American Express Offers Tips for Gift Card Redemption for the Post-Holiday Shopping Rush

American Express today launched a consumer awareness campaign in select markets to help consumers get the most out of the American Express® Gift Cards they receive this holiday. Most Americans can expect to receive at least one gift card this holiday, according to the American Express Gift Card Survey. American Express is encouraging consumers to be smart with their Gift Cards: Know your balance. Just like you need to remember your parking space at the mall, you need to remember how much you have left on your Gift Card. Jot down the balance somewhere – even if it’s on the packaging slip that the Gift Card came in. You can also keep track on the Web by entering your American Express® Gift Card number at www.americanexpress.com/gift. Go use it. Someone gave you a Gift Card so you could splurge on yourself. Redeem your card sooner rather than later. Keep it safe and in your wallet, ready to redeem for that special gift when you find it. Show the cashier. When you’re ready to use your Gift Card, let the cashier know right away how much you plan to pay with the Gift Card, and if you plan to pay some other amount with cash or another kind of card. The cashier is going to have a check-out system to accept the gift card, and it’s different in each store. You want to get through that check-out line quickly, and everyone behind you does too. Telling the cashier upfront that this will be a Gift Card transaction will help everything go smoothly. Recipients of the American Express Gift Cards can also take advantage of special offers when redeeming the Gift Card at best-of-brand retailers, restaurants and merchants. Details of the special offers program are available at www.americanexpress.com/specialoffers. Offers are subject to change without notice. "Six in ten shoppers report that they are planning to give gift cards this season, and we want the American Express Gift Card to be memorable gift,” said Alpesh Chokshi, president, American Express Travelers Cheques and Prepaid Services. "We wanted to offer useful tips to help consumers have a great time redeeming our Gift Cards for something special – whether for that hoped-for item that wasn’t under the tree, or for dinner and a movie with the family now that the holiday crush is over.” Print advertisements with usage tips will run in the New York and Washington, DC metro areas on December 26 and 29, during the post-holiday shopping rush. Consumers should also read the terms and conditions for Gift Cards, which are included in the packaging when the Gift Card was purchased and are also available at www.americanexpress.com/gift. 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. Gift Cards are not for use at car rental, cruise lines, casinos or ATMs. Visit www.americanexpress.com/gift or call 877-AXP-GIFT for additional gift card terms and conditions. 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 is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850.