSC except mortgage loans, real
estate, and any other asset on which we pay an advisory or service
fee.

Advisory and services fees for the past three years were:

                         Percentage of
Year      Total fees          included assets

1994      $13,565,432         0.51%
1993      $15,036,091         0.50
1992      $17,851,271         0.50

Estimated advisory and services fees for 1995 are $15,074,000.

<PAGE>
PAGE 86
Other expenses payable by IDSC:  The Investment Advisory and
Services Agreement provides that we will pay:

o    costs incurred by us in connection with real estate and
     mortgages,
o    taxes,
o    depository and custodian fees,
o    brokerage commissions,
o    fees and expenses for services not covered by other agreements
     and provided to us at our request, or by requirement, by
     attorneys, auditors, examiners and professional consultants
     who are not officers or employees of American Express
     Financial Corporation,
o    fees and expenses of our directors who are not officers or
     employees of American Express Financial Corporation,
o    provision for certificate reserves (interest accrued on
     certificate holder accounts), and
o    expenses of customer settlements not attributable to sales
     function. 

Distribution

Under a Distribution Agreement with American Express Financial
Advisors Inc., we pay for the distribution of this certificate as
follows:

o    0.25% of the initial payment on the issue date of the
     certificate, and
o    0.25% of the certificate's reserve at the beginning of the
     second and subsequent quarters from issue date.  This fee is
     not assessed to your certificate account.
   
Total distribution fees paid to American Express Financial Advisors
Inc. for all series of certificates amounted to $34,534,747 during
the year ended Dec. 31, 1994.  We expect to pay American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. distribution fees amounting to $33,700,000
during 1995.
    
See Note 1 to Financial Statements regarding deferral of
distribution fee expense.

American Express Financial Advisors Inc. pays commissions to its
financial advisors and pays other selling expenses in connection
with services to us.  Our board of directors, including a majority
of directors who are not interested persons of American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. or IDSC, approved this distribution
agreement.

Employment of other American Express affiliates

American Express Financial Corporation may employ an affiliate of
American Express Company as executing broker for our portfolio
transactions only if:
<PAGE>
PAGE 87
o    we receive prices and executions at least as favorable as
     those offered by qualified independent brokers performing
     similar services;

o    the affiliate charges us commissions consistent with those
     charged to comparable unaffiliated customers for similar
     transactions; and

o    the affiliate's employment is consistent with the terms of the
     current Investment Advisory and Services Agreement and federal
     securities laws.

Directors and officers

IDSC's directors, chairman, president and controller are elected
annually for a term of one year.  The other executive officers are
appointed by the president.

We paid a total of $37,000 during 1994 to directors not employed by
American Express Financial Corporation.

Board of Directors

David R. Hubers* 
Age 52
Director since April 1987

President and chief executive officer of American Express Financial
Corporation since 1993.  Senior vice president and chief financial
officer of American Express Financial Corporation from 1984 to
1993.

Charles W. Johnson 
Age 65
Director since August 1989

Former vice president and group executive, Industrial Systems, with
Honeywell Inc.  Retired 1989.

Edward Landes  
Age 75  
Director since May 1984

Development consultant.  Former sales manager - Supplies Division
and district manager - Data Processing Division of IBM Corporation. 
Retired 1983.
   
John V. Luck, Ph.D. 
Age 69
Director since April 1987
    
Former senior vice president - Science and Technology with General
Mills, Inc.  Employed with General Mills Inc. since 1970.  Retired
1987.

<PAGE>
PAGE 88
   
James A. Mitchell*
Age 54
Director since January 1994 
    
Chairman of the board of directors since February, 1994.  Executive
vice president - marketing and products of American Express
Financial Corporation since February 1994.  Senior vice president -
insurance operations of American Express Financial Corporation and
president and chief executive officer of IDS Life Insurance Company
from 1986 to 1994.

Harrison Randolph 
Age 79
Director since 1968

Gordon H. Ritz 
Age 67
Director since 1968

President, Con Rad Broadcasting Corp.  Director, Sunstar Foods and
Mid-America Publishing.

Stuart A. Sedlacek* 
Age 37
Director since January 1994 

President since February 1994.  Vice president - assured assets of
American Express Financial Corporation since March 1994.  Vice
president and portfolio manager from 1988 to 1994.  Executive vice
president - assured assets of IDS Life Insurance Company since
March 1994.

*"Interested Person" of IDSC as that term is defined in Investment
Company Act of 1940.

Executive officers
   
Stuart A. Sedlacek 
Age 37
President since February 1994
    
Louis C. Fornetti 
Age 45  
Vice president since January 1990
   
Chief financial officer of American Express Financial Corporation
since 1993 and senior vice president, corporate controller and
director of American Express Financial Corporation since 1988.
    
<PAGE>
PAGE 89
   
Morris Goodwin Jr. 
Age 43
Vice president and treasurer since 1989.
    
Vice president and corporate treasurer of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1989.  Chief financial officer and
treasurer of American Express Trust Company from 1988 to 1989.

Colleen Curran 
Age 42
Secretary since 1990

Secretary and assistant vice president of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1990.  Senior counsel to American
Express Financial Corporation since 1990.  Counsel from 1985 to
1990.

Lorraine R. Hart
Age 43
Vice president-investments since February 1994.

Vice President - insurance investments of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1989.  Vice president, investments of
IDS Life Insurance Company since 1992.

Jay C. Hatlestad
Age 37
Vice president and controller of IDS Certificate Company since
1994.

Manager of investment accounting of IDS Life Insurance Company from
1986 to 1994.

Bruce A. Kohn 
Age 44
Vice president and general counsel since 1993.

Counsel to American Express Financial Corporation since 1992. 
Associate counsel from 1987 to 1992.

F. Dale Simmons 
Age 57
Vice president - Real Estate Loan Management since 1993.

Vice president of American Express Financial Corporation since
1992.  Senior portfolio manager of American Express Financial
Corporation since 1989.  Assistant vice president from 1987 to
1992.
   
The officers and directors as a group beneficially own less than 1%
of the common stock of American Express Company.
    
IDSC has provisions in its bylaws relating to the indemnification
of its officers and directors against liability, as permitted by
law.  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or <PAGE>
PAGE 90
persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of
the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Auditors

A firm of independent auditors audits our financial statements at
the close of each fiscal year (Dec. 31).  Copies of our annual
financial statements (audited) and semiannual financial statements
(unaudited) are available to any certificate holder upon request.
   
Ernst & Young LLP, Minneapolis, has audited the financial
statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended
Dec. 31, 1994.  These statements are included in this prospectus. 
Ernst & Young LLP is also the auditor for American Express Company,
the parent company of American Express Financial Corporation and
IDSC.
    
Other certificates issued by IDSC:  Your American Express financial
advisor can give you more information on four other certificates
issued by IDSC.  These certificates offer a wide range of
investment terms and features.

IDS Flexible Savings Certificate - A single payment certificate
that permits additional investments and on which IDSC guarantees
interest in advance for a term of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 or 36 months.

IDS Future Value Certificate - A single payment certificate on
which IDSC guarantees interest in advance for four, five, six,
seven, eight, nine or ten-year maturity.

IDS Installment Certificate - An installment payment certificate on
which IDSC declares interest in advance for a three-month period
and offers bonuses in the third through sixth years for regular
investments.

IDS Stock Market Certificate - A single payment certificate that
calculates all or part of your interest based on stock market
performance, as measured by a broad market index, with IDSC's
guarantee of return of principal.
<PAGE>
PAGE 91
               PART I. CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FOR PROSPECTUS
                          PURSUANT TO RULE 404(c)
                         IDS INSTALLMENT CERTIFICATE
                              AND VARIATIONS

                                                                
                                          
Item                            Caption in   
Number                          Prospectus   

Item 1. Forepart of the                                  
Registration Statement                                          
and Outside Front Cover                                         
Page of Prospectus.                                             
                                                                
                                                                
Item 2. Inside Front and        Where to get information about
Outside Back Cover Pages        IDSC;  Table of Contents.          

of Prospectus.                                         
                                                                
Item 3. Summary Informa-        About the certificate         
tion, Risk Factors                                              
and Ratio of Earnings                                           
to Fixed Charges.                                               
                                                                
Item 4. Use of Proceeds.        How your money is used and    
                                protected; Investment policies      
                             
Item 5. Determination of        Not Applicable.   
Offering Price.                                  
                                                                
Item 6. Dilution.               Not Applicable.   

Item 7. Selling Security        Not Applicable.                 
Holders.                         
                                                                
Item 8. Plan of                 How your certificate              
Distribution.                   is managed. 

           
Item 9. Description of          About the Certificate;           
Securities to Be                How to invest and withdraw       
Registered.                     funds.                      
                                Taxes on your earnings.          


Item 10. Interests of           Not Applicable.                  
Named Experts and Counsel.                                      

<PAGE>
PAGE 92
                    PART I. CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FOR PROSPECTUS
                            PURSUANT TO RULE 404(c) (Continued)

                                                                
                                                                
                                                                 
Item                            Caption in                       
Number                          Prospectus                       
                                                                
Item 11. Information with       Invested and guaranteed by 
Respect to the Registrant.      IDSC; Regulated by government; 
                                Relationship between IDSC and  
                                American Express Financial 
                                Corporation; Capital structure 
                                and certificates issued; 
                                Directors and Officers.

Item 12. Disclosure of          Directors and Officers        
Commission Position on          
Indemnification for        
Securities Act Liabilities.

                                                                
                                                                
<PAGE>
PAGE 93
IDS Installment Certificate

Prospectus
April 26, 1995

Earn attractive rates while you build your savings.

IDS Installment Certificates are issued by IDS Certificate Company
(IDSC).  You can purchase this certificate with monthly investments
of at least $50 but not more than $5,000 (unless you receive prior
authorization from IDSC to invest more).  Your principal is
guaranteed by IDSC.  Your certificate earns interest, which is
declared every three months, guaranteed for a three-month period
and compounded monthly.  In addition, you may receive bonus
interest payments if you make regular investments for specified
periods.  Your certificate matures 10 years from its issue date.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
   
This certificate is backed by IDSC's investments on deposit rather
than guaranteed or insured by the government or someone else.  See
"Invested and guaranteed by IDSC" and "Regulated by government"
under "How your money is used and protected." 
    
This prospectus describes terms and conditions of your IDS
Installment Certificate.  It contains facts that can help you
decide if the certificate is the right investment for you.  Read
the prospectus before you invest and keep it for future reference. 
No one has the authority to change the terms and conditions of the
IDS Installment Certificate as described in the prospectus, or to
bind IDSC by any statement not in it.

IDS Certificate Company
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN
55440-0010
1-800-437-3133 (toll free) or
(612) 671-3800 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)
   
TTY numbers:
1-800-846-4293 (toll free) or
(612) 671-1630 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)
    
<PAGE>
PAGE 94
Where to get information about IDSC
   
IDSC is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.  Reports and other information on IDSC are
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  Copies
can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 450
5th St., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20549, at prescribed rates.  Or
you can inspect and copy information in person at the SEC's Public
Reference Section and at the following regional offices:
    
Northeast Regional Office
7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300
New York, NY  10048

Midwest Regional Office
Northwestern Atrium Center
500 West Madison St., Suite 1400
Chicago, IL  60611

Pacific Regional Office
5670 Wilshire Blvd., 11th Floor
Los Angeles, CA  90036

Initial interest rates
   
IDSC guarantees a fixed rate of interest for each three-month
period during the life of your certificate.  The rate for your
first three months will be within a specified range of the average
rate for bank money market accounts published in the most recent
BANK RATE MONITOR Top 25 Market AverageTM, North Palm Beach, FL
33408, as explained under "About the certificate," below.
    
Here are the interest rates in effect on the date of this
prospectus, April 26, 1995:

Simple interest rate                            ____%
Effective annualized yield*                     ____%
*  Assuming monthly compounding.

These rates may or may not be in effect when you apply to purchase
your certificate.  Rates for later three-month periods are set at
the discretion of IDSC and may also differ from the rates shown
here.

We reserve the right to issue other securities with different
terms.

<PAGE>
PAGE 95
Contents

Table of contents

About the certificate
Investment amounts                                      p 
Face amount and principal                               p 
Value at maturity                                       p 
Receiving cash during the term                          p 
Interest                                                p 
Rates for new purchases                                 p 
Bonus payments                                          p 
Calculating your bonus                                  p 
   
How to invest and withdraw funds
Buying your certificate                                 p 
Full and partial withdrawals                            p 
Transfers to other accounts                             p 
Retirement plans: special policies                      p 
Withdrawal at death                                     p
Transfer of ownership                                   p 
For more information                                    p 
    
Taxes on your earnings
Retirement accounts                                     p 
Gifts to minors                                         p 
Foreign investors                                       p 

How your money is used and protected
Invested and guaranteed by IDSC                         p 
Regulated by government                                 p 
Backed by our investments                               p 
Investment policies                                     p 

How your money is managed
Relationship between IDSC and American 
 Express Financial Corporation                          p 
Capital structure and certificates issued               p 
Investment management and services                      p 
Distribution                                            p 
Employment of other American Express affiliates         p 
Directors and officers                                  p 
Auditors                                                p 

Annual financial information
Summary of selected financial information               p 
Management's discussion and analysis of
  financial condition and results of operations         p
Report of independent auditors                          p

Financial Statements                                    p

Notes to financial statements                           p
<PAGE>
PAGE 96
About the certificate

Investment amounts

You may purchase the IDS Installment Certificate in scheduled
monthly installments of at least $50 but not more than $5,000
payable in U.S. currency.  You may also make additional lump-sum
investments in any amount, as long as these investments plus your
scheduled payments over the life of the certificate do not total
more than $600,000.

The certificate may be used as an investment for your Individual
Retirement Account (IRA), 401(k) plan account or other qualified
retirement plan account.  If so used, the amount of your
contribution (investment) will be subject to any limitations of the
plan and applicable federal law.

Face amount and principal
   
The face amount of your certificate is the total of your scheduled
monthly investments during its 10-year life.  The minimum face
amount is $6,000, or the total of 120 monthly investments of $50
each.  Your maximum face amount cannot exceed $600,000.  Your
principal is the amount you actually invest over the life of the
certificate, less any withdrawals of your investments, and
penalties and fees.  It is guaranteed by IDSC.
    
Value at maturity

Your certificate matures 10 years from its issue date.  At
maturity, you will receive a check for the value of your
certificate which will be the total of your actual investments,
plus credited interest not paid to you in cash and any bonus
payments, less withdrawals, penalties and fees.

Receiving cash during the term

If you need your money before your certificate matures, you may
withdraw part or all of its value at any time, less any penalties
that apply.  Procedures for withdrawing money, as well as
conditions under which penalties apply, are described in "Full and
partial withdrawals" under "How to invest and withdraw funds."

Interest

Your payments earn interest from the date they are credited to your
account.  Interest is compounded and credited at the end of each
certificate month (on the monthly anniversary of the issue date).

IDSC declares and guarantees a fixed rate of interest for each
three-month period during the life of your certificate.  We
calculate the amount of interest you earn each certificate  month
by:<PAGE>
PAGE 97
     o    applying the interest rate then in effect to your balance
          each day

     o    adding these daily amounts to get a monthly total

     o    subtracting interest accrued on any amount you withdraw
          during the certificate month.

Interest is calculated on a 30-day month and 360-day year basis.

Rates for new purchases
   
When your application is accepted, you will receive a confirmation
showing the rate that your investment will earn for the first
three-month period.  IDSC guarantees that this rate will be within
a range from 25 basis points (0.25%) below to 75 basis points
(0.75%) above the average interest rate for bank money market
deposit accounts then published in the BANK RATE MONITOR Top 25
Market AverageTM (the BRM Average).  For example, if the average
rate most recently published is 2.75%, our rate in effect for that
week would be between 2.50 and 3.50%. (Bank money market deposit
accounts are government insured.)

The BANK RATE MONITOR is a weekly magazine published in North Palm
Beach, FL, 33408, by Advertising News Service Inc., an independent
national news organization that collects and disseminates
information about bank products and interest rates.  Advertising
News Service Inc. has no connection with IDSC, American Express
Financial Corporation, or any of their affiliates.

The BRM Average is an index of rates and annual effective yields
offered on various length certificates of deposit by large banks
and thrifts in 25 metropolitan areas.  The frequency of compounding
varies among the banks and thrifts.  Certificates of deposit in the
BRM average are government insured fixed-rate time deposits.

The BANK RATE MONITOR may be available in your local library.  To
obtain information on the current BRM Average rates, call Client
Service Organization at:

     1-800-437-3133 or
TTY: 1-800-846-4293.
    
Rates for new purchases are reviewed and may change weekly. 
Normally, the rate you receive will be the higher of:

     o    the rate in effect on the date of your application

     o    the rate in effect on the date your application is
          accepted by IDSC.
   
However, if your application bears a date more than seven days
before its receipt by IDSC, the rate you receive will be the higher
of:
    
     o    the rate in effect on the date your application is
          accepted by IDSC

     o    the rate in effect seven days prior to receipt.<PAGE>
PAGE 98
Active or retired American Express employees, IDSC directors,
American Express financial advisors, their immediate families and
any U.S. employee of any affiliated company of IDSC are guaranteed
an initial rate 75 basis points above the rate offered to the
general public, reflecting the lower distribution costs associated
with such sales.
   
Rates for future periods: Interest on your certificate for future
three-month periods may be greater or less than the rates you
receive during the first three months.  In setting future interest
rates, a primary consideration will be the prevailing investment
climate, including bank money market deposit account average rates
as reflected in the BRM Average.  Nevertheless, we have complete
discretion as to what interest shall be declared beyond the initial
three-month period.  At least six days in advance of each three-
month period, we will send you notice of the rate that  your
certificate will earn for that period.  If the BRM Average is no
longer publicly available or feasible to use, IDSC may use another,
similar index as a guide for setting rates.
    
Promotions and pricing flexibility: From time to time, IDSC may
sponsor or participate in promotions involving one or more of the
certificates and their respective terms.  For example, we may offer
different rates to new clients, to existing clients, or to
individuals who purchase or use products or services offered by
American Express Financial Advisors Inc. or its affiliates.

We also may offer different rates based on your amount invested,
maturity selected, geographic location and whether the certificate
is purchased for an IRA or a qualified retirement account.

These promotions will generally be for a specified period of time. 
If we offer a promotion, rates will be within the range of rates
described under "Rates for new purchases," above.
   
Performance:  From February 1990 through February 1995, IDSC
Installment certificate yields were generally higher than average
bank money market deposit accounts and Super Now accounts, as
measured by the BRM Average (prior to Jan. 13, 1993, rates were
measured by the BRM National IndexTM, an average of CD yields in 10
cities).
    
<PAGE>
PAGE 99
   
Yields from February 1990 through February 1995

                                 ____ IDS Installment Certificate
                                 .... Money Market Deposit Account
                                 **** Super Now Account

6%


4%   Three lines comparing the yields for IDS Installment
     Certificate against those of money market and Super Now
     Accounts with Installment's yield generally above the other
     two lines.

2%
90           91           92           93           94           95

    
*  The graph compares past yields and should not be considered a
prediction of future performance.  The certificate's yields reflect
its former policy, in effect through April 1992, of compounding
interest rates each calendar quarter.  Monthly compounding is
reflected from May 1992 through February 1995.

Bonus payments

If you make regular investments over a period of 24 months or more,
IDSC will pay you a monthly bonus.  Monthly payments must be made
during the certificate month to qualify for the bonus.  Your bonus
will be a percentage of your weighted average monthly investment
(WAMI).  This percentage will increase from year three through year
six if you continue to make regular investments:
   
Minimum        Totaling at    Over        Monthly
number of      least this     this        bonus
monthly        minimum        time        during   Percentage
investments    amount         period      period   of WAMI*  
20               $1,200       years 1-2   year 3      5%
additional 10       600       year 3      year 4      8%
additional 10       600       year 4      year 5     10%
additional 10       600       year 5      year 6     20%
    
* calculated from issue through the last month of the preceding
period 

Bonus payments are credited to your account at the end of each
certificate month.  They immediately become part of your balance
and begin to earn interest.
   
The illustrations below show the cumulative effect of bonus
payments on a hypothetical investment.  Suppose you invest $100 per
month, receive interest at a constant rate of 3.21% (an effective
annual yield of 3.25%, assuming a Jan. 1 purchase) and make no
additional lump-sum investments and no withdrawals.  (The rate and
yield are for illustration only and may not be in effect when you
purchase your certificate.) Your interest, balance and average
annual yield would increase as follows:
    <PAGE>
PAGE 100
   
Installment Certificate Example

$8,000                  *** Amount Paid In
                        ... Interest
                        --- Bonus

$6,000



$4,000



$2,000         Graph shows the effect of cumulative interest and
               bonus earned on an account from zero through 72
               months.
6    12    18    24    30    36    42    48    54    60    66    72
       
<TABLE><CAPTION> 
Installment Certificate example

                            Without bonus                    Added by bonus            Total with bonus

                 Cumulative      Cumulative  Balance    Cumulative    Cumulative    Balance       Average
                 investments     interest on            bonus         interest                    annual
                                 investment                           on bonus                    yield*
<S>              <C>             <C>         <C>        <C>             <C>            <C>           <C>
1st year end     $1,200.00       $ 21.07     $1,221.07  $  0.00         $ 0.00         $1,221.07     3.25%
2nd year end      2,400.00         81.92      2,481.92     0.00           0.00          2,481.92     3.25
3rd year end      3,600.00        183.84      3,783.84    60.00           1.06          3,844.90     4.31
4th year end      4,800.00        328.18      5,128.18   156.00           4.73          5,288.91     4.79
5th year end      6,000.00        516.31      6,516.31   276.00          12.07          6,804.38     4.97
6th year end      7,200.00        749.66      7,949.66   516.00          25.67          8,491.33     5.42
</TABLE>
    
* Average from date of issue to end of year indicated.
   
Important: The increase in yield that you receive from bonus
payments may be more or less than in the example, depending upon
interest rates during the six years following issue of your
certificate.  If actual interest rates are higher than in the
example, the effect of the bonus will be less.  For example, at a
7.00% interest rate, bonus payments would raise the certificate's
average annual yield from issue through year six by 2.05%, compared
to 2.17% (5.42 - 3.25) in the example.  If actual interest rates
are lower than in the example, the increase in the average annual
yield would be somewhat more than 2.17%.
    
Calculating your bonus

To determine your bonus we:

     o    first calculate your average monthly investment over the
          life of your certificate, weighting it to reflect the
          amount of time each dollar has been invested (your<PAGE>
PAGE 101
          weighted average monthly investment).  Money invested
          early is given more weight than money invested later.

     o    then calculate your monthly bonus as a specified
          percentage of your weighted average monthly investment .

Here is an example to illustrate the two calculations: Suppose you
make 24 consecutive monthly investments -- $100 per month for the
first six months and $150 per month thereafter (a total of $3300).

Month       Investment  X    Months held      =     Weighted value

 1        $  100                 24                  $ 2,400
 2           100                 23                    2,300
 3           100                 22                    2,200
 4           100                 21                    2,100
 5           100                 20                    2,000
 6           100                 19                    1,900
 7...        150                 18...                 2,700
24           150                 1                       150

SUM       $3,300                300                  $38,550

To weight each investment, we multiply it by the number of months
we hold it --  24 months for the first $100 investment, 23 for the
second, etc.  We hold your first $150 investment for 18 months, so
its weighted value is $150 x 18, or $2,700.  We continue through
your final $150 investment, which has a weight of one.

Step 1    We add the weighted values: $2,400 + 
          $2,300+...+$150 = $38,550
          We add the numbers of months held.: 
          24+23+22+...+1 = 300

Step 2    We divide the sum of weighted values by the sum of months
          held: $38,550 (divided by) 300 = $128.50 -- your weighted average
          monthly investment at the end of 24 months.
   
Step 3    We multiply your weighted average monthly investment by
          the applicable bonus percentage (5% in the third year);
          5% of $128.50 = $6.43 -- your bonus payment each month in
          year 3, a total of $77.16 for the year.

This procedure is repeated in months 36, 48 and 60 to calculate
your weighted average monthly investment from issue through years
three, four and five, respectively.  These weighted averages are
then multiplied by the applicable percentages -- 8%, 10% and 20% --
to determine monthly bonus payments for years 4, 5 and 6,
respectively.
    
Effect of partial withdrawals: If you withdraw part of your
principal, you will not receive credit toward a bonus for the
sum(s) you withdraw.  The weighted sum of your investments will
decrease in proportion to the amount of principal you withdraw, and
your bonus will be reduced accordingly.  Using the example above,
if you withdrew $1,000 before the end of the 24th month, your total
investment would decrease by 30.3%.  We would adjust by 30.3%:<PAGE>
PAGE 102
     o    the weighted sum of your investments, from $38,550 to
          $26,869

     o    your weighted average monthly investment, to $89.56
          ($26,869 (divided by) 300), and
   
     o    your third-year bonus to $4.48 per month (5% of $89.56),
          or $53.76 for the year.
    
Withdrawals may also affect your eligibility for bonus payments in
the third through sixth years.  To remain eligible you must
maintain a balance at least equal to the amount you would have
accumulated if you had invested the required minimum of $600 per
year.  You will become ineligible if withdrawals reduce your
balance below this level.

Other eligibility policies: If you have not made the required
regular investments specified earlier, you may not receive bonus
payments in the year bonuses would normally be paid.  But you may
become eligible during the next bonus period by making the required
investments in the next year.  For example, assume that you make
the required investments for the first 24 months and receive bonus
payments in the third year.  But during the third year, you make
only three monthly investments.  In that case, you would not
receive the bonus payments that would normally be made in the
fourth year.  However, if you make all your regular monthly
investments in the fourth year, and your account principal balance
reaches the required equivalent of 48 investments of $50 per month
($2,400 at the end of the fourth year), then you would qualify for
bonus payments in year five, based on the new weighted average
monthly investment.

Interest rate from years seven through 10: From year seven until
your certificate matures, you will receive interest rates
comparable to a one-year fixed-rate investment.  A rate will be
declared during the 72nd month and guaranteed for a three-month 
period starting in the 73rd month.  Thereafter, the rate will be
declared every three months and guaranteed for three-month periods.

How to invest and withdraw funds

Buying your certificate
   
Your American Express financial advisor will help you fill out and
submit an application to open an account with us and purchase a
certificate.  We will process the application at our corporate
offices in Minneapolis.  When your application is accepted, you
will receive a confirmation of your purchase, indicating your
account number and showing the rate of interest for your first
three months, as described under "Rates for new purchases," above.
See "Purchase policies" below.
    <PAGE>
PAGE 103
Important: When opening an account, you must provide IDSC with your
correct Taxpayer Identification Number (Social Security or Employer
Identification Number).  See "Taxes on your earnings."

Once your account is set up, there are several convenient ways to
make monthly investments.

Purchase policies:

o    You have 15 days from the date of purchase to cancel your
     investment without penalty by either writing or calling the
     Client Service Organization at the address or phone number on
     the back of this prospectus.  If you decide to cancel your
     certificate within this 15-day period, you will not earn any
     interest.

o    If you purchase a certificate with a personal check or other
     non-guaranteed funds, American Express Financial Corporation
     must convert your check to federal funds (e.g., monies of
     member banks within the Federal Reserve Bank) before your
     purchase will be accepted and you begin earning interest. 
     This could take up to two business days.
   
o    IDSC has the authority to determine whether to accept an
     application and sell a certificate.
    
o    If you make no investments for a period of at least 12
     consecutive months and your principal is less than $100, we
     may send you a notice of our intent to cancel the certificate. 
     After the notice, if an investment is not made within 60 days,
     your certificate will be canceled, and we will send you a
     check for its full value.

A number of special policies apply to purchases, withdrawals and
exchanges within IRAs, 401(k) plans and other qualified retirement
plans.  See "Retirement plans: special policies."

Two ways to make monthly investments
<TABLE><CAPTION>
<S>                     <C>                                 <C>
1                       Contact your financial advisor      To cancel a bank
By scheduled            to set up one of the following      authorization, you must
investment              scheduled plans:                    instruct IDSC in
plan                                                        writing or over the phone.
                                                            We must receive notice at
                        - bank authorization (automatic     least three business 
                          deduction from your bank          days before the date 
                          account)                          funds would normally 
                                                            be withdrawn
                        - automatic payroll deduction       from your bank account.
                                                            Bank authorizations will
                        - direct deposit of Social          automatically be stopped
                          Security check                    at maturity or full 
                                                            withdrawal.
                        - other plan approved by
                          IDSC<PAGE>
PAGE 104
2
By mail      

Send your check along with your name and account number to:

Regular mail:                 Express mail:
IDS Certificate Company       IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization   Client Service Organization
IDS Tower 10                  733 Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010   Minneapolis, MN  55402
</TABLE>
Full and partial withdrawals

You may withdraw your certificate for its full value or make a
partial withdrawal of $100 or more at any time.  However:

     o    Full and partial withdrawals of principal in the first
          three years are subject to penalties, described below.

     o    You may not make a partial withdrawal if it would reduce
          your certificate balance to less than $250.  If you
          request such a withdrawal, we will contact you for
          revised instructions.

     o    As noted earlier, withdrawals during the first six years
          will affect the amount of your bonus payments and may
          make you ineligible for a bonus.  See "Bonus payments."

Penalties for early withdrawal:  If you withdraw money within three
years after the certificate was purchased, you will pay a penalty
of 2% of the principal withdrawn.  (The 2% penalty is waived upon
death of the certificate holder, or if it is for an IRA and you
have reached age 70 1/2.  See "Retirement plans:  special policies"
below for additional exceptions.)

When you request a full or partial withdrawal, we pay the amount
you request:

     o    first from interest and bonus payments credited to your
          account

     o    then from the principal of your certificate.

For example, suppose this is your balance at the end of the second
year:

     Total investments             $7,200.00
     Interest and bonus credited   $488.61
     Total balance                 $7,688.61

If you request a $1,000 check, we would withdraw funds in this
order:<PAGE>
PAGE 105
     Credited interest and bonus   $  488.61
     Withdrawal of principal       $  511.39
     Total requested withdrawal    $1,000.00

In addition, we would have to withdraw funds to cover the full
withdrawal penalty:

     Principal withdrawn     $511.39
     Withdrawal penalty %          2%
     Withdrawal penalty      $ 10.23

The total transaction would be:

Beginning balance                            $7,688.61
Credited interest and bonus withdrawn         ($488.61)
Principal withdrawn                           ($511.39)
Withdrawal penalty (also from principal)       ($10.23)
Remaining balance                            $6,678.38

Loss of Interest: If you make a withdrawal at any time other than
the last day of the certificate month, you will lose interest
accrued on the withdrawal amount since the end of the last
certificate month.

Other full and partial withdrawal policies:

o    If you request a partial or full withdrawal of a certificate
     recently purchased or added to by a check or money order that
     is not guaranteed, we will wait for your check to clear. 
     Please expect a minimum of 10 days from the date of purchase
     before IDSC mails a check to you.  (A check may be mailed
     earlier if the bank provides evidence that your check has
     cleared.)

o    If your certificate is pledged as collateral, any withdrawal
     will be delayed until we get approval from the secured party.

o    Any payments to you may be delayed under applicable rules,
     regulations or orders of the SEC.

Transfers to other accounts
   
You may transfer part or all of your certificate to any other IDSC
certificate or into another existing American Express Financial
Advisors Inc. account that has the same ownership (subject to any
terms and conditions that may apply).    <PAGE>
PAGE 106
Two ways to request a withdrawal or transfer

1
By phone

Call between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. your local time:

1-800-437-3133 (toll free) or
(612) 671-3800 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)
   
TTY numbers:
1-800-846-4293 (toll free) or
(612) 671-1630 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)
    
o    Maximum phone request:      $50,000

o    Transferring into an American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
     account with the same ownership.

o    A telephone withdrawal request will not be allowed within 30
     days of a phoned-in address change.

o    We will honor any telephone request believed to be authentic
     and will use reasonable procedures to confirm that they are,
     such as asking identifying questions.  As long as the
     procedures are followed, neither IDSC nor American Express
     Financial Corporation will be liable for any loss resulting
     from fraudulent requests.

You may request that telephone withdrawals not be authorized from
your account by writing the Client Service Organization.

2
By mail

Written requests are required for:

     o    Transactions over $50,000.

     o    Pension plans and custodial accounts where the minor has
          reached the age at which custodianship should terminate.

     o    Transfers to another American Express Financial Advisors
          Inc. account with different ownership.  (All current
          registered owners must sign the request.)

Send your name, account number and request for a withdrawal or
transfer to:

Regular mail:
IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN
55440-0010<PAGE>
PAGE 107
Express mail:
IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization
733 Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402

Three ways to receive payment when you withdraw funds

1
By regular or
express mail

     o    Mailed to address on record; please allow seven days for
          mailing

     o    Payable to name(s) you requested

     o    For express mail, you will pay charges that vary
          depending on the courier you select.  Cost for partial
          withdrawals is deducted from the remaining balance, or
          from the proceeds for full withdrawals.

2
By wire

     o    Minimum wire withdrawal:  $500

     o    Request that money be wired to your bank.

     o    Bank account must be in same ownership as American
          Express Financial Advisors Inc. account.

     o    Pre-authorization required.  Complete the bank wire 
          authorization section in the application or use a form
          supplied by your American Express financial advisor.  All
          registered owners must sign.

     o    A service fee, if any, may be deducted from your balance
          (for partial withdrawals) or from the proceeds of a full
          withdrawal.


3
Electronic transfer

     o    Only for preauthorized, recurring payments

     o    No charge

     o    Deposited electronically in your bank account

     o    Three to five days from request to first deposit<PAGE>
PAGE 108
Retirement plans: special policies

o    If the certificate is purchased for a 401(k) plan or other
     qualified retirement plan account, the terms and conditions of
     the certificate apply to the plan as the owner of this
     certificate.  However, the terms of the plan, as interpreted
     by the plan trustee or administrator, will determine how a
     participant's individual account under the plan is
     administered.  These terms may differ from the terms of the
     certificate.

o    The annual custodial fee for IRA or non-401(k) qualified
     retirement plans may be deducted from your certificate
     account.  It may reduce the amount payable at maturity or the
     amount received upon an early withdrawal.

o    If your certificate is held in a Custodial Retirement Plan (or
     Keogh plan), special rules may apply at maturity.  If no other
     investment instructions are provided directing how to handle
     your certificate at maturity, full value of the certificate
     will automatically transfer to a new or existing cash
     management account according to the rules outlined in the
     Custodial Retirement Plan document.

o    Retirement plan withdrawals may be subject to withdrawal
     penalties or loss of interest even if they are not subject to
     federal tax penalties.

o    We will waive withdrawal charges on withdrawals for IRA
     accounts of clients who have reached age 70 1/2.

o    If you withdraw all funds from your last account in an IRA
     plan, a $25 termination fee will apply.

o    The IRA termination fee will be waived if withdrawal occurs
     upon the holder's death.

Withdrawal at death

If a certificate is surrendered upon the client's death, any
applicable surrender charge will be waived.  In addition, if an IRA
termination fee is applicable, it will also be waived.

