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American Express Launches New Rewards Options for the Times: Cardmembers Can Use Membership Rewards Points toward "Everyday" Charges and Find Limited-Time Deals on Rewards

NEW YORK - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Focused on providing relevant rewards during these difficult economic times, American Express announced today several enhancements to the Membership Rewards program. New program offerings include the introduction of a feature that allows Cardmembers to use points toward "everyday" charges within their online statement as well as the launch of Membership Rewards Specials, a program featuring great deals on popular rewards. In addition, American Express is adding a number of new partners to the Membership Rewards program, providing Cardmembers with a broader range of opportunities to redeem points with casual dining restaurants and retailers, including Chili's Grill & Bar and Zappos.com.

"We know Cardmembers are looking for ways to better manage their finances in this economic environment," said Lynne Biggar, Senior Vice President, Membership Rewards Marketing and Partnerships. "These new ways to use points are another example of how we are providing greater choice, flexibility and value to our Cardmembers to meet their changing needs."

New Feature: Use Points toward "Everyday" Charges within Online Statements

Through this new and innovative feature, consumer and small business Cardmembers enrolled in the Membership Rewards program have a new way to use points for the practical items and services they need. The feature allows Cardmembers to use points toward "everyday" expenses they charge to their Card, including groceries, gas, phone, wireless and cable bills, and more. Qualifying charges include those in several eligible everyday spending categories: Business Services (mailing/shipping, online advertising); Communications (phone, cable, internet); Merchandise and Supplies (groceries, wholesale clubs, office supplies); Utilities (electric, water); and Transportation (gas, transit). Redemptions start at just 1,000 points.

The feature is built right into the online statement, so it is easy to find when Cardmembers are reviewing their charges. It's also simple to use. Cardmembers can redeem in three short steps after clicking the "Use Points for Everyday Charges" link on their online statement. Cardmembers can go to membershiprewards.com/everydaycharges to learn more about this feature.

Membership Rewards Specials

Realizing that today's consumers are looking for greater value, the Membership Rewards Specials program offers consumers great deals on popular rewards, including electronics, travel, entertainment and much more. Offers are updated frequently, and Cardmembers can check back often for new items at membershiprewards.com/specials. The first series of offers, launching today, allow Cardmembers to:

• Receive 50% more Starpoints, through September 22, 2009, when they transfer Membership Rewards points into a Starwood Preferred Guest account
• Save 20% when they redeem for a Samsonite Portico 4-Piece Luggage Set (while supplies last)
• Save 40% when they redeem for a Garmin nuvi 550 (while supplies last)

And now, Platinum Card and Centurion® Card members can take advantage of even richer offers available through the launch of Membership Rewards First Specials. These Card members can access exclusive deals and value-added offers on their favorite rewards. The inaugural set of offers is available through December 31, 2009 (while supplies last) and allow Card members to:

• Choose from a selection of 10 Ritz-Carlton resorts in the U.S., Caribbean and Mexico and redeem for a Standard Room at a remarkable value of 32,000 points
• Save 20% when they redeem for select Nikon COOLPIX Digital Cameras
• Save 20% when they redeem for a Sony 32" BRAVIA S-Series LCD TV

New exclusive offers for Platinum Card and Centurion Card members will be added in January 2010.

New Program Partners

The Membership Rewards program has also added a number of new program partners to enhance the practical rewards options in the retail and dining categories. Some of the new partners include Zappos.com, Chili's Grill & Bar, Maggiano's Little Italy and Bonefish Grill.

Cardmembers can continue to choose from a host of other practical rewards offered through the program, such as large household appliances, like washers, dryers and dishwashers; gas cards; and gift cards for popular restaurants and retailers, such as Olive Garden and Red Lobster or Gap and Old Navy.

American Express continuously adds new partners to the Membership Rewards program. For example, American Express recently announced that by the end of this year, U.S. Cardmembers will be able to transfer Membership Reward points into British Airways' Executive Club Frequent Flyer program for travel on British Airways and Oneworld partners.

About American Express

American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

About The Membership Rewards Program

The Membership Rewards program from American Express offers more than a million rewards from over 500 brands. The program allows Cardmembers to earn one point for virtually every dollar charged on eligible, enrolled American Express Cards, with many opportunities to earn points faster. Membership Rewards points are redeemable in a wide selection of reward categories. Points have no expiration date, and there is no limit on the number of points a Cardmember can earn. For more information about the Membership Rewards program, Cardmembers can visit: www.membershiprewards.com or call 1-800-AXP-EARN (297-3276).

American Express
Mona Hamouly, 212-640-0512
Mona.L.Hamouly@aexp.com
or
M Booth & Associates
Martha Cid, 212-539-3258
Marthac@mbooth.com