American Express Launches Premier Rewards Program

American Express Launches Premier Rewards Gold Card Offering Triple Points On Airline Purchases, Double Points On Gas and Groceries



New Card Part of Company's Focus on Charge Card as "Smarter Way to Pay"



October 9, 2009 Source: PIN Payments News Blog



New York (October 8, 2009) - American Express (NYSE:AXP) today announced the launch of the Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, a new Charge Card for U.S.-based consumers that provides generous rewards on airfare, gas and grocery purchases through the Membership Rewards program. Offering a simple 3-2-1 rewards structure, the Premier Rewards Gold Card gives Card members the opportunity to earn triple Membership Rewards ® points on airfare purchases, double points on gas and grocery purchases, and one point for all other purchases. Card members can also earn 15,000 bonus points when they spend $30,000 on the Card per calendar year, an average of $2,500 per month. The new Card is available for an annual fee of $175, which is waived for new Card members the first year.



"We're delighted to expand the Charge Card family of products with an even richer Card that allows Card members to earn Membership Rewards points faster," said Christopher Fred, vice president, Gold Card, American Express. "The Premier Rewards Gold Card is an especially attractive option for consumers who love to travel, since it offers three points on airfare purchases, more than airline rewards cards typically offer, and Card members earn triple points on all airfare purchases, not just with one airline."



The Premier Rewards Gold Card is part of American Express' renewed focus on its Charge Card portfolio and efforts to educate consumers about why a Charge Card is a "smarter way to pay," particularly in these economic times. Most recently, American Express launched the "Don't Take Chances. Take ChargeSM" marketing campaign that highlights the benefits of Charge Cards, including the financial discipline of a pay-in-full product, rich rewards and valuable retail and travel protections.



Premier Rewards Gold Card members can take advantage of the financial control, security and protection a Charge Card offers while reaping plentiful rewards. Card members are automatically enrolled in the Membership Rewards program from American Express and can redeem points for travel, shopping, dining and entertainment rewards with more than 500 brands. Frequent fliers can enjoy a wide variety of ways to redeem points for travel that the Membership Rewards program offers. Card members have the option to transfer points directly into 17 airline frequent-flier programs for award seats or use the Pay with Points feature to book any seat, anytime, on any airline with no blackout dates or other restrictions. Points have no expiration date, and there is no limit on the number of points a Card member can earn.



In addition to enjoying a rich rewards structure, Premier Rewards Gold Card members have access to all of the distinct Gold Card benefits currently available, including:



§Gold Card Destinations program, which offers Card members:



oSpecial amenities valued at $100 - $150 on virtually any trip from American Express Gold Card Destinations travel partners.



oA $75 food and beverage credit whenever they book a stay of two or more consecutive nights at more than 500 Starwood properties around the world.



oA wide variety of exclusive, unique travel and entertainment packages that are updated monthly at www.goldcarddestinations.com.



§Gold Card Events, which offers them access to advance tickets and premium seating at some of the most sought-after shows and concerts, as well as VIP packages, exclusive tickets to family events, and much more.



Premier Rewards Gold Card members also enjoy the peace of mind and security that comes with carrying an American Express ® Card with benefits, such as:

• Emergency assistance when Card members are 100 miles or more away from home with Global Assist ® Hotline


• Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, at no additional charge


• 24/7 Roadside Assistance Anywhere


• Baggage Insurance Plan


• Purchase Protection


• Extended Warranty


• Return Protection

Terms, conditions, and restrictions apply to these benefits. Visit www.americanexpress.com for details. For more information about the Premier Rewards Gold Card, please visit: www.americanexpress.com/getthecard or call 800-223-2670.



About American Express



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