Press Release: American Express
June 14, 2001
NEW YORK, NY -- Yesterday marked the 10th Anniversary of the Membership Rewards program from American Express.
Introduced in June 1991, as Membership Miles, the program offered Cardmembers an easy way to earn frequent flyer
miles, a highly sought after commodity, on a number of airline carriers. Due to its popularity with consumers,
the program was expanded in 1995 to offer a wider selection of rewards options including retail merchandise from
watches to electronics and was rebranded and relaunched as Membership Rewards. The program currently includes seven
redemption categories -- airline, retail, hotel, car rental, land and sea vacations, charities and travel certificates.
Among its more than 100 partners are 24 airlines, 35 retailers, 29 hotels and four car rental companies.
Considering the bountiful reward choices available, joining a rewards program linked to a charge or credit card
is a smart move for any consumer. The top 10 reasons to join a rewards program are:
1. If your credit card is linked to a rewards program, you can earn one
point for virtually every dollar you spend, at the places you shop
daily such as grocery stores, drug stores and gas stations.
2. You're ready to pamper yourself. While the kids are off to summer
camp, redeem your points to treat yourself to an afternoon at your
favorite spa or, for fewer points, you can redeem for music or
magazines that can also help you escape.
3. You love to travel anywhere, anytime. Use travel rewards for
everything from free airline tickets and free hotel nights to a free
car rental. Or, use shopping rewards to spring for a special
vacation wardrobe.
4. You're looking for something easy, convenient and flexible. With
Membership Rewards you can redeem online, shop online, check your
points and pay your bill online -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in
the comfort of your home!
5. You're learning a new sport such as golf or tennis. Some programs
offer great recreational gift packages that include special lessons
or opportunities to redeem points for cash, which then be used to
purchase private lessons at a local sports facility or pro shop. Or,
redeem your points for retail certificates that can be used to buy
special clothing or equipment at participating sporting goods stores.
6. You travel often, but not with one airline consistently enough to
accumulate the points you need to earn a free ticket. With
Membership Rewards you can use your points to top-off the mileage
you've earned with your favorite airline, and get that free ticket
you want.
7. You're looking for home decorating assistance. Points can be used to
buy that new couch, deluxe kitchen appliance or new towels for the
bath that you have been eyeing, but not buying!
8. You want to take that dream vacation, but can't afford it. Start
saving up your rewards points now. And, with Membership Rewards,
there is no limit on the number of points you can earn and the points
have no expiration dates, so you can keep earning points until you
have enough in your account to take the trip you want.
9. You like to help those in need -- contribute your points to a worthy
charitable organization. Many rewards programs are adding charities
to their program to meet the needs of members who want to donate some
of their points.
10. You want a new mountain bike, but those home repairs come first. Use
your credit card to pay for the repairs and you can earn the points
you need to redeem for that great bike offered in your rewards
program catalog.
SOURCE: American Express