American Express: Press Center

New American Express Serve® Prepaid Debit Account Earns Rewards

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 00:00:00 -0400

Available today, American Express announced Serve Cash Back, a new prepaid debit Account option that will earn Accountholders 1% cash back on purchases. Consumers who spend in line with the 2012 – 2013 U.S. Department of Labor national averages for gas, groceries, dining out, clothing, transportation and entertainment using the Serve Cash Back Card could potentially earn more than $400 annually⁽²⁾when earning 1% cash back.

“We know consumers are looking to stretch their budgets and get more from every dollar they spend,” said Stefan Happ, Chief Commercial Officer, Enterprise Growth, American Express. “With the American Express Serve Cash Back Card, we are defining a new standard in the prepaid industry and rewarding our customers where they’re already spending – on everyday items such as gas, groceries and clothing.”

Earning cash back will help customers put money aside towards future purchases. After earning cash back, customers will be able to log in to their Serve Account, view how much cash back they’ve earned, and elect to redeem that amount on their next purchase.

In addition to the 1% cash back benefit, customers will enjoy features of the flagship Serve product, including:

Free Direct Deposit and the newly added ability to get your paycheck up to two days before payday⁽³⁾
Free online bill pay
Free withdrawals at over 24,000 MoneyPass^® ATMs⁽⁴⁾
American Express world-class 24/7 service
Fraud Protection
Access to Amex Offers (exclusive discounts from popular merchants)

The Serve Cash Back monthly fee is $5.95. There is no credit check, no hidden fees and no minimum balance. Customers can learn more about the Serve family of products, including the American Express Serve and the new American Express Serve Free Cash Reloads Card, and find the right product for them at www.serve.com.

Key links to products and services: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, Plenti rewards program, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, corporate card and business travel.

(1) Earn 1% Cash Back on purchases (less returns/credits) rounded to the nearest dollar, added to your Account after you use your Card. Rounding purchases to the nearest dollar means that you won’t earn a fraction of a penny in Cash Back. For example, a purchase of $0.01-$0.49 rounds to $0.00 (you don’t earn Cash Back), a purchase of $0.50-$0.99 rounds to $1.00 (you earn $0.01 Cash Back), and so on. The Serve Cash Back Card is the only prepaid Card/account with 1% Cash Back on purchases, not limited to select merchants or select purchases. Cash Back is typically applied to your Account promptly after your purchase, but could take up to 60 days. Cash Back can be redeemed and used only for future purchases made with your Card and cannot be redeemed for cash or otherwise exchanged for value. Subaccounts are not eligible to earn Cash Back. ATM transactions, fees and Serve Online Bill Pay are not purchases and do not earn Cash Back. For full terms and restrictions, see the Cash Back User Agreement.

(2) Based on average spending estimates: Average annual spending on gasoline in 2013: $2,418; Average annual spending on groceries 2012-2013: $6,602; Average annual spending on dining out 2012-2013: $3,977; Average annual spending on apparel and services 2012-2013: $17,148; Average annual spending on transportation 2012-2013: $9,004; Average annual spending on entertainment 2012-2013: $2,482 . Total annual spending = $41,631 (Bureau of Labor Statistics US Department of Labor)

(3) Faster access compared to standard payday electronic deposit and subject to your employer submitting paycheck information to the bank before payday. Your employer may not submit paycheck information early.

(4) Transactions at non-MoneyPass® ATMs have a $2.50 American Express Serve fee. ATM operator fees may also apply. See serve.com/atm for details.

American Express Serve® and Bluebird® Show You Where Your Money Goes With Free Tools that Track Spending and Budgets

Thu, 05 Jun 2014 00:00:00 -0400

American Express (NYSE: AXP) today announced it will add free personal financial management tools to American Express Serve¹ and Bluebird starting this summer. These tools help customers monitor their spending by automatically sorting transactions into categories such as bills, food, fun, shopping and transportation so they can easily track where their money is going. When customers log in to their Serve and Bluebird accounts, they will also be able to create budgets, set spending limits and alerts, as well as set and track financial goals.

“With these new tools, we’re making it simple for our customers to know where their money is being spent, so they can track and manage their finances easily,” said Dan Schulman, group president, Enterprise Growth at American Express. “We’re focused on providing comprehensive and affordable options for the nearly 70 million unbanked and underbanked households in America². We are pleased that consumers are finding value in our products, demonstrated by the strong demand we’re seeing for Serve and Bluebird.”

Bluebird and Serve Momentum
In the first four months of the year, American Express acquired 2.4 million customers on the Serve Platform, which includes Serve and Bluebird in the U.S. and LianLian in China, with over one million customers acquired in the month of April alone³.

For this same period, transaction volume processed on the Serve platform was $1.9 billion, almost tripling from the same period last year and representing an annual run rate of nearly six billion dollars.

Building Positive Financial Behaviors
Bluebird and Serve customers are demonstrating positive financial behaviors by using Direct Deposit to automatically add paychecks or government benefits to their accounts and putting money away for short term savings in a SetAside or Reserve account.

More than forty percent of funds added to Bluebird and Serve came through Direct Deposit year-to-date, which has been consistent since the feature was introduced. Customers are also putting away more than twenty-five percent of the money they add to their primary accounts each month into a linked SetAside or Reserve account. They are transferring money into SetAside or Reserve an average of three times a month, and they are using this money for future purchases like a vacation, big event, or for emergency funds.

American Express Serve Expands Largest Free Cash Reload Network⁴ and Retail Presence
American Express is adding Family Dollar to its free cash reload network and expanding to 27,500 stores nationwide including CVS/pharmacy, Walmart, and participating 7-ELEVEN locations. By July 2014, American Express Serve customers will be able to add cash for free at registers in Family Dollar stores via Incomm’s Vanilla Reload network.

In addition, American Express Serve will be available for purchase in more than 31,000 retail locations across the country. As of today, consumers can purchase Serve at Safeway and later this summer at OfficeMax and Hyvee stores enabled by the Blackhawk Network, a leading prepaid network. Serve can be found in the prepaid sections at these stores.

