When American Express launched the Platinum Card in 1984, the company's reputation for providing outstanding service to frequent travelers and cardmembers was already well established. Since the 1950's, American Express had been offering cardmembers high-quality products and services, including the Green and Gold Charge Cards, and access to its Centurion Clubs, a worldwide network of 25 private clubs that provided travel assistance and office facilities to traveling business executives.

As American Express strove to continue providing exceptional service to its cardmembers, the Platinum Card was a natural extension of its product line. Offered by invitation only, the media labeled the Platinum Card the "ultimate plastic" because of the exclusive and valuable benefits it provided to cardmembers. At launch, benefits included: a toll-free, 24-hour customer service number, 24-hour personalized travel service, access to exclusive clubs and exotic excursions, and special amenities at some of the world's most prestigious hotels, resorts and restaurants.

For 20 years, the Platinum Card continued to evolve with new and enhanced benefits and services. The Platinum Card still offers many of the benefits it had at launch but today it also offers an unmatched level of personal service and attention. Cardmembers can get help arranging a complex travel itinerary or locating that hard-to-find gift. They can enjoy special experiences and have access to once-in-a-lifetime events.

"There are cards in the marketplace that are painted platinum, and then there's the original Platinum Card from American Express," said Sylvia Bass, vice president, Platinum and Centurion Product Management, American Express. "The Platinum Card represents style, sophistication and access to a certain lifestyle through the services and benefits it provides. Our Platinum Card is designed to not just meet Cardmember expectations but exceed them — and we've been doing just that for 20 years."

The Platinum Card offers more than 40 distinctive benefits and services, including:

• Platinum Card Concierge
  Cardmembers have access to a team of professional consultants who can help fulfill virtually any request, any where in the world. Concierge consultants can arrange dinner and entertainment reservations, locate and arrange delivery of hard-to-find items and suggest unique gift ideas.

• International Airline Program
  Cardmembers receive a complimentary companion ticket with the purchase of a full-fare first or business class ticket on any of the 20 participating airline partners, when booked through Platinum Travel Service. Platinum Cardmembers can take advantage of this benefit as often as they desire.
• Airport Club Access
  Cardmembers, their immediate family or up to two traveling companions receive complimentary access to Continental Airlines' Presidents Clubs^®, Delta Air Lines' Crown Room Clubs®, and Northwest Airlines' WorldClubs^® when flying on the corresponding airline worldwide. The Clubs provide a comfortable place for Cardmembers to relax and enjoy refreshments away from the usual airport noises and crowds, as well as access to private phones and office facilities. To gain entry, Cardmembers present their Platinum Card, government-issued ID and ticket valid for that day to the Club room agent.
• Fine Hotels and Resorts
  Cardmembers receive special privileges at over 500 hotels and resorts around the world. Complimentary amenities include a room upgrade upon check-in, when available, a continental breakfast for two each day, a convenient late check-out time of 4 p.m. and a special program amenity that varies at each hotel and resort.
• Extra Rewards at Neiman Marcus
  Cardmembers can earn both Membership Rewards^® points and InCircle Rewards^® points when they enroll and charge purchases at Neiman Marcus to their Platinum Card.
• Saks Rewards
  Cardmembers can earn Saks Rewards by using their enrolled Platinum Card to pay for purchases made at Saks Fifth Avenue. Cardmembers must enroll their Platinum Card in the Saks Rewards program. Once enrolled, they can earn a gift card valued at up to $800 based on their annual spend (in a calendar year, January – December). Cardmembers enrolled in Saks Rewards will earn one point for every eligible dollar spent at Saks.
• By Invitation Only^®
  Cardmembers have exclusive access to once-in-a-lifetime experiences — from sports and fine dining to the visual and performing arts. These unique experiences are custom designed for Platinum Cardmembers and are unavailable to the general public.

The annual fee for the Platinum Card is $395. For more information about the Platinum Card, visit www.americanexpress.com/platinum.

In 1999, as an outgrowth of its successful Platinum Card, American Express introduced the Centurion Card. Designed for individuals who travel frequently, entertain often and value personalized service, the Centurion Card offers highly customized personal services and access to elite travel benefits. The Centurion Card is offered by invitation only to selected Platinum Cardmembers. The annual fee is $2,500.

American Express is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, business services, insurance and international banking.