American Express Launches Customized Gift Card to Help Businesses Make a Statement

Business Wire, Oct 11, 2007

Custom Gift Cards Can be Embossed with Company Name or a Special Message

NEW YORK -- American Express today introduced a new line of Customizable Gift Cards to enable large companies and small businesses alike to send special messages to valued employees, clients, and customers.

Designed to cater to employers and businesses of all sizes who want a gift card they can personalize to their company or to a particular rewards, incentive, or consumer promotion occasion, the custom gift card can be embossed on the front with a short message, up to 21 characters, such as "Congratulations," "Good Job," "We Reached Our Target," or "Happy Holidays."

The Customizable Gift Card, available just in time for year-end business rewards and gifting, comes with special offers and discounts from participating retailers to provide recipients with value greater than the face value of the card. The cards can be ordered online in quantities of 1 to 1,400 cards, up to $35,000, at http://www.americanexpress.com/gift.> "We are committed to offering a line of products that give our customers flexibility and choice," said Stefan Happ, vice president and general manager, American Express Gift Cards. "The American Express[R] Customizable Gift Card is aimed at businesses who want to make a statement with a gift card."

The new custom gift card is available in denominations of $25, $50, $100, $200 and $500, and can be redeemed at U.S. retailers and restaurants that accept the American Express Card.

The Customizable Gift Card is the newest addition to the American Express Gift Card portfolio for business that includes corporate themed cards - the Gift Card Especially For(SM) Dining, and the Thank You Gift Card - as well as the American Express[R] Gift Card.

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. For more information visit http://www.americanexpress.com.

American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

*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. Offers are subject to change without notice. For more information about special offers, visit http://www.americanexpress.com/specialoffers.>

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