Serve Launches ONE VIP Card with Radio One
On June 16, 2014, Serve and Radio One will launch the ONE VIP Card from American Express Serve. ONE VIP is Radio One’s loyalty program featuring entertainment benefits. In addition to offering all of the features and benefits of American Express Serve, the ONE VIP Card will include:

Invitations to meet artists and celebrities through the Radio One ‘Meet and Greet’ experience;
‘Club Access’ to special Radio One VIP areas in night clubs in certain markets; and,
Eligibility for ‘Hot Ticket’ giveaways and offers from Radio One based on location⁵.

Consumers can register for the ONE VIP Card for free online beginning on June 16.

“We are delighted with the momentum that we are building with our partners, customers and in the overall marketplace,” added Stefan Happ, general manager, U.S. Payment Options at American Express. “Our retail and partner network has grown rapidly over the last nine months, and there’s more to come. We are confident that our Serve and Bluebird products, which now include free and simple to use money management tools, bring greater value and more options to more people, in more places.”

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that help enrich lives and build business success. American Express Serve is a full-service reloadable prepaid access account issued by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/amexserve, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/amexserve, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products and services: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, business travel, and corporate card.

(1)	Available for Zynga, Chegg and Riot Games League of Legend Cards customers.
(2)	2011 FDIC National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households
(3)	Represents new customer orders for Serve and Bluebird accounts and new LianLian agents and consumer relationships. Includes accounts in pended status and subsidiary accounts.
(4)	Based on a 2014 Aite Group study commissioned by American Express, as compared to the top eight prepaid card companies based on share volume at the time of the study. You can add as much as $500 or as little as $20 in cash for free at the register. Just give your American Express Serve® Card and cash to the cashier and your money is immediately added to your Card.
(5)	ONE VIP Loyalty Access benefits, including Meet and Greet, Club Access and Hot Ticket offers (collectively, “Radio One Benefits”), are provided by Radio One Inc. to registered holders of the ONE VIP Prepaid Card from American Express Serve. Benefits are provided in select cities on select dates and are subject to availability and Radio One, Inc.’s terms and conditions of use. In order to access Benefits, ONE VIP Prepaid Card Cardholders must first review, accept and agree to Radio One, Inc.’s terms and conditions of use by visiting www.Roievents.net/site/one-VIP-loyalty-Access. For a full description of current Benefits, including the current terms and conditions of use, visit www.Roievents.net/site/one-VIP-loyalty-Access. Radio One, ONE VIP Loyalty Access and Meet and Greet trademarks are the exclusive property of Radio One, Inc.

American Express Serve® Introduces New Money Management Capabilities and a Free Cash Load Network

Tue, 08 Oct 2013 00:00:00 -0400

American Express (NYSE: AXP) Serve today announced a free nationwide cash load network and the addition of new money management capabilities to its full-service reloadable prepaid account. The new features include: Direct Deposit, Bill Pay, Mobile Check Capture, Personal Financial Management Tools, and Reserve, which allows customers to put money aside for future expenses. These enhancements are designed to meet the needs of the nearly 70 million Americans underserved by traditional financial services.(1)

“Unfortunately, the traditional banking system is not easily accessible to large segments of the population, making managing money cumbersome and expensive for many,” said Dan Schulman, group president, Enterprise Growth at American Express. “We launched Serve two years ago with the simple idea that consumers needed a better way to move their money. Today, we’ve added a number of new features to make the management and movement of money more affordable and convenient for everyone.”

More Ways to Add Money to American Express Serve For Free
According to Javelin Strategy & Research(2), 41 percent of underbanked consumers report they pay a fee of $3.00 to $3.99 to reload their prepaid cards. American Express Serve has introduced several cost-free options to add money to an account:

Free Cash Load Network: Starting this November, American Express Serve customers will be able to take cash to the register at more than 14,000 participating CVS/pharmacy and 7-Eleven stores and add it to their American Express Serve Account. This is made possible through a relationship with InComm and its Vanilla Reload Network.
Direct Deposit: Serve customers can add their paycheck or government disbursements directly into their Account through Serve.com.
Mobile Check Capture: Later this year, customers will be able to use their smartphone camera to snap a photo of a check and add it directly into their Account using the Serve mobile app.

Considering that prepaid card customers who report reloading their cards say they do so an average of two times per month, with 10 percent reloading 5 times or more per month, adding money to Serve using these options could amount to a potential savings of between $72 to nearly $240 a year for certain customers.(3)

With the rollout of a range of features that offer an alternative to traditional banking, American Express Serve will charge a monthly fee of $1 beginning December 3, 2013. This fee is one of the lowest among leading prepaid cards that charge a monthly fee. Based on an Aite Group study that evaluated the amount that people pay in fees among the leading prepaid cards, the average monthly fee was $4.57 per month, compared to the $1 monthly fee for using American Express Serve.

The $1 monthly fee is waived if customers use Direct Deposit to load their account or add $500 or more to their account during a monthly statement period. See fee chart for further details.

More Ways to Move & Manage Money with American Express Serve

American Express Serve Account Fee Summary
Card Price	$0 online $2.95 in retail locations $0 select retailers through 12/31/13
Monthly	$1 Monthly Fee (no fee in NY, TX, VT) --OR -- $0 with any Direct Deposit during your statement period --OR-- $0 when you add $500 or more during your statement period
Add Money:	$0 Direct Deposit
	$0 Checking/Savings Account
	$0 Debit Card
	$0 Credit Card*
	Add cash for $0 at nationwide CVS/pharmacy and participating 7-Eleven® locations(1) Add cash using MoneyPak® or Vanilla Reload (Third party fees may apply(2))
	$0 to add checks with Mobile App (available December 2013)
ATM Withdrawals	$0 at MoneyPass® ATMs
ATM Withdrawals	$2 at non MoneyPass ATMs. ATM operator fees apply(3)
Foreign Transactions	2.7% on each transaction after conversion to US dollars
*Cash advance fees for credit card loads may apply; check with your credit card issuer for details. (1) To find the location nearest you, please go to CVS.com or visit your neighborhood 7-Eleven store. (2) MoneyPak® fee of up to $4.95 applies. Vanilla Reload fee of up to $3.95 applies. (3) No fee in VT

To help customers make smart decisions about their finances, American Express has partnered with LearnVest to bring free educational financial content to Serve.com, and is introducing Reserve, a linked account that customers can use to store money for upcoming expenses. Additionally, American Express Serve customers have free access to Serve’s Bill Pay feature to pay bills online and can withdraw cash for free at MoneyPass® ATMs in the U.S.