Transfer of ownership

While the certificate is not negotiable, IDSC will transfer
ownership upon written notification to our Client Service
Organization.  However, if you have purchased your certificate for
an IRA, 401(k) plan or other qualified retirement plan, you may be
unable to transfer or assign the certificate without losing the
account's favorable tax status.  Please consult your tax advisor.<PAGE>
PAGE 109
For more information

For information on purchases, withdrawals, exchanges, transfers of
ownership, proper instructions and other service questions
regarding your certificate, please consult your American Express
financial advisor or call IDSC's toll free client service number:
   
     1-800-437-3133 or
TTY: 1-800-846-4293.
    
Taxes on your earnings
   
The bonus payments and interest on your certificate, including
interest on bonus payments, are taxable when credited to your
account.  Each calendar year we provide the certificate account
owners and the IRS with reports of all earnings over $10 (Form
1099).  Withdrawals are reported to the certificate account owner
and the IRS on Form 1099-B, Proceeds from Broker Transactions.
    
Retirement accounts

If you are using the certificate as an investment for an IRA,
401(k) plan account or other qualified retirement plan account,
income tax rules for your IRA or qualified plan apply.  Generally,
you will pay no income taxes on your investment's earnings -- and,
in many cases, on part or all of the investment itself -- until you
begin to make withdrawals.

IDSC will withhold federal income taxes of 10% on IRA withdrawals
unless you tell us not to.  IDSC is required to withhold federal
income taxes of 20% on most other qualified plan distributions,
unless the distribution is directly rolled over to another
qualified plan or IRA.

Withdrawals from retirement accounts are generally subject to a
penalty tax of 10% by the IRS if you make them before age 59-1/2,
unless you are disabled or if they are made by your beneficiary in
the event of your death.  (Other exceptions also may apply.)

Consult your tax advisor to see how these rules apply to you before
you request a distribution from your plan or IRA.

Gifts to minors

The certificate may be given to a minor under either the Uniform
Gifts or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UGMA/UTMA), whichever
applies in your state.  UGMAs/ UTMAs are irrevocable.  Generally,
under federal tax laws, income over $1,200 on property owned by
children under age 14 will be taxed at the parents' marginal tax
rate, while income on property owned by children 14 or older will
be taxed at the child's rate.

Your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and backup withholding:
As with any financial account you open, you must list your current
and correct Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) -- either your<PAGE>
PAGE 110
Social Security or Employer Identification Number.  The TIN must be
certified under penalties of perjury on your application when you
open an account with IDSC.

If you don't provide the TIN to IDSC, or the TIN you report is
incorrect, you could be subject to backup withholding of 31% of
your interest earnings.  You could also be subject to further
penalties, such as:

     o    a $50 penalty for each failure to supply your correct TIN

     o    a civil penalty of $500 if you make a false statement
          that results in no backup withholding

     o    criminal penalties for falsifying information.

You could also be subject to backup withholding because you failed
to report interest on your tax return as required.

To help you determine the correct TIN to use on various types of
accounts, please use this chart:

How to determine the correct TIN

For this type of account:

Individual or joint account

Custodian account of a minor
(Uniform Gifts/Transfers
to Minors Act)

A living trust

An irrevocable trust,
pension trust or estate

Sole proprietorship
or partnership

Corporate

Association, club or
tax-exempt organization

Use the Social Security or
Employer Identification Number of:

The individual or first person listed on the account

The minor

The grantor-trustee
(the person who puts the money into the trust)<PAGE>
PAGE 111
The legal entity
(not the personal representative or trustee, unless no legal entity
is designated in the account title)

The owner or partnership

The corporation
 
The organization
   
For details on TIN requirements, ask your American Express
financial advisor or local American Express Financial Advisors
office for Federal Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification
Number and Certification.
    
Foreign investors

If you are not a citizen or resident of the United States, you must
supply IDSC with Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status when you
purchase your certificate, and you must resupply it every three
years.  You must also supply both a current mailing address and an
address of foreign residency, if different.  IDSC will not accept
purchases of certificates by nonresident aliens without an
appropriately certified Form W-8 (or approved substitute).  Also,
if you do not supply Form W-8 you will be subject to backup
withholding on interest payments and withdrawals.

Interest on the certificate is "portfolio interest" as defined in
U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 871(h) if earned by a
nonresident alien.  Even though your interest income is not taxed
by the U.S. government, it will be reported at year end to you and
to the U.S. government on a Form 1042S, Foreign Person's U.S.
Source Income Subject to Withholding.  The United States
participates in various tax treaties with foreign countries, which
provide for sharing of tax information.

Estate tax:  If you are a nonresident alien and you die while
owning a certificate, IDSC will need a statement from persons IDSC
believes are knowledgeable about your estate.  The statement must
be in a form satisfactory to IDSC and must tell us that, on your
date of death, your estate did not include any property in the
United States for U.S. estate tax purposes.  If we do not receive
the statement, we generally will not take action regarding your
certificate until we receive a  transfer certificate from the IRS. 
In general, a transfer certificate requires the opening of an
estate in the United States and provides assurance that the IRS
will not claim your IDS certificate to satisfy estate taxes.

Important: This information is a brief and selective summary of
certain federal tax rules that apply to this certificate.  Tax
matters are highly individual and complex, and you should consult a
qualified tax adviser about your personal situation.<PAGE>
PAGE 112
How your money is used and protected

Invested and guaranteed by IDSC
   
The IDS Installment Certificate is issued and guaranteed by IDSC, a
wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial Corporation. 
We are by far the largest issuer of face amount certificates in the
United States, with total assets of more than $3.0 billion and a
net worth in excess of $141 million on Dec. 31, 1994.
    
We back our certificates by investing the money received and
keeping the invested assets on deposit.  Our investments generate
interest and dividends, out of which we pay:

     o    interest to certificate holders

     o    various expenses, including taxes, fees to American
          Express Financial Corporation for advisory and other
          services and distribution fees to American Express
          Financial Advisors Inc.
   
For a review of significant events relating to our business, see
"Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations."  Our certificates are not rated by a
national rating agency.

Most banks and thrifts offer investments known as certificates of
deposit (CDs) that are similar to our certificates in many ways. 
Early withdrawal of bank CDs often results in penalties.  Banks and
thrifts generally have federal deposit insurance for their deposits
and lend much of the money you deposit to individuals, businesses
and other enterprises.  Other financial institutions  may offer
investments with comparable combinations of safety and return on
investment.
    
Regulated by government

Because the IDS Installment Certificate is a security, its offer
and sale are subject to regulation under federal and state
securities laws.  (It is a face-amount certificate -- not a bank
product, an equity investment, a form of life insurance or an
investment trust.)
   
The federal Investment Company Act of 1940 requires us to keep
investments on deposit in a segregated custodial account to protect
all of our outstanding certificates.  These investments back the
entire value of your certificate account.  Their amortized cost
must exceed the required carrying value of the outstanding
certificates by at least $250,000.  As of Dec. 31, 1994, the
amortized cost of these investments exceeded the required carrying
value of our outstanding certificates by more than $121 million.
    
Backed by our investments

Our investments are varied and of high quality.  This was the
composition of our portfolio as of Dec. 31, 1994:<PAGE>
PAGE 113
Type of investment  Net amount invested
   
Corporate and other bonds           31%
Government agency bonds             27
Preferred stocks                    23
Mortgages                            9
Municipal bonds                      5
Cash and cash equivalents            5
    
More than 95% of our securities portfolio (bonds and preferred
stocks) are rated investment grade.  For additional information
regarding securities ratings, please refer to Note 3B in the
financial statements.
   
Most of our investments are on deposit with American Express Trust
Company (formerly IDS Trust Company), Minneapolis, although we also
maintain separate deposits as required by certain states.  American
Express Trust Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American
Express Financial Corporation.  Copies of our Dec. 31, 1994,
schedule of Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers are
available upon request.  For comments regarding the valuation,
carrying values and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of
investment securities, see Notes 1, 2 and 3 to the financial
statements.
    
Investment policies

In deciding how to diversify the portfolio -- among what types of
investments in what amounts -- the officers and directors of IDSC
use their best judgment, subject to applicable law.  The following
policies currently govern our investment decisions:

Purchasing securities on margin: We will not purchase any
securities on margin or participate on a joint basis or a joint-
and-several basis in any trading account in securities.

Commodities: We have not and do not intend to purchase or sell
commodities or commodity contracts.

Underwriting: We do not intend to engage in the public distribution
of securities issued by others.  However, if we purchase
unregistered securities and later resell them, we may be considered
an underwriter under federal securities laws.

Borrowing money: From time to time we have established a line of
credit if management believed borrowing was necessary or desirable. 
While a line of credit does not currently exist, it may be
established again in the future.  We may pledge some of our assets
as security.  We may occasionally use repurchase agreements as a
way to borrow money.  Under these agreements, we sell debt
securities to our lender, and repurchase them at the sales price
plus an agreed-upon interest rate within a specified period of
time.

Real estate: We may invest directly in real estate, though we have
not generally done so in the past.  We do invest in mortgage loans.<PAGE>
PAGE 114
Lending securities: We may lend some of our securities to broker-
dealers and receive cash equal to the market value of the
securities as collateral.  We invest this cash in short-term
securities.  If the market value of the securities goes up, the
borrower pays us additional cash.  During the course of the loan,
the borrower makes cash payments to us equal to all interest,
dividends and other distributions paid on the loaned securities. 
We will try to vote these securities if a major event affecting our
investment is under consideration.

When-issued securities: Most of our investments are in debt
securities, some of which are purchased on a when-issued basis.  It
may take as long as 45 days before these securities are issued and
delivered to us.  We generally do not pay for these securities or
start earning on them until delivery.  We have established
procedures to ensure that sufficient cash is available to meet
when-issued commitments.
   
Financial transactions:  We buy or sell various types of options
contracts for hedging purposes or as a trading technique to
facilitate securities purchases or sales.  We buy interest rate
caps for hedging purposes.  These pay us a return if interest rates
rise above a specified level.  If approved by the SEC, IDSC may
enter into other financial transactions, including futures and
other derivatives, for the purpose of managing the interest rate
exposures associated with IDSC's assets or liabilities. 
Derivatives are financial instruments whose performance is derived,
at least in part, from the performance of an underlying asset,
security or index.  A small change in the value of the underlying
asset, security or index may cause a sizable gain or loss in the
fair value of the derivative.
    
Restrictions: There are no restrictions on concentration of
investments in any particular industry or group of industries or on
rates of portfolio turnover.

How your money is managed

Relationship between IDSC and American Express Financial
Corporation

IDSC was originally organized as Investors Syndicate of America,
Inc., a Minnesota corporation, on Oct. 15, 1940, and began business
as an issuer of face amount investment certificates on Jan. 1,
1941.  The company became a Delaware corporation on Dec. 31, 1977,
and changed its name to IDS Certificate Company on April 2, 1984.
   
Before IDSC was created, American Express Financial Corporation
(formerly known as IDS Financial Corporation) our parent company
and organizer, had issued similar certificates since 1894.  As of
Jan. 1, 1995, IDS Financial Corporation changed its name to
American Express Financial Corporation.  IDSC, IDS, and now
American Express Financial Corporation have never failed to meet
their certificate payments.
<PAGE>
PAGE 115
During its many years in operation, American Express Financial
Corporation has become a leading manager of investments in
mortgages and securities.  As of Dec. 31, 1994, American Express
Financial Corporation managed investments, including its own, of
more than $105 billion.  American Express Financial Advisors Inc.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial
Corporation, provides a broad range of financial planning services
for individuals and businesses through its nationwide network of
more than 175 offices and more than 7800 financial advisors. 
American Express Financial Corporation's financial planning
services are comprehensive, beginning with a detailed written
analysis that's tailored to your needs.  Your analysis may address
one or all of these six essential areas:  financial position,
protection planning, investment planning, income tax planning,
retirement planning and estate planning.

American Express Financial Corporation itself is a wholly owned
subsidiary of American Express Company, a financial services
company with executive offices at American Express Tower, World
Financial Center, New York, NY 10285.  American Express Company is
a financial services company engaged through subsidiaries in other
business including:
    
o    travel related services (including American ExpressR Card and
     Travelers Cheque operations through American Express Travel
     Related Services Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries), and

o    international banking services (through American Express Bank
     Ltd. and its subsidiaries).


American Express Financial Advisors Inc. is not a bank, and the
securities offered by it, such as face amount certificates issued
by IDSC, are not backed or guaranteed by any bank, nor are they
insured by the FDIC.

Capital structure and certificates issued
   
American Express Financial Corporation has authorized, issued and
has outstanding 150,000 shares of common stock, par value of $10
per share.  American Express Company owns all of the outstanding
shares.

As of Dec. 31, 1994, IDSC had issued (in face amount)
$12,727,756,065 of installment certificates and $13,016,532,575 of
single payment certificates.
    
Investment management and services

Under an Investment Advisory and Services Agreement, American
Express Financial Corporation acts as our investment advisor and is
responsible for:

     o    providing investment research,

     o    making specific investment recommendations

<PAGE>
PAGE 116
     o    executing purchase and sale orders according to our
          policy of obtaining the best price and execution.

All these activities are subject to direction and control by our
board of directors and officers.  Our agreement with American
Express Financial Corporation requires annual renewal by our board,
including a majority of directors who are not interested persons of
American Express Financial Advisors Inc. or IDSC as defined in the
federal Investment Company Act of 1940.

For its services, we pay American Express Financial Corporation a
monthly fee, equal on an annual basis to a percentage of the total
book value of certain assets (included assets).

Advisory and services fee computation:

Included assets         Percentage of total book value

First $250 million                 0.75%
Next 250 million                   0.65
Next 250 million                   0.55
Next 250 million                   0.50
Any amount over $1 billion         0.45

Included assets are all assets of IDSC except mortgage loans, real
estate, and any other asset on which we pay a service fee.

Advisory and services fees for past three years:

                         Percentage of
Year      Total fees     included assets
   
1994      $13,565,432        0.51%
1993      $15,036,091        0.50
1992      $17,851,271        0.50

Estimated advisory and services fees for 1995 are $15,074,000.
    
Other expenses payable by IDSC:  The Investment Advisory and
Services Agreement provides that we will pay:

o    costs incurred by us in connection with real estate and
     mortgages,

o    taxes,

o    depository and custodian fees,

o    brokerage commissions,

o    fees and expenses for services not covered by other agreements
     and provided to us at our request, or by requirement, by
     attorneys, auditors, examiners and professional consultants
     who are not officers or employees of American Express
     Financial Corporation,

<PAGE>
PAGE 117
o    fees and expenses of our directors who are not officers or
     employees of American Express Financial Corporation,

o    provision for certificate reserves (interest accrued on
     certificate holder accounts), and

o    expenses of customer settlements not attributable to sales
     function.

Distribution

Under a Distribution Agreement with American Express Financial
Advisors Inc., we pay for the distribution of this certificate as
follows:

o    6% of the first 60 monthly scheduled payments, or the
     equivalent, received during the first five years after the
     issue date of the certificate; and

o    0.5 % of the average daily certificate balance during the
     sixth through the 10th year.

This fee is not assessed to your certificate account.
   
Total distribution fees paid to American Express Financial Advisors
Inc. for all series of certificates amounted to $34,534,747 during
the year ended Dec. 31, 1994.  We expect to pay American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. distribution fees amounting to $33,700,000
during 1995.
    
See Note 1 to Financial Statements regarding deferral of
distribution fee expense.

American Express Financial Advisors Inc. pays commissions to its
financial advisors and pays other selling expenses in connection
with services to us.  Our board of directors, including a majority
of directors who are not interested persons of American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. or IDSC, approved this distribution
agreement.

Employment of other American Express affiliates
   
American Express Financial Corporation may employ an affiliate of
American Express Company as executing broker for our portfolio
transactions only if:
    
o    we receive prices and executions at least as favorable as
     those offered by qualified independent brokers performing
     similar services;

o    the affiliate charges us commissions consistent with those
     charged to comparable unaffiliated customers for similar
     transactions; and

o    the affiliate's employment is consistent with the terms of the
     current Investment Advisory and Services Agreement and federal
     securities laws.
<PAGE>
PAGE 118
Directors and officers

IDSC's directors, chairman, president and controller are elected
annually for a term of one year.  The other executive officers are
appointed by the president.
   
We paid a total of $37,000 during 1994 to directors not employed by
American Express Financial Corporation.
    
Board of directors

David R. Hubers* 
Age 52. Director since April 1987

President and chief executive officer of American Express Financial
Corporation since 1993.  Senior vice president and chief financial
officer of American Express Financial Corporation from 1984 to
1993.

Charles W. Johnson 
Age 65. Director since August 1989

Former vice president and group executive, Industrial Systems, with
Honeywell Inc.  Retired 1989.

Edward Landes  
Age 75. Director since May 1984

Development consultant.  Former sales manager - Supplies Division
and district manager - Data Processing Division of IBM Corporation. 
Retired 1983.
   
John V. Luck, Ph.D. 
Age 69. Director since April 1987

Former senior vice president - Science and Technology with General
Mills, Inc.  Employed with General Mills Inc. since 1970.  Retired
1987.

James A. Mitchell*
Age 54. Director since January 1994 
    
Chairman of the board of directors since February, 1994.  Executive
vice president - marketing and products of American Express
Financial Corporation since February 1994.  Senior vice president -
insurance operations of American Express Financial Corporation and
president and chief executive officer of IDS Life Insurance Company
from 1986 to 1994.

Harrison Randolph 
Age 79. Director since 1968<PAGE>
PAGE 119
Gordon H. Ritz 
Age 67. Director since 1968

President, Con Rad Broadcasting Corp.  Director, Sunstar Foods and
Mid-America Publishing.

Stuart A. Sedlacek* 
Age 37. Director since January 1994 

President since February 1994.  Vice president - assured assets of
American Express Financial Corporation since March 1994.  Vice
president and portfolio manager from 1988 to 1994.  Executive vice
president - assured assets of IDS Life Insurance Company since
March 1994.

*"Interested Person" of IDSC as that term is defined in Investment
Company Act of 1940.

Executive officers

Stuart A. Sedlacek 
Age 37. President since February 1994

Louis C. Fornetti 
Age 45. Vice president since January 1990
   
Chief financial officer of American Express Financial Corporation
since 1993 and senior vice president, corporate controller and
director of American Express Financial Corporation since 1988.
    
Morris Goodwin Jr. 
Age 43. Vice president and treasurer since 1989
   
Vice president and corporate treasurer of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1989.  Chief financial officer and
treasurer of American Express Trust Company from 1988 to 1989.
    
Colleen Curran 
Age 42. Secretary since 1990

Secretary and assistant vice president of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1990.  Senior counsel to American
Express Financial Corporation since 1990.  Counsel from 1985 to
1990.

<PAGE>
PAGE 120
Lorraine R. Hart
Age 43. Vice president-investments since February 1994

Vice President - insurance investments of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1989.  Vice president, investments of
IDS Life Insurance Company since 1992.

Jay C. Hatlestad
Age 37. Vice president and controller of IDS Certificate Company
since 1994.

Manager of investment accounting of IDS Life Insurance Company from
1986 to 1994.

Bruce A. Kohn 
Age 44. Vice president and general counsel since 1993

Counsel to American Express Financial Corporation since 1992. 
Associate counsel from 1987 to 1992.

F. Dale Simmons 
Age 57. Vice president - Real Estate Loan Management since 1993

Vice president of American Express Financial Corporation since
1992.  Senior portfolio manager of American Express Financial
Corporation since 1989.  Assistant vice president from 1987 to
1992.
   
The officers and directors as a group beneficially own less than 1%
of the common stock of American Express Company.

IDSC has provisions in its bylaws relating to the indemnification
of its officers and directors against liability, as permitted by
law.  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or
persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of
the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.
    
Auditors

A firm of independent auditors audits our financial statements at
the close of each fiscal year (Dec. 31).  Copies of our annual
financial statements (audited) and semiannual financial statements
(unaudited) are available to any certificate holder upon request.
   
Ernst & Young LLP, Minneapolis, has audited the financial
statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended
Dec. 31, 1994.  These statements are included in this prospectus. 
Ernst & Young LLP is also the auditor for American Express Company,
the parent company of American Express Financial Corporation and
IDSC.    <PAGE>
PAGE 121
Other certificates issued by IDSC:  Your American Express financial
advisor can give you more information on four other certificates
issued by IDSC.  These certificates offer a wide range of
investment terms and features.

IDS Cash Reserve Certificate - A single payment certificate that
permits additional investments on which IDSC guarantees interest in
advance for a three-month term.

IDS Flexible Savings Certificate - A single payment certificate
that permits additional investments on which IDSC guarantees
interest in advance for a term of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 or 36 months.

IDS Future Value Certificate - A single payment certificate on
which IDSC guarantees interest in advance for four, five, six,
seven, eight, nine or ten-year maturity.

IDS Stock Market Certificate - A single payment certificate that
calculates all or part of your interest based on stock market
performance, as measured by a broad market index, with IDSC's 
guarantee of return of principal.
<PAGE>
PAGE 122
               PART I. CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FOR PROSPECTUS
                          PURSUANT TO RULE 404(c)
                         IDS FUTURE VALUE CERTIFICATE
                              AND VARIATIONS

                                                                
                                          
Item                            Caption in
Number                          Prospectus
                                                                
Item 1. Forepart of the                   
Registration Statement                                          
and Outside Front Cover                                         
Page of Prospectus.                                             
                                                                
                                                                
Item 2. Inside Front and        Where to get information about
Outside Back Cover Pages        IDSC;  Table of Contents.          

of Prospectus.                                         
                                                                
Item 3. Summary Informa-        About the certificate         
tion, Risk Factors                                              
and Ratio of Earnings                                           
to Fixed Charges.                                               
                                                                
Item 4. Use of Proceeds.        How your money is used and    
                                protected; Investment policies      
                             
Item 5. Determination of        Not Applicable.               
Offering Price.                                  
                                                                
Item 6. Dilution.               Not Applicable.               

Item 7. Selling Security        Not Applicable.                
Holders.                         
                                                                
Item 8. Plan of                 How your certificate       
Distribution.                   is managed. 

           
Item 9. Description of          About the Certificate;    
Securities to Be                How to invest and withdraw
Registered.                     funds.                      
                                Taxes on your earnings.   


Item 10. Interests of           Not Applicable.           
Named Experts and Counsel.                                      

<PAGE>
PAGE 123
                    PART I. CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FOR PROSPECTUS
                            PURSUANT TO RULE 404(c) (Continued)

                                                                
                                                                
                                                          
Item                            Caption in                
Number                          Prospectus                          
                                                     
Item 11. Information with       Invested and guaranteed by 
Respect to the Registrant.      IDSC; Regulated by government; 
                                Relationship between IDSC and  
                                American Express Financial 
                                Corporation; Capital structure 
                                and certificates issued; 
                                Directors and Officers.

Item 12. Disclosure of          Directors and Officers        
Commission Position on          
Indemnification for        
Securities Act Liabilities.

                                                                
                                                                
<PAGE>
PAGE 124
IDS Future Value Certificate

Prospectus  April 26, 1995

Earn attractive rates with an assured amount at the maturity date
you select
   
IDS Future Value Certificates are issued by IDS Certificate Company
(IDSC).  You can purchase this certificate with any amount from
$1,000 to $1 million (unless you receive prior authorization from
IDSC to invest more).  Your certificate earns a fixed interest rate
for maturities of four through ten years.  At maturity, IDSC
guarantees you will receive your principal plus interest less any
withdrawals or penalties.  Your interest rate will be determined as
described in "About the certificate."
    
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
   
This certificate is backed by IDSC's investments on deposit rather
than guaranteed or insured by the government or someone else.  See
"Invested and guaranteed by IDSC" and "Regulated by government"
under "How your money is used and protected."
    
This prospectus describes terms and conditions of your IDS Future
Value Certificate.  It contains facts that can help you decide if
the certificate is the right investment for you.  Read the
prospectus before you invest and keep it for future reference.  No
one has the authority to change the terms and conditions of the IDS
Future Value Certificate as described in the prospectus, or to bind
IDSC by any statement not in it.

IDS Certificate Company
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010

1-800-437-3133  (toll free) or
(612) 671-3800 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)

TTY numbers:
1-800-846-4293 (toll free) or
(612) 671-1630 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)

An American Express company
<PAGE>
PAGE 125
Where to get information about IDSC

IDSC is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.  Reports and other information on IDSC are
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  Copies
can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 450
5th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.  Or you
can inspect and copy information in person at the SEC's Public
Reference Section and at the following regional offices:

Northeast Regional Office
7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300
New York, NY  10048

Midwest Regional Office
Northwestern Atrium Center
500 West Madison St., Suite 1400
Chicago, IL  60611

Pacific Regional Office
5670 Wilshire Blvd., 11th Floor
Los Angeles, CA  90036

Initial interest rates

IDSC guarantees for the maturity you choose:

o    A fixed rate of interest
   
o    This rate will be within a specified range of the average of
     5-year certificates of deposit as published in the most recent
     BANK RATE MONITOR Top 25 Market AverageTM, North Palm Beach,
     FL, 33408, as explained under "About the Certificate."
    
Here are the interest rates in effect on the date of this
prospectus, April 26, 1995:

                                                    Future Value
                                                    of $1.00    
                       Simple       Effective       invested today
                       interest     annualized      payable at
     Maturity          rate*        yield**         maturity
_________________________________________________________________
      4 year           
      5 year           
      6 year           
      7 year           
      8 year           
      9 year           
     10 year           
__________________________________________________________________
   
*This is the rate in effect for investments under $25,000.  Rates
may depend on the factors described in "Rates for new purchases"
under "About the certificate."
**Assuming monthly compounding.
    <PAGE>
PAGE 126
These rates may or may not be in effect when you apply to purchase
your certificate.  Rates for later periods are set at the
discretion of IDSC and may also differ from the rates shown here. 
This investment is intended to be held to maturity.  We reserve the
right to issue other securities with different terms.<PAGE>
PAGE 127
   
Contents
    
Table of contents

About the certificate
Investment amounts.......................................   p
Maturities...............................................   p
Face amount and future value.............................   p
Value at maturity........................................   p
Receiving cash before maturity...........................   p    
Interest.................................................   p
Rates for new purchases..................................   p

How to invest and withdraw funds
Buying your certificate..................................   p
Full and partial withdrawals.............................   p
Retirement plans:  special policies......................   p
Transfer of ownership....................................   p
For more information.....................................   p

Taxes on your earnings
Retirement accounts......................................   p
Gifts to minors..........................................   p
Foreign investors........................................   p 

How your money is used and protected
Invested and guaranteed by IDSC..........................   p
Regulated by government..................................   p
Backed by our investments................................   p
Investment policies......................................   p

How your money is managed
Relationship between IDSC and American Express
   Financial Corporation.................................   p
Capital structure and certificates issued................   p
Investment management and services.......................   p
Distribution.............................................   p
Employment of other American Express affiliates..........   p
Directors and officers...................................   p
Auditors.................................................   p

Annual financial information
Summary of selected financial information................   p
Management's discussion and analysis of 
  financial condition and results of operations
Report of independent auditors

Financial statements

Notes to financial statements

<PAGE>
PAGE 128
About the certificate

Investment amounts

You may purchase the IDS Future Value Certificate with a single
payment of at least $1,000 but not more than $1 million payable in
U.S. currency.  Your investment may exceed $1 million only if you
receive prior authorization from IDSC.

The certificate may be used as an investment for your Individual
Retirement Account (IRA), 401(k) plan account or other qualified
retirement plan account.  If so used, the amount of your
contribution (investment) will be subject to any limitations of the
plan and applicable federal law.

Maturities
   
You may choose a maturity term in one-year increments from four to
ten years.  IDSC guarantees your interest rate in advance for the
maturity you select.
    
Face amount and future value

Both the face amount and future value of your certificate are
determined when you purchase your certificate.  The face amount is
the amount of your initial investment.  The future value is the
face amount plus the interest to be credited at maturity.  Your
future value is guaranteed by IDSC when you hold your certificate
to maturity.  For example, if you purchase this certificate with
$10,000 at 7% interest with a seven-year maturity, the face amount
would be equal to $10,000.  Over the term of the certificate,
$6,300 of interest would accrue and be credited at maturity.  The
face amount would remain at $10,000 and the future value payable to
you at maturity would be $16,300.

Value at maturity

When your certificate matures, you will receive a check for the
value of your certificate, which is the future value less any
withdrawal, discounts or fees.

Receiving cash before maturity

Interest on this investment is credited and paid at maturity. 
However, if you unexpectedly find that you need your money prior to
maturity, you may withdraw all or part of your certificate subject
to a discounting formula.  Partial withdrawals cannot be made
within one year of purchase.  Procedures for withdrawing money, as
well as discount rates which apply, are described in "Full and
partial withdrawals" under "How to invest and withdraw funds."

<PAGE>
PAGE 129
Interest
   
Your certificate accrues interest from the issue date.  Interest is
compounded at the end of each certificate month on the monthly
anniversary of the issue date.  Interest is credited to your
certificate at maturity.  We calculate the amount of interest you
earn each certificate month by applying the interest rate on your
certificate to your balance each day and adding these daily amounts
to get a monthly total.  Interest is calculated on a 30-day month
and 360-day year basis.
    
Promotions and pricing flexibility:  From time to time, IDSC may
sponsor or participate in promotions involving one or more of the
certificates and their respective terms.  For example, we may offer
different rates to new clients, to existing clients, or to
individuals who purchase or use other products or services offered
by American Express Financial Corporation or its subsidiaries. 
These promotions will generally be for a specified period of time. 
We also may offer different rates based on your amount invested,
maturity selected, geographic location and whether the certificate
is purchased for an IRA or a qualified retirement account.  These
rates for new purchases will always be within the 1% range of rates
described below.

Rates for new purchases
   
When your application is accepted, you will receive a confirmation
of your purchase showing the rate that your investment will earn. 
This rate will not be changed during the term of your certificate. 
The certificate rate will be determined using the BANK RATE MONITOR
Top 25 Market AverageTM (the BRM Average) rate for 5-year
certificates of deposit (the Index).
    
For deposits of less than $25,000, the following rates will be
guaranteed:
   
In the case of the 4-year certificate, IDSC guarantees that the
rate will be from 30 basis points (0.30%) below to 70 basis points
(0.70%) above the index.

In the case of the 5-year certificate, IDSC guarantees that the
rate will be from 20 basis points below to 80 basis points above
the index.

In the case of the 6-year certificate, IDSC guarantees that the
rate will be from 10 basis points below to 90 basis points above
the index.

In the case of the 7-year certificate, IDSC guarantees that the
rate will be from 10 basis points below to 90 basis points above
the index.<PAGE>
PAGE 130
In the case of the 8-year certificate, IDSC guarantees that the
rate will be from 10 basis points below to 90 basis points above
the index.

In the case of the 9-year certificate, IDSC guarantees that the
rate will be from 10 basis points below to 90 basis points above
the index.

In the case of the 10-year certificate, IDSC guarantees that the
rate will be from 10 basis points below to 90 basis points above
the index.

For example, if the index published in the prior week for 5-year
certificates of deposit is 6.50%, the rate on the 7-year maturity
certificate for a deposit under $25,000, would be between 6.40% and
7.40%.

For deposits of $25,000 or more IDSC guarantees that the rate will
be within ranges that are 20 basis points higher than the
respective ranges described above.  For example, in the case of the
10-year certificate, IDSC guarantees that the rate will be within
10-110 basis points above the index.

The BRM Average is an index of rates and annual effective yields
offered on various length certificates of deposit by large banks
and thrifts in 25 metropolitan areas.  The frequency of compounding
varies among the banks and thrifts.  Certificates of deposit in the
BRM Average are government-insured fixed-rate time deposits.

The BANK RATE MONITOR is available in your local library.  To
obtain information on current BRM Average rates call the Client
Service Organization between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. your local time at

     1-800-437-3133 or
TTY: 1-800-846-4293

Rates for new purchases are reviewed and may change weekly.  Rates
for new purchases currently take effect on Wednesday and are within
the range of rates described above in the BRM Average, published on
Monday of the same week.  Normally, the rate you receive for your
chosen maturity will be the higher of:
    
     o    the rate in effect on the date of your application
     o    the rate in effect on the date your application is
          accepted by IDSC.

However, if your application bears a date more than seven days
before its receipt by IDSC, the rate you receive will be the higher
of:

     o    the rate in effect on the date your application is
          accepted by IDSC<PAGE>
PAGE 131
     o    the rate in effect seven days before receipt.

Active or retired American Express Financial Corporation employees,
IDSC directors, American Express financial advisors, their
immediate families and any U.S. employee of any affiliated company
of IDSC are guaranteed an initial rate 75 basis points above the
rate offered to the general public, reflecting the lower
distribution costs associated with such sales.
   
Performance:  From February 1990 through February 1995, IDS Future
Value Certificate yields for a 5-year term were higher than average
5-year bank and thrift certificate of deposit yields as measured by
the BRM Average (prior to January 13, 1993, rates were measured by
the BRM National IndexTM, an average of CD yields in 10 cities).  

          Yields from February 1990 through February 1995

8%
                           ____IDS Future Value Certificate
                           ****Certificates of Deposit
6%


4%        Two lines comparing the yields for IDS Future Value
          Certificate against that of a Certificate of Deposit
          with Future Value's yield generally above the other
          line.
2%


90          91          92          93          94          95

The graph compares past yields and should not be considered a
prediction of future performance.

How to invest and withdraw funds

Buying your certificate

Your American Express financial advisor will help you fill out and
submit an application to open an account with us and purchase a
certificate.  We will process the application at our corporate
offices in Minneapolis.  When your application is accepted, you
will receive a confirmation of your purchase showing the date of
issue, verifying the maturity you selected, the applicable rate of
interest as described under "Rates for new purchases," and the
future value of your certificate.  See "Purchase policies" below.
    
IMPORTANT:  When opening an account, you must provide IDSC with
your correct Taxpayer Identification Number (Social Security or
Employer Identification Number).  See "Taxes on your earnings."

<PAGE>
PAGE 132
Purchase policies

o    You have 15 days from the date of purchase to cancel your
     investment without penalty by either writing or calling the 
     Client Service Organization at the address or phone number on
     the back of this prospectus.  If you decide to cancel your
     certificate within this 15-day period, you will not earn any
     interest.

o    If you purchase a certificate with a personal check or other
     non-guaranteed funds, American Express Financial Corporation
     must convert your check to federal funds (e.g., monies of
     member banks within the Federal Reserve Bank) before your
     purchase will be accepted and you begin earning interest. 
     This could take up to two business days.
   
o    IDSC has the authority to determine whether to accept an
     application and sell a certificate.
    
A number of special policies apply to purchases, withdrawals and
exchanges within IRAs, 401(k) plans and other qualified retirement
plans.  See "Retirement plans: special policies."

Two ways to invest

1
By mail

Send your check along with your application to:

Regular mail:                        Express mail:
IDS Certificate Company              IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization          Client Service Organization
IDS Tower 10                         733 Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010          Minneapolis, MN  55402

2
By wire

If you have an established account, you may wire money to:

     Norwest Bank Minneapolis
     Routing No. 091000019
     Minneapolis, MN
     Attn:  Domestic Wire Dept.

Give these instructions:

     Credit IDS Account #00-30-015 for personal account # (your
     personal account number) for (your name).

