AMERICAN EXPRESS ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO CHARGE CARDS
NEW YORK, August 01, 2006 -- American Express today announced several changes designed to streamline and simplify its Charge Card offerings, modify the way it applies bonus reward points on these cards, and add certain new features, while dropping others that were less relevant. Changes are designed to reflect Cardmember spending patterns and preferences. Highlights of changes include:
Upgrading Green and Gold Cardmembers Enrolled in Membership Rewards Options to the Full Membership Rewards Program. This upgrade will provide Cardmembers with a richer offering with more opportunities to earn and redeem points. The value of points redeemed for travel will double for those Cardmembers who currently have MR Options. Effective with this change, there will be one Membership Rewards program for all Green and Gold charge Cardmembers. Those Cardmembers upgraded from the MR Options program will see their annual fee increased, in line with the greater value they will receive.
Adding New Ways to Earn Bonus Points. A new benefit called the Bonus Points Mall will enable Membership Rewards enrollees to earn two points for every dollar spent at over 100 top brand name online retailers. Cardmembers can also continue to earn double points when they book travel through the American Express Travel website.
The Mall will replace double points for everyday purchases on Charge Cards at supermarkets, drugstores, gas stations, wireless providers and the U.S. Postal Service.
Offering Entertainment Insurance. A new benefit for Gold Cardmembers and above, the Ticket Event Protection Plan will reimburse Cardmembers when they purchase tickets to plays, concerts, and sporting events with their card and can't attend due to an unforeseen emergency.
Expanding Roadside Assistance. With Roadside Assistance Anywhere, Cardmembers will have added protection on the road. With a toll-free call, Cardmembers will get emergency towing, flat tire repair, battery boost, fuel delivery or emergency lockout service (50 miles from home for Green Cardmembers and anywhere from the driveway to across the country for Gold Cardmembers and above).
With these enhancements, the company is eliminating two benefits for Gold Cardmembers and above that were not frequently used -- Free Shipping and Handling at selected online merchants and Best Value Guarantee.
Simplifying Green and Gold Charge Card Pricing. New charge card pricing means changes in annual fees for several products, with some increasing to reflect added value and others decreasing to align with other Green and Gold Cards. As of next year, Green and Gold Charge Card customers with Membership Rewards will have the same fee -- $95 for Green and $125 for Gold. The Rewards Plus Gold Card fee of $150 remains unchanged.
Cardmembers should look for complete information related to their Charge Card accounts in their August billing statements. The changes will occur over the next few months.
American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.
Editor's Note (June 2008): The Event Ticket
Protection benefit is not available for Card members who are residents of
New York State and any additional Card members on their accounts.
