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AMERICAN EXPRESS INTRODUCES TWO FEE-FREE TRAVEL REWARDS CREDIT CARDS LETTING CARDMEMBERS EARN SAVINGS ON FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CAR RENTALS AND CRUISES

Blue Sky for Consumers and the Platinum Business FreedomPass(SM) Credit Card for Small Business Owners Provide Rich Travel Rewards through Savings

NEW YORK, July 12, 2005 -- American Express today introduced the Blue Sky Credit Card for consumers and the Platinum Business FreedomPass(SM) Credit Card for small business owners – two fee-free travel rewards credit cards that enable Cardmembers to earn points that can be redeemed toward savings on any flight, hotel, car rental or cruise charges. Cardmembers earn valuable reward points on virtually every dollar they spend and can redeem as few as 7,500 points to get $100 off the cost of their travel purchase.

The key features of the Blue Sky and FreedomPass Credit Cards include:

  • Earn one point for every eligible dollar spent on the Card
  • Point redemption for savings on any flight, hotel, car rental and cruise charges
  • Point redemptions for as low as 7,500 points ($100 off); rewards are redeemable in 7,500 point increments
  • No caps and no limits on point redemption
  • No blackout dates or seat restrictions for travel
  • Points have no expiration date as long as the Cardmember's account remains open and in good standing
  • No annual fee and fee-free Additional Cards
  • Retail and travel protections such as Identity Theft Assistance, Buyer's Assurance,(1) Purchase Protection,(2) Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance,(3) Travel Accident Insurance(4) and Global AssistŪ Hotline(5)

Point redemption is easy with the Blue Sky and FreedomPass Credit Cards, and points can be redeemed for travel rewards that have no blackout dates, expiration dates or capacity-control restrictions. Cardmembers simply use their Card to make travel purchases through any source, including online travel sites, travel agents, tour operators or directly with hotel/airline travel providers. After Cardmembers receive their statement with the travel charge, they can contact American Express to receive a credit on their statement.

“Consumers can find the best deals with any travel provider and Blue Sky can make their deals even better,” said Larry Sharnak, executive vice president, American Express. “We know our consumers value travel rewards, easy redemptions and savings. Blue Sky offers one of the best consumer rewards in the market.”

“Business owners are constantly looking for savings to help manage the overall cost of running a company,” added Raymond Joabar, senior vice president and general manager, OPEN from American ExpressSM. “The Platinum Business FreedomPass Credit Card can deliver significant value for our business customers and gives them the freedom to plan their travel without restrictions while earning terrific savings.”

While the primary benefits of the Blue Sky and FreedomPass Credit Cards are similar, each Card offers additional benefits tailored to its specific target customer.

Additional Blue Sky Credit Card benefits include:

  • Retail and travel protections, such as Return Protection(6)
  • ExpressPay feature, a contactless chip for easy, convenient and secure payment for purchases at locations where speed and convenience are important – such as convenience stores, quick-serve restaurants, supermarkets, drug stores and gas stations
  • Special offers for access to concerts, music discounts, contests, music downloads, charity events and more

For more information about the Blue Sky Credit Card, consumers can visit www.americanexpress.com/bluesky. To apply for this product, consumers can call 1-877-4-Blue Sky (1-877-425-8375).

Additional FreedomPass Credit Card benefits include:

  • 5,000 bonus points with your first purchase on the Card
  • The OPEN SavingsŪ program, offering savings at select business suppliers and service providers including AT&T, Hertz, USA Today, FedEx, Staples, and 1-800-Flowers.com(7)
  • Online financial management tools that include Expense Management Reports and the Small Business Dashboard
  • Retail and travel protections, such as Baggage Insurance Plan(8)

For more information about the FreedomPass Credit Card or to apply for this product, small businesses owners can call 1-800-NOW-OPEN or visit www.americanexpress.com/freedompass.

About American Express
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, network, and financial services provider founded in 1850. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking.


(1) Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, Green Bay, WI. Coverage is subject to the Terms, Conditions, and Exclusions of Policy AX0951. See Description of Coverage for full details.

(2) Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, Green Bay, WI. Coverage is subject to the Terms, Conditions, and Exclusions of Policy AX0953. See Description of Coverage for full details.

(3) Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, Green Bay, WI. Coverage is subject to the Terms, Conditions, and Exclusions of Policy AX0925. See Description of Coverage for full details.

(4) Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, De Pere, WI. Coverage is determined by the terms, conditions, and exclusions of Policy AX0948 and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the Policy.

(5) While the many Global Assist Hotline coordination and assistance services are free benefits from American Express, Cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

(6) Coverage is limited to $1,000 annually per Card Account and is subject to additional Terms, Conditions and Exclusions.

(7) OPEN Savings: Purchase must be made with an American Express Business Card. Program savings and partners are subject to change without notice. For more information please visit open.americanexpress.com/savings.

(8) American Express Card Baggage Insurance Plan is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, De Pere, WI. Coverage is determined by the terms, conditions, and exclusions of Policy AX0400 and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the Policy.



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