LearnVest Partnership: LearnVest, a company aimed at making educational financial content accessible to everyone, will provide information designed to help customers set and achieve financial goals and save money. This free educational financial information will be integrated throughout the Serve.com experience.
Reserve: Customers can easily move funds with one time or recurring payments from their Serve Account to a linked Reserve to put money away – and keep it away – for future purchases like a vacation, holiday gifts, or for emergency funds.
Bill Pay: With electronic bill pay customers can pay any bill online using Serve.com and the Serve mobile app.
Free Withdrawals at MoneyPass® ATMs in the U.S.: American Express Serve customers can now withdraw money for free at more than 22,000 MoneyPass® ATMs nationwide. For the closest MoneyPass® ATM location, customers can visit: https://www.serve.com/
manage-money/#/atm-access

Additionally, all funds in permanent American Express Serve Accounts are eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance. This feature also allows American Express Serve customers to arrange for direct deposit of U.S. government payments including social security benefits and military pay. Temporary account funds will not be FDIC insured.

American Express Serve will continue to offer customers the ability to easily create and manage subaccounts for friends and family, send or receive money, and enjoy access to benefits such as Purchase Protection(4), Roadside Assistance(5), Global Assist® Service(6), fraud protection in the event the Card is lost or stolen, and 24x7 live customer service.

“We are striving to provide the best value and convenience for the underserved market,” said Dan Schulman. “We’ve added a slew of new features to American Express Serve in an effort to build one of the most comprehensive full-service reloadable prepaid offerings available today.”

American Express Serve at More than 20,000 Stores by Year End
American Express Serve is now available online at www.serve.com and will be available at select CVS/pharmacy, Family Dollar, Office Depot, Walgreens and Duane Reade stores in the U.S. this fall for a one-time purchase price of $2.95.

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. American Express Serve is a full-service reloadable prepaid access account issued by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/companies/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products and services: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, business travel, and corporate card.

(1) 2011 FDIC National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households

(2) Javelin Strategy & Research, Prepaid Cards and Products in 2012, Enabling Financial Access for Underbanked and Gen Y Consumers

(3) Potential savings calculated based on Javelin Strategy & Research that 41 percent of underbanked consumers report they pay a fee of $3.00 to $3.99 to reload their prepaid cards. Prepaid card customers reload their cards an average of two times per month, with 10 percent reloading 5 times or more per month.

(4) Purchase Protection is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, Phoenix, AZ. Coverage is determined by the terms, conditions, and exclusions of Policy AX0951 or Policy PP-IND and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the Policy.

(5) Roadside Assistance may arrange for the following services: towing, winching, jump starts, flat tire change when spare is available, lockout service when key is in vehicle and delivery of up to 2 gallons of fuel. Cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Services are available regardless of mileage from primary residence when traveling within the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Subject to additional terms, conditions and exclusions. Call 1-877-458-7304 for full terms and conditions.

(6) While the Global Assist® Hotline coordination and assistance services are offered at no additional charge from American Express, Cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

American Express Serve Becomes Prepaid Account Partner for League of Legends; World's Most Played Game

Mon, 12 Aug 2013 00:00:00 -0400

American Express today announced a new strategic partnership with Riot Games to bring in-game rewards to League of Legends players through everyday spend with the American Express Serve® Prepaid Account. (1)

The American Express Serve Prepaid Account enhances the League of Legends experience by integrating a reward-based system called RP+. The RP+ program gives gamers Riot Points (RP), the virtual currency used to purchase in-game items like extra customization or boosts, not only for signing up, but for every qualifying purchase made with the Card.

League of Legends, which now has more than 32 million active monthly players worldwide who log more than one billion hours of gameplay a month, also boasts some of the world’s most passionate and dedicated players. Gamers who sign up for RP+ from American Express Serve have the option to receive a customized League of Legends Card with their choice of four popular Champions and original art from the game itself, giving players the opportunity to take a piece of the game they love with them everywhere they go.

The American Express Serve Prepaid Account allows Cardmembers to transfer money seamlessly between their fellow players who also have a Serve Account, free of charge. Players can also benefit from the money management features of the account, such as direct deposit, bill pay and free cash withdrawals at MoneyPass® ATMs. To sign up there are no credit checks, no hidden fees, and no minimum balance requirements to maintain.

“Riot Games is passionate about serving their players and giving them avenues for enhancing their gaming experience” said Stefan Happ, SVP, US Payment Options for American Express. “Together we’ve been able to create a great co-branded product with a unique rewards program that will help League of Legends players earn Riot Points whenever they use their Card to make qualifying purchases.”

With RP+ from American Express Serve, players can earn Riot Points in a number of ways:

+1,000 RP with complete registration -- no credit check, no activation fee, no minimum balance
+1,000 RP the first time you load $20 to your Account
+10,000 RP the first time you use Direct Deposit to add $20 or more to your Account
+1,000 RP for your first 10 purchases with your Card

League of Legends players can use their American Express Serve Prepaid Card virtually anywhere American Express® Cards are accepted worldwide, as well as enjoy access to American Express benefits like Purchase Protection, Roadside Assistance, Entertainment Access and more.

Players can choose a personalized Card with Teemo, Vi, Lux, Twisted Fate, the Summoner’s Cup or the League of Legends logo.

American Express has also become an official payment partner for the League Championship Series (LCS) and the official partner for World Championship, the premiere events for League of Legends professional esports.

Key links to products and services: charge and credit cards, business credit cards,travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, business travel, and corporate card.

About Riot Games
Riot Games was established in 2006 by entrepreneurial gamers who believe that player-focused game development can result in great games. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to critical and player acclaim. Over 32 million play every month. Players form the foundation of our community and it’s for them that we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.

1 Offer subject to change or cancellation at any time. Cash withdrawals, cash equivalent purchases, P2P transactions, and Account fees are not eligible to earn Riot Points (RP). If the first funds loaded onto your account are via Direct Deposit then you will qualify for both the 1,000 and 10,000 RP. Receive 100 RP for each of your first 10 purchases using your American Express Serve Card, after which you will receive 1 RP for each Card purchase up to $3.00. Increased point thresholds will then apply for each Card purchase in $3 increments as follows: up to $3.00: 1 RP; $3.01-$6.00: 2 RP; $6.01-$9.00: 3 RP; $9.01-$12.00: 4 RP; etc. Direct Deposit is not available with all employers. Please allow up to two billing cycles for the first Direct Deposit payment to appear in your account. Allow up to 30 days after you register, add money, enroll in Direct Deposit, or complete a spend transaction for the RP credits to appear in your League of Legends game account. RP is subject to Riot Games' Terms of Use.

