The American Express cards issued by Banco Patagonia will be designed, issued and managed by Banco Patagonia, who, being the card issuer, will also make the credit-related decisions and be in charge of billing and customer service.

The American Express Banco Patagonia Card and the American Express Banco Patagonia Gold Card will feature a wide range of benefits and services, including credit financing at the lowest rates in the market, 24 x 7 customer care, travel assistance services at over 1,700 American Express Travel Agencies, access to over 550,000 ATMs worldwide, protected purchase insurance, automatic travel insurance and access to the American Express Selects program with special offers for Cardmembers worldwide. Members will be able to use their cards at all the Service Establishments that honor the American Express Card in more than 200 countries and territories around the world.

The American Express Banco Patagonia Card combines in a single product Banco Patagonia's experience and sound financial standing and American Express's worldwide outstanding reputation, recognition and security.

“Adding the American Express credit cards to our product portfolio is part of our business strategy, which is focused on providing our customers with innovative and high value-added products,” said Jorge Stuart Milne, Banco Patagonia's president.

“The launching of the American Express Banco Patagonia Card is another significant step that evidences American Express´ commitment to the Argentine market,” said Gonzalo G. Ruiz, President, American Express Global Network Services for Latin America and the Caribbean. “Through this new alliance we will be able to provide a larger number of customers in Argentina with the opportunity to enjoy the benefits and service quality of an American Express Card. This new partnership brings together the strength of American Express as a global company and the local experience of Banco Patagonia in a product with added value for Argentine customers.”

About Banco Patagonia
Banco Patagonia, a leading financial institution in the Argentine market, provides a wide range of financial solutions for individuals, corporations, small and medium sized companies, private banking and institutional customers.

Banco Patagonia ranks fifth among the Argentine financial system's privately held domestic banks as regards its assets, loans granted, deposits and equity. With over 140 branches, the bank enjoys a strong presence throughout the country.

• Assets: 3.803 billion pesos
• Deposits: 2.46 billion pesos
• Equity: 673 million pesos
• Loans 1.577 billion pesos
• Staff: 2,000
• Branches: +140
• ATMs: +20

About American Express GNS
Starting in 1996, American Express Global Network Services (GNS), the American Express division responsible for cards issuance through financial institutions, has been pursuing a strategy geared towards opening its network and its credit card portfolio to third party issuers all over the world. By maximizing its global infrastructure and the strong appeal of the American Express brand, the company aims at increasing the reach of its network even further. American Express GNS has entered into 91 strategic alliances to issue cards in over 104 countries. In Latin America, American Express GNS has 25 alliances in 19 markets, therefore ensuring the successful growth for the business in the region.

Founded in 1850, American Express Company is a worldwide diversified travel and financial services company. Present in Argentina since 1918, it is currently the leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, financial services, and travel and corporate services.