American Express launches two new rewards cards

WM Circle Logo

By: Wise Marketer Staff |

Posted on July 15, 2005

American Express launches two new rewards cards

American Express has launched two new fee-free loyalty rewards credit cards - one called 'Blue Sky' for consumers and another called 'Platinum Business FreedomPass' for small business owners.

Both travel-related rewards cards allow cardholders to earn loyalty points that can be redeemed toward savings on any flight, hotel, car rental or cruise deal. Cardholders earn points on almost all spend made on the card, and can redeem for travel purchases starting from 7,500 points (worth US$100).

In both the consumer and business programmes, members earn 1 point for every eligible US$1 spent on the card, and rewards are redeemable in 7,500 point increments. There are no caps and no limits on point redemption, and no blackout dates or seat restrictions are imposed for award travel. Points have no expiration date as long as the cardholder's account remains open and in good standing.

Earning benefits Apart from a lack of any annual fee to pay, the cards also offer retail and travel protections including Identity Theft Assistance, Buyer's Assurance, Purchase Protection, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Travel Accident Insurance and access to a Global Assist Hotline for emergency help worldwide.

To redeem their points, the cardholder simply uses their card to make travel purchases through any source (including online travel sites, travel agents, tour operators or directly with hotel or airline travel providers). Then, after receiving the card statement that shows the travel charge, they contact American Express to request the appropriate credit on their statement.

Target markets While the main benefits of the two cards are very similar, they offer different additional benefits tailored to each target customer group.

The Blue Sky credit card offers the American Express ExpressPay contactless payments facility, and a number of consumer-oriented special offers for access to concerts, music discounts, contests, music downloads, and charity events.

The FreedomPass credit card offers 5,000 bonus points with the first purchase made using the card, an OPEN Savings programme that provides savings at selected business suppliers and service providers (including AT&T, Hertz, USA Today, FedEx, Staples, and 1-800-Flowers.com), and online financial management tools including expense management reports.

For additional information: ·  Visit Blue Sky at http://www.americanexpress.com/bluesky ·  Visit FreedomPass at http://www.americanexpress.com/freedompass