American Express and Walmart Announce the Addition of FDIC Insurance and Worry-Free Check Writing to Bluebird®

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

American Express (NYSE: AXP) and Walmart (NYSE: WMT) today announced expanded security and funding capabilities to Bluebird, a debit and checking alternative that provides Americans with a better way to manage and control their everyday spending.

Bluebird Accounts[i] will now be eligible for FDIC insurance, providing an extra layer of security. As a result, permanent Bluebird Accounts will now have the ability to receive direct deposit of government payments, such as social security payments, military pay, and tax refunds. Customers can also balance their Bluebird checkbook in real-time with pre-authorized check writing, add checks to their Bluebird Account by mail and add funds up to $100,000 annually.

“When we launched Bluebird last October, we were focused on serving the tens of millions of Americans who are not well served by the traditional financial services industry. The unbanked, underbanked, and the unhappily banked are beset by onerous fees and numerous inconveniences,” said Dan Schulman, group president, Enterprise Growth at American Express. “Bluebird is designed to help make their everyday financial lives easier, more convenient and less expensive. Today’s announcement, which reflects feedback from consumers, advocacy groups and government officials, represents the next set of enhancements that further distinguish Bluebird from other financial services options.”

“Since launching Bluebird, we have been listening to our customers’ feedback and working hard to expand its features and services,” said Daniel Eckert, vice president of financial services for Walmart U.S. “Bluebird is helping customers streamline everyday money management without the frustration of navigating complicated dos and don’ts just to avoid fees. The enhancements we’re announcing today make Bluebird a great option for our active duty military personnel, government employees and other customers helping them take greater control of their everyday finances.”

Bluebird’s new capabilities, built on American Express’ Serve® platform, are in addition to existing premium features such as the ability to add checks via smartphones, family sub-accounts and no fee access to cash at 22,000 ATMs for Bluebird members who have enrolled in direct deposit. Bluebird also comes with additional benefits such as access to Purchase Protection[ii] which can provide coverage for accidental damage or theft to eligible purchases within 90 days of purchase, award winning 24/7 customer service and the ability to be used virtually anywhere American Express® Cards are accepted worldwide.

More Reasons to Choose Bluebird
FDIC Insurance Coverage: Funds in all permanent Bluebird Accounts will now be eligible for FDIC insurance, which allows members to arrange for direct deposit of U.S. government payments. Temporary account funds will not be FDIC insured. Other restrictions may apply. For more information see www.bluebird.com/fdic.

"No Overdraft" Check Writing: Starting today, Bluebird Members will have the ability to order Bluebird checks that they can use to pay bills and make purchases without worrying about insufficient funds or incurring overdraft fees because a Member’s funds are set aside during the pre-authorization process.

To preauthorize a Bluebird check, a customer will follow just two easy steps:

Obtain a unique authorization code online or through the Bluebird mobile app. Note: once a Bluebird check is pre-authorized, the funds associated with that check are immediately deducted from the customer’s balance, and are held until the check is presented for payment.
Write the authorization code on the check and give to the payee. This ensures for the customer that sufficient funds are available to cover the Bluebird check being written. The payee can confirm that sufficient funds are available by calling American Express.

Bluebird Members have access to one free checkbook until August 2013. Thereafter, Bluebird Members enrolled in direct deposit can receive their first checkbook of 50 checks at no charge, otherwise direct deposit and non-direct deposit users can order a book of 50 checks for $26 (including shipping).

Add More and From Home: In response to customer demand, the total Bluebird Account balance limit has increased to $100,000 per calendar year to allow Members to add more of their paychecks and large value checks. Additionally, Bluebird Members will now be able to add personal and government checks to their Bluebird accounts by mailing the check to American Express. Once the check has been successfully processed, the funds will be added directly to the Member’s Bluebird Account. There are no fees associated with this new capability.

Bluebird is available online at www.bluebird.com and at more than 4,000 Walmart stores.

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Bluebird is a prepaid access account issued by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/companies/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products and services: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, business travel, and corporate card.

About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, more than 200 million customers and members visit our more than 10,700 stores under 69 banners in 27 countries and e-commerce websites in 10 countries. With fiscal year 2013 sales of approximately $466 billion, Walmart employs more than 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmartnewsroom. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.

[i] All of the new features announced today, including FDIC insurance, will be available to a Bluebird member who registers with American Express for a permanent account. These new features are not available with the temporary Bluebird card sold at Walmart retail locations.
[ii] Purchase Protection is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, Phoenix, AZ. Coverage is determined by the terms, conditions, and exclusions of Policy AX0951 or Policy PP-IND and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the Policy.

Gadgets Claim More Space in America’s Backpacks; Intent to Buy Electronics for Back-to-School Up 9%

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Eighty-three percent of Americans say they are hitting the stores for back-to-school shopping this year, spending an average of $867, and more shoppers plan to put gadgets on their school checklist according to the latest American Express Spending and Saving Tracker. In addition to the tried and true back- to-school expenses, intent to buy electronics, including tablets, e-readers and cell phones, rose 9% from 2011. And with smart phones becoming the standard in 24/7 contact, consumers plan to spend $358 on cell phones -- more than double the $154 they said they’d spend in 2011.

For the full report, and past Spending & Saving Tracker surveys, click here.

“The data shows digital devices like tablets and e-readers are increasingly becoming back-to-school necessities, and not just nice-to-haves,” said Claire Bennett, EVP Loyalty & Membership Benefits, American Express. “The lift in the electronics categories could bode well for many retailers.”

Over one-third of parents (36%) expect to purchase some kind of electronics for their children for the school season—up from last year’s 27%, filling backpacks and outfitting desks with laptops (15%), scientific calculators (15%), cell phones (12%) and tablets/e-readers (9%). While parents intent to spend on electronics has grown overall since last year, scientific calculators as well as tablets or e-readers grew the most, up 5% from their 2011 Back-to-School spend.

