<PAGE>
Prospectus Supplement - December 2, 1998*
American Express Stock Market Certificate (April 29, 1998) S-6038
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following information modifies that found in the prospectus at page 2p
regarding maximum return:
Effective for terms beginning December 16, 1998, the maximum return under both
the full market participation option and the partial market participation option
is 9 percent.
S-6038-21A (12/98)
Valid until next prospectus update.
*Destroy April 28, 1999