AmEx & Airbnb
American Express and Airbnb announce a first-of-its-kind tech integration that enables U.S. Card Members to quickly and seamlessly sign up for Airbnb and book stays at close to 2 million listings around the globe.
AmEx Checkout
American Express has brought to the market Amex Express Checkout, a first-ever, fast and secure way for U.S. cardholders to check out quickly at participating online merchants by using their americanexpress.com account login.
AmEx & Jawbone
American Express and Jawbone have joined to give eligible U.S. American Express Card members the ability to tap to pay with the new Jawbone UP4 fitness tracker anywhere American Express contactless payments are accepted in the USA.
Back to School
According to the latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, parents expect to spend an average of $529 (46%) of their back-to-school budgets on electronic devices, equipping kids with the latest technology as the new school year begins.
The Centurion Lounge
American Express announces the opening of The Centurion Lounge in New York LaGuardia Airport, the latest in a series of American Express lounges opening in the United States.
American Express Completes Global Business Travel JV
American Express completed its previously announced plans to establish a joint venture for its business travel operations. The joint venture will operate under the American Express Global Business Travel brand. American Express and an investor group led by Certares each have a 50 percent ownership stake in the joint venture. As previously reported, the complexity of the closing process for this transaction will affect the timing of American Express Company’s second quarter earnings announcement. The Company’s financial results are now scheduled to be announced shortly after the market closes on Tuesday, July 29, 2014. American Express plans to host a live audio webcast of its investor conference call at 5:00 p.m. (ET) that day to discuss second quarter 2014 financial results.
American Express Expands Merchant Network
American Express expanded its OptBlue merchant acquiring program that extends U.S. small merchant coverage. There are now 10 participating acquirers in OptBlue, five of which are among the top 10 in the United States. The program was announced at American Express’ Financial Community meeting earlier this year with Vantiv, Global Payments, Heartland Payment Systems, Worldpay, Transfirst and JetPay as the first participants. With OptBlue, participants have the flexibility to provide U.S. small merchants the benefit of a single statement, one settlement process, and one contact for all the major card brands. Participants determine merchant pricing in addition to providing payment processing and servicing. OptBlue will help expand American Express’ U.S. small merchant coverage, providing consumers more payment options at local businesses.
American Express Unveils Best #EveryDayMoments
American Express announced the winners of the Epic Everyday Getaway contest. More than 7,000 Americans submitted snapshots and selfies along with a short story describing their favorite #EveryDayMoments. Photo submissions captured Americans’ favorite VIPs (their kids, loved ones and friends) in fun, silly, memorable and inspirational everyday moments. Each winner and a guest will get their own “Very Important Person” treatment when they head to NYC June 18-21, 2014 for a three-day experience. The Card, designed for multi-taskers juggling family, work and personal lives, rewards Card Members for how often they shop” not just how much they spend. Use the Card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 20% extra Membership Rewards ® points on all those purchases less returns and credits.
American Express to Open Fifth Centurion Airport Lounge
American Express announced its intent to open its fifth Centurion Lounge in Miami International Airport (MIA). American Express will open an approximately 8000 square foot Centurion Lounge at Miami International Airport. The Lounge will feature locally-inspired cuisine and cocktails from award-winning talent, a spa with complimentary treatments and a family room. Card Members will enjoy access to high-speed Wi-Fi, personal computers and noise-buffering workspaces. More details on the culinary team and specific menu offerings will be available closer to the opening of the Lounge.
American Express Executive to Participate in the Sanford Bernstein Conference
American Express Group (AXP) President, Enterprise Growth, Dan Schulman, will participate in the Sanford Bernstein “Disruptive Trends in Financial Services” Conference in New York City. He will oversee and participate in a question and answer session relating to the company’s Enterprise Growth business and digital payments strategy.
American Express and Universal Studios Expand Partnership
Universal Studios and American Express announced an expanded multi-year agreement that brings the strength of Universal’s theme parks and filmed entertainment together with its brand to create exclusive consumer benefits and experiences. Also allowing AmEx to acquire new Card Members directly through Universal theme parks and websites, this expanded partnership presents new and innovative marketing opportunities for both companies. The partnership will now include marketing opportunities that leverage Universal Pictures’ retail partners, consumer licensing and digital media platforms on a global basis. The partnership will continue to set the stage for ongoing offers and promotions for anyone holding an American Express Card, ranging from discounts at the theme parks to special once-in-a-lifetime entertainment experiences.
American Express Support Startups, Research on Financial Inclusion
American Express, at SXSW Interactive Festival, announced several new technology initiatives to promote financial inclusion in the U.S. These include a new program from American Express Ventures to fund startups working toward financial inclusion, the establishment of a Financial Innovation Lab, and sponsorship of a documentary. The documentary will spotlight how technology and new thinking can begin to address the issues facing nearly 70 million Americans1 poorly served or excluded from the mainstream financial system. American Express showcased the trailer for Spent: Looking for Change earlier today at an intimate event at SXSW. The film, set to premiere this summer, follows a handful of hopeful Americans as they navigate their way through an antiquated financial system that can inhibit, rather than help, people’s ability to access, move and manage money as well as save for the future. The film will illustrate the seriousness of this growing problem, but also explore the many solutions emerging through technology, innovation and education.