Shop-peer Pressure: Who Determines the Back-to-School Spend?
While many students will accessorize with the latest technology, most (86%) will still be spending on more traditional clothing and accessories. Almost half (46%) of parents report that their child is the single most influential party in determining what wardrobe items they will buy for back-to-school. And with age, comes independence…at least when it comes to choosing clothes. On average, children will be allowed to pick out their own clothes while shopping by the age of 12. Parents predicted their children’s friends would have little influence over their wardrobe purchases for back- to-school—3%, down from last year’s 7%.

Back-to-School Trade-Offs for Mom and Dad
The trend of parents making sacrifices in order to foot the back-to-school bill continues this year: 68% of the parents polled estimated that they would need to make trade-offs in their own lives to afford purchases for their children this season. Over half (52%) were prepared to sacrifice dining out, followed by purchasing clothing for themselves (39%), and spending on entertainment (39%), and travel (33%).

Back-to-College Money Management
School expenses don’t end when the first day of class begins, especially for college students. With many leaving home for the first time, parents plan to help their newly independents manage money while away from the nest. About a third (34%) will dole out weekly allowances, consistent with 2011, however more parents are helping them establish good “plastic” practices. Twenty-eight percent will give their students prepaid cards (up 15% from 2011) or opt for a joint credit card linked to their account (17% vs. 13% in 2011). American Express Cardmembers can also opt to get their college student an Additional Card with Custom Limits that lets them set, change or remove spending limits on linked accounts.

The American Express Spending & Saving Tracker research was completed online among a random sample of 2002 adults, including the general U.S. population, as well as two sub-groups—Affluents and parents of school age children. Interviewing was conducted by Echo Research between July 17 and 20, 2012. Overall the results have a margin of error of ± 2.2 percentage points at the 95% level of confidence (or ± 4.0 among Affluents and ± 3.0 among parents of school age children). Affluents are defined as having a minimum annual household income of $100,000. Parents of school age children are defined parents of children in grades kindergarten through college.

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/companies/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products and services: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, business travel, and corporate card

Zynga and American Express Launch Zynga Serve Rewards Program

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

American Express and Zynga, the world's leading provider of social games services, today announced the launch of Zynga Serve Rewards, a new program that is tied to the Serve digital wallet and breaks new ground in the prepaid card market by offering rich in-game incentives for everyday spending.

"We're excited to partner with American Express to invent new ways for people to experience Zynga play in more parts of their day," said Mark Pincus CEO and Founder of Zynga. "Together we can add surprise and delight to everyday shopping."

"We're thrilled to expand our relationship with Zynga and provide an easy way for players to earn Zynga virtual game cash by learning about Serve and signing up to receive the many benefits of our digital wallet," said Dan Schulman, President of Enterprise Growth, American Express. "As the commerce landscape continues to change, and online and offline spending converges, Serve is focused on partnering with companies like Zynga to create unique value for our customers in the environments they love."

FarmVille allows players to cultivate their Farms by plowing, planting and harvesting crops and trees. As part of the Zynga Serve Rewards phased program, FarmVille players now have the ability to plant an interactive Serve Money Tree in their Farms which will give them the ability to level up in game and earn Zynga Farm Cash for virtual awards redemption. Once players place the tree, they will be prompted to take the following four steps to earn Farm Cash in connection with the co-branded card through July 31, 2012.

Successfully register for the Zynga Serve Rewards program to receive a Zynga Serve co-branded prepaid card in the mail.
Add money to the Serve account through any funding source including a bank account, debit card, credit card, or cash using a GreenDot MoneyPak.
After receiving the Zynga Serve Rewards card, activate the card online or by calling the activations line.
Use the Zynga Serve Rewards card everywhere American Express® Cards are accepted in the U.S. for purchases and receive online, in-game rewards in real time. At launch, only the first five purchases of $25 or more on the Zynga Serve Rewards card will earn Farm Cash rewards. As the program expands, all purchases will receive in-game rewards tracked through an in-game dashboard.

Later this year, the Zynga Serve Rewards program will include new kinds of loyalty incentives, tying everyday spend to Zynga's Game Cash in ways that go beyond the initial first five purchases of $25 or more. Similar Zynga Serve Rewards programs will be introduced in additional games such as CastleVille and CityVille over the course of the year, so players can redeem rewards to purchase a variety of virtual goods from their favorite games.

For more information on Zynga Serve Rewards visit: www.Serve.com/Zynga.

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/companies/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

About Zynga Inc.
Zynga Inc. (NASDAQ: ZNGA) is the world's leading provider of social game services with more than 290 million monthly active users playing its games, which include CityVille, Zynga Poker, Draw Something, Hidden Chronicles, FarmVille, CastleVille, Words With Friends, Empires & Allies, Scramble With Friends, Café World, The Pioneer Trail, Indiana Jones™ Adventure World and Mafia Wars. Zynga's games are available on a number of global platforms, including Facebook, Zynga.com, Google+, Tencent, Apple iOS and Google Android. Through Zynga.org, Zynga players have raised more than $10 million for world social causes.

Consumer Action and American Express Offer Consumer Guides to Prepaid Cards

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Prepaid cards are the financial tool of the moment for a growing number of consumers. They are helping consumers to manage their finances, pay bills and take advantage of direct deposit services -- all without a bank account.

A new generation of reloadable prepaid cards is giving many consumers a safe, easy and economical way to make purchases online or in person. But, like most consumer decisions, the key to finding the best value is being well informed.

The free education series, produced in partnership by American Express and Consumer Action, includes an easy-to-read multilingual booklet, two short videos and a question-and-answer guide. For consumers who rely on cash and checks, prepaid is often a good alternative, and those who primarily use debit and credit cards may also find them useful for online shopping, budgeting and distributing funds to family members.

"The prepaid reloadable card industry has historically been laden with hidden fees and confusing terms, but new competition is beginning to change that," said Alpesh Chokshi, President, Global Payment Options, American Express.

"Competition in the prepaid card industry has brought more 'fee lite' card options," said Ken McEldowney, Consumer Action executive director. "But finding the right card is still a challenge. Our new project aims to help consumers compare card offerings and make an intelligent choice about which prepaid card to use."

Mr.Chokshi added: "We're excited to offer consumers a one-stop shop of resources that will help them find the prepaid card that's right for them."

