American Express Offers Double Membership Rewards [R] Points on Gas and Grocery Purchases for Consumer Charge Cardmembers.

NEW YORK -- American Express announced today a nationwide promotion that will allow all consumer Charge Cardmembers enrolled in the Membership Rewards program to earn double points on U.S. standalone gas and grocery purchases up to $1000 dollars of eligible spend each month, starting March 22, 2009 through March 15, 2010. The promotion is exclusively available to American Express [R] consumer Charge Cardmembers. To take advantage of the offer, Cardmembers must enroll their existing Charge Cards online at www.americanexpress.com/counttwice or call 1-800-794-1308 and use the promotional code 139150001. There is no cost to enroll.

Consumers who apply and are approved for the American Express Charge Card from April 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009 will be automatically enrolled in the promotion for the 12-month period beginning the date their Card account is created.

"We're excited to put Cardmembers on the fast track to getting the rewards they want by offering double Membership Rewards points on two necessary, and sometimes costly, expenses - gas and groceries," said Richard Quigley, senior vice president, Consumer Charge Group, American Express. "This promotion not only allows Cardmembers to be rewarded for spending they have to do anyway, but it also helps make rewards more attainable for Cardmembers."

This offer is available to Cardmembers, and Additional Cardmembers on their accounts, who have the following consumer American Express Charge Cards: the American Express Card, the American Express Rewards Green Card, the American Express Preferred Rewards Green Card, the American Express Gold Card, the American Express Rewards Gold Card, the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card, the American Express Rewards Plus Gold Card, the Platinum Card[R], the Centurion[R] Card.

The Membership Rewards program has a robust offering of rewards ranging from everyday items to exclusive redemptions across a wide variety of categories, including travel, merchandise, retail, entertainment, dining and experiential rewards. Cardmembers can use points to fly on any airline any time using the Membership Rewards Pay with Points feature. In addition, Cardmembers can redeem points for everything from popular electronics from top consumer brands such as Nintendo[R] and Panasonic[R], to gift cards to popular retailers and restaurants such as The Home Depot[R], Old Navy, Legal Sea Foods and The Cheesecake Factory[R]. Practical rewards are also available such as dryers and dishwashers, which provide Cardmembers with more everyday options for reward redemptions.

In addition to offering Cardmembers an award-winning rewards program, American Express Charge Cards help provide the financial control that many consumers are looking for in today's economy. The Charge Card is a smart choice for consumers who want to help control personal spending while reaping valuable benefits and service. Some features of the Charge Card include:

* No interest payments or finance charges since payment is made in full each month

* Financial Management Tools - Cardmembers can manage their account on line and can enroll to receive account updates to their cellular telephone or PDA with balances, recent activity or other tracking devices.

* Protections--at no extra cost--that do everything from extend warranties and protect purchases if stolen or damaged, to provide emergency cash, passport replacement and roadside assistance. *

About American Express

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

About The Membership Rewards Program

The Membership Rewards program from American Express has more than 140 redemption partners. The program allows Cardmembers to earn one point for virtually every dollar charged on eligible, enrolled American Express Cards. Membership Rewards points are redeemable in a wide selection of reward categories. Enrollees may also customize their own redemption experiences through the program's Create Your Reward option and use points for just about anything they can imagine. Points have no expiration date, and there is no limit on the number of points a Cardmember can earn. For more information about the Membership Rewards program, Cardmembers can visit: www.membershiprewards.com or call 1-800-AXP-EARN (297-3276).

* Terms, conditions and restrictions apply.