AMERICAN EXPRESS AND ANZ ANNOUNCE CARD ISSUING DEAL
SYDNEY, July 20, 2009 -- American Express today announced that ANZ would issue American Express-branded credit cards. The ANZ Frequent Flyer American Express Credit Card will carry the American Express logo and will be accepted on American Express' global merchant network. ANZ will own the receivables and will service customers' accounts on its own systems.
ANZ will offer an American Express card to their Frequent Flyer base of customers which is tailored to offer a superior earn rate for Qantas Frequent Flyer points and the option of point boosters and upgrades.
Four different American Express-branded credit cards will be issued by ANZ, including ANZ Frequent Flyer Classic, ANZ Frequent Flyer Gold, ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum, and ANZ Frequent Flyer Private Bank.
Kula Kulendran, American Express Senior Vice President and Head of Global Network Services Japan, Asia Pacific and Australia, said that the partnership with ANZ is part of a long-term strategy to expand demand for American Express Cards in general and leverage the company’s global infrastructure.
"American Express opened up our network to other issuers in 1997, and to date we have 129 network partners globally. These alliances offer our partners the flexibility to further segment their card portfolio, maximise value and offer customers more choice," he said.
"These deals are particularly attractive to those customers who are attracted to prestige and core values of American Express, but enjoy the convenience of having one banking relationship with an institution with which they are used to doing business," he continued.
About ANZ
ANZ is among the top four banks in Australia and one of the country's top 10 listed companies. It is also the leading bank in New Zealand and the South Pacific and the largest Australian bank in Asia. ANZ's history dates back over 170 years. The bank serves more than six million customers, providing a range of banking and financial products and services to retail, small business, corporate and institutional customers. ANZ also employs more than 37,000 people worldwide. ANZ is working to grow its presence in the Asia Pacific region and aspires to become a super regional bank by 2012, while maintaining a focus on existing businesses and opportunities in Australia and New Zealand.
About American Express
American Express Company 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 and business services. Since 1996, American Express has been pursuing a strategy of opening its merchant network and card product portfolio to third party issuers around the world. By leveraging its global infrastructure and the powerful appeal of the brand, American Express has gained even broader reach for its network worldwide. American Express has now established 129 partnerships in 128 markets across the world.
Contacts:
Luisa Megale
+61 2 9271 2070
Luisa.S.Megale@aexp.com