For anyone actively shopping for or already using a prepaid card, Consumer Action offers these top three prepaid card tips:

Choose a consumer-friendly card.
- Ask about fraud protection and how errors are resolved.
- Look for free customer service.
- All else being equal, pick the low-fee card that offers useful "perks," like roadside assistance or travel insurance.
Base your card selection on how you plan to use the card.
- If you'll be making a lot of purchases, look for a card without transaction fees.
- If you'll be withdrawing cash, look for a card with a free ATM network.
- If you'll be traveling abroad, look for a card with a low -- or no -- currency conversion fee.
Change your habits to avoid fees whenever possible.
- If your card allows you to get cash back when making a purchase at a grocery store, use this option rather than at an ATM where you might incur a fee.
- If checking your balance online is free, don't check it at the ATM.
- If your card is subject to an inactivity fee, use your card on a regular basis -- or spend down and close the account -- before you could lose money on inactivity fees.

The brochure is available in English, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese, and will be available in Chinese soon. It explains how the cards work and offers advice for selecting the right card, controlling costs and managing the card successfully. For those who want to delve deeper, there's an in-depth question-and-answer guide. All materials -- printed and electronic -- are free for individuals and organizations involved in non-profit or community educational work. These entities can order printed copies in bulk or freely reproduce the electronic materials for educational purposes.

The two short videos will be available to the public on Consumer Action's YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/consumeractionvideos), American Express' YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/americanexpress), and on DVD for community-based organizations that request them. The two videos include:

Reloadable Prepaid Cards: An overview of prepaid cards, including how they work and their pros and cons
Choosing and Managing a Reloadable Prepaid Card: A five-minute guide to narrowing your card options, reducing or avoiding fees and managing your card wisely

Consumer Action
Consumer Action (www.consumer-action.org) has been a champion of underrepresented consumers nationwide since 1971. A nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, Consumer Action focuses on financial education that empowers low- to moderate-income and limited-English-speaking consumers to financially prosper. It also advocates for consumers in the media and before lawmakers to advance consumer rights and promote industry-wide change. By providing financial education materials in multiple languages, a free national hotline, and surveys of consumer financial products, the organization helps consumers assert their rights in the marketplace and make financially savvy choices. More than 8,000 community and grassroots organizations benefit annually from its extensive outreach programs, training materials and support.

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/companies/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

For Second Year In a Row, American Express Offers a Gift Card Created Especially for Diwali

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

For the second year in a row, American Express is offering a Gift Card designed exclusively for the festive occasion of Diwali. The Diwali Gift Card from American Express can be used to substitute a cash gift, included with the traditional mithai box, or added as a special touch to any Diwali gift.

"We're pleased to again offer the Indian-American community a gifting solution for Diwali," said Simran Kalra, Vice President and General Manager, E-Commerce with American Express' Global Payment Options business. "With the American Express® Gift Card, recipients can be sure they are getting a Gift Card that's 100% gift, 0% fees."

Unlike some other gift cards, American Express Gift Cards have no fees after purchase -- no fees for activation, no fees for checking a balance, no fees for monthly servicing, no fees for Card replacement, and the funds on the Card do not expire. If lost or stolen, funds on the Gift Card can be replaced.

The Diwali Gift Card* from American Express is available in denominations of $25, $50, $100 and $200. Diwali Gift Cards are available online for a limited time. American Express is waiving the purchase price and offering free standard shipping when customers enter promo code 'DIWALI' through November 1. The American Express Gift Card is accepted at millions of locations in the United States where American Express® Cards are accepted. To purchase, visit americanexpress.com/diwali.

About American Express

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/companies/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

* Term and conditions apply to Gift Card; see Cardholder Agreement at americanexpress.com/diwali.

The American Express® Gift Card Goes Digital

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

American Express announced today the launch of the American Express eGift Card, a new virtual gift card to be purchased and used online. This new virtual gift card mirrors the revolutionary American Express Gift Card, with no fees after purchase -- including no fees for activation, no fees for checking a balance, no fees for monthly servicing, and the funds do not expire.

"As consumers spend more time shopping online, we saw a need for a virtual gifting product," said Stefan Happ, SVP and GM of the Americas with American Express' Global Payment Options. "We took the best of our successful Gift Card program and made it available as a virtual product, the American Express eGift Card, thus satisfying a growing need among consumers. It's also ideal for those last-minute shoppers and for loved ones, friends and family who don't live nearby as there's no shipping and it arrives in the recipient's inbox in minutes."

The eGift Card is available for purchase online at americanexpress.com/gift and is delivered to the recipient's email address within minutes of ordering it. The American Express eGift Card can be redeemed online or via phone at U.S. retailers and restaurants that accept American Express Cards. The American Express eGift Card is available in denominations ranging from $25 to $200, with an upfront purchase charge of $2.95. Terms and conditions apply to Gift Cards.

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/companies/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Millions of Sprint Customers Get Faster, Improved Rebate Experience with American Express® Prepaid Reward Card

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

American Express (NYSE: AXP) and Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced a new program offering mail-in rebates via prepaid reward cards. Customers who purchase a Sprint phone and are eligible for a rebate will receive the mail-in rebate via prepaid reward card rather than a check.

The American Express Prepaid Reward Card can be used at millions of U.S. locations that accept American Express Cards. Benefits of the program for Sprint customers include:

Faster rebate processing
Immediate use of funds when customers receive the card in the mail and activate
Card may be replaced if lost or stolen
No fees for activation, balance inquiries or customer service

"Our goal is to provide premium quality and a great customer experience in all aspects of the sales process. With the help of American Express, we are able to streamline the rebate process and continue to offer our customers the best value in wireless," said Bob H. Johnson, president-Consumer, Sprint. "The new program will provide a simplified rebate experience that's faster than a check and safer than cash. Additionally, many Sprint phones will continue to qualify for instant savings."

Sprint customers previously received rebate funds via paper checks that expired in three months. Once the Sprint customer receives the prepaid reward card, the customer can immediately activate and use the card. The Card has no fees until six months after issuance, when a $3 monthly fee applies. Most prepaid users typically use the funds soon after receiving the card.

"We are proud to serve millions of Sprint customers by providing a faster and improved rebate program through our prepaid reward cards," said Stefan Happ, senior vice president and general manager of the Americas for American Express' Global Payment Options. "Innovative partners like Sprint play an important role in our mission of expanding the company's payment portfolio beyond charge and credit products."

