News Releases

- The only premium card in Canada designed specifically for business
                                   owners -MARKHAM, ON, March 25 /CNW/ - Amex Bank of Canada today announced the
launch of the Business Platinum Card from American Express, the only premium
card in the Canadian market specifically built for small business owners in
Canada.
    The card delivers some of the most flexible rewards and premium services
for business owners including access to over 600 airport lounges worldwide,
the ability to book virtually any trip with American Express Travel Services
and pay with points or transfer points to Aeroplan, Delta SkyMiles, OnePass
from Continental Airlines and Cathay Pacific's Asia Miles as well as several
hotel, retail, electronics and gift card options.
    "We are very excited about the launch of this new product. It represents
the next stage in the aggressive expansion of small business services that we
kicked-off towards the end of last year", said Howard Grosfield, Vice
President & General Manager of Small Business Services, American Express
Canada & International.
    "Particularly in the current environment we are seeing more business
owners using cards as a tool to manage spending while at the same using
rewards points to mitigate expenses like travel or the purchase of business
equipment. This card really gives the business owner the flexibility to
reinvest in their business, their employees or themselves", said Grosfield.
    He explained that the spending patterns of business owners are very
different from those of the individual consumer and that most cards do not
adequately meet the needs of businesses from either a spend capacity level or
a travel rewards focus.Some of the key Business Platinum Card features and benefits include:

    Business Travel Made More Comfortable

    -   Access to over 600 airport lounges worldwide
    -   Companion Ticket - a 2-for-1 travel benefit
    -   Airport security priority through the Pearson Priority Lane
    -   Personalized travel booking services through American Express Travel
        Services
    -   Access to the American Express Business Travel Management Program

    Rewards for the Business & the Business Owner

    -   Accelerated earn rate of 1.25 points for every $1 in purchases
    -   Ability to instantly transfer points to Aeroplan.
        1 point = 1 Aeroplan Mile.
    -   Membership Rewards First Tier with premium brands and experiences
    -   Annual fee ($399) can be tax-deductible
    -   Discounts on everyday business purchases at places like Hertz, FedEx
        and HP with the Business Savings Program

    Insurance Benefits Built for Business Owners

    -   Employee Card Misuse Protection: protects owners in case employees
        misuse their Card
    -   Disability Plan for Small Business
    -   Travel Related Insurances and Services including Emergency Medical
        (out of province/country), Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption and
        InRoomMD Travel Healthcare Concierge
    -   Retail Protection including Purchase Protection Plan and Buyers
        Assurance Protection Plan for business purchases

    Personalized Travel & Support

    -   Designated sales and servicing team
    -   Platinum Concierge and 24/7 customer service
    -   Quarterly expense summary report"Business Platinum is a card that really acts as a business tool, rather
than a payment tool," says Grosfield. "The features and benefits have been
tailored to give small businesses the financial flexibility they need, along
with management tools and support services."
    For more information on the Business Platinum Card from American Express,
please visit www.americanexpress.ca/businessplatinum.

    About American Express Small Business Services

    American Express Small Business Services (SBS) is dedicated exclusively
to the success of small business owners and their companies. SBS supports
business owners with exceptional service. With tailored products and services,
the team delivers purchasing power, flexibility, control and rewards to help
customers run their business. Specifically, business owners can leverage an
enhanced set of products, tools, services and savings, including charge and
credit cards, robust online account management capabilities and savings on
business services from an expanded lineup of partners. To obtain more
information about SBS visit www.americanexpress.ca/smallbusiness.

    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.