AMERICAN EXPRESS RAISES THE CURTAINS ON NEW ELLEN DEGENERES SPOT WITH A CAMEO APPEARANCE FROM BEYONCE KNOWLES

Spot Highlights the Exclusive Entertainment Access and Experiences That Come with Being a Cardmember

NEW YORK, April 28, 2008 -- American Express today released its newest television commercial as part of the "Are you a Cardmember?®" brand campaign, featuring comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres shining a spotlight on how American Express provides exclusive insider access to the best in entertainment experiences. The spot, which also features singer and actress Beyoncé Knowles, guides the viewers to American Express' entertainment site at www.americanexpress.com/entertainment which is the Cardmember guide and portal to a wide variety of premium access and early on-sale offers to shows, events and experiences in everything from arts and theatre, to music, sports, and film. In the comedic spot, Ellen searches for her 'people' after Beyoncé encourages Ellen to "have your people call my people" to get tickets to her upcoming concert.

In addition to the television spot, two print advertisements, shot by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz, portray Ellen as a ventriloquist and a "one man band," capture her personal feelings about entertainment that is central to her life. The new television spot and print advertisements will debut in major broadcast outlets and weekly magazines the week of April 28.

"People think because I'm a talk show host I can get into any show or event or cheese tasting I want to," said Ellen DeGeneres. "And they're right, but it's not because I'm a talk show host, it's because I'm an American Express® Cardmember."

"The American Express entertainment site is the one-stop for Cardmembers who are passionate about entertainment to get the ultimate in insider access and VIP experiences," said Deborah Curtis, Vice President of Advertising, American Express. "We are thrilled to be working again with Ellen, the quintessential entertainer, who has been a part of the American Express family for years. Both she and Beyoncé truly know what it means to engage and delight audiences."

Highlights of upcoming and ongoing offers for American Express Cardmembers include:*

Premiere Concerts:
  • Neil Diamond performing July through October at various venues – Pre-Sale Now (ends May 4)
  • John Mellencamp in various locations – Pre-sale Now (ends May 9)
  • Journey performing July through September at various venues – Gold Card Preferred Seating On-Sale Now (ends September 14)
  • Steely Dan in Los Angeles July 23 and Anaheim August 4 – Pre-Sale Now (ends May 4); performing June through August at various venues – On Sale Now

Top Broadway Performances:

  • Billy Elliot performances start October 1st – Pre-Sale Now (ends June 10)
  • Equus – Gold Card Preferred Seating to all performances (ongoing)
  • The Country Girl – Gold Card Preferred Seating to all performances (ongoing)
  • Gypsy – Gold Card Preferred Seating to all performances (ongoing)

Sports Exclusives:

  • 2009 U.S. OPEN – Daily Trophy Club tickets for Cardmembers, Pre-Sale begins May 15
  • 2009 PGA Championship – Weekly Wanamaker Club and Season Ticket Packages, Pre-Sale begins May 1
  • Los Angeles Galaxy – Gold Card Preferred Seating to home games during the 2008 season

Family Fun:

  • Cirque du Soleil Touring Shows KOOZA and Corteo – Reserved seats for Cardmembers to all performances (ongoing)
  • Walking with Dinosaurs in New York at Madison Square Garden – Pre-Sale May 7-18

The "Are you a Cardmember?" campaign features extraordinary Cardmembers, telling their stories, while illustrating the benefits and services of being an American Express Cardmember. The campaign to date has featured talent including comedian Larry David, fashion designer Diane Von Furstenburg, comedian and television personality Tina Fey, and tennis great John McEnroe.

American Express Company is a leading global payments and travel company founded in 1850. For more information, visit http://www.americanexpress.com.
 

* Gold Card Preferred Seating is only available to Card members with the American Express Gold Card, Gold Rewards Card, Platinum Card®, Centurion® Card, Corporate Platinum Card and the Executive Business Card, Business Gold Card, Business Platinum Card and Business Centurion Card from OPEN: The Small Business Network(SM). Ticket orders may be subject to a service charge. Subject to availability as well as to prior group sales, subscription sales and special ticket holds. Casting, dates, times and prices subject to change. No refunds or exchanges. Ticket limits may apply. All events are on sale now unless otherwise stated. Some events through American Express Entertainment Access may not be accessible to Card members with disabilities.



Contacts:
Leslie Berland
212.640.5142
Leslie.A.Berland@aexp.com