News Releases

Cost Control Evaluations Saved North American Clients More than
     $1 Billion in 2007MARKHAM, ON, Dec. 2 /CNW/ - To help companies recession-proof their
travel programs and identify further opportunity for cost savings, American
Express Business Travel has announced that it will begin offering a
complimentary travel program assessment to companies of all sizes in each
region around the world beginning today. Previously only available to existing
American Express clients, the assessment will use a proprietary solution to
analyze key performance indicators such as online booking adoption,
non-refundable ticket usage and compliance to preferred vendors and travel
policies. In 2007, American Express used the same proprietary methodology to
deliver more than $1 billion in travel savings for its North American clients.
    "We understand that companies are walking a tough economic road right
now, yet the imperative to travel has never been greater as companies seek to
cement business relationships," said Charles Petruccelli, president, American
Express Global Travel Services. "Because travel programs represent the second
highest discretionary cost a company incurs on an annual basis, smart travel
policies are crucial in the current environment. By opening up access to our
proprietary methodology through a free assessment, we will be able to help
companies around the world identify greater savings opportunities. This
approach can help ensure companies are realizing maximum returns on their
travel investment."
    Companies interested in receiving the free assessment can log on to
American Express' corporate travel online community,
www.BusinessTravelConneXion.com. Requests for a complimentary assessment
should be received by January 6, 2009.Tools and Strategies to Help Companies Generate Savings in Travel
    ------------------------------------------------------------------In addition to the free travel program assessment, American Express
Business Travel also recommends several tools and strategies within its
solutions suite to help companies recession-proof their travel programs,
manage travel spending through this economic crisis and drive savings year
round:

    X-Ray Vision - A dynamic reporting solution allows companies to use new
technology to monitor traveller activities in new ways. From class of service
travelled to how frequently they use company tools and programs to book trips,
the use of non-refundable tickets, and advanced purchasing, companies now have
a magnified view into traveller behaviour. With the collected data, companies
have the ability to even go one step further and compare their travel spending
to that of other similar companies and peer organizations within their
industry.

    Aim to Reclaim - A service that identifies and tracks refundable tickets,
allowing travellers to reclaim lost travel dollars by finding and processing
unused e-tickets. While today's environment necessitates that tickets be
changed or cancelled at any time in conjunction with business trips with
constantly changing itineraries, managing these costs can lead to greater
realized savings.

    Confirm they Conform - Technology that can automatically confirm an
employee has booked within company policy. This solution offsets countless
hours spent offering travellers specific guidance for booking travel only to
have them book outside company policy.

    Calculate Savings Realized - Proprietary methodology to measure the
effectiveness of the strategies and solutions implemented by a company. This
tool is able to calculate the true savings a company has realized over a
period of time, and goes hand-in-hand with the Opportunity Forecaster.

    Peer Power - Finally, a social online community built for professionals
who manage travel for their companies. The site gives members an opportunity
to build relationships with their peers from other companies so they can share
ideas and best practices about the role of travel management. Additionally,
members will have access to a research library, message boards, blogs, live
polling, and live chats with key members of the industry. Membership to the
site is free and can be accessed via www.BusinessTravelConneXion.com.
    Mr. Petruccelli continued, "With our expertise, we can help companies
customize their travel program in a way that maximizes savings while keeping
travellers on the road, a critical element to generating revenue that will
grow and sustain their business year round."

    About American Express Business Travel

    American Express Business Travel
(www.americanexpress.com/businesstravel), a division of the American Express
Company, is dedicated to helping its clients realize the greatest possible
value from their investment in travel through increased cost savings,
outstanding customer service and greater spend control. For small businesses,
medium-sized enterprises and multinational corporations, American Express
Business Travel provides a combination of industry-leading booking technology,
travel management consulting expertise, strategic sourcing and supplier
negotiation support, and customer service available online and offline, around
the world.

    About American Express in Canada

    American Express in Canada operates as Amex Bank of Canada and Amex
Canada Inc. Both are wholly owned subsidiaries of the New York based American
Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., the largest operating unit of
the American Express Company. Amex Bank of Canada is the issuer of American
Express Cards in Canada. Amex Canada Inc. operates the Corporate Travel,
Travel Services Network and Travellers Cheques divisions in Canada. American
Express opened its first offices in Toronto and Hamilton in 1853 and now
employs 3,700 Canadians coast-to-coast.