If this information is not included, the order may be rejected and
all money received less any costs IDSC incurs, will be returned
promptly.

o    Minimum amount you may wire:  $1000

<PAGE>
PAGE 133
o    Wire orders can be accepted only on days when your bank,
     American Express Financial Corporation, IDSC and Norwest Bank
     Minneapolis are open for business.

o    Wire purchases are completed when wired payment is received
     and we accept the purchase.

o    Wire investments must be received and accepted in the
     Minneapolis headquarters on a business day before 3 p.m.
     Central time to be credited that day.  Otherwise your purchase
     will be processed the next business day.

o    IDSC, American Express Financial Corporation and its other
     subsidiaries are not responsible for any delays that occur in
     wiring funds, including delays in processing by the bank.

o    You must pay any fee the bank charges for wiring.

Full and partial withdrawals

If you need your money before maturity, you may withdraw your
certificate for its full value, or make a partial withdrawal of
$500 or more after the first year.  However:

o    Interest on full and partial withdrawals of principal is
     subject to discounting, described below.

o    You may not otherwise make a partial withdrawal if it would
     reduce your certificate balance to less than $1,000.  If you
     request such a withdrawal, we will contact you for revised
     instructions.

o    If a withdrawal reduces your account value to a point where we
     pay a lower interest rate, you will earn the lower rate from
     the time of withdrawal until maturity.

Return of principal:  You will always receive an amount no less
than your original investment (the "face amount") and no more than
your face amount plus accrued interest.  This is still true of the
total amount you will receive even if you make a series of partial
withdrawals.

Discount rate:  If you request a full or partial withdrawal, the
amount you receive will be calculated by discounting your
certificate's future value at maturity over the time remaining
until it would have matured.  The discount rate for each term
during a given period is 50 basis points (0.50%) higher than the
rate in effect for new deposits for the same term during that
period.  The discount rate will differ for certificates purchased
by active or retired American Express Financial Corporation
employees, IDSC's directors, American Express financial advisors,
their immediate families and any U.S. employee of any affiliated
company of IDSC.

We use the future value (principal and interest through maturity)
as the starting point in the calculation.  Using a discount rate
that is a function of new business rates at the time of the<PAGE>
PAGE 134
withdrawal, we discount this future value on a monthly basis for
the number of months remaining to maturity.  If the result is lower
than principal, you will receive principal; if the discounted
amount is more than principal and accrued interest for the time
completed, you will receive principal and accrued interest only. 
You can calculate the surrender value on a calculator using the
present value function using the following assumptions:

     Calculator Value         Certificate Value
     Future value        Future (maturity) value
     Interest            Discount rate divided by 12
     Periods             Number of months remaining

If the discount rate at the time of withdrawal is higher than your
interest rate, you will lose interest.  The loss of interest would
be more substantial the earlier you withdraw the money from your
certificate.

Examples:

To help you understand the way the withdrawal value is calculated,
here are some examples.  Assume for all examples the following:

The face amount will be $10,000.  Maturity is 10 years.  Interest
rate is 6.50%, and the yield is 6.69%.  The future value payable at
maturity is $19,122.  The withdrawal will occur in year six.  The
face amount plus accrued interest in year six is $14,754.
   
The following chart shows the withdrawal values in year six,
assuming discount rates of 5.5%, 7.0%, and 9.5%.  The examples
assume the withdrawal occurs in year six.
    
*Note that in this scenario, if you withdraw from your certificate
in any year and the discount rate is at 5.5%, you will receive the
face amount plus accrued interest.

The following table provides information for a withdrawal in year
six:
   
__________________________________________________________________
Rate Environment           Discount Rate     Withdrawal Value
Interest rates generally    7.0%             $14,464
unchanged from time of                       ($19,122 discounted at
purchase                                     7.0% for the four
                                             years remaining until
                                             maturity)
    
Interest rates are higher   9.5%             $13,096
at withdrawal than when                      ($19,122 discounted at
purchased                                    9.5% for the four
                                             years remaining until
                                             maturity)

Interest rates are lower    5.5%             $14,754
at withdrawal than when                      (The amount you
purchased                                    receive is equal to
                                             your face amount plus
                                             accrued interest)
___________________________________________________________________<PAGE>
PAGE 135
In the above examples, you would never receive less than your
$10,000 original investment or more than $14,754, which is the face
amount plus accrued interest.

Because the discount rate can change periodically, the withdrawal
value of your account changes periodically as well.  Should an
emergency arise and you need to know your withdrawal value, it is
readily available by contacting your American Express financial
advisor or calling IDSC toll free at 1-800-437-3133.


Other full and partial withdrawal policies:

o    If you request a partial or full withdrawal of a certificate
     recently purchased by a check or money order that is not
     guaranteed, we will wait for your check to clear.  Please
     expect a minimum of 10 days from the date of your payment
     before IDSC mails a check to you.  (A check may be mailed
     earlier if your bank provides evidence that your check has
     cleared.)

o    If your certificate is pledged as collateral, any withdrawal
     will be delayed until we get approval from the secured party.

o    Any payments to you may be delayed under applicable rules,
     regulations or orders of the SEC.

Two ways to request a withdrawal

1
By phone 

Call between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. your local time:
   
1-800-437-3133 (toll free) or
(612) 671-3800 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)
    
TTY numbers:
1-800-846-4293 (toll free) or
(612) 671-1630 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)

o    Maximum phone request:  $50,000

o    A telephone withdrawal request will not be allowed within 30
     days of a phoned-in address change.

o    We will honor any telephone request believed to be authentic
     and will use reasonable procedures to confirm that they are,
     such as asking identifying questions.  As long as the
     procedures are followed, neither IDSC nor American Express
     Financial Corporation or its subsidiaries will be liable for
     any loss resulting from fraudulent requests.

You may request that telephone withdrawals not be authorized from 
your account by writing the Client Service Organization.

<PAGE>
PAGE 136
2
By mail

Send your name, account number and request for a withdrawal to:

Regular mail:
IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis MN  55440-0010

Express mail:
IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization
733 Marquette Avenue
Minneapolis MN  55402

Written requests are required for:

o    Transactions over $50,000

o    Pension plans and custodial accounts where the minor has
     reached the age at which custodianship should terminate.

Two ways to receive payment when you withdraw funds

1
By regular or express mail

o    Mailed to address on record; please allow seven days for
     mailing

o    Payable to name(s) you requested

o    For express mail, you will pay charges that vary depending on
     the courier you select.  For a partial withdrawal leaving a
     remaining balance of more than $1,000, these charges will be
     deducted from the remaining balance.  If the remaining balance
     is less than $1,000, or if it is a full withdrawal, charges
     are deducted from proceeds of the withdrawal.

2
By wire

o    Minimum wire withdrawal:  $500

o    Request that money be wired to your bank

o    Bank account must be in same ownership as IDSC's account
   
o    Pre-authorization required.  Complete the bank wire
     authorization section in the application or use a form
     supplied by your American Express financial advisor.  All
     registered owners must sign.
    
o    A service fee, if any, may be deducted from your balance (for
     partial withdrawals) or from the proceeds of a full
     withdrawal.<PAGE>
PAGE 137
Retirement plans:  special policies

o    If the certificate is purchased for a 401(k) plan or other
     qualified retirement plan account, the terms and conditions of
     the certificate apply to the plan as the holder of this
     certificate.  However, the terms of the plan, as interpreted
     by the plan trustee or administrator, will determine how a
     participant's individual account under the plan is
     administered.  These terms may differ from the terms of the
     certificate.

o    The annual custodial fee for IRA or non-401(k) qualified
     retirement plans may be deducted from your certificate
     account.  It may reduce the amount payable at maturity or the
     amount received upon an early withdrawal.

o    Retirement plan withdrawals may be subject to withdrawal
     penalties or loss of interest even if they are not subject to
     federal tax penalties.

o    If you withdraw all funds from your last account in an IRA
     plan, a $25 termination fee will apply.

o    The IRA termination fee will be waived if withdrawal occurs
     upon the holder's death.

Transfer of ownership

While the certificate is not negotiable, IDSC will transfer
ownership upon written notification to the Client Service
Organization.  However, if you have purchased your certificate for
an IRA, 401(k) plan or other qualified retirement plan, you may be
unable to transfer or assign the certificate without losing the
account's favorable tax status.  Please contact your tax advisor.

For more information
   
For information on purchases, withdrawals, transfers of ownership,
proper instructions and other service questions regarding your
certificate, please consult your financial advisor or call IDSC's
toll free Client Service Organization number:
    
     1-800-437-3133 or
TTY:  1-800-846-4293.

Taxes on your earnings
   
Interest that has been compounded on your account at the end of
each year is taxable each year.  Each calendar year we provide the
certificate account owner and the IRS with reports of all earnings
over $10 (Form 1099).  Withdrawals are reported to the certificate
owner and the IRS on Form 1099-B, Proceeds from Broker
Transactions.
    
<PAGE>
PAGE 138
Retirement accounts

If you are using the certificate as an investment for an IRA,
401(k) plan account or other qualified retirement plan account,
income tax rules for your IRA or qualified plan apply.  Generally,
you will pay no income taxes on your investment's earnings--and, in
many cases, on part or all of the investment itself--until you
begin to make withdrawals.

If your certificate is held in a Custodial Retirement Plan (or
Keogh plan), special rules may apply at maturity.  If no other
investment instructions are provided directing how to handle your
certificate at maturity, the full value of the certificate will
automatically transfer to a new or existing cash management account
according to the rules outlined in the Custodial Retirement Plan
document.

IDSC will withhold federal income taxes of 10% on IRA withdrawals
unless you tell us not to.  IDSC is required to withhold federal
income taxes of 20% on most other qualified plan distributions,
unless the distribution is directly rolled over to another
qualified plan or IRA.

Withdrawals from retirement accounts are generally subject to a
penalty tax of 10% by the IRS if you make them before age 59-1/2,
unless you are disabled or if they are made by your beneficiary in
the event of your death.  (Other exceptions also may apply.)

Consult your tax advisor to see how these rules apply to you before
you request a distribution from your plan or IRA.

Gifts to minors

The certificate may be given to a minor under either the Uniform
Gifts or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UGMA/UTMA), whichever
applies in your state.  UGMAs/UTMAs are irrevocable.  Generally,
under federal tax laws, income over $1,200 on property owned by
children under age 14 will be taxed at the parents' marginal tax
rate, while income on property owned by children 14 or older will
be taxed at the child's rate.

Your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and backup withholding:
As with any financial account you open, you must list your current
and correct Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) -- either your
Social Security or Employer Identification Number.  The TIN must be
certified under penalties of perjury on your application when you
open an account with IDSC.

If you don't provide the TIN to IDSC, or the TIN you report is
incorrect, you could be subject to backup withholding of 31% of
your interest earnings.  You could also be subject to further
penalties, such as:

o    a $50 penalty for each failure to supply your correct TIN
o    a civil penalty of $500 if you make a false statement that
     results in no backup withholding
o    criminal penalties for falsifying information.
<PAGE>
PAGE 139
You could also be subject to backup withholding because you failed
to report interest on your tax return as required.

To help you determine the correct TIN to use on various types of
accounts, please use this chart:
   
How to determine the correct TIN:
    
                                Use the Social Security or
For this type of account        Employer Identification Number of
Individual or joint             The individual or first person
                                listed on the account

Custodian account of a minor    The minor
(Uniform Gifts/Transfers to
Minors Act)

A living trust                   The grantor-trustee (the person
                                 who puts the money into the trust)

An irrevocable trust,            The legal entity (not the personal
pension trust or estate          representative or trustee, unless
                                 no legal entity is designated in
                                 the account title)

Sole proprietorship or           The owner or partnership
partnership

Corporate                        The corporation

Association, club or             The organization
tax-exempt organization

For details on TIN requirements, ask your financial advisor or
local American Express Financial Corporation office for Federal
Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and
Certification.

Foreign investors

If you are not a citizen or resident of the United States, you must
supply IDSC with Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status when you
purchase your certificate, and you must resupply it every three
years.  You must also supply both a current mailing address and an
address of foreign residency, if different.  IDSC will not accept
purchases of certificates by nonresident aliens without an
appropriately certified Form W-8 (or approved substitute).  Also,
if you do not supply Form W-8 you will be subject to backup
withholding on interest payments and withdrawals.

Interest paid on the certificate is "portfolio interest" as defined
in U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 871(h) if earned by a
nonresident alien.  Even though your interest income is not taxed
by the U.S. government, it will be reported at year end to you and
to the U.S. government on a Form 1042S, Foreign Person's U.S.
Source Income Subject to Withholding.  The United States
participates in various tax treaties with foreign countries, which
provide for sharing of tax information.<PAGE>
PAGE 140
Estate tax:  If you are a nonresident alien and you die while
owning a certificate, IDSC will need a statement from persons IDSC
believes are knowledgeable about your estate.  The statement must
be in a form satisfactory to IDSC and must tell us that, on your
date of death, your estate did not include any property in the
United States for U.S. estate tax purposes.  If we do not receive
the statement, we generally will not take action regarding your
certificate until we receive a transfer certificate from the IRS. 
In general, a transfer certificate requires the opening of an
estate in the United States and provides assurance that the IRS
will not claim your certificate to satisfy estate taxes.

IMPORTANT:  This information is a brief and selective summary of
certain federal tax rules that apply to this certificate.  Tax
matters are highly individual and complex, and you should consult a
qualified tax adviser about your personal situation.

How your money is used and protected

Invested and guaranteed by IDSC
   
The IDS Future Value Certificate is issued and guaranteed by IDSC,
a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial
Corporation.  We are by far the largest issuer of face amount
certificates in the United States, with total assets of more than
$3.0 billion and a net worth in excess of $141 million on Dec. 31,
1994.
    
We back our certificates by investing the money received and
keeping the invested assets on deposit.  Our investments generate
interest and dividends, out of which we pay:

o    interest to certificate holders

o    various expenses, including taxes, fees to American Express
     Financial Corporation for advisory and other services and
     distribution fees to American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
   
For a review of significant events relating to our business, see
"Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations."  Our certificates are not rated by a
national rating agency.

Most banks and thrifts offer investments known as certificates of
deposit (CDs) that are similar to our certificates in many ways. 
Early withdrawal of bank CDs often results in penalties.  Banks and
thrifts generally have federal deposit insurance for their deposits
and lend much of the money you deposit to individuals, businesses
and other enterprises.  Other financial institutions may offer
investments with comparable combinations of safety and return on
investment.
    
Regulated by government

Because the IDS Future Value Certificate is a security, its offer
and sale are subject to regulation under federal and state<PAGE>
PAGE 141
securities laws.  (It is a face-amount certificate -- not a bank
product, an equity investment, a form of life insurance or an
investment trust.)
   
The federal Investment Company Act of 1940 requires us to keep
investments on deposit in a segregated custodial account to protect
all of our outstanding certificates.  These investments back the
entire value of your certificate account.  Their amortized cost
must exceed the required carrying value of the outstanding
certificates by at least $250,000.  As of Dec. 31, 1994, the
amortized cost of these investments exceeded the required carrying
value of our outstanding certificates by more than $121 million.
    
Backed by our investments

Our investments are varied and of high quality.  This was the
composition of our portfolio as of Dec. 31, 1994:

Type of investment              Net amount invested
   
Corporate and other bonds               31%
Government agency bonds                 27
Preferred stocks                        23
Mortgages                                9
Municipal bonds                          5
Cash and cash equivalents                5
    
More than 95% of our securities portfolio (bonds and preferred
stocks) is rated investment grade.  For additional information
regarding securities ratings, please refer to Note 3B in the
financial statements.

Most of our investments are on deposit with American Express Trust
Company (formerly IDS Trust Company), Minneapolis, although we also
maintain separate deposits as required by certain states.  American
Express Trust Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American
Express Financial Corporation.  Copies of our Dec. 31, 1994
schedule of Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers are
available upon request.  For comments regarding the valuation,
carrying values and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of
investment securities, see Notes 1, 2 and 3 to the financial
statements.

Investment policies

In deciding how to diversify the portfolio -- among what types of
investments in what amounts -- the officers and directors of IDSC
use their best judgment, subject to applicable law.  The following
policies currently govern our investment decisions:

Purchasing securities on margin:  We will not purchase any
securities on margin or participate on a joint basis or a joint-
and-several basis in any trading account in securities.

Commodities:  We have not and do not intend to purchase or sell
commodities or commodity contracts.<PAGE>
PAGE 142
Underwriting:  We do not intend to engage in the public
distribution of securities issued by others.  However, if we
purchase unregistered securities and later resell them, we may be
considered an underwriter under federal securities laws.

Borrowing money:  From time to time we have established a line of
credit if management believed borrowing was necessary or desirable. 
While a line of credit does not currently exist, it may be
established again in the future.  We may pledge some of our assets
as security.  We may occasionally use repurchase agreements as a
way to borrow money.  Under these agreements, we sell debt
securities to our lender, and repurchase them at the sales price
plus an agreed-upon interest rate within a specified period of
time.

Real estate:  We may invest directly in real estate, though we have
not generally done so in the past.  We do invest in mortgage loans.

Lending securities:  We may lend some of our securities to broker-
dealers and receive cash equal to the market value of the
securities as collateral.  We invest this cash in short-term
securities.  If the market value of the securities goes up, the
borrower pays us additional cash.  During the course of the loan,
the borrower makes cash payments to us equal to all interest,
dividends and other distributions paid on the loaned securities. 
We will try to vote these securities if a major event affecting our
investment is under consideration.

When-issued securities:  Most of our investments are in debt
securities, some of which are purchased on a when-issued basis.  It
may take as long as 45 days before these securities are issued and
delivered to us.  We generally do not pay for these securities or
start earning on them until delivery.  We have established
procedures to ensure that sufficient cash is available to meet
when-issued commitments.
   
Financial transactions:  We buy or sell various types of options
contracts for hedging purposes or as a trading technique to
facilitate securities purchases or sales.  We buy interest rate
caps for hedging purposes.  These pay us a return if interest rates
rise above a specified level.  If approved by the SEC, IDSC may
enter into other financial transactions, including futures, and
other derivatives, for the purpose of managing the interest rate
exposures associated with IDSC's assets or liabilities. 
Derivatives are financial instruments whose performance is derived,
at least in part, from the performance of an underlying asset,
security or index.  A small change in the value of the underlying
asset, security or index may cause a sizable gain or loss in the
fair value of the derivative.
    
Restrictions:  There are no restrictions on concentration of
investments in any particular industry or group of industries or on
rates of portfolio turnover.


<PAGE>
PAGE 143
How your money is managed

Relationship between IDSC and American Express Financial
Corporation

IDSC was originally organized as Investors Syndicate of America,
Inc., a Minnesota corporation, on Oct. 15, 1940, and began business
as an issuer of face amount investment certificates on Jan. 1,
1941.  The company became a Delaware corporation on Dec. 31, 1977,
and changed its name to IDS Certificate Company on April 2, 1984.
   
Before IDSC was created, American Express Financial Corporation
(formerly known as IDS Financial Corporation) our parent company
and organizer, had issued similar certificates since 1894.  As of
Jan. 1, 1995, IDS Financial Corporation changed its name to
American Express Financial Corporation.  IDSC, IDS Financial
Corporation and now American Express Financial Corporation have
never failed to meet their certificate payments.

During its many years in operation, American Express Financial
Corporation has become a leading manager of investments in
mortgages and securities.  As of Dec. 31, 1994, American Express
Financial Corporation managed investments, including its own, of
more than $105 billion.  American Express Financial Advisors Inc.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial
Corporation, provides a broad range of financial planning services
for individuals and businesses through its nationwide network of
more than 175 offices and more than 7,800 financial advisors. 
American Express Financial Corporation financial planning services
are comprehensive, beginning with a detailed written analysis
that's tailored to your needs.  Your analysis may address one or
all of these six essential areas:  financial position, protection
planning, investment planning, income tax planning, retirement
planning and estate planning.

American Express Financial Corporation itself is a wholly owned
subsidiary of American Express Company, a financial services
company with executive offices at American Express Tower, World
Financial Center, New York, NY 10285.  American Express Company is
a financial services company engaged through subsidiaries in other
business including:

o    travel related services (including American Express (trademark) Card and
     Travelers Cheque operations through American Express Travel
     Related Services Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries), and
    
o    international banking services (through American Express Bank
     Ltd. and its subsidiaries).

American Express Financial Advisors Inc. is not a bank, and the
securities offered by it, such as face amount certificates issued
by IDSC, are not backed or guaranteed by any bank, nor are they
insured by the FDIC.

Capital structure and certificates issued

<PAGE>
PAGE 144
   
IDSC has authorized, issued and has outstanding 150,000 shares of
common stock, par value of $10 per share.  American Express
Financial Corporation owns all of the outstanding shares.

As of Dec. 31, 1994, IDSC had issued (in face amount)
$12,727,756,065 of installment certificates and $13,016,532,575 of
single payment certificates.
    
Investment management and services

Under an Investment Advisory and Services Agreement, American
Express Financial Corporation acts as our investment advisor and is
responsible for:

o    providing investment research,
o    making specific investment recommendations, and
o    executing purchase and sale orders according to our policy of
     obtaining the best price and execution.

All these activities are subject to direction and control by our
board of directors and officers.  Our agreement with American
Express Financial Corporation requires annual renewal by our board,
including a majority of directors who are not interested persons of
American Express Financial Corporation or IDSC as defined in the
federal Investment Company Act of 1940.

For its services, we pay American Express Financial Corporation a
monthly fee, equal on an annual basis to a percentage of the total
book value of certain assets (included assets).

Advisory and services fee computation:

Included assets            Percentage of total book value

First $250 million                    0.75%
Next 250 million                      0.65
Next 250 million                      0.55
Next 250 million                      0.50
Any amount over $1 billion            0.45

Included assets are all assets of IDSC except mortgage loans, real
estate, and any other asset on which we pay an advisory or service
fee.

Advisory and services fees for the past three years:
   
                                  Percentage of
Year        Total fees            included assets
1994        $13,565,432               0.51%
1993        $15,036,091               0.50
1992        $17,851,271               0.50

Estimated advisory and services fees for 1995 are $15,074,000.
    
Other expenses payable by IDSC:  The Investment Advisory and
Services Agreement provides that we will pay:
<PAGE>
PAGE 145
o    costs incurred by us in connection with real estate and
     mortgages,
o    taxes,
o    depository and custodian fees,
o    brokerage commissions,
o    fees and expenses for services not covered by other agreements
     and provided to us at our request, or by requirement, by
     attorneys, auditors, examiners and professional consultants
     who are not officers or employees of American Express
     Financial Corporation,
o    fees and expenses of our directors who are not officers or
     employees of American Express Financial Corporation,
o    provision for certificate reserves (interest accrued on
     certificate owner accounts), and
o    expenses of customer settlements not attributable to sales
     function.

Distribution

Under a Distribution Agreement with American Express Financial
Advisors Inc., we pay 5% of the purchase price for the distribution
of this certificate.  This fee is not assessed to your certificate
account.
   
Total distribution fees paid to American Express Financial Advisors
Inc. for all series of certificates amounted to $34,534,747 during
the year ended Dec. 31, 1994.  We expect to pay American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. distribution fees amounting to $33,700,000
during 1995.
    
See Note 1 to financial statements regarding deferral of
distribution fee expense.

American Express Financial Advisors Inc. pays commissions to its
financial advisors and pays other selling expenses in connection
with services to us.  Our board of directors, including a majority
of directors who are not interested persons of American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. or IDSC, approved this distribution
agreement.
   
Employment of other American Express affiliates
American Express Financial Corporation may employ an affiliate of
American Express Company as executing broker for our portfolio
transactions only if:
    
o    we receive prices and executions at least as favorable as
     those offered by qualified independent brokers performing
     similar services;
o    the affiliate charges us commissions consistent with those
     charged to comparable unaffiliated customers for similar
     transactions; and
o    the affiliate's employment is consistent with the terms of the
     current Investment Advisory and Services Agreement and federal
     securities laws.

<PAGE>
PAGE 146
Directors and officers
   
American Express Financial Corporation's directors, chairman,
president and controller are elected annually for a term of one
year.  The other executive officers are appointed by the president.
We paid a total of $37,000 during 1994 to directors not employed by
American Express Financial Corporation.
    
Board of Directors

David R. Hubers* 
Age 52.  Director since April 1987

President and chief executive officer of American Express Financial
Corporation since 1993.  Senior vice president and chief financial
officer of American Express Financial Corporation from 1984 to
1993.

Charles W. Johnson 
Age 65.  Director since August 1989

Former vice president and group executive, Industrial Systems, with
Honeywell Inc.  Retired 1989.

Edward Landes  
Age 75.  Director since May 1984

Development consultant.  Former sales manager - Supplies Division
and district manager - Data Processing Division of IBM Corporation. 
Retired 1983.

John V. Luck Ph.D. 
Age 69.  Director since April 1987

Former senior vice president - Science and Technology with General
Mills, Inc.  Employed with General Mills Inc. since 1970.  Retired
1987.

James A. Mitchell*
Age 53.  Director since January 1994 

Chairman of the board of directors since February, 1994.  Executive
vice president - marketing and products of American Express
Financial Corporation since February 1994.  Senior vice president -
insurance operations of American Express Financial Corporation and
president and chief executive officer of IDS Life Insurance Company
from 1986 to 1994.

Harrison Randolph 
Age 79.  Director since 1968
<PAGE>
PAGE 147
Gordon H. Ritz 
Age 67.  Director since 1968

President, Con Rad Broadcasting Corp.  Director, Sunstar Foods and
Mid-America Publishing.

Stuart A. Sedlacek* 
Age 37.  Director since January 1994 

President since February 1994.  Vice president - assured assets of
American Express Financial Corporation since March 1994.  Vice
president and portfolio manager from 1988 to 1994.  Executive vice
president - assured assets of IDS Life Insurance Company since
March 1994.

*"Interested Person" of IDSC as that term is defined in Investment
Company Act of 1940.

Executive officers
   
Stuart A. Sedlacek 
Age 37.  President since February 1994
    
Louis C. Fornetti 
Age 45.  Vice president since January 1990
   
Chief financial officer of American Express Financial Corporation
since 1993 and senior vice president, corporate controller and
director of American Express Financial Corporation since 1988.
    
Morris Goodwin Jr. 
Age 43.  Vice president and treasurer since 1989.
   
Vice president and corporate treasurer of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1989.  Chief financial officer and
treasurer of American Express Trust Company from 1988 to 1989.
    
Colleen Curran 
Age 42.  Secretary since 1990

Secretary and assistant vice president of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1990.  Senior counsel to American
Express Financial Corporation since 1990.  Counsel from 1985 to
1990.
<PAGE>
PAGE 148
Lorraine R. Hart
Age 43.  Vice president-investments since February 1994.

Vice President - insurance investments of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1989.  Vice president, investments of
IDS Life Insurance Company since 1992.

Jay C. Hatlestad
Age 37.  Vice president and controller of IDS Certificate Company
since 1994.

Manager of investment accounting of IDS Life Insurance Company from
1986 to 1994.

Bruce A. Kohn 
Age 44.  Vice president and general counsel since 1993.

Counsel to American Express Financial Corporation since 1992. 
Associate counsel from 1987 to 1992.

F. Dale Simmons 
Age 57.  Vice president - Real Estate Loan Management since 1993.

Vice president of American Express Financial Corporation since
1992.  Senior portfolio manager of American Express Financial
Corporation since 1989.  Assistant vice president from 1987 to
1992.
   
The officers and directors as a group beneficially own less than 1%
of the common stock of American Express Company.

IDSC has provisions in its bylaws relating to the indemnification
of its officers and directors against liability, as permitted by
law.  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or
persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of
the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.
    <PAGE>
PAGE 149
Auditors

A firm of independent auditors audits our financial statements at
the close of each fiscal year (Dec. 31).  Copies of our annual
financial statements (audited) and semiannual financial statements
(unaudited) are available to any certificate holder upon request.
   
Ernst & Young LLP, Minneapolis, has audited the financial
statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended
Dec. 31, 1994.  These statements are included in this prospectus. 
Ernst & Young LLP is also the auditor for American Express Company,
the parent company of American Express Financial Corporation and
IDSC.
    
Other certificates issued by IDSC:  Your American Express financial
advisor can give you more information on four other certificates
issued by IDSC.  These certificates offer a wide range of
investment terms and features.
   
IDS Cash Reserve Certificate - A single payment certificate that
permits additional investments on which IDSC guarantees interest in
advance for a three-month term.

IDS Flexible Savings Certificate - A single payment certificate
that permits additional investments and on which IDSC guarantees
interest in advance for a term of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 or 36 months.
    
IDS Installment Certificate - An installment payment certificate
that declares interest in advance for a three-month period and
offers bonuses in the third through sixth years for regular
investments.
   
IDS Stock Market Certificate - A single payment certificate that
calculates all or part of your interest based on stock market
performance, as measured by a broad market index, with IDSC's
guarantee of return of principal.
    <PAGE>
PAGE 150
               PART I. CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FOR PROSPECTUS
                          PURSUANT TO RULE 404(c)
                         IDS STOCK MARKET CERTIFICATE - US
                              AND VARIATIONS

                                                                

Item                            Caption in       
Number                          Prospectus    

Item 1. Forepart of the                       
Registration Statement                                          
and Outside Front Cover                                         
Page of Prospectus.                                             
                                                                
                                                                
Item 2. Inside Front and        Where to get information about 
Outside Back Cover Pages        IDSC;  Table of Contents.          

of Prospectus.                                         
                                                                
Item 3. Summary Informa-        About the certificate          
tion, Risk Factors                                              
and Ratio of Earnings                                           
to Fixed Charges.                                               
                                                                
Item 4. Use of Proceeds.        How your money is used and     
                                protected; Investment policies      
                             
Item 5. Determination of        Not Applicable.                
Offering Price.                                  
                                                                
Item 6. Dilution.               Not Applicable.                

Item 7. Selling Security        Not Applicable.                 
Holders.                         
                                                                
Item 8. Plan of                 How your certificate            
Distribution.                   is managed. 

           
Item 9. Description of          About the Certificate;         
Securities to Be                How to invest and withdraw     
Registered.                     funds.                      
                                Taxes on your earnings.        


Item 10. Interests of           Not Applicable.                
Named Experts and Counsel.                                     
<PAGE>
PAGE 151
                    PART I. CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FOR PROSPECTUS
                            PURSUANT TO RULE 404(c) (Continued)

                                                                
                                                                
                                                               
Item                            Caption in                     
Number                          Prospectus                     
                                                                
Item 11. Information with       Invested and guaranteed by 
Respect to the Registrant.      IDSC; Regulated by government; 
                                Relationship between IDSC and  
                                American Express Financial 
                                Corporation; Capital structure 
                                and certificates issued; 
                                Directors and Officers.

Item 12. Disclosure of          Directors and Officers        
Commission Position on          
Indemnification for        
Securities Act Liabilities.

                                                                
                                                                
                                                                
<PAGE>
PAGE 152
IDS Stock Market Certificate

Prospectus  April 26, 1995

Potential for stock market growth with safety of principal
   
IDS Stock Market Certificates are issued by IDS Certificate Company
(IDSC).  You can purchase this certificate with a single investment
of at least $1,000 but not more than $1 million (unless you receive
prior authorization from IDSC to invest more).  As long as you stay
within this limit, you can make additional investments at the end
of a term.  Your principal is guaranteed by IDSC.  You can
participate in any increase of the stock market based on the S&P
500 Index while protecting your principal.  In addition, you decide
whether part of your return will be guaranteed by IDSC or whether
all of it will be tied to the market.  You can keep your
certificate for up to 14 terms.
    
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.

This prospectus describes terms and conditions of your IDS Stock
Market Certificate.  It contains facts that can help you decide if
the certificate is the right investment for you.  Read the
prospectus before you invest and keep it for future reference.  No
one has the authority to change the terms and conditions of the IDS
Stock Market Certificate as described in the prospectus, or to bind
IDSC by any statement not in it.
   
This certificate is backed by IDSC's investments on deposit rather
than guaranteed or insured by the government or someone else.  See
"Invested and guaranteed by IDSC" and "Regulated by government"
under "How your money is used and protected."
    
Issuer:                              Distributor:
IDS Certificate Company              American Express  
IDS Tower 10                         Financial Advisors Inc.
Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010          IDS Tower 10
1-800-437-3133  (toll free) or       Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010
(612) 671-3800 (Minneapolis/
                St. Paul area)
   
TTY numbers:
1-800-846-4293 (toll free) or
(612) 671-1630 (Minneapolis/
                St. Paul area)

    <PAGE>
PAGE 153
Where to get information about IDSC

IDSC is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.  Reports and other information on IDSC are
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  Copies
can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 450
5th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.  Or you
can inspect and copy information in person at the SEC's Public
Reference Section and at the following regional offices:

Northeast Regional Office
7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300
New York, NY  10048

Midwest Regional Office
Northwestern Atrium Center
500 West Madison St., Suite 1400
Chicago, IL  60611

Pacific Regional Office
5670 Wilshire Blvd., 11th Floor
Los Angeles, CA  90036

Initial interest and participation rates

IDSC guarantees return of your principal.  The interest on your
certificate is linked to stock market performance as measured by
the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (S&P 500 Index) as explained
under "About the certificate" below.

Here are the interest rates and market participation percentages in
effect on the date of this prospectus, April 26, 1995:

Maximum           Market participation           Minimum
return            percentage                     interest
   
 12%                100%  (full)                 None
 12%                 25%  (partial)              currently 3.50%

These rates may or may not be in effect when you apply to purchase
your certificate.  If you choose the partial participation option
for your certificate, your minimum interest rate will be between
2.75% and 3.75%.  Rates for later terms are set at the discretion
of IDSC and may differ from the rates shown here.  We reserve the
right to issue other securities with different provisions.
    <PAGE>
PAGE 154
   
Content
    
Table of contents

About the certificate
Investment amounts                                            p
Face amount and principal                                     p
Certificate term                                              p
Value at maturity                                             p
Receiving cash before end of the term                         p
Interest                                                      p
Promotions and pricing flexibility                            p
Historical data on the S&P 500 Index                          p
Calculation of return                                         p
About the S&P 500 Index                                       p
Opportunities at the end of a term                            p
   
How to invest and withdraw funds
Buying your certificate                                       p
Full and partial withdrawals                                  p
Transfers to other accounts                                   p
Retirement plans:  special policies                           p
Transfer of ownership                                         p
For more information                                          p
    
Taxes on your earnings
Retirement accounts                                           p 
Gifts to minors                                               p
Foreign investors                                             p

How your money is used and protected
Invested and guaranteed by IDSC                               p
Regulated by government                                       p
Backed by our investments                                     p
Investment policies                                           p
   
How your money is managed
Relationship between IDSC and American Express 
    Financial Corporation                                     p
Capital structure and certificates issued                     p
Investment management and services                            p
Distribution                                                  p
About American Express Bank International and Coutts          p
Employment of other American Express affiliates               p
Directors and officers                                        p
Auditors                                                      p
    
Annual Financial information
Summary of selected financial information   
Management's discussion and analysis of 
  financial condition and results of operations
Report of independent auditors
Financial statements
Notes to financial statements
<PAGE>
PAGE 155
About the certificate

Investment amounts

You may purchase the IDS Stock Market Certificate with a single
investment of at least $1,000 but not more than $1 million payable
in U.S. currency.  You may also make additional lump-sum
investments in any amount at the end of any term as long as your
total amount paid in is not more than the $1 million.

