American Express AIR MILES® for Business Card launches just in time for Small Business Week

American Express Canada increasing focus on Canada's thriving small business community

MARKHAM, ON, Oct. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - With the Canadian small business sector on the rise, American Express has spent the last five years investing in a team, products and services that are dedicated and tailored to meet the needs of small businesses. Today's launch of the new American Express AIR MILES for Business Card is another perfect example of this strategy, as it is uniquely positioned in the market with business benefits from both American Express and AIR MILES.

"We know that small business owners are vital to Canada's economy and have spent a lot of time understanding their distinct needs and building products to meet those needs," says Athena Varmazis, Vice President and General Manager, Small Business Services, American Express Canada. "The American Express AIR MILES for Business Card was designed to reward business owners for their spending and allows them to reinvest those rewards back into their business."

Through this unique offering, American Express AIR MILES for Business Cardmembers will receive:

• An exclusive 25% discount when redeeming for items from the new AIR MILES for Business Rewards catalogue -an online catalogue designed especially with the small business owner in mind.
• Business Focused Servicing from American Express and access to the AIR MILES Business Preferred Servicing team
• Purchasing power to help manage cash flow
• AIR MILES reward miles on business purchases - Cardmembers can earn 1 reward mile for every $10 in Card purchases at AIR MILES Sponsors and 1 reward mile for every $15 in Card purchases everywhere else

"As we continue to grow our small business offering, we are proud to launch this Card with American Express as part of our new AIR MILES for Business platform," says Rachel MacQueen, Associate Vice President, Collector Strategy, AIR MILES Reward Program. "One of the most exciting aspects of the Card is the dedicated small business servicing teams at both AIR MILES and American Express - giving business owners direct contact with people who will help them maximize the benefits and rewards available."

The American Express AIR MILES for Business Card is available now for an annual fee of $180. For more information, or to apply, please visit amexforbusiness.ca/airmilesforbusiness.

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. We offer tailored products and services that deliver purchasing power, flexibility, cash flow management 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 line-up of partners. To obtain more information about SBS, visit www.amexforbusiness.ca or www.facebook.com/AmexforBusiness.

About the AIR MILES® Reward Program
Founded in 1992, the AIR MILES Reward Program is Canada's premier coalition loyalty program with more than 10 million active Collector accounts, representing approximately two-thirds of all Canadian households. The AIR MILES Reward Program allows Collectors to earn reward miles simply by doing their everyday shopping at more than 220 leading brand-name Sponsors, representing thousands of retail and service locations across Canada and leading global brands online. The AIR MILES Reward Program also allows Collectors to indulge in more than 1,200 leisure, entertainment, merchandise, travel and a range of accredited, environmentally-friendly lifestyle rewards. With AIR MILES Cash, Collectors can also have the flexibility to instantly redeem their AIR MILES reward miles in-store towards many every day and high value purchases like gas, grocery, drug store items and home improvement purchases at participating Sponsors.

SOURCE: American Express