I was lucky enough recently to acquire a $200 gift certificate through my American Express rewards points for Linens n Things. It was perfect for my new apartment.
Laptops Rugs VoIP International Hotels United States Hotels Insurance
Small Business Credit Cards
So what do you look for when applying for a credit card for your small business? One thing is for sure, wasting money isn’t an option because it can make or break your business. Things to look for are low interest rates and good customer service.
Ask around for companies with good customer friendly service. Some will let you off late payments time after time while others will come down like a ton of bricks. You need them to be flexible as you never know when you may run into problems.
Make sure you don’t go with one because of a low introductory offer. You want a long term one as you may not have time every six months to be jumping from one to another. Before signing up for one read the small print, remember it could save your business.
Look out for special bonuses companies offer. Some times companies such as Visa or American Express join with other companies to save you money on anything from shipping or office supplies
Here are two small business credit card options but look around for more and weigh up the benefits for each one
American Express Business Gold Card
No annual fee for the first year,
No pre-set spending limit
Save at known brands, such as Staples, FedEx and Hertz
When you enroll in the Membership Rewards program, you earn points virtually every time you use your eligible, enrolled Business Card.
Online Account Management
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
CitiBusiness® Platinum Select® Card
The CitiBusiness® Platinum Select® Card is the card built for small businesses and includes:
A generous credit line
Low rate on purchases
Additional cards for employees
Free quarterly and annual account summaries
Free ‘Ask the Experts’ service
Free 24/7 Concierge Service
American Express Settles with State Regulator
Company agrees to pay $7.4 million to New Hampshire.
By Tamiko Toland, Money Management Executive
July 18, 2005- American Express Financial Advisors (AEFA) has reached a settlement with the New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation regarding undisclosed conflicts of interest in mutual fund sales between January 1999 and March 2003. The company has agreed to pay total fines, penalties, reimbursement and restitution of $7.4 million, which includes $5 million in state fines and penalties, up to $2 million in restitution to New Hampshire investors, and reimbursement of $375,000 for the cost of the investigation.
“New Hampshire investors were paying American Express financial advisers to evaluate their unique financial needs and design the best possible portfolios accordingly,” says Jeff Spill, deputy director in charge of enforcement. “What we found instead was a pervasive effort within the company to sell cookie cutter plans heavily laden with American Express mutual funds, without disclosing to clients how this behavior financially benefited the company and its agents.”
The state discovered the situation through the course of branch audits, during which Jonas Cutler, staff attorney and lead counsel for the investigation, noticed that accounts were consistently loaded with AEFA funds. Cutler also discovered e-mails that pressured agents to sell AEFA funds, even though these funds often underperformed other available products.
AEFA has also agreed to retain an independent consultant to review its practices regarding the sale of proprietary mutual funds and the use of model portfolios. The consultant will also look at the company’s training related to the issue and help determine the amount of restitution that will go to state investors.
American Express Company Plans Live Audio Web Access to Investor Conference Call Following Second Quarter Earnings Announcement
Monday July 18, 11:29 am ET
NEW YORK, July 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — American Express Company said today that it plans to host an investor conference call on Monday, July 25, 2005, at 5:00 p.m. (ET) to discuss second quarter earnings results, operating performance and other topics that may be raised during the discussion. The company’s earnings results are scheduled to be announced earlier that day. Live audio of the conference call will be accessible to the general public on the American Express web site at http://ir.americanexpress.com. The Second Quarter Earnings Press Release and Supplement, as well as a replay of the conference call, will also be available that day at the same web site address. American Express Company, founded in 1850, is a global travel, financial and network services provider.
American Express Middle East launches Bahrain’s first Smart Credit Card
American Express Middle East marks a key milestone in its payment card offerings today, announcing the launch of its new American Express Gold Credit Card.
Bahrain: Monday, July 18 - 2005
The new Gold Credit Card was designed for people who seek premium lifestyle experiences, exceptional service, peace of mind, and financial flexibility.
The new Gold Credit Card is a Smart Credit Card with an embedded Chip featuring ‘ID Keeper’. ID Keeper is an innovative application on the Card’s Chip which allows Cardmembers to securely store their favorite website addresses, personal details, passwords, user names and auto-fill online shopping order forms. This enables Cardmembers to shop online more securely, swiftly and conveniently.
Gold Credit Cardmembers are automatically enrolled in the global award winning Membership Rewards® programme. This loyalty programme enables Cardmembers to accumulate Membership Rewards points through their everyday purchases. The points can be redeemed for free car rental, shopping vouchers, flights, hotel nights, and many other lifestyle rewards. Cardmembers may also donate their points to charity. Membership Rewards points do not expire and there is no limit to point accumulation.
The new Gold Credit Card enables Cardmembers to live out their dreams with its unprecedented lifestyle benefits including Airport Lounge Access whereby Cardmembers and one companion gain complimentary access to airport lounges across the Middle East, regardless of their airline or class of travel, simply by presenting their Gold Credit Card. Plus, the International Airline Programme, whereby Cardmembers receive exclusive airline offers when tickets are purchased with their Gold Credit Card.
The Card also provides Retail Protection Insurance, protecting Cardmembers purchases against theft or accidental damage for up to 90 days and Online Fraud Protection Guarantee, enabling Cardmembers to shop online with complete peace of mind knowing that they are protected from any unauthorized purchases. Whilst online and from any location worldwide, Cardmembers can check their account balance at www.americanexpress.com.bh and even review their Card statements for the previous 12 months via the Online Account Access service.
To add to its numerous privileges, the new Gold Credit Card features Travel Inconvenience and Accident Insurance, worldwide Emergency Assistance, and Express Cash.
The Card is billed in Bahraini Dinars, making it ideal for everyday purchases. Cardmembers enjoy up to 56 days interest free credit and the flexibility to pay their bill over time, with a minimum monthly payment of 5% of the outstanding balance.
Mr. Trevor Stokes, President and CEO, American Express Middle East commented ‘The launch of the new Gold Credit Card is illustrative of American Express’ commitment to bringing the most innovative products to Cardmembers in Bahrain and across the Middle East. Moreover, it supports our Cardmembers’ lifestyle aspirations through offering a host of financial, travel and lifestyle related services.’
Mr. Paul Saks, American Express Country Manager - Bahrain highlighted ‘We are excited to offer the Bahrain Community a wide range of innovative Cards each packed with benefits and features meeting their specific needs. The Gold Credit Card is particularly unique because of the Smart Chip - enhancing transactions security; and with the ID Keeper application - providing a convenient way to navigate and shop online.’
The new Gold Credit Card is the first American Express Card with a Smart Chip to be launched in the Middle East and North Africa.
About American Express:
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network Services Company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travellers Cheques, travel, financial planning, business services, insurance and international banking.
AMEX (Middle East) B.S.C. (c) - AEME established its presence in the Middle East in 1959 and set up its first office in Bahrain in 1977 as a joint venture company owned by Mawarid Investment Limited and American Express.
Operating in 18 markets in the Middle East and North Africa region, AEME issues dollar currency Credit and Charge Cards: Personal (Green), Gold, Platinum as well as Company and Corporate Cards. Since 2001, with the introduction of its first local currency Credit Card in the United Arab Emirates, AEME has been introducing a range of local currency Credit Cards across the region.
American Express Cards are accepted at millions of locations in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.