The certificate may be used as an investment for your Individual
Retirement Account (IRA), 401(k) plan account or other qualified
retirement plan account.  If so used, the amount of your
contribution (investment) will be subject to any limitations of the
plan and applicable federal law.

Face amount and principal

The face amount of your certificate is the amount of your initial
investment.  Your principal is the value of your certificate at the
beginning of each subsequent term.  Your principal is guaranteed by
IDSC.  It consists of the amount you actually invest plus interest
and any additional investment you make less withdrawals, penalties
and any interest paid to you in cash.

For example:  Assume your initial investment (face amount) of
$10,000 has earned a return of 7.25%.  Interest is credited to your
account at the end of the term.  You have not taken any interest as
cash, or made any withdrawals.  You have invested an additional
$2,500 prior to the beginning of the next term.  Your principal for
the next term will equal:

          $10,000.00     Face Amount (initial investment)
  plus        725.00     Interest credited to your account at the
                         end of the term
  plus          5.00     Interim interest (See "Interim interest")
  minus       ($0.00)    Interest paid to you in cash
  plus      2,500.00     Additional investment to your certificate
  minus       ($0.00)    Withdrawals and applicable penalties
          $13,230.00     Principal at the beginning of the next
                         term.

Certificate term

Your first certificate term is a 12-month period that begins on the
Wednesday after your application is accepted and ends the Tuesday
before the one-year anniversary of its acceptance.  For example, if
your application is accepted on a Wednesday, your first term would
begin the next Wednesday.  Your certificate will earn interest at
the interim interest rate then in effect until the term begins.  It
will not earn any participation interest until the term begins.  If
you choose to continue to receive participation interest, <PAGE>
PAGE 156
subsequent terms are 12-month periods that begin on the Wednesday
following the 14-day grace period at the end of the prior 12-month
term.  

You may begin your next term on any Wednesday during the 14-day
period by providing prior written instructions to IDSC.  If you
choose to receive fixed interest, subsequent terms will be up to 12
months as described in "Fixed interest" under "Interest" below.

Value at maturity

Your certificate matures after 14 terms, and you will receive a
check for its value.  At maturity, the value of your certificate
will be the total of your actual investments, plus credited
interest not paid to you in cash, less any withdrawals and
withdrawal penalties.  Certain other fees may apply.

Receiving cash before end of term

If you need money before your certificate term ends, you may
withdraw part or all of its value at any time, less any penalties
that apply.  Procedures for withdrawing money, as well as
conditions under which penalties apply, are described in "Full and
partial withdrawals" under "How to invest and withdraw funds."

Interest

You may select from two types of participation interest for your
first term.  The two types are 1) full participation, or 2) partial
participation together with minimum interest.  Both of these
options have an upper limit which is the maximum annual return
explained below.  After your first term, you may choose not to
participate in any market movement and receive a fixed rate of
interest.
   
Full participation interest:  With this option you participate 100%
in any percentage increase in the S&P 500 Index up to the maximum
return.  You earn interest only if the value of the S&P 500 Index
is higher on the last day of your term than it was on the first day
of your term.  Thus, your return is linked to stock market
performance.  The S&P 500 Index is frequently used to measure the
relative performance of the stock market.  For a more detailed
discussion of the S&P 500 Index, see "About the S&P 500 Index".

Partial participation and minimum interest:  This option allows you
to participate in a certain part (market participation rate) of any
increase in the S&P 500 Index together with a rate of interest
guaranteed by IDSC in advance for each term (minimum interest). 
Your return is composed of two parts:
     1.   A percentage of any increase in the S&P 500 Index, and
     2.   A rate of interest guaranteed by IDSC in advance for each
          term.
Together, they cannot exceed the maximum return.  

If you choose the partial participation option for your first term,
the minimum interest paid on your certificate will be between 2.75%
and 3.75%.    <PAGE>
PAGE 157
The market participation rate and the minimum interest rate on the
date of this prospectus are listed on the inside cover under
"Initial interest and participation rates." 

Fixed interest:  After your first term, this option allows you to
stop participating in the market entirely for one or more terms. 
You may choose to receive a fixed rate of interest for any term
after the first term.  During the term when you are receiving fixed
interest, you can change from your fixed interest selection to
again participate in the market.  If you make the change from fixed
interest to participation interest, your next term would begin on
the Wednesday following our receipt of notice of your new
selection.  In this way, you may have a term (during which you
would earn fixed interest) that is less than 12 months.  You may
not change from participation interest to fixed interest during a
term.

Maximum annual return:  This is the cap, or upper limit, of your
return.  Your total return including both participation and minimum
interest for a term for which you have chosen participation
interest will be limited to this maximum return percentage.
   
Determining the S&P 500 index value:  The stock market closes at 3
p.m. Central time and the S&P 500 Index value is available at
approximately 4:30 p.m.  This is the value we currently use to
determine participation interest.  Occasionally, Standard & Poor's
Corporation (S&P) makes minor adjustments to the closing value
after 4:30 p.m. and the value we use may not be exactly the one
that is published the next business day.  In the future, we may use
a later time cut-off if it becomes feasible to do so.  If the stock
market is not open or the S&P 500 Index is unavailable as of the
last day of your term, the preceding business day for which a value
is available will be used instead.  Each Tuesday's closing value of
the S&P 500 Index is used for establishing the term start and the
term end values each week.

Interim interest:  When we accept your application, we pay interim
interest to your account for the time before your first term
begins.  We also pay interim interest for the 14-day period between
terms unless you write to ask us to begin your next term earlier. 
You may withdraw this interest in cash at any time before it
becomes part of your certificate's principal without a withdrawal
penalty.  If it is not withdrawn, the interest will become part of
your certificate's  principal at the start of the next succeeding
term.  For example, the interest you earn between the end of the
first and the beginning of the second term will become part of the
principal at the start of your third term.  Interim interest rates
for the time before your first term begins will be within a range 0
to 100 basis points (0% to 1%) above the average interest rate
published for 12-month certificates of deposit in the BANK RATE
MONITOR Top 25 Market AverageTM (the BRM Average), North Palm
Beach, FL 33408.  If the BRM Average is no longer publicly
available or feasible to use, IDSC may use another, similar index
as a guide for setting rates.
    
<PAGE>
PAGE 158
   
The BANK RATE MONITOR is a weekly magazine published in North Palm
Beach, FL  33408 by Advertising News Service Inc., an independent
national news organization that collects and disseminates
information about bank products and interest rates.  Advertising
News Service has no connection with IDSC, American Express
Financial Corporation or any of their affiliates.

The BRM Average is an index of rates and annual effective yields
offered on various length certificates of deposit by large banks
and thrifts in 25 metropolitan areas.  The frequency of compounding
varies among the banks and thrifts.  Certificates of deposit in the
BRM Average are government insured fixed-rate time deposits.

The BANK RATE MONITOR may be available in your local library.  To
obtain information or current BRM Average rates, call the Client
Service Organization at 1-800-437-3133 (TTY: 1-800-846-4293.)

Earning interest:  Participation interest is calculated, credited
and compounded at the end of your certificate term.  Minimum
interest accrues daily and is credited and compounded at the end of
your certificate term.  Fixed interest accrues and is credited
daily and compounds at the end of your term.  Both minimum and
fixed interest are calculated on a 30-day month and 360-day year
basis.  Interim interest accrues and is credited daily and
compounds at the end of your term immediately following the period
in which interim interest is credited.
    
Rates for future periods:  After the initial term, the maximum
return, market participation percentage or minimum interest rate on
your certificate may be greater or less than those shown on the
front of this prospectus.  In setting future interest rates, a
primary consideration will be the prevailing investment climate. 
Rates are reviewed weekly, and we have complete discretion as to
what interest rate will be declared.

To find out what your certificate's new maximum return, market
participation percentage and minimum interest rate will be for your
next term, please consult the following:
   
o    Your American Express financial advisor, or
o    Our Client Service Organization at 1-800-437-3133 
     (TTY: 1-800-846-4293)
    
Promotions and pricing flexibility

From time to time, IDSC may sponsor or participate in promotions
involving one or more of the certificates and their respective
terms.  For example, we may offer different rates to new clients,
to existing clients, or to individuals who purchase or use products
or services offered by American Express Financial Advisors Inc. or
its affiliates.  These promotions will generally be for a specified
period of time.

We also may offer different rates based on your amount invested,
maturity selected, geographic location and whether the certificate
is purchased for an IRA or a qualified retirement account.<PAGE>
PAGE 159
Historical Data on the S&P 500 Index

The following chart illustrates the month-end closing values of the
index from Dec. 31, 1983 through Feb. 28, 1995.  The values of the
S&P 500 Index are reprinted with the permission of S&P.

   
       S&P 500 Index values - December 1983 to February 1995

400



300       Chart shows closing values of the S&P from above 100 in
          1984 to end near 500 in Feb. 1995


200



100

84   85    86    87    88   89    90    91    92     93    94    95


S&P 500 Index Average Annual Return


Beginning date             Period held              Average annual
   Dec. 31,                 in years                    return
__________________________________________________________________
1984                          10                        10.63%
1989                           5                         5.38
1993                           1                        -1.55

    
<PAGE>
PAGE 160
The next chart illustrates, on a moving 12-month basis, the price
return of the S&P 500 Index measured for every 12-month period
beginning with the period ended Dec. 31, 1984.  The price return is
the percentage return for each period using month-end closing
prices of the S&P 500 Index.  Dividends and other distributions on
the securities comprising the S&P 500 Index are not included in
calculating the price return.

   
          S&P 500 Index - December 1984 to February 1995

40%

     Chart shows 12-month Moving Price Return of the S&P from a
     high of 40% to a low of -20%

20%


0%


- -20%

85     86     87     88     89     90    91    92    93    94    95
    
Using the same data on price returns described above, the next
graph expands on the information in the preceding chart by
illustrating the distribution of all of the 12-month price returns
of the S&P 500 Index beginning with the 12-month period ending Dec.
31, 1984.  The graph also shows the number of times these price
returns fell within certain ranges.
   
          S&P 500 Index - December 1984 to February 1995

20
     Chart shows the distribution of all of the 12-month price
     returns of the S&P 500 from 1/1/84 through 2/28/95 with a high
     of just over 20 and a low between 0 and 5.

15



10


5

- -15    -10     -5     0     5     10     15     20     25     30
    <PAGE>
PAGE 161
The last chart illustrates, on a moving weekly basis, the actual
12-month return of the IDS Stock Market Certificate at full and
partial participation compared to the price return of the NYSE
Composite IndexR through October 1992 and the S&P 500 Index after
October 1992.  For non-guaranteed funds received before Nov. 3,
1992, and guaranteed funds received before Nov. 4, 1992, IDS Stock
Market Certificate participation interest was based on the NYSE
Composite IndexR rather than the S&P 500 Index.
   
<TABLE><CAPTION>
             Acutal 12-month return 1/22/91 to 2/8/95
<S>       <C>
30%


25%


20%       Chart shows actual returns of the certificate at full and
          25% participation with the full participation generally
          tracking the market indexes over the period and 25% level
          of participation tracking at the 25% level of return.

15%


10%


5%

0%

1/91  4/91  7/91  10/91  1/92  4/92  7/92  10/92  1/93  4/93  7/93  10/93  2/94  4/94  7/94  10/94  2/95
</TABLE>
    
The NYSE Composite IndexR is a registered service mark of the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc. (NYSE) and is a composite covering price
movements of all common stocks listed on the NYSE.  Because the IDS
Stock Market Certificate was first available on Jan. 24, 1990, the
performance reflects the returns on the one-year anniversary date,
falling on a Wednesday, of each of the weeks shown.

The recent historical experience of an index should not be taken as
an indication of future performance of the stock market or the
certificate.  No assurance can be given that an index will not
decline or that certificate holders will receive interest on their
accounts beyond any minimum interest or fixed interest selected.

Calculation of return

The increase or decrease in the S&P 500 Index, as well as the
actual return paid to you, is calculated as follows:

<PAGE>
PAGE 162
Rate of return on S&P 500 Index

Term ending value of S&P 500 Index                minus
Term beginning value of S&P 500 Index             divided by
Term beginning value of S&P 500 Index             equals
Rate of return on S&P 500 Index

The actual return paid to you will depend on your interest
participation selection.

For example, assume:
   
     Term ending value of S&P 500 Index           458
     Term beginning value of S&P 500 Index        422
     Maximum return                                12%
     Minimum return                               3.5%
     Partial participation rate                    25%
    
             458   Term ending value of S&P 500 Index
   minus     422   Term beginning value of S&P 500 Index
  equals      36   Difference between beginning and ending values

              36   Difference between beginning and ending values
divided by   422   Term beginning value of S&P 500 Index
    equals  8.53%  Percent increase - full participation return
   
            8.53%  Percent increase or decrease
    times  25.00%  Partial participation rate
   equals   2.13%
     plus   3.50%  3.50% minimum interest rate
   equals   5.63%  Partial participation return

In both cases in the example, the return would be less than the 12%
maximum.
    
Maximum Return and Partial Participation Minimum Rate History - The
following table illustrates the maximum annual returns and partial
participation minimum rates that have been in effect since the
Stock Market Certificate was introduced.
   
                                                    Partial
                              Maximum            participation
     Purchase date         annual return         minimum rate  
     Jan. 24, 1990             18.00%                5.00%
     Feb. 5, 1992              18.00                 4.00
     May 13, 1992              15.00                 4.00
     Sept. 9, 1992             12.00                 3.00
     Nov. 11, 1992             10.00                 2.50
     Nov. 2, 1994              10.00                 2.75
     April 26, 1995            12.00                 3.50

    
<PAGE>
PAGE 163
Examples
   
To help you understand the way this certificate works, here are
some hypothetical examples.  The following are three different
examples of market scenarios and how they affect the certificate's
return.  Assume for all examples that you purchased the certificate
with a $10,000 original investment.  Also assume that the partial
participation rate is 25%, the minimum interest rate for partial
participation is 3.5%, and the maximum total return for full and
partial participation is 12%.
<TABLE><CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.           If the Market and the S&P 500 Index value rise                             
Week 1/Wed                                                                  Week 52/Tues
 S&P 500                                                                      S&P 500
Index 425                      8% Increase in the S&P 500 Index              Index 459  
<S>                                  <C>                                           
Full participation interest          Partial participation interest and Minimum interest
$10,000     Original investment      $10,000    Original investment
+   800     (8% x $10,000)           +   350    3.5% (Minimum interest rate) x $10,000
            Participation interest   +   200    25% x 8% x $10,000 participation interest
$10,800     Ending balance           $10,550    Ending balance 
            (8% total return)                   (5.5% total return)

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.           If the Market and the S&P 500 Index value fall                             
Week 1/Wed                                                                  Week 52/Tues
 S&P 500                                                                      S&P 500
Index 425                      4% Decrease in the S&P 500 Index              Index 408  
Full participation interest          Partial participation interest and Minimum interest
$10,000     Original investment      $10,000    Original investment
+     0     Participation interest   +   350    3.5% (Minimum interest rate) x $10,000
$10,000     Ending balance           +     0    Participation interest
            (0% Total return)        $10,350    Ending balance 
                                                (3.5% Total return)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.    If the Market and the S&P 500 Index value rise above maximum return               
Week 1/Wed                                                                  Week 52/Tues
 S&P 500                                                                      S&P 500
Index 425                      16% Increase in the S&P 500 Index             Index 493  
Full participation interest          Partial participation interest and Minimum interest
$10,000     Original investment      $10,000    Original investment
+ 1,200     (12% x $10,000)          +   350    3.5% (Minimum interest rate) x $10,000
            Maximum interest         +   400    (25% x 16% x $10,000) Participation interest
$11,200     Ending balance           $10,750    Ending balance 
            (12% Total return)                  (7.5% Total return)
</TABLE>    
About the S&P 500 Index

The description in this prospectus of the S&P 500 Index including
its make-up, method of calculation and changes in its components
are derived from publicly available information regarding the S&P
500 Index.  IDS Certificate Company (IDSC) does not assume any
responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such
information.

The S&P 500 Index is composed of 500 common stocks, most of which
are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.  The S&P 500 Index is
published by S&P and is intended to provide an indication of the
pattern of common stock movement.  S&P chooses the 500 stocks to be
included in the S&P 500 Index with the aim of achieving a
distribution by broad industry groupings that approximates the
distribution of these groupings in the common stock population of
the New York Stock Exchange.  Changes in the S&P 500 Index are
reported daily in the financial pages of many major newspapers.

<PAGE>
PAGE 164
"Standard & Poor's ", "S&P ", "S&P 500 ", "Standard & Poor's 500",
and "500" are trademarks of McGraw-Hill, Inc. and have been
licensed for use by IDSC.  The certificate is not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P.  S&P makes no representation or
warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the certificate or
any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in
securities generally or in the certificate particularly or the
ability of the S&P 500 Index to track general stock market
performance.  S&P's only relationship to IDSC is the licensing of
certain trademarks and trade names of S&P and of the S&P 500 Index
which is determined, composed and calculated by S&P without regard
to IDSC or the certificate.  S&P has no obligation to take the
needs of IDSC or the owners of the certificate into consideration
in determining, composing or calculating the S&P 500 Index.  S&P is
not responsible for and has not participated in the determination
of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the certificate to be
issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by
which the certificate is to be converted into cash.  S&P has no
obligation or liability in connection with the administration,
marketing or trading of the certificate.

S&P does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the
S&P 500 Index or any data included therein and S&P shall have no
liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions therein.  S&P
makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the results to be
obtained by IDSC, owners of the certificate, or any person or
entity from the use of the S&P 500 Index or any data included
therein.  S&P makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly
disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose or use with respect to the S&P 500 Index or any
data included therein.  Without limiting any of the foregoing, in
no event shall S&P have any liability for any special, punitive,
indirect, or consequential damages (including lost profits), even
if notified of the possibility of such damages.

If for any reason the S&P 500 Index were to become unavailable or
not reasonably feasible to use, we would use a comparable stock
market index for determining participation interest.  If this were
to occur, you would be sent a notice indicating the comparable
index that will be used and be given the option to surrender your
certificate, if desired, and receive your principal, without being
assessed a surrender charge.

Opportunities at the end of a term

Grace period:  When your certificate term ends, you have 14 days
before a new term automatically begins.  During this 14-day grace
period you can:

     o change your interest selection,

     o add money to your certificate,

     o withdraw part or all of your money without a withdrawal
       penalty or loss of interest, or

     o receive your interest in cash.<PAGE>
PAGE 165
Fixed interest only:  The grace period does not apply if you made
the change from fixed interest back to participation interest
during a term as discussed in "Fixed interest" under "Interest"
above.  Instead, your new 12-month term will begin on the Wednesday
following our receipt of your notice of your new interest
selection.
   
New term:  If you do not make changes, your certificate will
continue with your current selections when the new term begins 14
days later.  You will earn interim interest during this 14-day
grace period.  If you don't want to wait 14 days before starting
your next market participation term, you must give us written
instructions before your current term ends.  Or, you may phone in
your instructions and follow up the call with written verification. 
You can tell us to start your next term on any Wednesday during the
grace period following the date on which we receive your notice. 
Your notice may also tell us to change your interest selection, add
to your certificate or withdraw part of your money.  Term end
notification cannot be sent in advance because indexing information
and interest (if any) are included.  Any additional payments
received during the current term will be applied at the end of the
current term.  By starting your new term early and waiving the 14-
day grace period, you are choosing to start your next term without
knowing the ending value of your current term.
    
How to invest and withdraw funds

Buying your certificate
   
Your American Express Financial financial advisor will help you
fill out and submit an application to open an account with us and
purchase a certificate.  We will process the application at our
corporate offices in Minneapolis.  When your application is
accepted, you will receive a confirmation showing the acceptance
date, the date your term begins and the interest selection you have
made detailing your market participation percentage and/or the
guaranteed minimum interest rate for your first term.  After your
term begins, we will send you notice of the value of the S&P 500
Index on the day your term began.  The rates in effect on the date
we accept your application are the rates that apply to your
certificate.  See "Purchase policies" below.
    
IMPORTANT:  When opening an account, you must provide IDSC with
your correct Taxpayer Identification Number (Social Security Number
or Employer Identification Number).  See "Taxes on your earnings."

Purchase policies:

o If you purchase a certificate with a personal check or other non-
guaranteed funds, American Express Financial Corporation must
convert your check to federal funds (e.g., monies of member banks
within the Federal Reserve Bank) before your purchase will be
accepted and you begin earning interest.  This could take up to two
business days.
   
o IDSC has the authority to determine whether to accept an
application and sell a certificate.
    <PAGE>
PAGE 166
A number of special policies apply to purchases, withdrawals and
exchanges within IRAs, 401(k) plans and other qualified retirement
plans.  See "Retirement plans:  special policies."

Two ways to make additional investments at term end

1
By mail  

Send your check along with your name and account number to:

Regular mail:                           Express mail:
IDS Certificate Company                 IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization             Client Service Organization
IDS Tower 10                            733 Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010             Minneapolis, MN  55402

2
By wire

If you have an established account, you may wire money to:

Norwest Bank Minneapolis
Routing No. 091000019
Minneapolis, MN
Attn:  Domestic Wire Dept.

Give these instructions:  Credit IDS Account #00-30-015 for
personal account # (your account number) for (your name).

If this information is not included, the order may be rejected and
all money received less any costs IDSC incurs will be returned
promptly.

o    Minimum amount you may wire:  $1,000

o    Wire orders can be accepted only on days when your bank,
     American Express Financial Corporation, IDSC and Norwest Bank
     Minneapolis are open for business.

o    Wire purchases are completed when wired payment is received
     and we accept the purchase.

o    Bank wire purchases are not sent until the next business day.

o    Wire investments must be received and accepted in the
     Minneapolis headquarters on a business day before 3 p.m.
     Central time to be credited that day.  Otherwise your purchase
     will be processed the next business day.

o    IDSC, American Express Financial Corporation and its
     subsidiaries are not responsible for any delays that occur in
     wiring funds, including delays in processing by the bank.

o    You must pay any fee the bank charges for wiring.

<PAGE>
PAGE 167
Full and partial withdrawals

You may withdraw your certificate for its full value or make a
partial withdrawal of $100 or more at any time.  However:

o    Full and partial withdrawals of principal during a term are
     subject to penalties, described below.

o    You may not make a partial withdrawal if it would reduce your
     certificate balance to less than $1,000.  If you request such
     a withdrawal, we will contact you for revised instructions.

Penalties for withdrawal during a term:  If you withdraw money
during a term, you will pay a penalty of 2% of the principal
withdrawn.  (The 2% penalty is waived upon death of the certificate
holder or if it is for an IRA and you have reached age 70 1/2.)

When you request a full or partial withdrawal during a term, we pay
you from the principal of your certificate.

Loss of interest:  If you make a withdrawal at any time other than
at the end of the term, you will lose interest accrued on the
withdrawal amount since minimum and participation interest is
credited only at the end of a term.  However, accrued fixed and
interim interest will be paid to the date of the withdrawal.

Following are examples describing a $2,000 withdrawal during a term
for participation and fixed interest:

Participation interest

$10,000.00     Account balance
      0.00     Interest (interest is credited at the end of
               the term)
( 2,000.00)    Withdrawal of principal
    (40.00)    2% withdrawal penalty
$ 7,960.00     Balance after withdrawal.

               You will forfeit any accrued interest on the
               withdrawal amount.

Fixed interest

$10,000.00     Account balance
    100.00     Interest credited to date
   (100.00)    Withdrawal of credited interest
 (1,900.00)    Withdrawal of principal
    (38.00)    2% withdrawal penalty (on $1,900
               principal withdrawn)
$ 8,062.00     Balance after withdrawal.

Retirement plans:  In addition, you may be subject to IRS penalties
for early withdrawals if your certificate is in an IRA, 401(k) or
other qualified retirement plan account.

<PAGE>
PAGE 168
Other full and partial withdrawal policies:

o    If you request a partial or full withdrawal of a certificate
     recently purchased or added to by a check or money order that
     is not guaranteed, we will wait for your check to clear. 
     Please expect a minimum of 10 days from the date of your
     payment before IDSC mails a check to you.  (A check may be
     mailed earlier if your bank provides evidence that your check
     has cleared.)

o    If your certificate is pledged as collateral, any withdrawal
     will be delayed until we get approval from the secured party.

o    Any payments to you may be delayed under applicable rules,
     regulations or orders of the SEC.

Transfers to other accounts

You may transfer part or all of your certificate to any other IDSC
certificate or into another existing American Express Financial
Advisors Inc. account (subject to any terms and conditions that may
apply).

Two ways to request a withdrawal or transfer

1
By phone

Call between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. your local time:

1-800-437-3133 (toll free) or
(612) 671-3800 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)
   
TTY numbers:
1-800-846-4293 (toll free) or
(612) 671-1630 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)
    
o    Maximum phone request:  $50,000

o    Transfers into an American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
     account with the same ownership.

o    A telephone withdrawal request will not be allowed within 30
     days of a phoned-in address change.

o    We will honor any telephone request believed to be authentic
     and will use reasonable procedures to confirm that they are,
     such as asking identifying questions.  As long as the
     procedures are followed, neither IDSC nor American Express
     Financial Corporation will be liable for any loss resulting
     from fraudulent requests.

You may request that telephone withdrawals not be authorized from
your account by writing the Client Service Organization.
<PAGE>
PAGE 169
2
By mail

Send your name, account number and request for a withdrawal or
transfer to:

Regular mail:
IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010

Express mail:
IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization
733 Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN  55402

Written requests are required for:

o    Transactions over $50,000

o    Pension plans and custodial accounts where the minor has
     reached the age at which custodianship should terminate.

o    Transfers to another American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
     account with different ownership.  (All current registered
     owners must sign the request.)


Two ways to receive payment when you withdraw funds

1
By regular or express mail

o    Mailed to address on record; please allow seven days for
     mailing

o    Payable to name(s) you requested

o    For express mail, you will pay charges that vary depending on
     the courier you select.  For a partial withdrawal leaving a
     remaining balance of more than $1,000, these charges will be
     deducted from the remaining balance.  If the remaining balance
     is less than $1,000, or if it is a full withdrawal, charges
     are deducted from proceeds of the withdrawal.

2
By wire

o    Minimum wire withdrawal:  $500

o    Request that money be wired to your bank

o    Bank account must be in same ownership as IDSC account
<PAGE>
PAGE 170
o    Pre-authorization required.  Complete the bank wire
     authorization section in the application or use a form
     supplied by your American Express financial advisor.  All
     registered owners must sign.

o    A service fee, if any, may be deducted from your balance (for
     partial withdrawals) or from the proceeds of a full
     withdrawal.

Retirement plans:  special policies

o    If the certificate is purchased for a 401(k) plan or other
     qualified retirement plan account, the terms and conditions of
     the certificate apply to the plan as the holder of this
     certificate.  However, the terms of the plan, as interpreted
     by the plan trustee or administrator, will determine how a
     participant's individual account under the plan is
     administered.  These terms may differ from the terms of the
     certificate.

o    If your certificate is held in a Custodial Retirement Plan (or
     Keogh plan), special rules may apply at maturity.  If we
     receive no instructions directing us how to handle your
     certificate at maturity, the full value of the certificate
     will automatically transfer to a new or existing IDS Cash
     Management account according to rules outlined in the
     Custodial Retirement Plan Document.

o    The annual custodial fee for IRA or non-401(k) qualified
     retirement plans may be deducted from your certificate
     account.  It may reduce the amount payable at maturity or the
     amount received upon an early withdrawal.

o    Retirement plan withdrawals may be subject to withdrawal
     penalties or loss of interest even if they are not subject to
     federal tax penalties.

o    We will waive withdrawal penalties on withdrawals for IRA
     accounts of clients who have reached age 70 1/2.
   
o    If you withdraw all funds from your last account in an
     American Express Trust Company IRA, a $25 termination fee will
     apply.
    
o    The IRA termination fee will be waived if withdrawal occurs
     upon the holder's death.

Transfer of ownership
   
While the certificate is not negotiable, IDSC will transfer
ownership upon written notification to the Client Service
Organization.  However, if you have purchased your certificate for
an IRA, 401(k) plan or other qualified retirement plan, you may be
unable to transfer or assign the certificate without losing the
account's favorable tax status.  Please consult your tax advisor.
    <PAGE>
PAGE 171
For more information

For information on purchases, withdrawals, exchanges, transfers of
ownership, proper instructions and other service questions
regarding your certificate, please consult your American Express
financial advisor or call American Express Financial Corporation's
toll free client service number:
   
1-800-437-3133 
(TTY:  1-800-846-4293).
    
Taxes on your earnings

Participation and minimum interest on your certificate is taxable
when credited to your account.  Fixed and interim interest are
fully taxable as earned.  Each calendar year we provide certificate
owners and the IRS with reports of all earnings over $10 (Form
1099).  Withdrawals are reported to the certificate owner and the
IRS on Form 1099-B, Proceeds from Broker Transactions.

Revised proposed regulations:  The IRS has issued revised proposed
regulations governing the tax treatment of debt instruments which
provide for variable rates of interest, including interest based on
the price of property that is actively traded or on an index of the
prices of such property.  Under these revised proposed regulations,
the IDS Stock Market Certificate is likely to constitute a debt
instrument that would be treated as a variable rate debt instrument
(VRDI) rather than a contingent debt instrument (CDI).  If the
Stock Market Certificate constitutes a VRDI, then the income earned
on the certificate will be treated as original issue discount and
reported when credited to the holder's account.  If the certificate
is not treated as a VRDI, but rather is treated as a CDI, then the
holder may have taxable income to report, even though the holder
has not received any cash distributions.  Furthermore, the timing
and character of the income may be different from that of a VRDI. 
IDSC cannot guarantee whether the revised proposed regulations will
be adopted as final in this present form or will again be modified. 
As always, you should consult your tax advisor for information
regarding the tax implications of your certificate.

Retirement accounts

If you are using the certificate as an investment for an IRA,
401(k) plan account or other qualified retirement plan account,
income tax rules for your IRA or qualified plan apply.  Generally,
you will pay no income taxes on your investment's earnings--and, in
many cases, on part or all of the investment itself--until you
begin to make withdrawals.

IDSC will withhold federal income taxes of 10% on IRA withdrawals
unless you tell us not to.  IDSC is required to withhold federal
income taxes of 20% on most other qualified plan distributions,
unless the distribution is directly rolled over to another
qualified plan or IRA.
<PAGE>
PAGE 172
Withdrawals from retirement accounts are generally subject to a
penalty tax of 10% by the IRS if you make them before age 59 1/2,
unless you are disabled or if they are made by your beneficiary in
the event of your death.  (Other exceptions also may apply.)

Consult your tax advisor to see how these rules apply to you before
you request a distribution from your plan or IRA.

Gifts to minors

The certificate may be given to a minor under either the Uniform
Gifts or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UGMA/UTMA), whichever
applies in your state.  UGMAs/UTMAs are irrevocable.  Generally,
under federal tax laws, income over $1,200 on property owned by
children under age 14 will be taxed at the parents' marginal tax
rate, while income on property owned by children 14 or older will
be taxed at the child's rate.

Your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and backup withholding:
As with any financial account you open, you must list your current
and correct Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)--either your
Social Security or Employer Identification Number.  The TIN must be
certified under penalties of perjury on your application when you
open an account with IDSC.

If you don't provide the TIN to IDSC, or the TIN you report is
incorrect, you could be subject to backup withholding of 31% of
your interest earnings.  You could also be subject to further
penalties, such as:

o    $50 penalty for each failure to supply your correct TIN
o    a civil penalty of $500 if you make a false statement that
     results in no backup withholding
o    criminal penalties for falsifying information.

You could also be subject to backup withholding because you failed
to report interest on your tax return as required.

To help you determine the correct TIN to use on various types of
accounts, please use this chart:
   
How to determine the correct TIN
    
                                 Use the Social Security or
For this type of account         Employer Identification Number of

Individual or joint              The individual or first person
                                 listed on the account

Custodian account of a minor     The minor
(Uniform Gifts/Transfers to
Minors Act)

A living trust                   The grantor-trustee (the person
                                 who puts the money into the trust)

<PAGE>
PAGE 173
An irrevocable trust,            The legal entity (not the personal
pension trust or estate          representative or trustee, unless
                                 no legal entity is designated in
                                 the account title)

Sole proprietorship or           The owner or partnership
partnership

Corporate                        The corporation

Association, club or             The organization
tax-exempt organization

For details on TIN requirements, ask your personal financial
advisor or local American Express Financial Advisors Inc. office
for Federal Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number
and Certification.

Foreign investors

If you are not a citizen or resident of the United States, you must
supply IDSC with Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status when you
purchase your certificate, and you must resupply it every three
years.  You must also supply both a current mailing address and an
address of foreign residency, if different.  IDSC will not accept
purchases of certificates by nonresident aliens without an
appropriately certified Form W-8 (or approved substitute).  Also,
if you do not supply Form W-8 you will be subject to backup
withholding on interest payments and withdrawals.

It is most likely that interest on the certificate is "portfolio
interest" as defined in U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 871(h)
if earned by a nonresident alien.  However, if the certificate is
treated as a CDI, part of the earned income may be treated as
capital gain instead of portfolio interest.  Even though your
interest income or capital gain is not taxed by the U.S.
government, it will be reported at year end to you and to the U.S.
government on a Form 1042S, Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income
Subject to Withholding.  The United States participates in various
tax treaties with foreign countries, which provide for sharing of
tax information.

Estate tax:  If you are a nonresident alien and you die while
owning a certificate, IDSC will need a statement from persons IDSC
believes are knowledgeable about your estate.  The statement must
be in a form satisfactory to IDSC and must tell us that, on your
date of death, your estate did not include any property in the
United States for U.S. estate tax purposes.  If we do not receive
the statement, we generally will not take action regarding your
certificate until we receive a transfer certificate from the IRS.

In general, a transfer certificate requires the opening of an
estate in the United States and provides assurance that the IRS
will not claim your IDS certificate to satisfy estate taxes.
<PAGE>
PAGE 174
IMPORTANT:  This information is a brief and selective summary of
certain federal tax rules that apply to this certificate.  Tax
matters are highly individual and complex, and you should consult a
qualified tax adviser about your personal situation.

How your money is used and protected

Invested and guaranteed by IDSC
   
The IDS Stock Market Certificate is issued and guaranteed by IDSC,
a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial
Corporation.  We are by far the largest issuer of face amount
certificates in the United States, with total assets of more than
$3.0 billion and a net worth in excess of $141 million on Dec. 31,
1994.
    
We back our certificates by investing the money received and
keeping the invested assets on deposit.  Our investments generate
interest and dividends, out of which we pay:

o    interest to certificate holders
o    various expenses, including taxes, fees to American Express
     Financial Corporation for advisory and other services and
     distribution fees to American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
   
For a review of significant events relating to our business, see
"Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations."  Our certificates are not rated by a
national rating agency.
       
Most banks and thrifts offer investments known as certificates of
deposit (CDs) that are similar to our certificates in many ways. 
Early withdrawal of bank CDs often results in penalties.  Banks and
thrifts generally have federal deposit insurance for their deposits
and lend much of the money deposited to individuals, businesses and
other enterprises.  Other financial institutions and some insurance
companies may offer investments with comparable combinations of
safety and return on investment.
    
