American Express Offers Double Membership Rewards Points on Gas and Grocery Purchases for Consumer Charge Cardmembers

NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
AmericanExpressannounced today a nationwide promotion that will allow all
consumer Charge Cardmembers enrolled in the Membership Rewards program to earn
double points on U.S. standalone gas and grocery purchases up to $1000 dollars
of eligible spend each month, starting March 22, 2009 through March 15, 2010.
The promotion is exclusively available to American Express consumer Charge
Cardmembers. To take advantage of the offer, Cardmembers must enroll their
existing Charge Cards online at www.americanexpress.com/counttwice or call
1-800-794-1308 and use the promotional code 139150001. There is no cost to
enroll.

Consumers who apply and are approved for the American Express Charge Card from
April 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009 will be automatically enrolled in the
promotion for the 12-month period beginning the date their Card account is
created.

"We`re excited to put Cardmembers on the fast track to getting the rewards they
want by offering double Membership Rewards points on two necessary, and
sometimes costly, expenses - gas and groceries," said Richard Quigley, senior
vice president, Consumer Charge Group, American Express. "This promotion not
only allows Cardmembers to be rewarded for spending they have to do anyway, but
it also helps make rewards more attainable for Cardmembers."

This offer is available to Cardmembers, and Additional Cardmembers on their
accounts, who have the following consumer American Express Charge Cards: the
American Express Card, the American Express Rewards Green Card, the American
Express Preferred Rewards Green Card, the American Express Gold Card, the
American Express Rewards Gold Card, the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
Card, the American Express Rewards Plus Gold Card, the Platinum Card, the
Centurion Card.

The Membership Rewards program has a robust offering of rewards ranging from
everyday items to exclusive redemptions across a wide variety of categories,
including travel, merchandise, retail, entertainment, dining and experiential
rewards. Cardmembers can use points to fly on any airline any time using the
Membership Rewards Pay with Points feature. In addition, Cardmembers can redeem
points for everything from popular electronics from top consumer brands such as
Nintendo and Panasonic, to gift cards to popular retailers and restaurants such
as The Home Depot, Old Navy, Legal Sea Foods and The Cheesecake Factory.
Practical rewards are also available such as dryers and dishwashers, which
provide Cardmembers with more everyday options for reward redemptions.

In addition to offering Cardmembers an award-winning rewards program, American
Express Charge Cards help provide the financial control that many consumers are
looking for in today`s economy. The Charge Card is a smart choice for consumers
who want to help control personal spending while reaping valuable benefits and
service. Some features of the Charge Card include:

* No interest payments or finance charges since payment is made in full each
month
* Financial Management Tools - Cardmembers can manage their account on line and
can enroll to receive account updates to their cellular telephone or PDA with
balances, recent activity or other tracking devices.
* Protections-at no extra cost-that do everything from extend warranties and
protect purchases if stolen or damaged, to provide emergency cash, passport
replacement and roadside assistance. *

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 has more than 140
redemption partners. The program allows Cardmembers to earn one point for
virtually every dollar charged on eligible, enrolled American Express Cards.
Membership Rewards points are redeemable in a wide selection of reward
categories. Enrollees may also customize their own redemption experiences
through the program's Create Your Reward option and use points for just about
anything they can imagine. 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).

* Terms, conditions and restrictions apply.

American Express
Marina M. Hoffmann, 212-640-2832
marina.m.hoffmann@aexp.com
or
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
Colleen McCarthy, 212-880-5280
colleen.mccarthy@ogilvypr.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009