AMEX turbo-charges its rewards programme

A faster way to earn Air Points as American Express
turbo-charges its rewards programme

Auckland, 22 February, 2002 - American Express today announced a new double-points card reward programme, called Membership Rewards Turbo, that is set to redefine the rewards market in New Zealand.

The move follows a cut to points offered by a rival card product earlier this month.

“American Express Membership Rewards is already miles ahead of other programmes in the market when it comes to earning Air Points, and the best just got better,” American Express Vice President and Country Manager Atul Mathur said today.

“Membership Rewards guarantees one Air Point for every dollar spent on your American Express card. That’s already twice as good as some other programmes. By enrolling for Membership Rewards Turbo, card members will earn two points for every dollar spent – that makes it four times quicker to get to your rewards goal than with some other programmes in the market,” Mr Mathur said.

He said the initiative marked the celebration of American Express involvement with Team New Zealand and the America’s Cup, through the co-branded American Express Team New Zealand Card and the company’s sponsorship of American Express Viaduct Harbour.

The Turbo offer runs for a fixed period from 1 March 2002 to 31 May 2003. Enrolling for Turbo costs existing Membership Rewards customers a one-off fee of $50.

“Reward programmes are a significant motivator for card users in New Zealand, and I expect an extremely strong response to this new initiative from our own customers,” Mr Mathur said.

“We are also saying to card holders let down by other programmes that there is a faster way to earn Air Points and that is with American Express. We are stepping in with our own campaign that will clearly and aggressively spell out the benefits of Membership Rewards over other loyalty programmes.”

The campaign will roll out over the next month. It will note that Membership Rewards points do not expire and can be redeemed on other rewards products to fit in with an individual’s own life style requirements

Mr Mathur said the aggressive approach was a sign of American Express’s commitment to the New Zealand card market.

“We are focused clearly – not on gimmicks but on delivering value to our customers.

“With such a strong rewards programme an American Express card is clearly the best choice to use for your everyday purchases, as well as those larger items, so my advice is ‘don’t leave home without it,’” Mr Mathur said.

American Express is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company. Founded in 1850, it is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travellers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking.

For more information contact:
Craig Dowling
Public Affairs Manager
American Express International (NZ) Inc
Tel: 09 367 4370 or 021 175 5837

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