Regulated by government

Because the IDS Stock Market Certificate is a security, its offer
and sale are subject to regulation under federal and state
securities laws.  (It is a face-amount certificate--not a bank
product, an equity investment, a form of life insurance or an
investment trust.)
   
The federal Investment Company Act of 1940 requires us to keep
investments on deposit in a segregated custodial account to protect
all of our outstanding certificates.  These investments back the
entire value of your certificate account.  Their amortized cost
must exceed the required carrying value of the outstanding
certificates by at least $250,000.  As of Dec. 31, 1994, the
amortized cost of these investments exceeded the required carrying
value of our outstanding certificates by more than $121 million.
    
<PAGE>
PAGE 175
Backed by our investments

Our investments are varied and of high quality.  This was the
composition of our portfolio as of Dec. 31, 1994:
   
Type of investment                     Net amount invested
corporate and other bonds                     31%
government agency bonds                       27
preferred stocks                              23
mortgages                                      9
municipal bonds                                5
cash and cash equivalents                      5
    
More than 95% of our securities portfolio (bonds and preferred
stocks) is rated investment grade.  For additional information
regarding securities ratings, please refer to Note 3B in the
financial statements.

Most of our investments are on deposit with American Express Trust
Company (formerly IDS Trust Company), Minneapolis, although we also
maintain separate deposits as required by certain states.  American
Express Trust Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American
Express Financial Corporation.  Copies of our Dec. 31, 1994
schedule of Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers are
available upon request.  For comments regarding the valuation,
carrying values and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of
investment securities, see Notes 1, 2 and 3 to the financial
statements.

Investment policies

In deciding how to diversify the portfolio--among what types of
investments in what amounts--the officers and directors of IDSC use
their best judgment, subject to applicable law.  The following
policies currently govern our investment decisions:

Purchasing securities on margin:  We will not purchase any
securities on margin or participate on a joint basis or a joint-
and-several basis in any trading account in securities.

Commodities:  We have not and do not intend to purchase or sell
commodities or commodity contracts.

Underwriting:  We do not intend to engage in the public
distribution of securities issued by others.  However, if we
purchase unregistered securities and later resell them, we may be
considered an underwriter under federal securities laws.

Borrowing money:  From time to time we have established a line of
credit if management believed borrowing was necessary or desirable. 
While a line of credit does not currently exist, it may be
established again in the future.  We may pledge some of our assets
as security.  We may occasionally use repurchase agreements as a
way to borrow money.  Under these agreements, we sell debt <PAGE>
PAGE 176
securities to our lender, and repurchase them at the sales price
plus an agreed-upon interest rate within a specified period of
time.

Real estate:  We may invest directly in real estate, though we have
not generally done so in the past.  We do invest in mortgage loans.

Lending securities:  We may lend some of our securities to broker-
dealers and receive cash equal to the market value of the
securities as collateral.  We invest this cash in short-term
securities.  If the market value of the securities goes up, the
borrower pays us additional cash.  During the course of the loan,
the borrower makes cash payments to us equal to all interest,
dividends and other distributions paid on the loaned securities. 
We will try to vote these securities if a major event affecting our
investment is under consideration.

When-issued securities:  Most of our investments are in debt
securities, some of which are purchased on a when-issued basis.  It
may take as long as 45 days before these securities are issued and
delivered to us.  We generally do not pay for these securities or
start earning on them until delivery.  We have established
procedures to ensure that sufficient cash is available to meet
when-issued commitments.
   
Financial transactions:  We buy or sell various types of options
contracts for hedging purposes or as a trading technique to
facilitate securities purchases or sales.  We buy interest rate
caps for hedging purposes.  These pay us a return if interest rates
rise above a specified level.  If approved by the SEC, IDSC may
enter into financial transactions, including futures and other
derivatives, for the purpose of managing the interest rate
exposures associated with IDSC's assets or liabilities. 
Derivatives are financial instruments whose performance is derived,
at least in part, from the performance of an underlying asset,
security or index.  A small change in the value of the underlying
asset, security or index may cause a sizable gain or loss in the
fair value of the derivative.
    
Restrictions:  There are no restrictions on concentration of
investments in any particular industry or group of industries or on
rates of portfolio turnover.
   
How your money is managed
    
Relationship between IDSC and American Express Financial
Corporation

IDSC was originally organized as Investors Syndicate of America,
Inc., a Minnesota corporation, on Oct. 15, 1940, and began business
as an issuer of face amount investment certificates on Jan. 1,
1941.  The company became a Delaware corporation on Dec. 31, 1977,
and changed its name to IDS Certificate Company on April 2, 1984.
   
Before IDSC was created, American Express Financial Corporation
(formerly known as IDS Financial Corporation) had issued similar
certificates since 1894.  On Jan. 1, 1995, IDS Financial
<PAGE>
PAGE 177
Corporation Inc. became American Express Financial Corporation. 
IDSC and American Express Financial Corporation have never failed
to meet their certificate payments.

During its many years in operation, American Express Financial
Corporation has become a leading manager of investments in
mortgages and securities.  As of Dec. 31, 1994, American Express
Financial Corporation managed investments, including its own, of
more than $ 105 billion.  American Express Financial Advisors Inc.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial
Corporation, provides a broad range of financial planning services
for individuals and businesses through its nationwide network of
more than 175 offices and more than 7,800 personal financial
advisors.  American Express Financial Advisors' financial planning
services are comprehensive, beginning with a detailed written
analysis that's tailored to your needs.  Your analysis may address
one or all of these six essential areas:  financial position,
protection planning, investment planning, income tax planning,
retirement planning, and estate planning.

American Express Financial Corporation itself is a wholly owned
subsidiary of American Express Company, a financial services
company with executive offices at American Express Tower, World
Financial Center, New York, NY 10285.

American Express Company is a financial services company engaged
through subsidiaries in other business including:
    
o    travel related services (including American Express (trademark) Card and
     Travelers Cheque operations through American Express Travel
     Related Services Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries), and

o    international banking services (through American Express Bank
     Ltd. and its subsidiaries).

American Express Financial Advisors Inc. is not a bank, and the
securities offered by it, such as face amount certificates issued
by IDSC, are not backed or guaranteed by any bank, nor are they
insured by the FDIC.

Capital structure and certificates issued
   
IDSC has authorized, issued and has outstanding 150,000 shares of
common stock, par value of $10 per share.  American Express
Financial Corporation owns all of the outstanding shares.

As of Dec. 31, 1994, IDSC had issued (in face amount)
$12,727,756,065 of installment certificates and $13,016,532,575 of
single payment certificates.
    
Investment management and services

Under an Investment Advisory and Services Agreement, American
Express Financial Corporation acts as our investment adviser and is
responsible for:

<PAGE>
PAGE 178
o    providing investment research,
o    making specific investment recommendations
o    executing purchase and sale orders according to our policy of
     obtaining the best price and execution.

All these activities are subject to direction and control by our
board of directors and officers.  Our agreement with American
Express Financial Corporation requires annual renewal by our board,
including a majority of directors who are not interested persons of
American Express Financial Corporation or IDSC as defined in the
federal Investment Company Act of 1940.

For its services, we pay American Express Financial Corporation a
monthly fee, equal on an annual basis to a percentage of the total
book value of certain assets (included assets):

Advisory and Services Fee Computation:

Included assets            Percentage of total book value

First $250 million                    0.75%
Next 250 million                      0.65
Next 250 million                      0.55
Next 250 million                      0.50
Any amount over $1 billion            0.45

Included assets are all assets of IDSC except mortgage loans, real
estate, and any other asset on which we pay an advisory or service
fee.

Advisory and services fees for the past three years were:

                                        Percentage of
Year          Total fees                included assets
   
1994          $13,565,432                 0.51%
1993          $15,036,091                 0.50%
1992          $17,851,271                 0.50%
    
Estimated advisory and services fees for 1995 are $15,074,000.

Other expenses payable by IDSC:  The Investment Advisory and
Services Agreement provides that we will pay:

o    costs incurred by us in connection with real estate and
     mortgages,
o    taxes,
o    depository and custodian fees,
o    brokerage commissions,
o    fees and expenses for services not covered by other agreements
     and provided to us at our request, or by requirement, by
     attorneys, auditors, examiners and professional consultants
     who are not officers or employees of American Express
     Financial Corporation,
o    fees and expenses of our directors who are not officers or
     employees of American Express Financial Corporation,
<PAGE>
PAGE 179
o    provision for certificate reserves (interest accrued on
     certificate holder accounts), and
o    expenses of customer settlements not attributable to sales
     function.

Distribution
   
Under a Distribution Agreement with American Express Financial
Advisors Inc. we pay for the distribution of this certificate as
described below.

For certificates sold through American Express Financial Advisors
Inc. or through American Express Bank International (AEBI) and
Coutts & Co. (USA) International (Coutts) we pay distribution fees
as follows:
    
o    1.25% of the initial investment on the first day of the
     certificate's term, and

o    1.25% of the certificate's reserve at the beginning of each
     subsequent term.
   
For certificates sold through American Express Financial Services
Direct, we pay American Express Financial Advisors Inc. the
following:

o    1.00% of the initial investment on the first day of the
     certificate's term, and

o    1.00% of the certificate's reserve at the beginning of each
     subsequent term.

This fee is not assessed to your certificate account.

Total distribution fees paid to American Express Financial Advisors
Inc. for all series of certificates amounted to $34,534,747 during
the year ended Dec. 31, 1994.  We expect to pay American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. distribution fees amounting to $33,700,000
during 1995.
    
See Note 1 to financial statements regarding deferral of
distribution fee expense.
   
American Express Financial Advisors Inc. pays commissions to its
financial advisors and pays other selling expenses in connection
with services to us.  Our board of directors, including a majority
of directors who are not interested persons of American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. or IDSC, approved this distribution
agreement.

Selling Agent Agreements with AEBI and Coutts:  In turn, under
Selling Agent Agreements with AEBI and Coutts, American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. compensates each for their services as
Selling Agents of this certificate as follows:
    
<PAGE>
PAGE 180
o    AEBI is paid a fee equal to 1.0% per term of the principal
     amount of each certificate for which AEBI is the selling
     agent.
   
o    Coutts is paid a fee equal to 0.80% per term of the principal
     amount of each certificate for which Coutts is the selling
     agent.
    
Coutts is compensated on certificates owned by its clients who are
former clients of AEBI.  These clients must have continuously owned
a certificate since Nov. 10, 1994.  Coutts is also compensated on
additional investments and exchanges made by such clients to other
certificates only to the extent that a client has the right to make
additional investments or exchanges.

American Express Financial Advisors Inc. has entered into a
consulting agreement with AEBI under which AEBI provides consulting
services related to any selling agent agreements between American
Express Financial Advisors Inc. and other Edge Act corporations. 
For these services, American Express Financial Advisors Inc. pays
AEBI a fee for this certificate equal to 0.20% per term of the
principal amount of each certificate for which another Edge Act
corporation is the selling agent.

Such payments will be made quarterly in arrears.

These fees are not assessed to your certificate account.

About AEBI and Coutts
   
AEBI is an Edge Act corporation organized under the provisions of 
Section 25(a) of the Federal Reserve Act.  It is a wholly owned
subsidiary of American Express Bank Ltd. (AEBL).  As an Edge Act
corporation, AEBI is subject to the provisions of Section 25(a) of
the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation K of the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve).  It is
supervised and regulated by the Federal Reserve.

AEBI has an extensive international high net-worth client base that
is served by a marketing staff in New York and Florida.  The
banking and financial products offered by AEBI include checking,
money-market and time deposits, credit services, check collection
services, foreign exchange, funds transfer, investment advisory
services and securities brokerage services.  As of Dec. 31, 1994,
AEBI had total assets of $404 million and total equity of $136
million.
    
Coutts is an Edge Act corporation organized under the provisions of
Section 25(a) of the Federal Reserve Act. It is an indirect wholly
owned subsidiary of NatWest PLC.  As an Edge Act corporation,
Coutts is subject to the provisions of Section 25(a) if the Federal
Reserve Act and Regulation K of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve.  Coutts is supervised and regulated by the Federal
Reserve.

<PAGE>
PAGE 181
Although AEBI and Coutts are banking entities, the Stock Market
Certificate is not a bank product, nor is it backed or guaranteed
by AEBI or Coutts, by AEBL, by NatWest PLC or by any other bank,
nor is it guaranteed or insured by the FDIC or any other federal
agency.  AEBI is registered where necessary as a securities broker-
dealer.

Employment of other American Express affiliates
   
American Express Financial Corporation may employ an affiliate of
American Express Company as executing broker for our portfolio
transactions only if:
    
o    we receive prices and executions at least as favorable as
     those offered by qualified independent brokers performing
     similar services;
o    the affiliate charges us commissions consistent with those
     charged to comparable unaffiliated customers for similar
     transactions; and
o    the affiliate's employment is consistent with the terms of the
     current Investment Advisory and Services Agreement and federal
     securities laws.

Directors and officers

IDSC's directors, chairman, president and controller are elected
annually for a term of one year.  The other executive officers are
appointed by the president.
   
We paid a total of $37,000 during 1994 to directors not employed by
American Express Financial Corporation.
    
Board of directors

David R. Hubers* 
Age 52
Director since April 1987

President and chief executive officer of American Express Financial
Corporation since 1993.  Senior vice president and chief financial
officer of American Express Financial Corporation from 1984 to
1993.

Charles W. Johnson 
Age 65
Director since August 1989

Former vice president and group executive, Industrial Systems, with
Honeywell Inc.  Retired 1989.

Edward Landes  
Age 75  
Director since May 1984

Development consultant.  Former sales manager - Supplies Division
and district manager - Data Processing Division of IBM Corporation. 
Retired 1983.<PAGE>
PAGE 182
John V. Luck Ph.D.
Age 69
Director since April 1987

Former senior vice president - Science and Technology with General
Mills, Inc.  Employed with General Mills Inc. since 1970.  Retired
1987.

James A. Mitchell*
Age 54
Director since January 1994 

Chairman of the board of directors since February, 1994.  Executive
vice president - marketing and products of American Express
Financial Corporation since February 1994.  Senior vice president -
insurance operations of American Express Financial Corporation and
president and chief executive officer of IDS Life Insurance Company
from 1986 to 1994.

Harrison Randolph 
Age 79
Director since 1968

Gordon H. Ritz 
Age 67
Director since 1968

President, Con Rad Broadcasting Corp.  Director, Sunstar Foods and
Mid-America Publishing.

Stuart A. Sedlacek 
Age 37  
Director since January 1994 

President since February 1994.  Vice president - assured assets of
American Express Financial Corporation since March 1994.  Vice
president and portfolio manager from 1988 to 1994.  Executive vice
president - assured assets of IDS Life Insurance Company since
March 1994.

*"Interested Person" of IDSC as that term is defined in Investment
Company Act of 1940.

Executive officers
   
Stuart A. Sedlacek 
Age 37
President since February 1994
    
<PAGE>
PAGE 183
Louis C. Fornetti 
Age 45  
Vice president since January 1990

Chief financial officer of American Express Financial Corporation
since 1993 and senior vice president, corporate controller and
director of American Express Financial Corporation since 1988.

Morris Goodwin Jr. 
Age 43
Vice president and treasurer since 1989.
   
Vice president and corporate treasurer of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1989.  Chief financial officer and
treasurer of American Express Trust Company from 1988 to 1989.
    
Colleen Curran 
Age 42  
Secretary since 1990

Secretary and assistant vice president of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1990.  Senior counsel to American
Express Financial Corporation since 1990.  Counsel from 1985 to
1990.

Lorraine R. Hart
Age 43
Vice president-investments since February 1994.

Vice President - insurance investments of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1989.  Vice president, investments of
IDS Life Insurance Company since 1992.

Jay C. Hatlestad
Age 37
Vice president and controller of IDS Certificate Company since
1994.

Manager of investment accounting of IDS Life Insurance Company from
1986 to 1994.

Bruce A. Kohn 
Age 44
Vice president and general counsel since 1993.

Counsel to American Express Financial Corporation since 1992. 
Associate counsel from 1987 to 1992.

<PAGE>
PAGE 184
F. Dale Simmons 
Age 57
Vice president - Real Estate Loan Management since 1993.

Vice president of American Express Financial Corporation since
1992.  Senior portfolio manager of American Express Financial
Corporation since 1989.  Assistant vice president from 1987 to
1992.  
   
The officers and directors as a group beneficially own less than 1%
of the common stock of American Express Company.

IDSC has provisions in its bylaws relating to the indemnification
of its officers and directors against liability, as permitted by
law.  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or
persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of
the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.
    
Auditors

A firm of independent auditors audits our financial statements at
the close of each fiscal year (Dec. 31).  Copies of our annual
financial statements (audited) and semiannual financial statements
(unaudited) are available to any certificate holder upon request. 
   
Ernst & Young LLP, Minneapolis, has audited the financial
statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended
Dec. 31, 1994  These statements are included in this prospectus. 
Ernst & Young LLP is also the auditor for American Express Company,
the parent company of American Express Financial Corporation and
IDSC.

Other certificates issued by IDSC:  Your American Express financial
advisor can give you more information on four other certificates
issued by IDSC.  These certificates offer a wide range of
investment terms and features.
    
IDS Cash Reserve Certificate -  A single payment certificate that
permits additional investments and guarantees interest in advance
for a three-month term.
   
IDS Flexible Savings Certificate - A single payment certificate
that permits additional investments and on which IDSC guarantees
interest in advance for a term of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 or 36 months.
    
IDS Future Value Certificate - A single payment certificate that
guarantees interest in advance for four, five, six, seven, eight,
nine or ten-year maturity.

IDS Installment Certificate - An installment payment certificate
that declares interest in advance for a three-month period and
offers bonuses in the third through sixth years for regular
investments.<PAGE>
PAGE 185
                PART I. CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FOR PROSPECTUS
                          PURSUANT TO RULE 404(c)
                         IDS STOCK MARKET CERTIFICATE - AEBI
                              AND VARIATIONS

                                                                
                                             
Item                            Caption in   
Number                          Prospectus   
                                                                
Item 1. Forepart of the                   
Registration Statement                                          
and Outside Front Cover                                         
Page of Prospectus.                                             
                                                                
                                                                
Item 2. Inside Front and        Where to get information about 
Outside Back Cover Pages        IDSC;  Table of Contents.          

of Prospectus.                                         
                                                                
Item 3. Summary Informa-        About the certificate          
tion, Risk Factors                                              
and Ratio of Earnings                                           
to Fixed Charges.                                               
                                                                
Item 4. Use of Proceeds.        How your money is used and     
                                protected; Investment policies      
                             
Item 5. Determination of        Not Applicable.                  
Offering Price.                                  
                                                                
Item 6. Dilution.               Not Applicable.                  

Item 7. Selling Security        Not Applicable.                   
Holders                         
                                                                
Item 8. Plan of                 How your certificate              
Distribution.                   is managed. 

           
Item 9. Description of          About the Certificate;           
Securities to Be                How to invest and withdraw       
Registered.                     funds.                      
                                Taxes on your earnings.          


Item 10. Interests of           Not Applicable.                  
Named Experts and Counsel.                                      

<PAGE>
PAGE 186
                    PART I. CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FOR PROSPECTUS
                            PURSUANT TO RULE 404(c) (Continued)

                                                                
                                                                
                                                                 
Item                            Caption in                       
Number                          Prospectus                       
                                                                
Item 11. Information with       Invested and guaranteed by 
Respect to the Registrant.      IDSC; Regulated by government; 
                                Relationship between IDSC and  
                                American Express Financial 
                                Corporation; Capital structure 
                                and certificates issued; 
                                Directors and Officers.

Item 12. Disclosure of          Directors and Officers        
Commission Position on          
Indemnification for        
Securities Act Liabilities.

                                                                
                                                                
                                                                
<PAGE>
PAGE 187
IDS Stock Market Certificate

Prospectus  April 26, 1995

Potential for stock market growth with safety of principal
   
IDS Stock Market Certificates are issued by IDS Certificate Company
(IDSC) (the Issuer).  You can purchase this certificate with a
single investment of at least $1,000 but not more than $1 million
(unless you receive prior authorization from the Issuer to invest
more).  As long as you stay within this limit, you can make
additional investments at the end of a term.  Your principal is
guaranteed by the Issuer.  You can participate in any increase of
the stock market based on the S&P 500 Index while protecting your
principal.  In addition, you decide whether part of your return
will be guaranteed by IDSC or whether all of it will be tied to the
market.  You can keep your certificate for up to 14 terms.
    
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.

This prospectus describes terms and conditions of your IDS Stock
Market Certificate.  It contains facts that can help you decide if
the certificate is the right investment for you.  Read the
prospectus before you invest and keep it for future reference.  No
one has the authority to change the terms and conditions of the IDS
Stock Market Certificate as described in the prospectus, or to bind
the Issuer by any statement not in it.
   
THE CERTIFICATE IS NOT A DEPOSIT OR OBLIGATION OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK OR OTHER ENTITY, AND IS NOT FEDERALLY INSURED
BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE
BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
    
Issuer:                             Distributor:
IDS Certificate Company             American Express       
IDS Tower 10                        Financial Advisors Inc.
Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010         IDS Tower 10
1-800-437-3133  (toll free) or      Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010
(612) 671-3800 (Minneapolis/         
                St. Paul area)       
                                    Selling Agents:
                                    American Express
TTY numbers:                        Bank International
1-800-846-4293 (toll free) or       American Express Tower
(612) 671-1630 (Minneapolis/        World Financial Center
                St. Paul area)      New York, NY  10285-2300

                                    Coutts & Co (USA) International
                                    421 North Rodeo Drive
                                    Penthouse 1
                                    Beverly Hills, CA  90210-4539
<PAGE>
PAGE 188
Where to get information about the Issuer

The Issuer is subject to the reporting requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Reports and other information on
the Issuer are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC).  Copies can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of
the SEC, 450 5th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates.  Or you can inspect and copy information in person at the
SEC's Public Reference Section and at the following regional
offices:

Northeast Regional Office
7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300
New York, NY  10048

Midwest Regional Office
Northwestern Atrium Center
500 West Madison St., Suite 1400
Chicago, IL  60611

Pacific Regional Office
5670 Wilshire Blvd., 11th Floor
Los Angeles, CA  90036

Initial interest and participation rates

The Issuer guarantees return of your principal.  The interest on
your certificate is linked to stock market performance as measured
by the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (S&P 500 Index) as
explained under "About the certificate," below.

Here are the interest rates and market participation percentages in
effect on the date of this prospectus, April 26, 1995:
   
Maximum return   Market participation percentage   Minimum interest
     12%             100%  (full)                   None
     12%              25%  (partial)                Currently 3.75%

These rates may or may not be in effect when you apply to purchase
your certificate.  For your first term, if you choose the partial
participation option for your certificate, your minimum interest
rate will be between 2.75% and 3.75%.  Rates for later terms are
set at the discretion of the Issuer and may differ from the rates
shown here.  We reserve the right to issue other securities with
different provisions.    <PAGE>
PAGE 189
Table of contents

About the certificate
Investment amounts                                         p
Face amount and principal                                  p
Certificate term                                           p
Value at maturity                                          p
Receiving cash before end of the term                      p
Interest                                                   p
Promotions and pricing flexibility                         p
Historical data on the S&P 500 Index                       p 
Calculation of return                                      p
About the S&P 500 Index                                    p 
Opportunities at the end of a term                         p
   
How to invest and withdraw funds
Buying your certificate                                    p 
Full and partial withdrawals                               p
Other full and partial withdrawal policies                 p
Transfers to other accounts                                p
Transfer of ownership                                      p
For more information                                       p
    
Taxes on your earnings 
Foreign investors                                          p

How your money is used and protected
Invested and guaranteed by the Issuer                      p
Regulated by government                                    p 
Backed by our investments                                  p
Investment policies                                        p
   
How your money is managed
Relationship between the Issuer 
  and American Express Financial Corporation               p
Capital structure and certificates issued                  p
Investment management and services                         p
Distribution                                               p
About American Express Bank International and Coutts       p
Employment of other American Express affiliates            p
Directors and officers                                     p
Auditors                                                   p
    
Annual Financial information
Summary of selected financial information                  p
Management's discussion and analysis of financial 
  condition and results of operations                      p
Report of independent auditors                             p

Financial statements                                       p

Notes to financial statements                              p
<PAGE>
PAGE 190
About the certificate

Investment amounts

You may purchase the IDS Stock Market Certificate with a single
investment of at least $1,000 but not more than $1 million payable
in U.S. currency.  You may also make additional lump-sum
investments in any amount at the end of any term as long as your
total amount paid in is not more than the $1 million.

Face amount and principal

The face amount of your certificate is the amount of your initial
investment.  Your principal is the value of your certificate at the
beginning of each subsequent term.  Your principal is guaranteed by
the Issuer.  It consists of the amount you actually invest plus
interest and any additional investment you make less withdrawals,
penalties and any interest paid to you in cash.

For example:  Assume your initial investment (face amount) of
$10,000 has earned a return of 7.25%.  Interest is credited to your
account at the end of the term.  You have not taken any interest as
cash, or made any withdrawals.  You have invested an additional
$2,500 prior to the beginning of the next term.  Your principal for
the next term will equal:

          $10,000.00     Face Amount (initial investment)
     plus     725.00     Interest credited to your account at the
                         end of the term
     plus       5.00     Interim interest (See "Interim interest")
     minus    ($0.00)    Interest paid to you in cash
     plus   2,500.00     Additional investment to your certificate
     minus    ($0.00)    Withdrawals and applicable penalties
          $13,230.00     Principal at the beginning of the next
                         term.

Certificate term

Your first certificate term is a 12-month period that begins on the
Wednesday after your application is accepted and ends the Tuesday
before the one-year anniversary of its acceptance.  For example, if
your application is accepted on a Wednesday, your first term would
begin the next Wednesday.  Your certificate will earn interest at
the interim interest rate then in effect until the term begins.  It
will not earn any participation interest until the term begins.  If
you choose to continue to receive participation interest,
subsequent terms are 12-month periods that begin on the Wednesday
following the 14-day grace period at the end of the prior 12-month
term.  You may begin your next term on any Wednesday during the 14-
day period by providing prior written instructions to the Issuer. 
If you choose to receive fixed interest, subsequent terms will be
up to 12 months as described in "Fixed interest" under "Interest"
below.<PAGE>
PAGE 191
Value at maturity

Your certificate matures after 14 terms, and you will receive a
check for its value.  At maturity, the value of your certificate
will be the total of your actual investments, plus credited
interest not paid to you in cash, less any withdrawals and
withdrawal penalties.  Certain other fees may apply.

Receiving cash before end of the term

If you need money before your certificate term ends, you may
withdraw part or all of its value at any time, less any penalties
that apply.  Procedures for withdrawing money, as well as
conditions under which penalties apply, are described in "Full and
partial withdrawals" under "How to invest and withdraw funds."

Interest

You may select from two types of participation interest for your
first term.  The two types are 1) full participation, or 2) partial
participation together with minimum interest.  Both of these
options have an upper limit which is the maximum annual return
explained below.  After your first term, you may choose not to
participate in any market movement and receive a fixed rate of
interest.
   
Full participation interest:  With this option you participate 100%
in any percentage increase in the S&P 500 Index up to the maximum
return.  You earn interest only if the value of the S&P 500 Index
is higher on the last day of your term than it was on the first day
of your term.  Thus, your return is linked to stock market
performance.  The S&P 500 Index is frequently used to measure the
relative performance of the stock market.  For a more detailed
discussion of the S&P 500 Index, see "About the S&P 500 Index."

Partial participation and minimum interest:  This option allows you
to participate in a certain part (market participation rate) of any
increase in the S&P 500 Index together with a rate of interest
guaranteed by IDSC in advance for each term (minimum interest). 
Your return is composed of two parts:
     1.  A percentage of any increase in the S&P 500 Index, and
     2.  A rate of interest guaranteed by IDSC in advance for each
         term.
Together, they cannot exceed the maximum return.

If you choose the partial participation option for your first term,
the minimum interest paid on your certificate will be between 2.75%
and 3.75%
    
The market participation rate and the minimum interest rate on the
date of this prospectus are listed on the inside cover under
"Initial interest and participation rates."

Fixed interest:  After your first term, this option allows you to
stop participating in the market entirely for one or more terms. 
You may choose to receive a fixed rate of interest for any term
after the first term.  During the term when you are receiving fixed<PAGE>
PAGE 192
interest, you can change from your fixed interest selection to
again participate in the market.  If you make the change from fixed
interest to participation interest, your next term would begin on
the Wednesday following our receipt of notice of your new
selection.  In this way, you may have a term (during which you
would earn fixed interest) that is less than 12 months.  You may
not change from participation interest to fixed interest during a
term.

Maximum annual return:  This is the cap, or upper limit, of your
return.  Your total return including both participation and minimum
interest for a term for which you have chosen participation
interest will be limited to this maximum return percentage.
   
Determining the S&P 500 Index value:  The stock market closes at 3
p.m. Central time and the S&P 500 Index value is available at
approximately 4:30 p.m.  This is the value we currently use to
determine participation interest.  Occasionally, Standard & Poor's
Corporation (S&P) makes minor adjustments to the closing value
after 4:30 p.m. and the value we use may not be exactly the one
that is published the next business day.  In the future, we may use
a later time cut-off if it becomes feasible to do so.  If the stock
market is not open or the S&P 500 Index is unavailable as of the
last day of your term, the preceding business day for which a value
is available will be used instead.  Each Tuesday's closing value of
the S&P 500 Index is used for establishing the term start and the
term end values each week.

Interim interest:  When we accept your application, we pay interim
interest to your account for the time before your first term
begins.  We also pay interim interest for the 14-day period between
terms unless you write to ask us to begin your next term earlier. 
You may withdraw this interest in cash at any time before it
becomes part of your certificate's principal without withdrawal
penalty.  If it is not withdrawn, the interest will become part of
your certificate's  principal at the start of the next succeeding
term.  For example, the interest you earn between the end of the
first and the beginning of the second term will become part of the
principal at the start of your third term.  Interim interest rates
for the time before your first term begins will be within a range 0
to 100 basis points (0% to 1%) above the average interest rate
published for 12-month certificates of deposit in the BANK RATE
MONITOR Top 25 Market AverageTM (the BRM Average), North Palm
Beach, FL 33408.  If the BRM Average is no longer publicly
available or feasible to use, IDSC may use another, similar index
as a guide for setting rates.

The BANK RATE MONITOR is a weekly magazine published in North Palm
Beach, FL 33408 by Advertising News Service Inc., an independent
national news organization that collects and disseminates
information about bank products and interest rates.  Advertising
News Service has no connection with the Issuer, American Express
Financial Corporation or any of their affiliates.  

The BRM Average is an index of rates and annual effective yields
offered on various length certificates of deposit by large banks
and thrifts in 25 metropolitan areas.  The frequency of compounding<PAGE>
PAGE 193
varies among the banks and thrifts.  Certificates of deposit in the
BRM Average are government insured fixed-rate time deposits.

The BANK RATE MONITOR may be available in your local library.  To
obtain information or current BRM Average rates, call the Client
Service Organization at 1-800-437-3133 (TTY:  1-800-846-4293).

Earning interest:  Participation interest is calculated, credited
and compounded at the end of your certificate term.  Minimum
interest accrues daily and is credited and compounded at the end of
your certificate term.  Fixed interest accrues and is credited
daily and compounds at the end of your term.  Both minimum and
fixed interest are calculated on a 30-day month and 360-day year
basis.  Interim interest accrues and is credited daily and
compounds at the end of your term immediately following the period
in which interim interest is credited.
    
Rates for future periods:  After the initial term, the maximum
return, market participation percentage or minimum interest rate on
your certificate may be greater or less than those shown on the
front of this prospectus.  In setting future interest rates, a
primary consideration will be the prevailing investment climate. 
Rates are reviewed weekly, and we have complete discretion as to
what interest rate will be declared.

To find out what your certificate's new maximum return, market
participation percentage and minimum interest rate will be for your
next term, please consult:

o    Your American Express Bank International (AEBI) relationship
     manager.

o    Your Coutts & Co (USA) International (Coutts) relationship
     officer.
   
o    The Issuer's Client Service Organization at 1-800-437-3133
     (TTY: 1-800-846-4293).
    
Promotions and pricing flexibility

From time to time, the Issuer may sponsor or participate in
promotions involving one or more of the certificates and their
respective terms.  For example, we may offer different rates to new
clients, to existing clients, or to individuals who purchase or use
products or services offered by American Express Financial Advisors
Inc. or its affiliates.  These promotions will generally be for a
specified period of time.  We also may offer different rates based
on your amount invested, maturity selected, geographic location and
whether the certificate is purchased for an IRA or a qualified
retirement account.

Historical Data on the S&P 500 Index

The following chart illustrates the month-end closing values of the 
index from Dec. 31, 1983 through Feb. 28, 1995.  The values of the
S&P 500 Index are reprinted with the permission of S&P.<PAGE>
PAGE 194
   
          S&P 500 Index values - December 1983 to February 1995

400


300       Chart shows closing values of the S&P from above 100 in
          1984 to end near 500 in Feb. 1995

200
                        ____S&P 500

100

84   85    86    87    88    89    90    91    92    93    94    95


S&P 500 Index Average Annual Return

Beginning date              Period held             Average annual
   Dec. 31,                  in years                   return
___________________________________________________________________ 
    1984                        10                      10.63%
    1989                         5                       5.38
    1993                         1                      -1.55
    
The next chart illustrates, on a moving 12-month basis, the price
return of the S&P 500 Index measured for every 12-month period
beginning with the period ended Dec. 31, 1984.  The price return is
the percentage return for each period using month-end closing
prices of the S&P 500 Index.  Dividends and other distributions on
the securities comprising the S&P 500 Index are not included in
calculating the price return.
   
          S&P 500 Index - December 1984 to February 1995

40%
            Chart shows 12-month Moving Price Return of the
            S&P from a high of 40% to a low of -20%

20%



0%



- -20%

   85    86    87    88    89    90    91    92   93   94   95
    
Using the same data on price returns described above, the next
graph expands on the information in the preceding chart by
illustrating the distribution of all of the 12-month price returns
of the S&P 500 Index beginning with the 12-month period ending Dec.
31, 1984.  The graph also shows the number of times these price
returns fell within certain ranges.<PAGE>
PAGE 195
   
          S&P 500 Index - December 1984 to February 1995

20

         Chart shows the distribution of all of the 12-month
         price returns of the S&P 500 from 12/1/84 through
15       2/28/95 with a high of just over 20 and a low between
         0 and 5


10



5

- -15%    -10     -5      0      5     10     15     20     25     30
    
The last chart illustrates, on a moving weekly basis, the actual
12-month return of the IDS Stock Market Certificate at full and
partial participation compared to the price return of the NYSE
Composite IndexR through October 1992 and the S&P 500 Index after
October 1992.  For non-guaranteed funds received before Nov. 3,
1992, and guaranteed funds received before Nov. 4, 1992, IDS Stock
Market Certificate participation interest was based on the NYSE
Composite IndexR rather than the S&P 500 Index.
   
