American Express Introduces Hilton HHonors(R) Platinum Credit Card; New Card Has No Annual Fee; Generous Rewards Package

Press Release: American Express and Hilton HHonors(R) Worldwide
October 24, 2000
NEW YORK, NY -- American Express and Hilton HHonors® Worldwide has announced the launch of the Hilton HHonors Platinum Credit Card from American Express. The new Hilton HHonors Platinum Credit Card has a number of valuable benefits and features and will offer consumers one of the fastest ways to earn travel rewards, with no annual fee.

In addition to being one of the few credit cards currently in the marketplace offering a travel rewards program with no annual fee, the Hilton HHonors Platinum Credit Card also offers a number of special benefits including:

    -- 7,500 Hilton HHonors bonus points with the first purchase new
       Cardmembers make on the Card.

    -- Three Hilton HHonors bonus points earned on every eligible dollar of
       spending on the Card.  Hilton HHonors points are redeemable in a
       variety of rewards categories including free hotel stays, vacation
       packages, air travel and merchandise, so using the Hilton HHonors
       Platinum Credit Card for purchases allows consumers to earn great
       rewards faster.

    -- Five Hilton HHonors bonus points earned for every eligible U.S. dollar
       spent at over 2,000 Hilton HHonors hotels worldwide.

    -- Complimentary HHonors Silver VIP status for the first year of
       Cardmembership.

    -- Free Year-End Summary.  Cardmembers have the option to receive an
       annual summary of all charges, listed by month and category, to help
       simplify and manage their expenses.

    -- More than 2,000 Hilton hotels worldwide at which to earn and redeem
       points including: Hilton®, Conrad International®, Doubletree®,
       Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn and Suites®,
       Hilton Garden Inn® and Homewood Suites® by Hilton hotels.


The Hilton HHonors Platinum Credit Card also offers valuable American Express® Card benefits including: 24-hour customer service, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Purchase Protection Plan* which insures items purchased with the Card from accidental damage or theft, Buyer's Assurancesm Plan* which extends the original manufacturer's warranty on covered items for up to one additional year, and Global Assist® Hotline which provides traveling Cardmembers with a variety of travel information and 24-hour assistance.*

``Smart consumers are always looking for ways to get more value for the money they are spending,'' said Richard Quigley, vice president, American Express. ``The new Hilton HHonors Platinum Credit Card from American Express provides a faster way to earn HHonors travel benefits, with no annual fee.''

The new Hilton HHonors Platinum Credit Card is available immediately. To get more information about the Card or to apply, consumers can call 800-THE CARD or visit http://www.americanexpress.com.

``The Hilton HHonors Platinum Credit Card will add more value to a program that already gives members the most sought-after benefit in the frequent guest reward arena: points and miles for most every stay,'' said Jeffrey Diskin, president and chief operating officer for Hilton HHonors Worldwide.

Membership in Hilton HHonors is free. Travelers may enroll online by visiting the HHonors section of Hilton's Internet site at www.hiltonhhonors.com. Or, to enroll instantly in the program and make reservations, consumers in the U.S. and Canada may also call 1-800-HHONORS. Outside the U.S. and Canada, travelers can call the Hilton Reservations Worldwide office in their area. Travelers also may pick up an enrollment form with a temporary membership card at any participating Hilton®, Conrad International®, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Homewood Suites® by Hilton hotels around the world.

American Express is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking. For more information about the company, visit http://www.americanexpress.com.

Terms and conditions apply.
SOURCE: American Express and Hilton HHonors(R) Worldwide