American Express to Distribute Gift Cards Through Bank of America

Business Wire, Dec 5, 2007

American Express[R] Gift Cards Available at Participating Bank of America Retail Banking Centers In Time For Holiday Gifting Season

NEW YORK -- American Express today announced an agreement with Bank of America in which Bank of America will offer American Express[R] Gift Cards at participating Bank of America retail banking centers, significantly increasing customer reach for American Express Gift Cards.

Bank of America customers looking for a premium gift for any occasion throughout the year will soon be able to walk into any participating Bank of America retail branch and purchase $25, $50 and $100 American Express Gift Cards which will be available by December 10, 2007, in time for the year-end holiday gift-giving season.

"Bank of America is a powerhouse addition to our growing list of banking and retail partners," said Alpesh Chokshi, President, American Express Travelers Cheques and Prepaid Services. "We want to make our Gift Cards available where consumers expect to find them for sale, and many of our customers prefer to buy gift cards at their local bank branch. We are delighted to begin this win-win partnership with Bank of America. Its industry-leading retail presence and customer base will help us meet surging consumer demand for American Express Gift Cards, which in turn will be a great addition to Bank of America's full line of products and services."

With the addition of Bank of America bank branches, American Express Gift Cards will be available at more than 65,000 locations, including supermarket, drug store and office supply retail chains, banks, shopping malls, and American Express Travel offices, as well as online at www.americanexpress.com/gift.> American Express is the nation's largest issuer of open gift cards, and sold more Gift Cards last year than in all prior years combined since the introduction of its Gift Card products in 2002. The cards are a premium year-round gift choice for special occasions and recipients, as well as for use in sales incentives, employee rewards and consumer promotion. In addition to the American Express Gift Card, American Express offers consumers themed Gift Cards, including Gift Cards Especially For(SM) Kids, Teens, Birthdays, Dining, Movie Lovers, and the Bride and Groom. For corporate buyers and small business, American Express offers the American Express Gift Card, Gift Card Especially for Dining, and Thank You Gift Card. Companies interested in buying American Express Gift Cards in bulk for reward, incentive and promotional programs can visit the American Express "Gift Cards for Business" Web site, http://www.americanexpress.com/corpalliances.> The American Express Gift Card can be used at millions of places in the United States that accept American Express, letting the recipient choose from millions of things and experiences. The Gift Card is available in denominations ranging from $25 to $500 and can be refunded if lost or stolen. American Express Gift Cards come with special offers at best-of-brand retailers, restaurants and merchants. For more information on American Express Gift Cards, visit www.americanexpress.com/gift.*

About American Express

American Express is a leader in prepaid products. In addition to the 116-year old American Express Travelers Cheque -- the preeminent brand welcomed worldwide -- the Company issues other prepaid products including Cheques for Two, Gift Cards, Gift Cheques, and a range of corporate incentive prepaid products through American Express Incentive Services, a joint venture with Maritz Inc.

American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, travel, financial planning, business services, insurance and international banking.

* Terms, conditions and purchase/replacement fees apply to Gift Cards. Subject to applicable law, a monthly service fee of $2.00 is waived for the initial 12 months after purchase. A $5.95 replacement fee may apply if a Gift Card is lost or stolen. Not for use at car rental, cruise lines, casinos or ATMs. Details of the special offers program are available at www.americanexpress.com/specialoffers. Offers are subject to change without notice. Visit www.americanexpress.com/gift or call 877-AXP-GIFT for additional gift card terms and conditions.