<TABLE><CAPTION>
          Actual 12-month return 1/22/91 to 2/8/95
<S>       <C>
30%

25%

20%       Chart shows actual returns of the certificate at full
          and 25% participation with the full participation
15%       generally tracking the market indexes over the period
          and 25% level of participation tracking at the 25%
10%       level of return.

 5%                       ----Market Index
                          ****Stock Market Full Participation
 0%                       ....Stock Market 25% Participation

1/91 4/91 7/91 10/91 1/92 4/92 7/92 10/92 1/93 4/93 7/93 10/93 2/94 4/94 7/94 10/94 2/95
</TABLE>    
The NYSE Composite IndexR is a registered service mark of the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc. (NYSE) and is a composite covering price
movements of all common stocks listed on the NYSE.  Because the IDS
Stock Market Certificate was first available on Jan. 24, 1990, the
performance reflects the returns on the one-year anniversary date,
falling on a Wednesday, of each of the weeks shown.

The recent historical experience of an index should not be taken as
an indication of future performance of the stock market or the
certificate.  No assurance can be given that an index will not
decline or that certificate holders will receive interest on their
accounts beyond any minimum interest or fixed interest selected.<PAGE>
PAGE 196
Calculation of return

The increase or decrease in the S&P 500 Index, as well as the
actual return paid to you, is calculated as follows:

Rate of return on S&P 500 Index

Term ending value of S&P 500 Index                minus
Term beginning value of S&P 500 Index             divided by
Term beginning value of S&P 500 Index             equals
Rate of return on S&P 500 Index

The actual return paid to you will depend on your interest
participation selection.

For example, assume:
   
     Term ending value of S&P 500 Index           458
     Term beginning value of S&P 500 Index        422
     Maximum return                                12%
     Minimum return                              3.75%
     Partial participation rate                    25%
    
             458   Term ending value of S&P 500 Index
   minus     422   Term beginning value of S&P 500 Index
  equals      36   Difference between beginning and ending values

              36   Difference between beginning and ending values
divided by   422   Term beginning value of S&P 500 Index
    equals  8.53%  Percent increase - full participation return
   
            8.53%  Percent increase or decrease
    times  25.00%  Partial participation rate
   equals   2.13%
     plus   3.75%  3.75% minimum interest rate
   equals   5.88%  Partial participation return
    
In both cases in the example, the return would be less than the 12%
maximum.

Maximum Return and Partial Participation Minimum Rate History - The
following table illustrates the maximum annual returns and partial
participation minimum rates that have been in effect since the
Stock Market Certificate was introduced.
       
                                                 Partial
                              Maximum            participation
     Purchase date         annual return         minimum rate  
     Jan. 24, 1990             18.00%                5.00%
     Feb. 5, 1992              18.00                 4.00
     May 13, 1992              15.00                 4.00
     Sept. 9, 1992             12.00                 3.00
     Nov. 11, 1992             10.00                 2.50
     Nov. 2, 1994              10.00                 2.75
     April 26, 1995            12.00                 3.75

    <PAGE>
PAGE 197
   
Examples:  To help you understand the way this certificate works,
here are some hypothetical examples.  The following are three
different examples of market scenarios and how they affect the
certificate's return.  Assume for all examples that you purchased
the certificate with a $10,000 original investment.  Also assume
that the partial participation rate is 25%, the minimum interest
rate for partial participation is 3.75%, and the maximum total
return for full and partial participation is 12%.
<TABLE><CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.           If the Market and the S&P 500 Index value rise                             
Week 1/Wed                                                                  Week 52/Tues
 S&P 500                                                                      S&P 500
Index 425                      8% increase in the S&P 500 Index              Index 459  
<S>                                  <C> 
Full participation interest          Partial participation interest and minimum interest
$10,000     Original investment      $10,000    Original investment
+   800     (8% x $10,000)           +   375    3.75% (minimum interest rate) x $10,000
            Participation interest   +   200    25% x (8% x $10,000) participation interest
$10,800     Ending balance           $10,575    Ending balance 
            (8% total return)                   (5.75% total return)

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.           If the Market and the S&P 500 Index value fall                             
Week 1/Wed                                                                  Week 52/Tues
 S&P 500                                                                      S&P 500
Index 425                      4% decrease in the S&P 500 Index              Index 408  
Full participation interest          Partial participation interest and minimum interest
$10,000     Original investment      $10,000    Original investment
+     0     Participation interest   +   375    3.75% (Minimum interest rate) x $10,000
$10,000     Ending balance           +     0    Participation interest
            (0% total return)        $10,375    Ending balance 
                                                (3.75% total return)

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.    If the Market and the S&P 500 Index value rise above maximum return               
Week 1/Wed                                                                  Week 52/Tues
 S&P 500                                                                      S&P 500
Index 425                      16% increase in the S&P 500 Index             Index 493  
Full Participation interest          Partial participation interest and minimum interest
$10,000     Original investment      $10,000    Original investment
+ 1,200     (12% x $10,000)          +   375    3.75% (Minimum interest rate) x $10,000
            Maximum interest         +   400    (25% x 16% x $10,000) Participation interest
$11,200     Ending balance           $10,775    Ending balance 
            (12% Total return)                  (7.75% total return)
</TABLE>
    
About the S&P 500 Index

The description in this prospectus of the S&P 500 Index including
its make-up, method of calculation and changes in its components
are derived from publicly available information regarding the S&P
500 Index.  The Issuer does not assume any responsibility for the
accuracy or completeness of such information.

The S&P 500 Index is composed of 500 common stocks, most of which
are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.  The S&P 500 Index is
published by S&P and is intended to provide an indication of the
pattern of common stock movement.  S&P chooses the 500 stocks to be
included in the S&P 500 Index with the aim of achieving a
distribution by broad industry groupings that approximates the
distribution of these groupings in the common stock population of
the New York Stock Exchange.  Changes in the S&P 500 Index are
reported daily in the financial pages of many major newspapers.
<PAGE>
PAGE 198
"Standard & Poor'sR", "S&PR", "S&P 500R", "Standard & Poor's 500",
and "500" are trademarks of McGraw-Hill, Inc. and have been
licensed for use by the Issuer.  The certificate is not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P.  S&P makes no representation or
warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the certificate or
any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in
securities generally or in the certificate particularly or the
ability of the S&P 500 Index to track general stock market
performance.  S&P's only relationship to the Issuer is the
licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of S&P and of the
S&P 500 Index which is determined, composed and calculated by S&P
without regard to the Issuer or the certificate.  S&P has no
obligation to take the needs of the Issuer or the owners of the
certificate into consideration in determining, composing or
calculating the S&P 500 Index.  S&P is not responsible for and has
not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at,
or quantities of the certificate to be issued or in the
determination or calculation of the equation by which the
certificate is to be converted into cash.  S&P has no obligation or
liability in connection with the administration, marketing or
trading of the certificate.

S&P does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the
S&P 500 Index or any data included therein and S&P shall have no
liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions therein.  S&P
makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the results to be
obtained by the Issuer, owners of the certificate, or any person or
entity from the use of the S&P 500 Index or any data included
therein.  S&P makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly
disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose or use with respect to the S&P 500 Index or any
data included therein.  Without limiting any of the foregoing, in
no event shall S&P have any liability for any special, punitive,
indirect, or consequential damages (including lost profits), even
if notified of the possibility of such damages.

If for any reason the S&P 500 Index were to become unavailable or
not reasonably feasible to use, we would use a comparable stock
market index for determining participation interest.  If this were
to occur, you would be sent a notice indicating the comparable
index that will be used and be given the option to surrender your
certificate, if desired, and receive your principal, without being
assessed a surrender charge.

Opportunities at the end of a term

Grace period:  When your certificate term ends, you have 14 days
before a new term automatically begins.  During this 14-day grace
period you can:

     o    change your interest selection,

     o    add money to your certificate,

<PAGE>
PAGE 199
     o    withdraw part or all of your money without a withdrawal
          penalty or loss of interest, or

     o    receive your interest in cash.

Fixed interest only:  The grace period does not apply if you made
the change from fixed interest back to participation interest
during a term as discussed in "Fixed interest" under "Interest"
above.  Instead, your new 12-month term will begin on the Wednesday
following our receipt of your notice of your new interest
selection.
   
New term:  If you do not make changes, your certificate will
continue with your current selections when the new term begins 14
days later.  You will earn interim interest during this 14-day
grace period.  If you don't want to wait 14 days before starting
your next market participation term, you must give us written
instructions before your current term ends.  Or, you may phone in
your instructions and follow up the call with written verification. 
You can tell us to start your next term on any Wednesday during the
grace period following the date on which we receive your notice. 
Your notice may also tell us to change your interest selection, add
to your certificate or withdraw part of your money.  Term end
notification cannot be sent in advance because indexing information
and interest (if any) are included.  Any additional payments
received during the current term will be applied at the end of the
current term.  By starting your new term early and waiving the 14-
day grace period, you are choosing to start your next term without
knowing the ending value of your current term.
    

How to invest and withdraw funds

Buying your certificate
   
An AEBI relationship manager or Coutts client relationship officer
will help you fill out and submit an application to open an account
with us and purchase a certificate.  We will process the
application at our corporate offices in Minneapolis.  When your
application is accepted, you will receive a confirmation showing
the acceptance date, the date your term begins and the interest
selection you have made detailing your market participation
percentage and/or the guaranteed minimum interest rate for your
first term.  After your term begins, we will send you notice of the
value of the S&P 500 Index on the day your term began.  The rates
in effect on the date we accept your application are the rates that
apply to your certificate.  See "Purchase policies" below.
    
IMPORTANT:  When opening an account, you must provide the Issuer
with a Form W-8 or approved substitute.  See "Taxes on your
earnings."

<PAGE>
PAGE 200
Purchase policies:

o    If you purchase a certificate with a personal check or other
     non-guaranteed funds, American Express Financial Corporation
     must convert your check to federal funds (e.g., monies of
     member banks within the Federal Reserve Bank) before your
     purchase will be accepted and you begin earning interest. 
     This could take up to two business days.
   
o    The Issuer has the authority to determine whether to accept an
     application and sell a certificate.
    
Two ways to make additional investments at term end

1
By mail  

Send your check along with your name and account number to:

Regular mail:                           Express mail:
IDS Certificate Company                 IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization             Client Service Organization
IDS Tower 10                            733 Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010             Minneapolis, MN  55402

2
By wire

If you have an established account, you may wire money to:

Norwest Bank Minneapolis
Routing No. 091000019
Minneapolis, MN
Attn:  Domestic Wire Dept.
   
Give these instructions:  Credit IDS Account #00-29-882 for
personal account # (your account number) for (your name).

If this information is not included, the order may be rejected and
all money received less any costs IDSC incurs will be returned
promptly.
    
o    Minimum amount you may wire:  $1,000
   
o    Wire orders can be accepted only on days when your bank,
     American Express Financial Corporation, IDSC and Norwest Bank
     Minneapolis are open for business.
    
o    Purchases made by wire are accepted by American Express
     Financial Corporation only from banks located in the United
     States.

o    Wire purchases are completed when wired payment is received
     and we accept the purchase.

o    Wire purchases are not sent until the next business day.<PAGE>
PAGE 201
o    Wire investments must be received and accepted in the
     Minneapolis headquarters on a business day before 3 p.m.
     Central time to be credited that day.  Otherwise your purchase
     will be processed the next business day.

o    The Issuer, American Express Financial Corporation, its
     subsidiaries, AEBI, and Coutts are not responsible for any
     delays that occur in wiring funds, including delays in
     processing by the bank.

o    You must pay any fee the bank charges for wiring.

Full and partial withdrawals

You may withdraw your certificate for its full value or make a
partial withdrawal of $100 or more at any time.  However:

o    Full and partial withdrawals of principal during a term are
     subject to penalties, described below.

o    You may not make a partial withdrawal if it would reduce your
     certificate balance to less than $1,000.  If you request such
     a withdrawal, we will contact you for revised instructions.

Penalties for withdrawal during a term:  If you withdraw money
during a term, you will pay a penalty of 2% of the principal
withdrawn.  (The 2% penalty is waived upon death of the certificate
holder.)

When you request a full or partial withdrawal during a term, we pay
you from the principal of your certificate.

Loss of interest:  If you make a withdrawal at any time other than
at the end of the term, you will lose interest accrued on the
withdrawal amount since minimum and participation interest is
credited only at the end of a term.  However, accrued fixed and
interim interest will be paid to the date of the withdrawal.

Following are examples describing a $2,000 withdrawal during a term
for participation and fixed interest:

Participation interest

Account balance                             $10,000.00
Interest (interest is credited at                 0.00
  the end of the term)
Withdrawal of principal                     ( 2,000.00)
2% withdrawal penalty                           (40.00)
Balance after withdrawal.                   $ 7,960.00
  You will forfeit any accrued 
  interest on the withdrawal amount.

<PAGE>
PAGE 202
Fixed interest

Account balance                             $10,000.00
Interest credited to date                       100.00
Withdrawal of credited interest                (100.00)
Withdrawal of principal                      (1,900.00)
2% withdrawal penalty (on $1,900                (38.00)
  principal withdrawn)                                 
Balance after withdrawal.                   $ 8,062.00 


Other full and partial withdrawal policies:

o    If you request a partial or full withdrawal of a certificate
     recently purchased or added to by a check or money order that
     is not guaranteed, we will wait for your check to clear. 
     Please expect a minimum of 10 days from the date of your
     payment before the Issuer mails a check to you.  (A check may
     be mailed earlier if your bank provides evidence that your
     check has cleared.)

o    If your certificate is pledged as collateral, any withdrawal
     will be delayed until we get approval from the secured party.

o    Any payments to you may be delayed under applicable rules,
     regulations or orders of the SEC.

Transfers to other accounts
   
You may transfer part or all of your certificate to any other IDSC
certificate or into another existing American Express Financial
Advisors Inc. account (subject to any terms and conditions that may
apply).
    
Two ways to request a withdrawal or transfer
   
1
By phone

Your AEBI relationship manager or Coutts client relationship
officer will assist you with this transaction.  You may also call
the Client Service Organization between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. your
local time at:
    
1-800-437-3133 (toll free) or
(612) 671-3800 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)

TTY numbers:
1-800-846-4293 (toll free) or
(612) 671-1630 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)

o    Maximum phone request:  $50,000
   
o    Transfers into an American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
     account with the same ownership.
    
<PAGE>
PAGE 203
o    A telephone withdrawal request will not be allowed within 30
     days of a phoned-in address change.

o    We will honor any telephone request believed to be authentic
     and will use reasonable procedures to confirm that they are,
     such as asking identifying questions.  As long as the
     procedures are followed, neither the Issuer nor American
     Express Financial Corporation will be liable for any loss
     resulting from fraudulent requests.

You may request that telephone withdrawals not be authorized from
your account by writing the Client Service Organization.


2
By mail  
   
Your AEBI relationship manager or Coutts client relationship
officer will assist you with this transaction.  You may also send
your name, account number and request for a withdrawal or transfer
to:
    
Regular mail:
IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010

Express mail:
IDS Certificate Company
Client Service Organization
733 Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN  55402

Written requests are required for:

o    Transactions over $50,000

o    Transfers to another American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
     account with different ownership.  (All current registered
     owners must sign the request.)

Two ways to receive payment when you withdraw funds

1
By regular or express mail

o    Mailed to address on record; please allow seven days for
     mailing

o    Payable to name(s) you requested

<PAGE>
PAGE 204
o    For express mail, you will pay charges that vary depending on
     the courier you select.  For a partial withdrawal leaving a
     remaining balance of more than $1,000, these charges will be
     deducted from the remaining balance.  If the remaining balance
     is less than $1,000, or if it is a full withdrawal, charges
     are deducted from proceeds of the withdrawal.
2
By wire

o    Minimum wire withdrawal:  $500

o    Request that money be wired to your bank

o    Bank account must be in same ownership as the Issuer's account

o    Pre-authorization required.  Complete the bank wire
     authorization section in the application or use a form
     supplied by your AEBI relationship manager or Coutts client
     relationship officer.  All registered owners must sign.

o    A service fee, if any, may be deducted from your balance (for
     partial withdrawals) or from the proceeds of a full
     withdrawal.

Transfer of ownership
   
While the certificate is not negotiable, the Issuer will transfer
ownership upon written notification to the Client Service
Organization.  
    
For more information

For information on purchases, withdrawals, exchanges, transfers of
ownership, proper instructions and other service questions
regarding your certificate, please consult your AEBI relationship
manager or Coutts client relationship officer, or call the Issuer's
toll free client service number:

1-800-437-3133 or
TTY:  1-800-846-4293.

Taxes on your earnings

Foreign investors

If you are not a citizen or resident of the United States, you must
supply the Issuer with Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status when
you purchase your certificate, and you must resupply it every three
years.  You must also supply both a current mailing address and an
address of foreign residency, if different.  The Issuer will not
accept purchases of certificates by nonresident aliens without an
appropriately certified Form W-8 (or approved substitute).  Also,
if you do not supply Form W-8 you will be subject to backup
withholding on interest payments and withdrawals.
<PAGE>
PAGE 205
It is most likely that the interest on the certificate is
"portfolio interest" as defined in U.S. Internal Revenue Code
Section 871(h) if earned by a nonresident alien.  However, if the
certificate is treated as a contingent debt instrument (CDI), part
of the earned income may be treated as capital gain instead of
portfolio interest.  Even though your interest income or capital
gain is not taxed by the U.S. government, it will be reported at
year end to you and to the U.S. government on a Form 1042S, Foreign
Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding.  The United
States participates in various tax treaties with foreign countries,
which provide for sharing of tax information.

Estate tax:  If you are a nonresident alien and you die while
owning a certificate, the Issuer will need a statement from persons
the Issuer believes are knowledgeable about your estate.  The
statement must be in a form satisfactory to the Issuer and must
tell us that, on your date of death, your estate did not include
any property in the United States for U.S. estate tax purposes.  If
we do not receive the statement, we generally will not take action
regarding your certificate until we receive a transfer certificate
from the IRS.  In general, a transfer certificate requires the
opening of an estate in the United States and provides assurance
that the IRS will not claim your IDS certificate to satisfy estate
taxes.

IMPORTANT:  This information is a brief and selective summary of
certain federal tax rules that apply to this certificate.  Tax
matters are highly individual and complex, and you should consult a
qualified tax adviser about your personal situation.

How your money is used and protected

Invested and guaranteed by the Issuer
   
The IDS Stock Market Certificate is issued and guaranteed by the
Issuer, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial
Corporation.  We are by far the largest issuer of face amount
certificates in the United States, with total assets of more than
$3.0 billion and a net worth in excess of $141 million on Dec. 31,
1994.
    
We back our certificates by investing the money received and
keeping the invested assets on deposit.  Our investments generate
interest and dividends, out of which we pay:

o    interest to certificate holders
o    various expenses, including taxes, fees to American Express
     Financial Corporation for advisory and other services and
     distribution fees to American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
   
For a review of significant events relating to our business, see
"Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations."  Our certificates are not rated by a
national rating agency.

    <PAGE>
PAGE 206
Most banks and thrifts offer investments known as certificates of
deposit (CDs) that are similar to our certificates in many ways. 
Early withdrawal of bank CDs often results in penalties.  Banks and
thrifts generally have federal deposit insurance for their deposits
and lend much of the money deposited to individuals, businesses and
other enterprises.  Other financial institutions and some insurance
companies may offer investments with comparable combinations of
safety and return on investment.

Regulated by government

Because the IDS Stock Market Certificate is a security, its offer
and sale are subject to regulation under federal and state
securities laws.  (It is a face-amount certificate--not a bank
product, an equity investment, a form of life insurance or an
investment trust.)
   
The federal Investment Company Act of 1940 requires us to keep
investments on deposit in a segregated custodial account to protect
all of our outstanding certificates.  These investments back the
entire value of your certificate account.  Their amortized cost
must exceed the required carrying value of the outstanding
certificates by at least $250,000.  As of Dec. 31, 1994, the
amortized cost of these investments exceeded the required carrying
value of our outstanding certificates by more than $121 million.
    
Backed by our investments

Our investments are varied and of high quality.  This was the
composition of our portfolio as of Dec. 31, 1994:
   
Type of investment                     Net amount invested
Corporate and other bonds                     31%
Government agency bonds                       27
Preferred stocks                              23
Mortgages                                      9
Municipal bonds                                5
Cash and cash equivalents                      5
    
More than 95% of our securities portfolio (bonds and preferred
stocks) is rated investment grade.  For additional information
regarding securities ratings, please refer to Note 3B in the
financial statements.

Most of our investments are on deposit with American Express Trust
Company (formerly IDS Trust Company), Minneapolis, although we also
maintain separate deposits as required by certain states.  American
Express Trust Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American
Express Financial Corporation.  Copies of our Dec. 31, 1994
schedule of Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers are
available upon request.  For comments regarding the valuation,
carrying values and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of
investment securities, see Notes 1, 2 and 3 to the financial
statements.
<PAGE>
PAGE 207
Investment policies

In deciding how to diversify the portfolio-- among what types of
investments in what amounts--the officers and directors of the
Issuer use their best judgment, subject to applicable law.  The
following policies currently govern our investment decisions:

Purchasing securities on margin:  We will not purchase any
securities on margin or participate on a joint basis or a joint-
and-several basis in any trading account in securities.

Commodities:  We have not and do not intend to purchase or sell
commodities or commodity contracts.

Underwriting:  We do not intend to engage in the public
distribution of securities issued by others.  However, if we
purchase unregistered securities and later resell them, we may be
considered an underwriter under federal securities laws.

Borrowing money:  From time to time we have established a line of
credit if management believed borrowing was necessary or desirable. 
While a line of credit does not currently exist, it may be
established again in the future.  We may pledge some of our assets
as security.  We may occasionally use repurchase agreements as a
way to borrow money.  Under these agreements, we sell debt
securities to our lender, and repurchase them at the sales price
plus an agreed-upon interest rate within a specified period of
time.

Real estate:  We may invest directly in real estate, though we have
not generally done so in the past.  We do invest in mortgage loans.

Lending securities:  We may lend some of our securities to broker-
dealers and receive cash equal to the market value of the
securities as collateral.  We invest this cash in short-term
securities.  If the market value of the securities goes up, the
borrower pays us additional cash.  During the course of the loan,
the borrower makes cash payments to us equal to all interest,
dividends and other distributions paid on the loaned securities. 
We will try to vote these securities if a major event affecting our
investment is under consideration.

When-issued securities:  Most of our investments are in debt
securities, some of which are purchased on a when-issued basis.  It
may take as long as 45 days before these securities are issued and
delivered to us.  We generally do not pay for these securities or
start earning on them until delivery.  We have established
procedures to ensure that sufficient cash is available to meet
when-issued commitments.
   
Financial Transactions:  We buy or sell various types of options
contracts for hedging purposes or as a trading technique to
facilitate securities purchases or sales.  We buy interest rate
caps for hedging purposes.  These pay us a return if interest rates
rise above a specified level.  If approved by the SEC, IDSC may
enter into other financial transactions, including futures and
other derivatives, for the purpose of managing the interest rate 
    <PAGE>
PAGE 208
exposures associated with IDSC's assets or liabilities. 
Derivatives are financial instruments whose performance is derived,
at least in part, from the performance of an underlying asset,
security or index.  A small change in the value of the underlying
asset, security or index may cause a sizable gain or loss in the
fair value of the derivative.

Restrictions:  There are no restrictions on concentration of
investments in any particular industry or group of industries or on
rates of portfolio turnover.

How your certificate is managed
   
Relationship between the Issuer and American Express Financial
Corporation
    
The Issuer was originally organized as Investors Syndicate of
America, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, on Oct. 15, 1940, and began
business as an issuer of face amount investment certificates on
Jan. 1, 1941.  The company became a Delaware corporation on Dec.
31, 1977, and changed its name to IDS Certificate Company on April
2, 1984.
   
Before the Issuer was created, American Express Financial
Corporation (formerly known as IDS Financial Corporation) had
issued similar certificates since 1894.  On Jan. 1, 1995, IDS
Financial Corporation became American Express Financial
Corporation.  IDSC and American Express Financial Corporation have
never failed to meet their certificate payments.

During its many years in operation, American Express Financial
Corporation has become a leading manager of investments in
mortgages and securities.  As of Dec. 31, 1994, American Express
Financial Corporation managed investments, including its own, of
more than $105 billion.  American Express Financial Advisors Inc.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial
Corporation, provides a broad range of financial planning services
for individuals and businesses through its nationwide network of
more than 175 offices and more than 7,800 personal financial
advisors.  American Express Financial Advisors Inc. financial
planning services are comprehensive, beginning with a detailed
written analysis that's tailored to your needs.  Your analysis may
address one or all of these six essential areas: financial
position, protection planning, investment planning, income tax
planning, retirement planning, and estate planning.  

American Express Financial Corporation itself is a wholly owned
subsidiary of American Express Company, a financial services
company with executive offices at American Express Tower, World
Financial Center, New York, NY 10285.  American Express Company is
a financial services company engaged through subsidiaries in other
business including:
    
o    travel related services (including American ExpressR Card and
     Travelers Cheque operations through American Express Travel
     Related Services Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries), and
<PAGE>
PAGE 209
o    international banking services (through American Express Bank
     Ltd. and its subsidiaries).

American Express Financial Advisors Inc. is not a bank, and the
securities offered by it, such as face amount certificates issued
by the Issuer, are not backed or guaranteed by any bank, nor are
they insured by the FDIC.

Capital structure and certificates issued

The Issuer has authorized, issued and has outstanding 150,000
shares of common stock, par value of $10 per share.  American
Express Financial Corporation owns all of the outstanding shares.
   
As of Dec. 31, 1994, the Issuer had issued (in face amount)
$12,727,756,065 of installment certificates and $13,016,532,575 of
single payment certificates.
    
Investment management and services

Under an Investment Advisory and Services Agreement, American
Express Financial Corporation acts as our investment advisor and is
responsible for:

o    providing investment research,
o    making specific investment recommendations
o    executing purchase and sale orders according to our policy of
     obtaining the best price and execution.

All these activities are subject to direction and control by our
board of directors and officers.  Our agreement with American
Express Financial Corporation requires annual renewal by our board,
including a majority of directors who are not interested persons of
American Express Financial Corporation or the Issuer as defined in
the federal Investment Company Act of 1940.

For its services, we pay American Express Financial Corporation a
monthly fee, equal on an annual basis to a percentage of the total
book value of certain assets (included assets):

Advisory and Services Fee Computation:

Included Assets            Percentage of Total Book Value

First $250 million                    0.75%
Next 250 million                      0.65
Next 250 million                      0.55
Next 250 million                      0.50
Any amount over $1 billion            0.45

Included assets are all assets of the Issuer except mortgage loans,
real estate, and any other asset on which we pay an advisory or
service fee.

Advisory and services fees for the past three years were:

<PAGE>
PAGE 210
   
                                        Percentage of
Year          Total fees                included assets

1994         $13,565,432                    0.51%      
1993         $15,036,091                    0.50%  
1992         $17,851,271                    0.50%

Estimated advisory and services fees for 1995 are $15,074,000.
    
Other expenses payable by the Issuer:  The Investment Advisory and
Services Agreement provides that we will pay:

o    costs incurred by us in connection with real estate and
     mortgages,
o    taxes,
o    depository and custodian fees,
o    brokerage commissions,
o    fees and expenses for services not covered by other agreements
     and provided to us at our request, or by requirement, by
     attorneys, auditors, examiners and professional consultants
     who are not officers or employees of American Express
     Financial Corporation,
o    fees and expenses of our directors who are not officers or
     employees of American Express Financial Corporation,
o    provision for certificate reserves (interest accrued on
     certificate holder accounts), and
o    expenses of customer settlements not attributable to sales
     function.

Distribution

Under a Distribution Agreement with American Express Financial
Advisors Inc., we pay for the distribution of this certificate as
follows:

o    1.25% of the initial investment on the first day of the
     certificate's term, and

o    1.25% of the certificate's reserve at the beginning of each
     subsequent term,

for certificates sold through American Express Financial Advisors
Inc. or through AEBI or Coutts.
   
For certificates sold through American Express Financial Services
Direct, we pay American Express Financial Advisors Inc. the
following:

o    1.00% of the initial investment on the first day or the
     certificate's term, and

o    1.00% of the certificate's reserve at the beginning of each
     subsequent term.

This fee is not assessed to your certificate account.

<PAGE>
PAGE 211
Total distribution fees paid to American Express Financial Advisors
Inc. for all series of certificates amounted to $34,534,747 during
the year ended Dec. 31, 1994.  We expect to pay American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. distribution fees amounting to $33,700,000
during 1995.
    
See Note 1 to financial statements regarding deferral of
distribution fee expense.
   
American Express Financial Advisors Inc. pays commissions to its
financial advisors and pays other selling expenses in connection
with services to us.  Our board of directors, including a majority
of directors who are not interested persons of American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. or the Issuer, approved this distribution
agreement.

Selling Agent Agreements with AEBI and Coutts:  In turn, under
Selling Agent Agreements with AEBI and Coutts, American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. compensates each for their services as
Selling Agents of this certificate as follows:

o    AEBI is paid a fee equal to 1.0% per term of the principal
     amount of each certificate for which AEBI is the selling
     agent.

o    Coutts is paid a fee equal to 0.80% per term of the principal
     amount of each certificate for which Coutts is the selling
     agent.

Coutts is compensated on certificates owned by its clients who are
former clients of AEBI.  These clients must have continuously owned
a certificate since Nov. 10, 1994.  Coutts is also compensated on
additional investments and exchanges made by such clients to other
certificates only to the extent that a client has the right to make
additional investments or exchanges.

American Express Financial Advisors Inc. has entered into a
consulting agreement with AEBI under which AEBI provides consulting
services related to any selling agent agreements between American
Express Financial Advisors Inc. and other Edge Act corporations. 
For these services, American Express Financial Advisors Inc. pays
AEBI a fee for this certificate equal to 0.20% per term of the
principal amount of each certificate for which another Edge Act
corporation is the selling agent.

Such payments will be made quarterly in arrears.

These fees are not assessed to your certificate account.

About AEBI and Coutts

AEBI is an Edge Act corporation organized under the provisions of 
Section 25(a) of the Federal Reserve Act.  It is a wholly owned
subsidiary of American Express Bank Ltd. (AEBL).  As an Edge Act
corporation, AEBI is subject to the provisions of Section 25(a) of <PAGE>
PAGE 212
the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation K of the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve).  It is
supervised and regulated by the Federal Reserve.

    
   
AEBI has an extensive international high net-worth client base that
is served by a marketing staff in New York and Florida.  The
banking and financial products offered by AEBI include checking,
money-market and time deposits, credit services, check collection
services, foreign exchange, funds transfer, investment advisory
services and securities brokerage services.  As of Dec. 31, 1994,
AEBI had total assets of $404 million and total equity of $136
million.
    
Coutts is an Edge Act corporation organized under the provisions of
Section 25(a) of the Federal Reserve Act. It is an indirect wholly
owned subsidiary of NatWest PLC.  As an Edge Act corporation,
Coutts is subject to the provisions of Section 25(a) if the Federal
Reserve Act and Regulation K of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve.  Coutts is supervised and regulated by the Federal
Reserve.

Although AEBI and Coutts are banking entities, the Stock Market
Certificate is not a bank product, nor is it backed or guaranteed
by AEBI or Coutts, by AEBL, by NatWest PLC or by any other bank, or
is it guaranteed or insured by the FDIC or any other federal
agency.  AEBI is registered where necessary as a securities broker-
dealer.

Employment of other American Express Affiliates
   
American Express Financial Corporation may employ an affiliate of
American Express Company as executing broker for our portfolio
transactions only if:
    
o    we receive prices and executions at least as favorable as
     those offered by qualified independent brokers performing
     similar services;
o    the affiliate charges us commissions consistent with those
     charged to comparable unaffiliated customers for similar
     transactions; and
o    the affiliate's employment is consistent with the terms of the
     current Investment Advisory and Services Agreement and federal
     securities laws.

Directors and officers

The Issuer's directors, chairman, president and controller are
elected annually for a term of one year.  The other executive
officers are appointed by the president.
   
We paid a total of $37,000 during 1994 to directors not employed by
American Express Financial Corporation.
    
Board of directors

<PAGE>
PAGE 213
David R. Hubers* 
Age 52
Director since April 1987

President and chief executive officer of American Express Financial
Corporation since 1993.  Senior vice president and chief financial
officer of American Express Financial Corporation from 1984 to
1993.

Charles W. Johnson 
Age 65
Director since August 1989

Former vice president and group executive, Industrial Systems, with
Honeywell Inc.  Retired 1989.

Edward Landes  
Age 75  
Director since May 1984

Development consultant.  Former sales manager - Supplies Division
and district manager - Data Processing Division of IBM Corporation. 
Retired 1983.

John V. Luck Ph.D. 
Age 69
Director since April 1987

Former senior vice president - Science and Technology with General
Mills, Inc.  Employed with General Mills Inc. since 1970.  Retired
1987.

James A. Mitchell*
Age 54
Director since January 1994 

Chairman of the board of directors since February, 1994.  Executive
vice president - marketing and products of American Express
Financial Corporation since February 1994.  Senior vice president -
insurance operations of American Express Financial Corporation and
president and chief executive officer of IDS Life Insurance Company
from 1986 to 1994.

Harrison Randolph 
Age 79
Director since 1968

Gordon H. Ritz 
Age 67
Director since 1968

President, Con Rad Broadcasting Corp.  Director, Sunstar Foods and
Mid-America Publishing.

<PAGE>
PAGE 214
Stuart A. Sedlacek*
Age 37
Director since January 1994 

President since February 1994.  Vice president - assured assets of
American Express Financial Corporation since March 1994.  Vice
president and portfolio manager from 1988 to 1994.  Executive vice
president - assured assets of IDS Life Insurance Company since
March 1994.

*"Interested Person" of IDSC as that term is defined in Investment
Company Act of 1940.

Executive officers

Stuart A. Sedlacek
Age 37
President since February 1994

Louis C. Fornetti 
Age 45  
Vice president since January 1990
   
Chief financial officer of American Express Financial Corporation
since 1993 and senior vice president, corporate controller and
director of American Express Financial Corporation since 1988.
    
Morris Goodwin Jr. 
Age 43
Vice president and treasurer since 1989.
   
Vice president and corporate treasurer of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1989.  Chief financial officer and
treasurer of American Express Trust Company from 1988 to 1989.
    
Colleen Curran 
Age 42
Secretary since 1990

Secretary and assistant vice president of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1990.  Senior counsel to American
Express Financial Corporation since 1990.  Counsel from 1985 to
1990.

Lorraine R. Hart
Age 43
Vice president-investments since February 1994.

Vice President - insurance investments of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1989.  Vice president, investments of
IDS Life Insurance Company since 1992.

<PAGE>
PAGE 215
Jay C. Hatlestad
Age 37
Vice president and controller of IDS Certificate Company since
1994.

Manager of investment accounting of IDS Life Insurance Company from
1986 to 1994.

Bruce A. Kohn 
Age 44
Vice president and general counsel since 1993

Counsel to American Express Financial Corporation since 1992. 
Associate counsel from 1987 to 1992.