This announcement builds on the larger strategic initiative of the American Express Enterprise Growth organization to expand beyond traditional payment forms. In July, in the first such agreement with a wireless carrier, American Express and Sprint announced that the Serve(SM) mobile wallet application will be made available in the Sprint Zone to Sprint customers using select Android-powered smartphones.

About Sprint
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 52 million customers at the end of 2Q 2011 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation's greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at sprint.com or facebook.com/sprint and twitter.com/sprint.

American Express Gives Consumers Fee Freedom with Revolutionary Prepaid Card

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

In an industry game changing move, American Express today announced a best in class reloadable prepaid card with no activation or maintenance fees. With the launch of the American Express® Prepaid Card, American Express is providing a smarter spending and budgeting payment option to millions of consumers, while creating an unprecedented standard in the prepaid category. With this new, consumer-friendly everyday payment card, American Express will further serve new customer segments that do not rely on traditional charge and credit cards to manage their day-to-day finances.

"We created a simple, transparent and easy-to-use everyday payment card to address a real pain point that consumers have with existing prepaid products in the market that are laden with fees and confusing terms including monthly and maintenance fees," said Dan Schulman, group president of American Express' Enterprise Growth Group. "We believe giving consumers freedom from fees with a best in class option from American Express will set a new standard for the $36 billion open loop U.S. prepaid industry."

"We listened to our Cardmembers and customers who told us that although they enjoyed the benefits of a prepaid card -- safer than cash, no impact to their credit, no risk of overdraft -- they felt having monthly and other maintenance fees undermined the value of the prepaid card. So the feedback from our Cardmembers really helped make a good product, great. We stripped away the nuisance fees and designed an everyday payment card with superb customer service and benefits," added Schulman.

Unlike other prepaid reloadable cards, there are no fees for purchasing the Card online, monthly maintenance, activation, balance inquiries, alerts, Card replacement, foreign currency conversion or loading via bank account. The funds on the Card do not expire, and if lost or stolen, the funds can be replaced. The first monthly ATM cash withdrawal is free, after which a $2.00 fee applies (bank network charges may also apply).

Choosing to use the American Express Prepaid Card also means that Cardmembers will enjoy the exceptional customer service they have come to expect from American Express. American Express Company was ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Credit Card Companies," for the fourth consecutive year, by the J.D. Power and Associates in the 2010 Credit Card Satisfaction Study(1).

The American Express Prepaid Card is a prepaid reloadable Card that's a safer form of currency. The Card is available online at www.americanexpress.com/prepaid. Funds can be loaded through a bank account such as a savings or checking account and through cash loading via MoneyPak*. There is no fee for loading via bank account. At initial order, no funding source is required so consumers can order a Card and decide to load it later.

Unlike other payment options, the Card offers Cardmembers the ability to create, manage and specify additional user Cards for others such as family members, colleagues, babysitters and contractors. Through the trusted American Express brand, Cardmembers can use the Card for online and offline commerce, from gas to groceries. The American Express Prepaid Card can be used anywhere that accepts American Express Cards.

American Express is partnering with Consumer Action, a consumer education and advocacy organization, to launch a national program that will educate thousands of consumers about prepaid cards, including co-producing education materials for consumers on how to compare and select a prepaid card and how to use prepaid cards. The extensive program will kick off later this year.

"Reloadable prepaid cards are increasingly becoming the payment product of choice for consumers," said Ken McEldowney, executive director, Consumer Action. "Through this consumer education program, we hope to better explain to consumers how they can select and use prepaid cards as effective financial management tools in their everyday lives, thus eliminating surprises, in the form of unknown fees and confusing terminology, for consumers."

Online management tools provide controls and full transparency for how the Card is being used. Cardmembers can:

View real-time transaction history and monitor spending.
Receive email or text alerts for low funds or notifications when a transaction has occurred. (Check with your mobile service provider for fees that may apply to text messages.)
Disable/enable ATM access for the Card.
Inquire about Card balance 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
Schedule reloading of funds automatically.

Cardmembers are entitled to valuable protections and benefits (subject to terms and conditions**), including:

Purchase Protection(2) which can protect against accidental damage or theft of eligible items for 90 days from date of purchase, up to $1,000 per occurrence and up to $50,000
per Cardmember account per calendar year.
Roadside Assistance which provides dispatch services including towing, battery recharge, gas delivery, locksmith service and changing a flat tire.
Global Assist®Hotline provides trip planning assistance as well as emergency assistance when the Cardmember is traveling more than 100 miles from home.
Exceptional 24-7 customer service Cardmembers have come to expect from American Express.
American Express Selects for Cardmember discounts at select merchants.

"After being the first major universal gift card issuer to eliminate back end fees on our gift cards to today's game-changing announcement, American Express is committed to providing consumer-friendly payment options across our prepaid portfolio," said Alpesh Chokshi, President of Global Payment Options. "As we look for ways to improve customers' lives through payments, we believe that prepaid cards, like the American Express Prepaid Card, are an ideal solution for better financial management and budgeting."

American Express is also removing monthly fees, the first ATM withdrawal fee per month and foreign currency conversion fees from PASS, a prepaid reloadable card for parents to give teens. For more information about PASS, visit www.americanexpress.com/pass.

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, twitter.com/americanexpress and youtube.com/americanexpress.

* Retail fees apply for cash loading.
** Terms, conditions and restrictions apply.Visit product website for more details.

(1) American Express received the highest numerical score among credit card issuers in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Credit Card Satisfaction StudiesSM. The 2010 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study is based on responses from more than 8,500 credit card customers. The proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May and June 2010. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
(2) Purchase Protection is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, Phoenix, AZ. Coverage is determined by the terms, conditions, and exclusions of Policy AX0951 or Policy PP-IND and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the Policy.

An Industry First, American Express to Sell Gift Cards in U.S. Post Offices

Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

American Express today announced it will begin selling American Express Gift Cards in more than 1,800 U.S. Post Offices as part of a pilot test beginning in June. This marks the first time Gift Cards are being sold in U.S. Post Offices.

"Gift cards remain one of the most popular gifting choices for consumers, and as a major issuer of universal gift cards, it seemed a natural step to make American Express Gift Cards available in places where consumers can conveniently send and receive mail," said Alpesh Chokshi, President of Global Payment Options. "As the company looks to move beyond traditional charge and credit products, expanding our distribution network to new and innovative locations like Post Offices is key to accelerating the company’s growth in new payments and digital platforms."