F. Dale Simmons 
Age 57
Vice president - Real Estate Loan Management since 1993

Vice president of American Express Financial Corporation since
1992.  Senior portfolio manager of American Express Financial
Corporation since 1989.  Assistant vice president from 1987 to
1992.
   
The Officers and Directors as a group beneficially own less than 1%
of the common stock of American Express Company.

The Issuer has provisions in its bylaws relating to the
indemnification of its officers and directors against liability, as
permitted by law.  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities
arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to
directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant
to the foregoing provisions, the registrant has been informed that
in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.
    
Auditors

A firm of independent auditors audits our financial statements at
the close of each fiscal year (Dec. 31).  Copies of our annual
financial statements (audited) and semiannual financial statements
(unaudited) are available to any certificate holder upon request.
   
Ernst & Young LLP, Minneapolis, has audited the financial
statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended
Dec. 31, 1994.  These statements are included in this prospectus. 
Ernst & Young LLP is also the auditor for American Express Company,
the parent company of American Express Financial Corporation and
IDSC.
    <PAGE>
PAGE 216
                PART I. CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FOR PROSPECTUS
                          PURSUANT TO RULE 404(c)
                         IDS STOCK MARKET CERTIFICATE - DIRECT MAIL
                              AND VARIATIONS

                                                                
                                          
Item                            Caption in
Number                          Prospectus
                                                                
Item 1. Forepart of the                   
Registration Statement                                          
and Outside Front Cover                                         
Page of Prospectus.                                             
                                                                
                                                                
Item 2. Inside Front and        Where to get information about   
Outside Back Cover Pages        IDSC;  Table of Contents.          

of Prospectus.                                         
                                                                
Item 3. Summary Informa-        About the certificate            
tion, Risk Factors                                              
and Ratio of Earnings                                           
to Fixed Charges.                                               
                                                                
Item 4. Use of Proceeds.        How your money is used and       
                                protected; Investment policies      
                             
Item 5. Determination of        Not Applicable.                  
Offering Price.                                  
                                                                
Item 6. Dilution.               Not Applicable.                  

Item 7. Selling Security        Not Applicable.                   
Holders.                         
                                                                
Item 8. Plan of                 How your certificate              
Distribution.                   is managed. 

           
Item 9. Description of          About the Certificate;           
Securities to Be                How to invest and withdraw       
Registered.                     funds.                      
                                Taxes on your earnings.          


Item 10. Interests of           Not Applicable.                  
Named Experts and Counsel.                                      

<PAGE>
PAGE 217
                    PART I. CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FOR PROSPECTUS
                            PURSUANT TO RULE 404(c) (Continued)

                                                                
                                                                
                                                                 
Item                            Caption in                       
Number                          Prospectus                       
                                                                
Item 11. Information with       Invested and guaranteed by 
Respect to the Registrant.      IDSC; Regulated by government; 
                                Relationship between IDSC and  
                                American Express Financial 
                                Corporation; Capital structure 
                                and certificates issued; 
                                Directors and Officers.

Item 12. Disclosure of          Directors and Officers        
Commission Position on          
Indemnification for        
Securities Act Liabilities.

                                                                
                                                                
                                                                
<PAGE>
PAGE 218
IDS Stock Market Certificate

Prospectus  April 26, 1995

Potential for stock market growth with safety of principal
   
IDS Stock Market Certificates are issued by IDS Certificate Company
(IDSC).  You can purchase this certificate with a single investment
of at least $1,000 but not more than $1 million (unless you receive
prior authorization from IDSC to invest more).  As long as you stay
within this limit, you can make additional investments at the end
of a term.  Your principal is guaranteed by IDSC.  You can
participate in any increase of the stock market based on the S&P
500 Index while protecting your principal.  In addition, you decide
whether part of your return will be guaranteed by IDSC or whether
all of it will be tied to the market.  You can keep your
certificate for up to 14 terms.
    
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
   
This investment is backed by IDSC's investments on deposit rather
than guaranteed or insured by the government or someone else.  See
"Invested and guaranteed by IDSC" and "Regulated by governement"
under "How your money is used and protected."
    
This prospectus describes terms and conditions of your IDS Stock
Market Certificate.  It contains facts that can help you decide if
the certificate is the right investment for you.  Read the
prospectus before you invest and keep it for future reference.  No
one has the authority to change the terms and conditions of the IDS
Stock Market Certificate as described in the prospectus, or to bind
IDSC by any statement not in it.
   
Issuer:                             Distributor:
IDS Certificate Company             American Express  
IDS Tower 10                        Financial Advisors Inc.
Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010         IDS Tower 10
1-800-AXP-SERV  (toll free)         Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010

TTY numbers:                        
1-800-710-5260 (toll free) 
     

An American Express company
    <PAGE>
PAGE 219
Where to get information about IDSC

IDSC is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.  Reports and other information on IDSC are
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  Copies
can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 450
5th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.  Or you
can inspect and copy information in person at the SEC's Public
Reference Section and at the following regional offices:

Northeast Regional Office
7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300
New York, NY  10048

Midwest Regional Office
Northwestern Atrium Center
500 West Madison St., Suite 1400
Chicago, IL  60611

Pacific Regional Office
5670 Wilshire Blvd., 11th Floor
Los Angeles, CA  90036

Initial interest and participation rates

IDSC guarantees return of your principal.  The interest on your
certificate is linked to stock market performance as measured by
the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (S&P 500 Index) as explained
under "About the certificate" below.

Here are the interest rates and market participation percentages in
effect on the date of this prospectus, April 26, 1995:

Maximum           Market participation          Minimum 
return            percentage                    interest
   
 12%                100%  (full)                None
 12%                 25%  (partial)             currently 3.50%

These rates may or may not be in effect when you apply to purchase
your certificate.  If you choose the partial participation options
for your certificate, your minimum interest rate will be between
2.75% and 3.75%.  Rates for later terms are set at the discretion
of IDSC and may also differ from the rates shown here.  We reserve
the right to issue other securities with different provisions.
    <PAGE>
PAGE 220
Contents

Table of contents

About the certificate
Investment amounts                                            p
Face amount and principal                                     p
Certificate term                                              p
Value at maturity                                             p
Receiving cash before end of the term                         p
Interest                                                      p
Promotions and pricing flexibility                            p
Historical data on the S&P 500 Index                          p
Calculation of return                                         p
About the S&P 500 index                                       p
Opportunities at the end of a term                            p

How to invest and withdraw funds
Buying your certificate                                       p
Full and partial withdrawals                                  p
Other full and partial withdrawal policies                    p
IRAs:  special policies                                       p
Transfer of ownership                                         p
For more information                                          p

Taxes on your earnings
Retirement accounts                                           p 
Gifts to minors                                               p
Foreign investors                                             p

How your money is used and protected
Invested and guaranteed by IDSC                               p
Regulated by government                                       p
Backed by our investments                                     p
Investment policies                                           p

How your money is managed
Relationship between IDSC and American Express 
    Financial Corporation                                     p
Capital structure and certificates issued                     p
Investment management and services                            p
Distribution                                                  p
Employment of other American Express affiliates               p
Directors and officers                                        p
Auditors                                                      p

Annual Financial information
Summary of selected financial information   
Management's discussion and analysis of 
  financial condition and results of operations
Report of independent auditors
Financial statements
Notes to financial statements
<PAGE>
PAGE 221
About the certificate

Investment amounts

You may purchase the IDS Stock Market Certificate with a single
investment of at least $1,000 but not more than $1 million payable
in U.S. currency.  You may also make additional lump-sum
investments in any amount at the end of any term as long as your
total amount paid in is not more than the $1 million.

The certificate may be used as an investment for your Individual
Retirement Account (IRA).  If so used, the amount of your
contribution (investment) will be subject to limitations in
applicable federal law.

Face amount and principal

The face amount of your certificate is the amount of your initial
investment.  Your principal is the value of your certificate at the
beginning of each subsequent term.  Your principal is guaranteed by
IDSC.  It consists of the amount you actually invest plus interest
credited to your account and any additional investment you make
less withdrawals, penalties and any interest paid to you in cash.

For example:  Assume your initial investment (face amount) of
$10,000 has earned a return of 7.25%.  Interest is credited to your
account at the end of the term.  You have not taken any interest as
cash, or made any withdrawals.  You have invested an additional
$2,500 prior to the beginning of the next term.  Your principal for
the next term will equal:

          $10,000.00     Face Amount (initial investment)
  plus        725.00     Interest credited to your account at the
                         end of the term
  plus          5.00     Interim interest (See "Interim interest")
  minus       ($0.00)    Interest paid to you in cash
  plus      2,500.00     Additional investment to your certificate
  minus       ($0.00)    Withdrawals and applicable penalties
          $13,230.00     Principal at the beginning of the next
                         term.

Certificate term

Your first certificate term is a 12-month period that begins on the
Wednesday after your application is accepted and ends the Tuesday
before the one-year anniversary of its acceptance.  For example, if
your application is accepted on a Wednesday, your first term would
begin the next Wednesday.  Your certificate will earn interest at
the interim interest rate then in effect until the term begins.  It
will not earn any participation interest until the term begins.  If
you choose to continue to receive participation interest,
subsequent terms are 12-month periods that begin on the Wednesday
following the 14-day grace period at the end of the prior 12-month
term.  You may begin your next term on any Wednesday during the <PAGE>
PAGE 222
14-day period by providing prior written instructions to IDSC.  If
you choose to receive fixed interest, subsequent terms will be up
to 12 months as described in "Fixed interest" under "Interest"
below.

Value at maturity

Your certificate matures after 14 terms, and you will receive a
check for its value.  At maturity, the value of your certificate
will be the total of your actual investments, plus credited
interest not paid to you in cash, less any withdrawals and
withdrawal penalties.  Certain other fees may apply.

Receiving cash before end of the term

If you need money before your certificate term ends, you may
withdraw part or all of its value at any time, less any penalties
that apply.  Procedures for withdrawing money, as well as
conditions under which penalties apply, are described in "Full and
partial withdrawals" under "How to invest and withdraw funds."

Interest

You may select from two types of participation interest for your
first term.  The two types are 1) full participation, or 2) partial
participation together with minimum interest.  Both of these
options have an upper limit which is the maximum annual return
explained below.  After your first term, you may choose not to
participate in any market movement and receive a fixed rate of
interest.
   
Full participation interest:  With this option you participate 100%
in any percentage increase in the S&P 500 Index up to the maximum
return.  You earn interest only if the value of the S&P 500 Index
is higher on the last day of your term than it was on the first day
of your term.  Thus, your return is linked to stock market
performance.  The S&P 500 Index is frequently used to measure the
relative performance of the stock market.  For a more detailed
discussion of the Index, see "About the S&P 500 Index."

Partial participation and minimum interest:  This option allows you
to participate in a certain part (market participation rate) of any
increase in the S&P 500 Index together with a rate of interest
guaranteed by IDSC in advance for each term (minimum interest). 
Your return is composed of two parts:
     1.   A percentage of any increase in the S&P 500 Index, and
     2.   A rate of interest guaranteed by IDSC in advance for each
          term.
Together, they cannot exceed the maximum return.

If you chose the partial participation option for your first term,
the minimum interest paid on your certificate will be between 2.75%
and 3.75%.
    
The market participation rate and the minimum interest rate on the
date of this prospectus are listed on the inside cover under
"Initial interest and participation rates." <PAGE>
PAGE 223
Fixed interest:  After your first term, this option allows you to
stop participating in the market entirely for one or more terms. 
You may choose to receive a fixed rate of interest for any term
after the first term.  During the term when you are receiving fixed
interest, you can change from your fixed interest selection to
again participate in the market.  If you make the change from fixed
interest to participation interest, your next term would begin on
the Wednesday following our receipt of notice of your new
selection.  In this way, you may have a term (during which you
would earn fixed interest) that is less than 12 months.  You may
not change from participation interest to fixed interest during a
term.

Maximum annual return:  This is the cap, or upper limit, of your
return.  Your total return including both participation and minimum
interest for a term for which you have chosen participation
interest will be limited to this maximum return percentage.
   
Determining the S&P 500 index value:  The stock market closes at 3
p.m. Central time and the S&P 500 Index value is available at
approximately 4:30 p.m.  This is the value we currently use to
determine participation interest.  Occasionally, Standard & Poor's
Corporation (S&P) makes minor adjustments to the closing value
after 4:30 p.m. and the value we use may not be exactly the one
that is published the next business day.  In the future, we may use
a later time cut-off if it becomes feasible to do so.  If the stock
market is not open or the S&P 500 Index is unavailable as of the
last day of your term, the preceding business day for which a value
is available will be used instead.  Each Tuesday's closing value of
the S&P 500 Index is used for establishing the term start and the
term end values each week.

Interim interest:  When we accept your application, we pay interim
interest to your account for the time before your first term
begins.  We also pay interim interest for the 14-day period between
terms unless you write or call to ask us to begin your next term
earlier.  You may withdraw this interest in cash at any time before
it becomes part of your certificate's principal without a
withdrawal penalty.  If it is not withdrawn, the interest will
become part of your certificate's  principal at the start of the
next succeeding term.  For example, the interest you earn between
the end of the first and the beginning of the second term will
become part of the principal at the start of your third term. 
Interim interest rates for the time before your first term begins
will be within a range 0 to 100 basis points (0.00% to 1.00%) above
the average interest rate published for 12-month certificates of
deposit in the BANK RATE MONITOR Top 25 MarketTM (the BRM Average),
North Palm Beach, FL 33408.  If the BRM Average is no longer
publicly available or feasible to use, IDSC may use another,
similar index as a guide for setting rates.
    
The BANK RATE MONITOR is a weekly magazine published in North Palm
Beach, FL  33408 by Advertising News Service Inc., an independent
national news organization that collects and disseminates
information about bank products and interest rates.  Advertising
News Service has no connection with IDSC, American Express <PAGE>
PAGE 224
   
Financial Corporation or any of their affiliates.

The BRM Average is an index of rates and annual effective yields
offered on various length certificates of deposit by large banks
and thrifts in 25 metropolitan areas.  The frequency of compounding
varies among the banks and thrifts.  Certificates of deposit in the
BRM Average are government insured fixed-rate time deposits.

The BANK RATE MONITOR may be available in your local library.  To
obtain information or current BRM Average rates, call American
Express Financial Services Direct at 1-800-AXP-SERV or TTY: 1-800-
710-5260.

Earning interest:  Participation interest is calculated, credited
and compounded at the end of your certificate term.  Minimum
interest accrues daily and is credited and compounded at the end of
your certificate term.  Fixed interest accrues and is credited
daily and compounds at the end of your term.  Both minimum and
fixed interest are calculated on a 30-day month and 360-day year
basis.  Interim interest accrues and is credited daily and
compounds at the end of your term immediately following the period
in which interim interest is credited.
    
Rates for future periods:  After the initial term, the maximum
return, market participation percentage or minimum interest rate on
your certificate may be greater or less than those shown on the
front of this prospectus.  In setting future interest rates, a
primary consideration will be the prevailing investment climate. 
Rates are reviewed weekly, and we have complete discretion as to
what interest rate will be declared.

To find out what your certificate's new maximum return, market
participation percentage and minimum interest rate will be for your
next term, please consult the following:
   
American Express Financial Services Direct:

      o     Your Teleadvisor at 1-800-AXP-8800
      o     Our Service Team at 1-800-AXP-SERV
    
Promotions and pricing flexibility
   
From time to time, IDSC may sponsor or participate in promotions
involving one or more of the certificates and their respective
terms.  For example, we may offer different rates to new clients,
to existing clients, or to individuals who purchase or use products
or services offered by American Express Financial Advisors Inc. or
its subsidiaries.  These promotions will generally be for a
specified period of time.
    
We also may offer different rates based on your amount invested,
maturity selected, geographic location and whether the certificate
is purchased for an IRA or a qualified retirement account.<PAGE>
PAGE 225
Historical Data on the S&P 500 Index

The following chart illustrates the month-end closing values of the
index from Dec. 31, 1983 through Feb. 28, 1995.  The values of the
S&P 500 Index are reprinted with the permission of S&P.

   
       S&P 500 Index values - December 1983 to February 1995


400



300       Chart shows closing values of the S&P from above 100 in
          1984 to end near 500 in Feb. 1995


200



100

84    85    86    87    88    89    90    91    92    93    94   95 


S&P 500 Index average annual return

Beginning date              Period held             Average annual
   Dec. 31,                  in years                   return
___________________________________________________________________ 
    1984                        10                       10.63%
    1989                         5                        5.38
    1993                         1                       -1.55

    
<PAGE>
PAGE 226
The next chart illustrates, on a moving 12-month basis, the price
return of the S&P 500 Index measured for every 12-month period
beginning with the period ended Dec. 31, 1984.  The price return is
the percentage return for each period using month-end closing
prices of the S&P 500 Index.  Dividends and other distributions on
the securities comprising the S&P 500 Index are not included in
calculating the price return.

   
            S&P Index - December 1984 to February 1995

40%

          Chart shows 12-month Moving Price Return of the S&P from
          a high of 40% to a low of -20%

20%


0%


- -20%

85    86    87    88    89    90    91    92     93     94     95
    
Using the same data on price returns described above, the next
graph expands on the information in the preceding chart by
illustrating the distribution of all of the 12-month price returns
of the S&P 500 Index beginning with the 12-month period ending Dec.
31, 1984.  The graph also shows the number of times these price
returns fell within certain ranges.
   
          S&P 500 Index - December 1984 to February 1995

20

          Chart shows the distribution of all of the 12-month price
          returns of the S&P 500 from 1/1/84 through 2/28/95 with a
          high of just over 20 and a low between 0 and 5

15



10



5

- -15     -10     -5     0     5     10     15     20     25    30

    <PAGE>
PAGE 227
The last chart illustrates, on a moving weekly basis, the actual
12-month return of the IDS Stock Market Certificate at full and
partial participation compared to the price return of the NYSE
Composite IndexR through October 1992 and the S&P 500 Index after
October 1992.  For non-guaranteed funds received before Nov. 3,
1992, and guaranteed funds received before Nov. 4, 1992, IDS Stock
Market Certificate participation interest was based on the NYSE
Composite IndexR rather than the S&P 500 Index.
<TABLE><CAPTION>
             Actual 12-Month Return 1/22/91 to 2/8/95
<S>      <C>
30%



25%



20%       Chart shows actual returns of the certificate at full and
          25% participation with the full participation generally
          tracking the market indexes over ther period and 25%
          level of participation tracking at the 25% level of
          return.

15%



10%                  --- Market Index
                     *** Stock Market Full Participation
                     ... Stock Market 25% Participation

5%



0%

1/91   4/91   7/91   10/91   1/92   4/92   7/92   10/92   1/93   4/93   7/93   10/93   2/94   4/94   7/94   10/94   2/95
</TABLE>

The NYSE Composite IndexR is a registered service mark of the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc. (NYSE) and is a composite covering price
movements of all common stocks listed on the NYSE.  Because the IDS
Stock Market Certificate was first available on Jan. 24, 1990, the
performance reflects the returns on the one-year anniversary date,
falling on a Wednesday, of each of the weeks shown.

The recent historical experience of an index should not be taken as
an indication of future performance of the stock market or the
certificate.  No assurance can be given that an index will not
decline or that certificate holders will receive interest on their
accounts beyond any minimum interest or fixed interest selected.

<PAGE>
PAGE 228
Calculation of return

The increase or decrease in the S&P 500 Index, as well as the
actual return paid to you, is calculated as follows:

Rate of return on S&P 500 Index

Term ending value of S&P 500 Index                minus
Term beginning value of S&P 500 Index             divided by
Term beginning value of S&P 500 Index             equals
Rate of return on S&P 500 Index

The actual return paid to you will depend on your interest
participation selection.

For example, assume:
   
     Term ending value of S&P 500 Index           458
     Term beginning value of S&P 500 Index        422
     Maximum return                                12%
     Minimum return                               3.5%
     Partial participation rate                    25%
    
             458   Term ending value of S&P 500 Index
   minus     422   Term beginning value of S&P 500 Index
  equals      36   Difference between beginning and ending values

              36   Difference between beginning and ending values
divided by   422   Term beginning value of S&P 500 Index
    equals  8.53%  Percent increase - full participation return
   
            8.53%  Percent increase or decrease
    times  25.00%  Partial participation rate
   equals   2.13%
     plus   3.50%  3.50% minimum interest rate
   equals   5.63%  Partial participation return

In both cases in the example, the return would be less than the 12%
maximum.
    
Maximum Return and Partial Participation Minimum Rate History - The
following table illustrates the maximum annual returns and partial
participation minimum rates that have been in effect since the
Stock Market Certificate was introduced.
   
                                                    Partial
                              Maximum            participation
     Purchase date         annual return         minimum rate  
     Jan. 24, 1990             18.00%                5.00%
     Feb. 5, 1992              18.00                 4.00
     May 13, 1992              15.00                 4.00
     Sept. 9, 1992             12.00                 3.00
     Nov. 11, 1992             10.00                 2.50
     Nov. 2, 1994              10.00                 2.75
     April 26, 1995            12.00                 3.50
    
<PAGE>
PAGE 229
Examples
   
To help you understand the way this certificate works, here are
some hypothetical examples.  The following are three different
examples of market scenarios and how they affect the certificate's
return.  Assume for all examples that you purchased the certificate
with a $10,000 original investment.  Also assume that the partial
participation rate is 25%, the minimum interest rate for partial
participation is 3.5%, and the maximum total return for full and
partial participation is 12%.
<TABLE><CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.           If the Market and the S&P 500 Index value rise                             
Week 1/Wed                                                                  Week 52/Tues
 S&P 500                                                                      S&P 500
Index 425                      8% Increase in the S&P 500 Index              Index 459  
<S>                                  <C> 
Full participation interest          Partial participation interest and Minimum interest
$10,000     Original investment      $10,000    Original investment
+   800     (8% x $10,000)           +   350    3.5% (Minimum interest rate) x $10,000
            Participation interest   +   200    25% x 8% x $10,000 participation interest
$10,800     Ending balance           $10,550    Ending balance 
            (8% total return)                   (5.5% total return)

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.           If the Market and the S&P 500 Index value fall                             
Week 1/Wed                                                                  Week 52/Tues
 S&P 500                                                                      S&P 500
Index 425                      4% Decrease in the S&P 500 Index              Index 408  
Full participation interest          Partial participation interest and Minimum interest
$10,000     Original investment      $10,000    Original investment
+     0     Participation interest   +   350    3.5% (Minimum interest rate) x $10,000
$10,000     Ending balance           +     0    Participation interest
            (0% Total return)        $10,350    Ending balance 
                                                (3.5% Total return)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.    If the Market and the S&P 500 Index value rise above maximum return               
Week 1/Wed                                                                  Week 52/Tues
 S&P 500                                                                      S&P 500
Index 425                      16% Increase in the S&P 500 Index             Index 493  
Full participation interest          Partial participation interest and Minimum interest
$10,000     Original investment      $10,000    Original investment
+ 1,200     (12% x $10,000)          +   350    3.5% (Minimum interest rate) x $10,000
            Maximum interest         +   400    (25% x 16% x $10,000) Participation interest
$11,200     Ending balance           $10,750    Ending balance 
            (12% Total return)                  (7.5% Total return)
</TABLE>    
About the S&P 500 Index

The description in this prospectus of the S&P 500 Index including
its make-up, method of calculation and changes in its components
are derived from publicly available information regarding the S&P
500 Index.  IDS Certificate Company (IDSC) does not assume any
responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such
information.

The S&P 500 Index is composed of 500 common stocks, most of which
are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.  The S&P 500 Index is
published by S&P and is intended to provide an indication of the
pattern of common stock movement.  Standard & Poor's Corporation
(S&P) chooses the 500 stocks to be included in the S&P 500 Index
with the aim of achieving a distribution by broad industry
groupings that approximates the distribution of these groupings in
the common stock population of the New York Stock Exchange. 
Changes in the S&P 500 Index are reported daily in the financial
pages of many major newspapers.
<PAGE>
PAGE 230
   
"Standard & Poor's (trademark)," "S&P," "S&P 500," "Standard & Poor's 500,"
and "500" are trademarks of McGraw-Hill, Inc. and have been
licensed for use by IDSC.  The certificate is not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P.  S&P makes no representation or
warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the certificate or
any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in
securities generally or in the certificate particularly or the
ability of the S&P 500 Index to track general stock market
performance.  S&P's only relationship to IDSC is the licensing of
certain trademarks and trade names of S&P and of the S&P 500 Index
which is determined, composed and calculated by S&P without regard
to IDSC or the certificate.  S&P has no obligation to take the
needs of IDSC or the owners of the certificate into consideration
in determining, composing or calculating the S&P 500 Index.  S&P is
not responsible for and has not participated in the determination
of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the certificate to be
issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by
which the certificate is to be converted into cash.  S&P has no
obligation or liability in connection with the administration,
marketing or trading of the certificate.
    
S&P does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the
S&P 500 Index or any data included therein and S&P shall have no
liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions therein.  S&P
makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the results to be
obtained by IDSC, owners of the certificate, or any person or
entity from the use of the S&P 500 Index or any data included
therein.  S&P makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly
disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose or use with respect to the S&P 500 Index or any
data included therein.  Without limiting any of the foregoing, in
no event shall S&P have any liability for any special, punitive,
indirect, or consequential damages (including lost profits), even
if notified of the possibility of such damages.

If for any reason the S&P 500 Index were to become unavailable or
not reasonably feasible to use, we would use a comparable stock
market index for determining participation interest.  If this were
to occur, you would be sent a notice indicating the comparable
index that will be used and be given the option to withdraw your
certificate balance, if desired, and receive your principal,
without being assessed a withdrawal charge.

Opportunities at the end of a term

Grace period:  When your certificate term ends, you have 14 days
before a new term automatically begins.  During this 14-day grace
period you can:
   
     o change your participation selection,

     o add money to your certificate,

     o change your term start date,
    
<PAGE>
PAGE 231
     o withdraw part or all of your money without a withdrawal
       penalty or loss of interest, or

     o receive your interest in cash.

Fixed interest only:  The grace period does not apply if you made
the change from fixed interest back to participation interest
during a term as discussed in "Fixed interest" under "Interest"
above.  Instead, your new 12-month term will begin on the Wednesday
following our receipt of your notice of your new interest
selection.

New term:  If you do not make changes, your certificate will
continue with your current selections when the new term begins 14
days later.  You will earn interim interest during this 14-day
grace period.  If you don't want to wait 14 days before starting
your next market participation term, you must call or give us
written instructions before your current term ends.  Or, you may
phone in your instructions and follow up the call with written
verification.  You can tell us to start your next term on any
Wednesday during the grace period immediately following our receipt
of your notice.  Your notice may also tell us to change your
interest selection, add to your certificate or withdraw part of
your money.  Term end notification cannot be sent in advance
because indexing information and interest (if any) are included. 
Any additional payments received during the current term will be
applied at the end of the current term.  By starting your new term
early and waiving the 14-day grace period, you are choosing to
start your next term without knowing the ending value of your
current term.

How to invest and withdraw funds

Buying your certificate
   
Your teleadvisor will help you fill out and submit an application
to open an account with us and purchase a certificate.  We will
process the application at our corporate offices in Minneapolis. 
When your application is accepted, you will receive a confirmation
showing the acceptance date, the date your term begins and the
interest selection you have made detailing your market
participation percentage and, if applicable, the guaranteed minimum
interest rate for your first term.  After your term begins, we will
send you notice of the value of the S&P 500 Index on the day your
term began.  The rates in effect on the date we accept your
application are the rates that apply to your certificate.  (See
"Purchase policies" below).
    
IMPORTANT:  When opening an account, you must provide IDSC with
your correct Taxpayer Identification Number (Social Security Number
or Employer Identification Number or a Form W-8 or approved
substitute).  See "Taxes on your earnings."

<PAGE>
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Purchase policies:

o If you purchase a certificate with a personal check or other non-
guaranteed funds, American Express Financial Corporation must
convert your check to federal funds (e.g., monies of member banks
within the Federal Reserve Bank) before your purchase will be
accepted and you begin earning interest.  This could take up to two
business days.
   
o IDSC has the authority to determine whether to accept an
application and sell a certificate.
    
A number of special policies apply to purchases, withdrawals and
exchanges within IRAs.  See "IRAs:  special policies."

Two ways to make additional investments at term end

1
By mail  

Send your check along with your name and account number to:
   
Regular mail:                           Express mail:
American Express Financial              American Express Financial  
 Services Direct                         Advisors
P.O. Box 59196                          Attn: American Express      
Minneapolis, MN  55459-0196                   Financial Services  
                                              Direct I12/716
                                              733 Marquette Avenue
                                              Minneapolis, MN 
                                                        55402-2039
2
By wire

If you have an established account, you may wire money to:

Norwest Bank Minneapolis
Routing No. 091000019
Minneapolis, MN
Attn:  Domestic Wire Dept.
    
Give these instructions:  Credit IDS Account #00-30-015 for
personal account # (your account number) for (your name).

If this information is not included, the order may be rejected and
all money received less any costs IDSC incurs will be returned
promptly.

o    Minimum amount you may wire:  $1,000
   
o    Wire orders can be accepted only on days when your bank,
     American Express Financial Corporation, IDSC, Norwest Bank
     Minneapolis and American Express Financial Services Direct are
     open for business.
    
o    Wire purchases are completed when wired payment is received
     and we accept the purchase.
<PAGE>
PAGE 233
   
o    Wire investments must be received and accepted in the
     Minneapolis headquarters on a business day before 3 p.m.
     Central time to be credited that day.  Otherwise your purchase
     will be processed the next business day.
    
o    IDSC, American Express Financial Corporation and American
     Express Financial Advisors Inc. are not responsible for any
     delays that occur in wiring funds, including delays in
     processing by the bank.

o    You must pay any fee the bank charges for wiring.

Full and partial withdrawals

You may withdraw your certificate for its full value or make a
partial withdrawal of $100 or more at any time.  However:

o    Full and partial withdrawals of principal during a term are
     subject to penalties, described below.

o    You may not make a partial withdrawal if it would reduce your
     certificate balance to less than $1,000.  If you request such
     a withdrawal, we will contact you for revised instructions.

Penalties for withdrawal during a term:  If you withdraw money
during a term, you will pay a penalty of 2% of the principal
withdrawn.  (The 2% penalty is waived upon death of the certificate
owner or if it is for an IRA and you have reached age 70 1/2.)

When you request a full or partial withdrawal during a term, we pay
you from the principal of your certificate.

Loss of interest:  If you make a withdrawal at any time other than
at the end of the term, you will lose interest accrued on the
withdrawal amount since minimum and participation interest is
credited only at the end of a term.  However, accrued fixed and
interim interest will be paid to the date of the withdrawal.

Following are examples describing a $2,000 withdrawal during a term
for participation and fixed interest:

Participation interest

Account balance                                  $10,000.00     
Interest (interest is credited at the end of           0.00     
the term)
Withdrawal of principal                          ( 2,000.00)    
2% withdrawal penalty                                (40.00)    
Balance after withdrawal.                        $ 7,960.00     

You will forfeit any accrued interest on the
withdrawal amount.

<PAGE>
PAGE 234
Fixed interest

Account balance                                  $10,000.00     
Interest credited to date                            100.00     
Withdrawal of credited interest                     (100.00)    
Withdrawal of principal                           (1,900.00)    
2% withdrawal penalty (on $1,900                     (38.00)    
principal withdrawn)
Balance after withdrawal.                        $ 8,062.00     

IRAs:  In addition, you may be subject to IRS penalties for early
withdrawals if your certificate is in an IRA.

Other full and partial withdrawal policies:

o    If you request a partial or full withdrawal of a certificate
      recently purchased or added to by a check or money order that
      is not guaranteed, we will wait for your check to clear.
      Please expect a minimum of 10 days from the date of your
      payment before IDSC mails a check to you.  (A check may be
      mailed earlier if your bank provides evidence that your check
      has cleared.)

o    If your certificate is pledged as collateral, any withdrawal
     will be delayed until we get approval from the secured party.

o    Any payments to you may be delayed under applicable rules,
     regulations or orders of the SEC.

Two ways to request a withdrawal

1
By phone
   
Call the American Express Financial Services Direct service team
at:

1-800-AXP-SERV (toll free) 

TTY number:
1-800-710-5260 (toll free) 
    
o    Maximum phone request:  $50,000

o    A telephone withdrawal request will not be allowed within 30
     days of a phoned-in address change.
   
o    We will honor any telephone request believed to be authentic
     and will use reasonable procedures to confirm that they are,
     such as asking identifying questions.  As long as the
     procedures are followed, neither IDSC, American Express
     Financial Services Direct, or American Express Financial
     Advisors Inc. will be liable for any loss resulting from
     fraudulent requests.

You may request that telephone withdrawals not be authorized from
your account by writing American Express Financial Services Direct.
    <PAGE>
PAGE 235
2
By mail

Send your name, account number and request for a withdrawal or
transfer to:
   
Regular mail:
American Express Financial Services Direct
P.O. Box 59196
Minneapolis, MN  55459-0196

Express mail:
American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
Attn:  American Express Financial Services Direct
I12/716
733 Marquette Avenue
Minneapolis, MN  55402-2039
    
Written requests are required for:

o    Transactions over $50,000

o    Custodial accounts where the minor has reached the age at
     which custodianship should terminate.


Two ways to receive payment when you withdraw funds

1
By regular or express mail

o    Mailed to address on record; please allow seven days for
     mailing

o    Payable to name(s) you requested

o    For express mail, you will pay charges that vary depending on
     the courier you select.  For a partial withdrawal leaving a
     remaining balance of more than $1,000, these charges will be
     deducted from the remaining balance.  If the remaining balance
     is less than $1,000, or if it is a full withdrawal, charges
     are deducted from proceeds of the withdrawal.

2
By wire

o    Minimum wire withdrawal:  $500

o    Request that money be wired to your bank

o    Bank account must be in same ownership as IDSC account
   
o    Pre-authorization required.  Complete the bank wire
     authorization section in the application.  All registered
     owners must sign.
    
<PAGE>
PAGE 236
o    A service fee, if any, may be deducted from your balance (for
     partial withdrawals) or from the proceeds of a full
     withdrawal.

IRAs:  special policies

o    If the certificate is purchased for an IRA, the terms and
     conditions of the certificate apply to the IRA as the owner of
     this certificate.  However, the terms of the IRA, as
     interpreted by the trustee, will determine how a participant's
     individual IRA is administered.  These terms may differ from
     the terms of the certificate.

o    The annual custodial fee for an IRA may be deducted from your
     certificate account.  It may reduce the amount payable at
     maturity or the amount received upon an early withdrawal.

o    IRA withdrawals may be subject to withdrawal penalties or loss
     of interest even if they are not subject to federal tax
     penalties.

o    We will waive withdrawal penalties on withdrawals for IRA
     accounts of clients who have reached age 70 1/2.

o    If you withdraw all funds from your last account in an IRA at
     American Express Trust Company, a $25 termination fee will
     apply.

o    The IRA termination fee will be waived if withdrawal occurs
     upon the account owner's death.

Transfer of ownership
   
While the certificate is not negotiable, IDSC will transfer
ownership upon written notification to American Express Financial
Services Direct.  However, if you have purchased your certificate
for an IRA, you may be unable to transfer or assign the certificate
without losing the account's favorable status.  Please consult your
tax advisor.
    