Starting in June, the American Express Gift Card will be available in multiple designs in the $25, $50 and variable load denominations, which allow the consumer to select a denomination between $25-100. The upfront purchase price ranges from $3.95 to $5.95, depending on the denomination.

American Express Gift Cards have no fees after purchase -- no fees for activation, no fees for checking a balance, no fees for monthly servicing, no fees for card replacement, and the funds on the cards never expire, so there are no dormancy fees American Express Gift Cards can be redeemed at U.S. retailers and restaurants that accept American Express Cards. Gift Cards are a $1+ billion business for American Express. With one of the largest gift card distribution networks, American Express Gift Cards are available at more than 70,000 retail outlets. Some limitations apply. See terms and conditions at americanexpress.com/gift.

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, twitter.com/americanexpress and youtube.com/americanexpress.

The Lucky Rabbit Arrives, Bringing a Full House of Prosperity! American Express Introduces the Year of the Rabbit Gift Card

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500

American Express® makes it easy to give family, friends, and business associates what they want for the Chinese Lunar New Year, while celebrating the rich culture of the Chinese community. The new limited edition Year of the Rabbit Gift Card, exclusively from American Express, is available for purchase online with a free-shipping offer at americanexpress.com/gift.

“Working in collaboration with our internal Asian Network at American Express, we are excited to introduce this Gift Card celebrating Chinese culture,” said Alpesh Chokshi, president of Global Payment Options, American Express. “I, along with American Express, wish the Chinese-American community a happy, healthy and prosperous Year of the Rabbit.”

With its traditional paper-cut depiction of a peaceful rabbit, the Year of the Rabbit Gift Card offers a unique gift option which can serve as an exciting and special alternative to the cash usually placed in red envelopes. The Year of the Rabbit Gift Card also offers other benefits:

Available in denominations of $25, $50, $100, and $200
Accepted at millions of locations in the United States where American Express® Cards are accepted
Funds on the card do not expire and there are no monthly fees
Gift Card is replaceable at no fee if lost or stolen

Unlike some other gift cards, American Express® Gift Cards have no fees after purchase for activation, checking a balance, monthly servicing, or card replacement. The online purchase price is $3.95 for all available denominations. Through February 28, 2011 get free standard shipping by visiting americanexpress.com/gift and using promo code ‘RABBIT.’

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, twitter.com/americanexpress and youtube.com/americanexpress.

* Free shipping offer only applies to standard shipping. Discount is only valid on the Gift Card shipping charge. Purchase charges will apply. Offer valid through February 28, 2011, and only for web orders. Terms and conditions apply to Gift Cards. Fee-free promotion code intended for user presented with the offer and is not valid on Gift Card purchases made through partner sites. Purchase must be made via the link provided with fee-free offer. May be used at merchants in the U.S. that accept American Express® Cards. Cannot be used at cruise lines, for recurring billing charges, at casinos or ATMs. American Express does not ship Gift Cards to the states of HI, VT, & LA. See additional terms and conditions at americanexpress.com/gift.

100% of Women Say They Will Give Gifts This Holiday Season, While 12 Percent of Men Will Sit Out the Peak Shopping Season Entirely

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The average American will spend $710 on holiday gifts this year with that figure nearly doubling to $1,384 among those who earn $100,000 or more per year, according to the latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker. Women will particularly power the holiday shopping season with 100 percent of those surveyed planning to hit the stores; to the contrary, 12 percent of men have no holiday shopping plans. Finally, both male and female consumers’ intentions to “give back” continues to make a comeback – increasing from 63 percent last year to 67 percent this year.

This month’s American Express Spending & Saving Tracker surveyed consumers about their holiday shopping plans this year. The research sample of 2,001 adults included the general U.S. population, as well as two subgroups – the affluent and young professionals.

While more than half of consumers (51%) will wrap up holiday shopping at least one week before Christmas, five percent anticipate shopping up to Christmas Eve. Also, almost half (43%) of shoppers will pick up a little something for themselves while shopping for others – and this trend is significantly higher among young professionals (63%). One-fifth (20%) of consumers say their most expensive gift purchase will fall in the electronics and gadgets category with an average cost of $316.

Charitable Giving Up From Last Year
Two-thirds (67%) of consumers will make charitable contributions this year, up from 63 percent last year. Eighty-percent of those earning more than $100,000 annually plan to make a charitable contribution. Most categories saw a lift in intentions to give back:

Donating money to an organization (41% versus 36% in 2009)
Purchasing gift or grocery items for the needy (31% for both years)
Volunteering (22% versus 18% in 2009)

“Retailers and non-profits should be encouraged by the results of this survey,” said Pamela Codispoti, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Card Products, American Express. “The vast majority of consumers not only plan to shop for others, but many will splurge a bit on themselves and donate dollars in order to ‘do good,’ especially if they’ve ‘done well’.”

Popular Gift List Items
Gift Cards remain the most popular item consumers will give this holiday season (53%). Other popular items on gift lists include:

Clothing/accessories (50%)
Toys and games (43%)
Music (29%)

Electronics/Gadgets (34%)
Books or magazines (31%)
Cash (26%)

Creative Budgeting
Consumers will fund their holiday expenditures in a variety of ways. Two creative cost cutting strategies consumers will employ are using rewards points (13%) and unused gift cards they received in the past (12%). The majority of consumers will pay using money they have (64% cash/check) or plan to repay immediately (32%) thereafter.

Most consumers will look for ways to stretch their holiday dollars (84%), particularly women (90%) compared to men (77%). The most popular ways they will do so are:

Savings Strategy	Women	Men
Shop for clearance or sale merchandise	77%	55%
Clipping coupons	67%	46%
Buying only for people on their list	53%	43%
Re-gifting	16%	9%

About the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker
The American Express Spending & Saving Tracker research was completed online among a random sample of consumers aged 18+. The research sample of 2,001 adults surveyed the general U.S. population, as well as two sub-groups – the affluent and young professionals. Interviewing was conducted by Echo Research between October 18 and October 22, 2010. Overall, the results have a margin of error of +/- 2.2 (or 4.3 among affluents and young professionals) percentage points at the 95 percent level of confidence. For access to previous American Express Spending & Saving Tracker results, please visit about.americanexpress.com.