For more information

For information on purchases, withdrawals, exchanges, transfers of
ownership, proper instructions and other service questions
regarding your certificate, please consult the American Express
Financial Services Direct service team at
   
1-800-AXP-SERV or
TTY:  1-800-710-5260.
    
Taxes on your earnings

Participation and minimum interest on your certificate is taxable
when credited to your account.  Fixed and interim interest are
fully taxable as earned.  Each calendar year we provide certificate
owners and the IRS with reports of all earnings over $10 (Form <PAGE>
PAGE 237
1099).  Withdrawals are reported to the certificate owner and the
IRS on Form 1099-B, Proceeds from Broker Transactions.

Revised proposed regulations:  The IRS has issued revised proposed
regulations governing the tax treatment of debt instruments which
provide for variable rates of interest, including interest based on
the price of property that is actively traded or on an index of the
prices of such property.  Under these revised proposed regulations,
the IDS Stock Market Certificate is likely to constitute a debt
instrument that would be treated as a variable rate debt instrument
(VRDI) rather than a contingent debt instrument (CDI).  If the
Stock Market Certificate constitutes a VRDI, then the income earned
on the certificate will be treated as original issue discount and
reported when credited to the holder's account.  If the certificate
is not treated as a VRDI, but rather is treated as a CDI, then the
owner may have taxable income to report, even though the account
owner has not received any cash distributions.  Furthermore, the
timing and character of the income may be different from that of a
VRDI.  IDSC cannot guarantee whether the revised proposed
regulations will be adopted as final in this present form or will
again be modified.  As always, you should consult your tax adviser
for information regarding the tax implications of your certificate.

Retirement accounts

If you are using the certificate as an investment for an IRA,
income tax rules for your IRA apply.  Generally, you will pay no
income taxes on your investment's earnings--and, in many cases, on
part or all of the investment itself--until you begin to make
withdrawals.

IDSC will withhold federal income taxes of 10% on IRA withdrawals
unless you tell us not to.

Withdrawals from retirement accounts are generally subject to a
penalty tax of 10% by the IRS if you make them before age 59 1/2,
unless you are disabled or if they are made by your beneficiary in
the event of your death.  (Other exceptions may also apply.)  

Consult your tax advisor to see how these rules apply to you before
you request a distribution from your IRA.

Gifts to minors

The certificate may be given to a minor under either the Uniform
Gifts or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UGMA/UTMA), whichever
applies in your state.  UGMAs/UTMAs are irrevocable.  Generally,
under federal tax laws, income over $1,200 on property owned by
children under age 14 will be taxed at the parents' marginal tax
rate, while income on property owned by children 14 or older will
be taxed at the child's rate.
   
Your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and backup withholding:
As with any financial account you open, you must list your current
and correct Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)--either your
Social Security or Employer Identification Number.  The TIN must be
<PAGE>
PAGE 238
certified under penalties of perjury on your application when you
open an account with American Express Financial Services Direct.

If you don't provide the TIN to American Express Financial Services
Direct, or the TIN you report is incorrect, you could be subject to
backup withholding of 31% of your interest earnings.  You could
also be subject to further penalties, such as:
    
o    $50 penalty for each failure to supply your correct TIN
o    a civil penalty of $500 if you make a false statement that
     results in no backup withholding
o    criminal penalties for falsifying information.

You could also be subject to backup withholding because you failed
to report interest on your tax return as required.

To help you determine the correct TIN to use on various types of
accounts, please use this chart:
   
How to determine the correct TIN
    
                                 Use the Social Security or
For this type of account:        Employer Identification Number of:

Individual or joint              The individual or first person
                                 listed on the account

Custodian account of a minor     The minor
(Uniform Gifts/Transfers to
Minors Act)

A living trust                   The grantor-trustee (the person
                                 who puts the money into the trust)

An irrevocable trust             The legal entity (not the personal
or estate                        representative or trustee, unless
                                 no legal entity is designated in
                                 the account title)

Sole proprietorship or           The owner or partnership
partnership

Corporate                        The corporation

Association, club or             The organization
tax-exempt organization
   
For details on TIN requirements, ask your American Express
Financial Services Direct Team for Federal Form W-9, Request for
Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification.
    
Foreign investors
   
If you are not a citizen or resident of the United States, you must
supply American Express Financial Services Direct with Form W-8,
Certificate of Foreign Status when you purchase your certificate,
and you must resupply it every three years.  You must also supply 

    
   <PAGE>
PAGE 239
both a current mailing address and an address of foreign residency,
if different.  American Express Financial Services Direct will not
accept purchases of certificates by nonresident aliens without an
appropriately certified Form W-8 (or approved substitute).  Also,
if you do not supply Form W-8 you will be subject to backup
withholding on interest payments and withdrawals.

It is most likely that interest on the certificate is "portfolio
interest" as defined in U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 871(h)
if earned by a nonresident alien.  However, if the certificate is
treated as a CDI, part of the earned income may be treated as
capital gain instead of portfolio interest.  Even though your
interest income or capital gain is not taxed by the U.S.
government, it will be reported at year end to you and to the U.S.
government on a Form 1042S, Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income
Subject to Withholding.  The United States participates in various
tax treaties with foreign countries, which provide for sharing of
tax information.

    
   
Estate tax:  If you are a nonresident alien and you die while
owning a certificate, American Express Financial Services Direct
will need a statement from persons American Express Financial
Services Direct believes are knowledgeable about your estate.  The
statement must be in a form satisfactory to American Express
Financial Services Direct and must tell us that, on your date of
death, your estate did not include any property in the United
States for U.S. estate tax purposes.  If we do not receive the
statement, we generally will not take action regarding your
certificate until we receive a transfer certificate from the IRS.
    
In general, a transfer certificate requires the opening of an
estate in the United States and provides assurance that the IRS
will not claim your IDS certificate to satisfy estate taxes.

IMPORTANT:  This information is a brief and selective summary of
certain federal tax rules that apply to this certificate.  Tax
matters are highly individual and complex, and you should consult a
qualified tax adviser about your personal situation.

How your money is used and protected

Invested and guaranteed by IDSC
   
The IDS Stock Market Certificate is issued and guaranteed by IDSC,
a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial
Corporation.  We are by far the largest issuer of face amount
certificates in the United States, with total assets of more than
$3.0 billion and a net worth in excess of $141 million on Dec. 31,
1994.
    
We back our certificates by investing the money received and
keeping the invested assets on deposit.  Our investments generate
interest and dividends, out of which we pay:

o    interest to certificate owners
<PAGE>
PAGE 240
o    various expenses, including taxes, fees to American Express
     Financial Corporation for advisory and other services and
     distribution fees to American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
   
For a review of significant events relating to our business, see
"Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations."  Our certificates are not rated by a
national rating agency.

Most banks and thrifts offer investments known as certificates of
deposit (CDs) that are similar to our certificates in many ways. 
Early withdrawal of bank CDs often results in penalties.  Banks and
thrifts generally have federal deposit insurance for their deposits
and lend much of the money deposited to individuals, businesses and
other enterprises.  Other financial institutions and some insurance
companies may offer investments with comparable combinations of
safety and return on investment.
    
Regulated by government

Because the IDS Stock Market Certificate is a security, its offer
and sale are subject to regulation under federal and state
securities laws.  (It is a face-amount certificate--not a bank
product, an equity investment, a form of life insurance or an
investment trust.)
   
The federal Investment Company Act of 1940 requires us to keep
investments on deposit in a segregated custodial account to protect
all of our outstanding certificates.  These investments back the
entire value of your certificate account.  Their amortized cost
must exceed the required carrying value of the outstanding
certificates by at least $250,000.  As of Dec. 31, 1994, the
amortized cost of these investments exceeded the required carrying
value of our outstanding certificates by more than $121 million.

Backed by our investments

Our investments are varied and of high quality.  This was the
composition of our portfolio as of Dec. 31, 1994:  

Type of investment                     Net amount invested

Corporate and other bonds                     31%
Government agency bonds                       27
Preferred stocks                              23
Mortgages                                      9
Municipal bonds                                5
Cash and cash equivalents                      5
    
More than 95% of our securities portfolio (bonds and preferred
stocks) is rated investment grade.  For additional information
regarding securities ratings, please refer to Note 3B in the
financial statements.

Most of our investments are on deposit with American Express Trust
Company (formerly IDS Trust Company), Minneapolis, although we also
maintain separate deposits as required by certain states.  American<PAGE>
PAGE 241
Express Trust Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American
Express Financial Corporation.  Copies of our Dec. 31, 1994
schedule of Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers are
available upon request.  For comments regarding the valuation,
carrying values and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of
investment securities, see Notes 1, 2 and 3 to the financial
statements.

Investment policies

In deciding how to diversify the portfolio--among what types of
investments in what amounts--the officers and directors of IDSC use
their best judgment, subject to applicable law.  The following
policies currently govern our investment decisions:

Purchasing securities on margin:  We will not purchase any
securities on margin or participate on a joint basis or a joint-
and-several basis in any trading account in securities.

Commodities:  We have not and do not intend to purchase or sell
commodities or commodity contracts.

Underwriting:  We do not intend to engage in the public
distribution of securities issued by others.  However, if we
purchase unregistered securities and later resell them, we may be
considered an underwriter under federal securities laws.

Borrowing money:  From time to time we have established a line of
credit if management believed borrowing was necessary or desirable. 
While a line of credit does not currently exist, it may be
established again in the future.  We may pledge some of our assets
as security.  We may occasionally use repurchase agreements as a
way to borrow money.  Under these agreements, we sell debt
securities to our lender, and repurchase them at the sales price
plus an agreed-upon interest rate within a specified period of
time.

Real estate:  We may invest directly in real estate, though we have
not generally done so in the past.  We do invest in mortgage loans.

Lending securities:  We may lend some of our securities to broker-
dealers and receive cash equal to the market value of the
securities as collateral.  We invest this cash in short-term
securities.  If the market value of the securities goes up, the
borrower pays us additional cash.  During the course of the loan,
the borrower makes cash payments to us equal to all interest,
dividends and other distributions paid on the loaned securities. 
We will try to vote these securities if a major event affecting our
investment is under consideration.

When-issued securities:  Most of our investments are in debt
securities, some of which are purchased on a when-issued basis.  It
may take as long as 45 days before these securities are issued and
delivered to us.  We generally do not pay for these securities or
start earning on them until delivery.  We have established
procedures to ensure that sufficient cash is available to meet
when-issued commitments.<PAGE>
PAGE 242
   
Financial transactions:  We buy or sell various types of options
contracts for hedging purposes or as a trading technique to
facilitate securities purchases or sales.  We buy interest rate
caps for hedging purposes.  These pay us a return if interest rates
rise above a specified level.  If approved by the SEC, IDSC may
enter into financial transactions, including futures and other
derivatives, for the purpose of managing the interest rate
exposures associated with IDSC's assets or liabilities. 
Derivatives are financial instruments whose performance is derived,
at least in part, from the performance of an underlying asset,
security or index.  A small change in the value of the underlying
asset, security or index may cause a sizable gain or loss in the
fair value of the derivative.
    
Restrictions:  There are no restrictions on concentration of
investments in any particular industry or group of industries or on
rates of portfolio turnover.

How your money is managed

Relationship between IDSC and American Express Financial
Corporation

IDSC was originally organized as Investors Syndicate of America,
Inc., a Minnesota corporation, on Oct. 15, 1940, and began business
as an issuer of face amount investment certificates on Jan. 1,
1941.  The company became a Delaware corporation on Dec. 31, 1977,
and changed its name to IDS Certificate Company on April 2, 1984.

Before IDSC was created, American Express Financial Corporation,
our parent company and organizer, had issued similar certificates
since 1894.  On Jan. 1, 1995, American Express Financial
Corporation changed its name from IDS Financial Corporation.  IDSC
and American Express Financial Corporation have never failed to
meet their certificate payments.
   
During its many years in operation, American Express Financial
Corporation has become a leading manager of investments in
mortgages and securities.  As of Dec. 31, 1994, IDS managed
investments, including its own, of more than $105 billion. 
American Express Financial Advisors Inc. provides a broad range of
financial planning services for individuals and businesses through
its nationwide network of more than 175 offices and more than 7,800
financial advisors.  American Express Financial Advisors' financial
planning services are comprehensive, beginning with a detailed
written analysis that's tailored to your needs.  Your analysis may
address one or all of these six essential areas:  financial
position, protection planning, investment planning, income tax
planning, retirement planning, and estate planning.
    
American Express Financial Corporation itself is a wholly owned
subsidiary of American Express Company, a financial services
company with executive offices at American Express Tower, World
Financial Center, New York, NY 10285.

<PAGE>
PAGE 243
American Express Company is a financial services company engaged
through subsidiaries in other businesses including:

o    travel related services (including American Express(trademark) Card and
     Travelers Cheque operations through American Express Travel
     Related Services Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries), and

o    international banking services (through American Express Bank
     Ltd. and its subsidiaries).

American Express Financial Advisors Inc. is not a bank, and the
securities offered by it, such as face amount certificates issued
by IDSC, are not backed or guaranteed by any bank, nor are they
insured by the FDIC.

Capital structure and certificates issued

IDSC has authorized, issued and has outstanding 150,000 shares of
common stock, par value of $10 per share.  American Express
Financial Corporation owns all of the outstanding shares.
   
As of Dec. 31, 1994, IDSC had issued (in face amount)
$12,727,756,065 of installment certificates and $13,016,532,575 of
single payment certificates.
    
Investment management and services

Under an Investment Advisory and Services Agreement, American
Express Financial Corporation acts as our investment advisor and is
responsible for:

o    providing investment research,
o    making specific investment recommendations
o    executing purchase and sale orders according to our policy of
     obtaining the best price and execution.

All these activities are subject to direction and control by our
board of directors and officers.  Our agreement with American
Express Financial Corporation requires annual renewal by our board,
including a majority of directors who are not interested persons of
American Express Financial Corporation or IDSC as defined in the
federal Investment Company Act of 1940.

For its services, we pay American Express Financial Corporation a
monthly fee, equal on an annual basis to a percentage of the total
book value of certain assets (included assets):
   
Advisory and services fee computation:

Included assets            Percentage of total book value

First $250 million                    0.75%
Next 250 million                      0.65
Next 250 million                      0.55
Next 250 million                      0.50
Any amount over $1 billion            0.45
    <PAGE>
PAGE 244
Included assets are all assets of IDSC except mortgage loans, real
estate, and any other asset on which we pay an advisory or service
fee.

Advisory and services fees for the past three years were:

                                        Percentage of
Year          Total fees                included assets
   
1994          $13,565,432                  0.51%
1993          $15,036,091                  0.50
1992          $17,851,271                  0.50

Estimated advisory and services fees for 1995 are $15,074,000.
    
Other expenses payable by IDSC:  The Investment Advisory and
Services Agreement provides that we will pay:

o    costs incurred by us in connection with real estate and
     mortgages,
o    taxes,
o    depository and custodian fees,
o    brokerage commissions,
o    fees and expenses for services not covered by other agreements
     and provided to us at our request, or by requirement, by
     attorneys, auditors, examiners and professional consultants
     who are not officers or employees of American Express
     Financial Corporation,
o    fees and expenses of our directors who are not officers or
     employees of American Express Financial Corporation,
o    provision for certificate reserves (interest accrued on
     certificate owner accounts), and
o    expenses of customer settlements not attributable to sales
     function.

Distribution

Under a Distribution Agreement with American Express Financial
Advisors Inc. we pay for the distribution of this certificate as
follows:

o    1.25% of the initial investment on the first day of the
     certificate's term, and

o    1.25% of the certificate's reserve at the beginning of each
      subsequent term, for certificates sold through American
      Express financial advisors or through American Express Bank
      International (AEBI) or Coutts & Co (USA) International
      (Coutts) representatives.
   
For certificates sold through American Express Financial Services
Direct, we pay American Express Financial Advisors Inc. for the
distribution of this certificate as follows:
    
o    1.00% of the initial investment on the first day of the
     certificate's term, and<PAGE>
PAGE 245
o    1.00% of the certificate's reserve at the beginning of each
     subsequent term.

This fee is not assessed to your certificate account.
   
Total distribution fees paid to American Express Financial Advisors
Inc. for all series of certificates amounted to $34,534,747 during
the year ended Dec. 31, 1994.  We expect to pay American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. distribution fees amounting to $33,700,000
during 1995.
    
See Note 1 to financial statements regarding deferral of
distribution fee expense.
   
American Express Financial Advisors Inc. pays commissions to its
financial advisors and pays other selling expenses in connection
with services to us.  Our board of directors, including a majority
of directors who are not interested persons of American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. or IDSC, approved this distribution
agreement.
    
Selling Agent Agreements with AEBI and Coutts:  In turn, under
Selling Agent Agreements with AEBI and Coutts, American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. compensates each for their services as
Selling Agents of this certificate as follows:
   
o    AEBI is paid a fee equal to 1.0% per term of the principal
     amount of each certificate for which AEBI is the selling
     agent.
    
o    Coutts is paid a fee equal to 0.80% per term of the principal
     amount of each certificate for which Coutts is the selling
     agent.

Coutts is compensated on additional investments made by its clients
who are former clients of AEBI.  These clients must have
continuously owned a certificate since Nov. 10, 1994.  Coutts is
also compensated on exchanges made by such clients to other
certificates only to the extent that a client has the right to make
additional investments or exchanges.

American Express Financial Advisors has entered into a consulting
agreement with AEBI under which AEBI provides consulting services
related to any selling agent agreements between American Express
Financial Advisors Inc. and other Edge Act corporations.  For these
services, American Express Financial Advisors Inc. pays AEBI a fee
for this certificate equal to 0.20% per term of the principal
amount of each certificate for which another Edge Act corporation
is the selling agent.

Such payments will be made quarterly in arrears.

These fees are not assessed to your certificate account.
   
AEBI and Coutts are Edge Act corporations organized under the
provisions of Section 25(a) of the Federal Reserve Act.  AEBI is a
wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Bank Ltd. (AEBL). <PAGE>
PAGE 246
Coutts is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of NatWest PLC.  As
Edge Act corporations, AEBI and Coutts are subject to the
provisions of Section 25(a) of the Federal Reserve Act and
Regulation K of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System (the Federal Reserve).  They are supervised and regulated by
the Federal Reserve.

Although AEBI and Coutts are banking entities, the Stock Market
Certificate is not a bank product, nor is it backed or guaranteed
by AEBI, by AEBL, by Coutts, by NatWest PLC or by any other bank,
nor is it guaranteed or insured by the FDIC or any other federal
agency.  AEBI is registered where necessary as a securities broker-
dealer.
    
Employment of other American Express affiliates

American Express Financial Corporation may employ an affiliate of
American Express as executing broker for our portfolio transactions
only if:

o    we receive prices and executions at least as favorable as
     those offered by qualified independent brokers performing
     similar services;
o    the affiliate charges us commissions consistent with those
     charged to comparable unaffiliated customers for similar
     transactions; and
o    the affiliate's employment is consistent with the terms of the
     current Investment Advisory and Services Agreement and federal
     securities laws.

Directors and officers

IDSC's directors, chairman, president and controller are elected
annually for a term of one year.  The other executive officers are
appointed by the president.
   
We paid a total of $37,000 during 1994 to directors not employed by
American Express Financial Corporation.
    
Board of directors

David R. Hubers* 
Age 52. Director since April 1987.

President and chief executive officer of American Express Financial
Corporation since 1993.  Senior vice president and chief financial
officer of American Express Financial Corporation from 1984 to
1993.

Charles W. Johnson 
Age 65. Director since August 1989.

Former vice president and group executive, Industrial Systems, with
Honeywell Inc.  Retired 1989.

<PAGE>
PAGE 247
Edward Landes  
Age 75. Director since May 1984.

Development consultant.  Former sales manager - Supplies Division
and district manager - Data Processing Division of IBM Corporation. 
Retired 1983.
   
John V. Luck Ph.D. 
Age 69. Director since April 1987.
    
Former senior vice president - Science and Technology with General
Mills, Inc.  Employed with General Mills Inc. since 1970.  Retired
1987.

James A. Mitchell*
Age 54. Director since January 1994.

Chairman of the board of directors since February, 1994.  Executive
vice president - marketing and products of American Express
Financial Corporation since February 1994.  Senior vice president -
insurance operations of American Express Financial Corporation and
president and chief executive officer of IDS Life Insurance Company
from 1986 to 1994.

Harrison Randolph 
Age 79. Director since 1968.

Gordon H. Ritz 
Age 67. Director since 1968.

President, Con Rad Broadcasting Corp.  Director, Sunstar Foods and
Mid-America Publishing.

Stuart A. Sedlacek* 
Age 37. Director since January 1994.

President since February 1994.  Vice president - assured assets of
American Express Financial Corporation since March 1994.  Vice
president and portfolio manager from 1988 to 1994.  Executive vice
president - assured assets of IDS Life Insurance Company since
March 1994.

*"Interested Person" of IDSC as that term is defined in Investment
Company Act of 1940.

Executive officers
   
Stuart A. Sedlacek 
Age 37. President since February 1994.
    
Louis C. Fornetti 
Age 45. Vice president since January 1990.

Chief financial officer of American Express Financial Corporation
since 1993 and senior vice president, corporate controller and
director of American Express Financial Corporation since 1988.
<PAGE>
PAGE 248
Morris Goodwin Jr. 
Age 43. Vice president and treasurer since 1989.
   
Vice president and corporate treasurer of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1989.  Chief financial officer and
treasurer of American Express Trust Company from 1988 to 1989.
    
Colleen Curran 
Age 42. Secretary since 1990.

Secretary and assistant vice president of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1990.  Senior counsel to American
Express Financial Corporation since 1990.  Counsel from 1985 to
1990.

Lorraine R. Hart
Age 43. Vice president-investments since February 1994.

Vice President - insurance investments of American Express
Financial Corporation since 1989.  Vice president, investments of
IDS Life Insurance Company since 1992.

Jay C. Hatlestad
Age 37. Vice president and controller since 1994.

Director of finance - assured assets of American Express Financial
Corporation since 1994.  Manager of investment accounting of IDS
Life Insurance Company from 1986 to 1994.

Bruce A. Kohn 
Age 44. Vice president and general counsel since 1993.

Counsel to American Express Financial Corporation since 1992. 
Associate counsel from 1987 to 1992.

F. Dale Simmons 
Age 57. Vice president - Real Estate Loan Management since 1993.

Vice president of American Express Financial Corporation since
1992.  Senior portfolio manager of American Express Financial
Corporation since 1989.  Assistant vice president from 1987 to
1992.  
   
The officers and directors as a group beneficially own less than 1%
of the common stock of American Express Company.

IDSC has provisions in its bylaws relating to the indemnification
of its officers and directors against liability, as permitted by
law.  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or
persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of
the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.

<PAGE>
PAGE 249
Auditors

A firm of independent auditors audits our financial statements at
the close of each fiscal year (Dec. 31).  Copies of our annual
financial statements (audited) and semiannual financial statements
(unaudited) are available to any certificate owner upon request. 

Ernst & Young LLP, Minneapolis, has audited the financial
statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended
Dec. 31, 1994.  These statements are included in this prospectus. 
Ernst & Young LLP is also the auditor for American Express Company,
the parent company of American Express Financial Corporation and
IDSC.
    
<PAGE>
PAGE 250
             PART II.  INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item
Number

Item 13.  Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
     
          The expenses in connection with the issuance and
          distribution of the securities being registered are to be
          borne by the registrant.

Item 14.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

          The By-Laws of IDS Certificate Company provide that it
          shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
          threatened to be made a party, by reason of the fact that
          he was or is a director, officer, employee or agent of
          the company, or is or was serving at the direction of the
          company, or any predecessor corporation as a director,
          officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
          partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, to
          any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
          proceeding, wherever brought, to the fullest extent
          permitted by the laws of the state of Delaware, as now
          existing or hereafter amended.

          The By-Laws further provide that indemnification
          questions applicable to a corporation which has been
          merged into the company relating to causes of action
          arising prior to the date of such merger shall be
          governed exclusively by the applicable laws of the state
          of incorporation and by the by-laws of such merged
          corporation then in effect.  See also Item 17.

Item 15.  Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

(a)     Securities Sold

Period of sale         Title of securities           Amount sold
1992                   IDS Special Deposits          $29,753,590.00
1993                   IDS Special Deposits            8,367,601.13
1994                   IDS Special Deposits           18,013,424.38
1995 through Feb. 28*  IDS Special Deposits            2,412,000.00

*Most recent practicable date through which to provide information.

(b)     Underwriters and other purchasers

IDS Special Deposits are marketed by American Express Bank Ltd.
(AEB), an affiliate of IDS Certificate Company, to private banking
clients of AEB in the United Kingdom.

(c)     Consideration

All IDS Special Deposits were sold for cash.  The aggregate
offering price was the same as the amount sold in the table above. 
Aggregate marketing fees to AEB were $147,146.65 in 1992,
$153,318.21 in 1993, $88,686.14 in 1994, and $12,838.08 in 1995
through February 28.
<PAGE>
PAGE 251
(d)     Exemption from registration claimed

IDS Special Deposits are marketed, pursuant to the exemption in
Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, by AEB in the United
Kingdom to persons who are not U.S. persons, as defined in
Regulation S.

Item 16.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

     (a)  The following exhibits to this Post-Effective Amendment
          No. 14 to Registration Statement No. 2-95577 are
          incorporated herein by reference or attached hereto:

          1.   (a)  Copy of Distribution Agreement dated November
                    18, 1988, between Registrant and IDS Financial
                    Services Inc., filed electronically as Exhibit
                    1(a) to the Registration Statement for the
                    American Express International Investment
                    Certificate (now called, the IDS Investors
                    Certificate), is incorporated herein by
                    reference.
                   
               (c)(b)Selling Agent Agreement dated June 1, 1990,
                    between American Express Bank International and
                    IDS Financial Services Inc. for the IDS
                    Investors and IDS Stock Market Certificates,
                    filed electronically as Exhibit 1(c) to the
                    Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Registration
                    Statement No. 33-26844, is incorporated herein
                    by reference.

               (c)  Marketing Agreement dated October 10, 1991,
                    between Registrant and American Express Bank
                    Ltd., filed electronically as Exhibit 1(d) to
                    Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to Registration
                    Statement 2-55252, is incorporated herein by
                    reference.

               (d)  Amendment to the Selling Agent Agreement dated
                    December 12, 1994 between IDS Financial
                    Services Inc. and American Express Bank
                    International, filed electronically as Exhibit
                    1(d) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to
                    Registration Statement No. 2-95577, is
                    incorporated herein by reference.

               (e)  Selling Agent Agreement dated December 12, 1994
                    between IDS Financial Services Inc. and Coutts
                    & Co. (USA) International filed electronically 
                    as Exhibit 1(e) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
                    13 to Registration Statement No. 2-95577, is
                    incorporated herein by reference.

               (f)  Consulting Agreement dated December 12, 1994 
                    between IDS Financial Services Inc. and Coutts
                    & Co. (USA) filed electronically as Exhibit
                    1(f) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to
                    Registration Statement No. 2-95577, is
                    incorporated herein by reference.<PAGE>
PAGE 252
          PART II.  INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 16.  (a)  Continued

          2.   Not Applicable.                 

          3.   (a)  Certificate of Incorporation, dated December
                    31, 1977, filed electronically as Exhibit 3(a)
                    to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to
                    Registration Statement No. 2-95577, is
                    incorporated herein by reference.
               
               (b)  Certificate of Amendment, dated February 9,
                    l984, filed electronically as Exhibit 3(b) to   
                    Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration  
                    Statement No. 2-95577, is incorporated herein
                    by reference.

               (c)  By-Laws, dated December 31, 1977, filed         
                    electronically as Exhibit 3(c) to Post-
                    Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration
                    Statement No. 2-95577, is incorporated herein
                    by reference.

          4.   Not Applicable.

          5.   Not applicable.

          6 through 9. -- None.

          10.  (a)  Investment Advisory and Services Agreement      
                    between Registrant and IDS/American Express     
                    Inc., dated January 12, 1984, filed             
                    electronically as Exhibit 10(a) to Post-        
                    Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration       
                    Statement No. 2-95577, is incorporated herein   
                    by reference.
     
               (b)  Depository and Custodial Agreement, between IDS
                    Certificate Company and IDS Trust Company dated
                    September 30, 1985, filed electronically as
                    Exhibit 10(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2
                    to Registration Statement No. 2-95577, is
                    incorporated herein by reference.

               (c)  Loan Agreement between Registrant and Investors
                    Syndicate Development Corporation, dated
                    October 13, 1970, filed electronically as
                    Exhibit 10(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2
                    to Registration Statement No. 2-95577, is
                    incorporated herein by reference.

               (d)  Agreement for the servicing of Residential
                    Mortgage Loans between ISA and Advance Mortgage
                    Company, Ltd., dated August 31, 1980, filed
                    electronically as Exhibit 10(d) to Post-
                    Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration
                    Statement No. 2-95577, is incorporated herein
                    by reference.<PAGE>
PAGE 253
          PART II.  INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 16.  (a)  Continued

               (e)  Agreement for the servicing of Commercial
                    Mortgage Loans, between ISA and FBS Mortgage
                    Corporation, dated October 1, 1980, filed
                    electronically as Exhibit 10(e) to Post-
                    Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration
                    Statement No. 2-95577, is incorporated herein
                    by reference.
 
               (f)  Agreement by and between Registrant and
                    Investors Diversified Services, Inc. (now IDS
                    Financial Services Inc.) providing for the
                    purchase by IDS of a block of portfolio
                    securities from Registrant, filed as Exhibit -
                    10.5 to the September 30, 1981 quarterly report
                    on Form 10-Q of Alleghany Corporation, is
                    incorporated herein by reference.
                        
               (g)  Transfer Agent Agreements for the servicing of
                    the American Express Savings Certificate filed
                    electronically as Exhibit 10(g) to Pre-
                    Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration
                    Statement No. 33-25385, are incorporated herein
                    by reference.         

               (h)  Foreign Deposit Agreement dated November 21,
                    1990, between Registrant and IDS Bank & Trust,
                    filed electronically as Exhibit 10(h) to Post-
                    Effective Amendment No. 5 to Registration
                    Statement No. 33-26844, is incorporated herein
                    by reference.

          11 through 24. -- None.

               25.  (a)  Officers' Power of Attorney, dated May 17,
                         1994 is filed electronically as Exhibit
                         25(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13
                         to Registration Statement No. 2-95577, is
                         incorporated herein by reference.
 
                    (b)  Directors' Power of Attorney, dated May
                         13, 1994 is filed electronically as
                         Exhibit 25(b) to Post-Effective Amendment
                         No. 13 to Registration Statement No. 2-
                         95577, is incorporated herein by
                         reference.

          26 through 28. None.

          (b)  The financial statement schedules for IDS
               Certificate Company filed electronically as Exhibit
               16(b) in Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 to
               Registration Statement No. 2-55252 for Series D-1
               Investment Certificate, are incorporated by
               reference herewith.
<PAGE>
PAGE 254
Item 17.  Undertakings.

          Without limiting or restricting any liability on the part
          of the other, American Express Financial Advisors Inc.,
          (formerly IDS Financial Services Inc.) as underwriter,
          will assume any actionable civil liability which may
          arise under the Federal Securities Act of 1933, the
          Federal Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the Federal
          Investment Company Act of 1940, in addition to any such
          liability arising at law or in equity, out of any untrue
          statement of a material fact made by its agents in the
          due course of their business in selling or offering for
          sale, or soliciting applications for, securities issued
          by the Company or any omission on the part of its agents
          to state a material fact necessary in order to make the
          statements so made, in the light of the circumstances in
          which they were made, not misleading (no such untrue
          statements or omissions, however, being admitted or
          contemplated), but such liability shall be subject to the
          conditions and limitations described in said Acts. 
          American Express Financial Advisors Inc. will also assume
          any liability of the Company for any amount or amounts
          which the Company legally may be compelled to pay to any
          purchaser under said Acts because of any untrue
          statements of a material fact, or any omission to state a
          material fact, on the part of the agents of American
          Express Financial Advisors Inc. to the extent of any
          actual loss to, or expense of, the Company in connection
          therewith.  The By-Laws of the Registrant contain a
          provision relating to Indemnification of Officers and
          Directors as permitted by applicable law.
 
<PAGE>
PAGE 255
                               SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant has duly caused this amendment to this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Minneapolis and State of Minnesota,
on the 24th day of April  1995.

                                         IDS CERTIFICATE COMPANY

                                   By /s/ Stuart A. Sedlacek*
                                          Stuart A. Sedlacek, President 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
amendment has been signed below by the following persons in their
capacities on April 24, 1995.


Signature                                    Capacity

/s/ Stuart A. Sedlacek* **                   President and Director
    Stuart A. Sedlacek                       (Principal Executive
                                              Officer)

/s/ Morris Goodwin*                          Vice President and Treasurer
    Morris Goodwin                           (Principal Financial Officer)


/s/ Jay C. Hatlestad*                        Vice President and Controller    
    Jay C. Hatlestad                         (Principal Accounting Officer)


/s/ David R. Hubers**                        Director
    David R. Hubers

/s/ Charles W. Johnson**                     Director
    Charles W. Johnson

/s/ Edward Landes**                          Director
    Edward Landes  


Signatures continued on next page.

<PAGE>
PAGE 256
Signatures continued from previous page.


Signature                                    Capacity


/s/ John V. Luck**                           Director
    John V. Luck

/s/ James A. Mitchell**                      Chairman of the Board of
    James A. Mitchell                        Directors and Director


/s/ Harrison Randolph**                      Director
    Harrison Randolph


/s/ Gordon H. Ritz**                         Director
    Gordon H. Ritz


*Signed pursuant to Officers' Power of Attorney dated May 17, 1994
filed electronically as Exhibit 25(a) to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 13 to Registration Statement No. 2-95577, incorporated herein
by reference.


______________________.
Bruce A. Kohn


**Signed pursuant to Directors' Power of Attorney dated May 13,
1994 filed electronically as Exhibit 25(b) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 13 to Registration Statement No. 2-95577, 
incorporated herein by reference.
     

_________________________.
Bruce A. Kohn
<PAGE>
PAGE 257
CONTENTS OF THIS POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 15 TO REGISTRATION
STATEMENT NO. 2-95577


Cover Page

Explanatory Note

Cross-reference sheet

Prospectus

Part II Information

Signatures


<PAGE>
PAGE 1
EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit 24:              Consent of Independent Auditor's



<PAGE>
PAGE 1





CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption
"Auditors" and to the use of our report dated February 2, 1995 in
the Post-Effective Amendment number 15 to Registration Statement
Number 2-95577 on Form S-1 and related prospectus of IDS
Certificate Company for the registration of its IDS Flexible
Certificate, IDS Cash Reserve Certificate, IDS Installment
Certificate, IDS Future Value Certificate and IDS Stock Market
Certificate.

Our audits also included the financial statement schedules of IDS
Certificate Company listed in Item 16(b) of this Registration
Statement.  These schedules are the responsibility  of the
management of the IDS Certificate Company.  Our responsibility is
to express an opinion based on our audits.  In our opinion, the
financial statement schedules referred to above, when considered in
relation to the basic financial statements as a whole, present
fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.




ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 24, 1995



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