New Cards Bring Innovative Benefits to a Wide Range of Russian Consumers MOSCOW, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Express and Russian Standard Bank today announced the launch of the first American Express Cards issued in Russia. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051201/AMEXLOGO ) The American Express Green, Gold, Platinum and Centurion Cards are ruble and dollar denominated. They are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of Russian consumers who seek a financial product that is financially empowering, provides personal recognition through world-class customer service and delivers benefits uniquely designed to meet their lifestyle and travel needs. "I have long admired the American Express brand and the values it represents. American Express has been able to develop emotional ties with its customers by providing superior financial products designed to satisfy the needs of demanding consumers from the affluent segment to the emerging middle class," said Roustam Tariko, chairman of Russian Standard Bank. "We believe Russian consumers now have the choices and opportunities to pursue their personal lifestyle aspirations, and I am proud to be able to help them realize this by issuing American Express Cards." "With a dynamic economy that has led to the growth of disposable income and the emergence of the vibrant Russian consumer market, Russia is an outstanding fit for a premium brand like American Express," said Gary Crittenden, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Global Network Services for American Express. "American Express has been conducting business in Russia for more than 100 years, and we look forward to beginning a new chapter in our history in Russia by meeting the needs of Russian consumers through the launch of these products." Powering Financial and Lifestyle Needs The American Express Cards being launched today are truly unique in the Russian market. They have been carefully designed to introduce many new features that are not available in the market. Each of the cards contains several core benefits associated with the American Express brand and products around the world. * World-Class Customer Service - American Express Cardmembers will have a dedicated team of professionals ready to provide 24-hour customer service in Russia and around the world. Cardmembers will always feel at home in any of the 1,700 American Express Travel Service offices, which can assist in everything from making travel arrangements to providing free, emergency card replacement usually within 24 hours virtually anywhere in the world. * Financial Empowerment - The American Express Card offers no fixed spending restrictions. A Cardmember's ability to spend is determined by their financial status, payment behavior and ability to repay. In addition, American Express Cards have no interest rate applied during the credit period. American Express Cards have no interest rate during the credit period and can be used to access cash at more than 550,000 ATMs around the world. * Lifestyle Benefits - American Express Cards can meet the lifestyle needs of a wide range of Russian consumers. In addition to being accepted in Russia and over 200 countries and territories around the world, the Cards provide exclusive Cardmember offers at many hotels, restaurants and retailers in Russia and thousands of merchants in many countries around the world through the special program called "American Express Selects." The Platinum and Centurion Cards also provide access to a specialized lifestyle service unit where dedicated concierge service representatives will do everything to meet almost every unique request. This could include arranging a private jet or seats to attend Wimbledon in London, delivering a special gift to loved ones anywhere in the world and securing a last-minute table at one of the world's best restaurants in cities including Paris, Tokyo and New York. * Travel Benefits - American Express Cards offer travel booking services to meet the needs of all travelers, whether it's arranging travel within Russia or a complex international itinerary. In addition, the Platinum and Centurion Cards provide Cardmembers a range of special access services, including free upgrades and special treatment at top hotels around the world. * Peace of Mind - American Express Cards include an array of insurance and assistance programs that will provide coverage when Cardmembers are at home or traveling abroad. Purchase protection can protect retail purchases in the event of theft or accidental damage; travel accident insurance can protect Cardmembers and their families when traveling and travel inconvenience insurance can cover the cost of purchasing new clothes or a meal in the event luggage is lost or flights are delayed. The American Express Global Assist service provides emergency medical and legal referrals and can help with passports or visas in foreign countries. "The American Express Card will open a door of opportunity for Russian consumers who are no longer only satisfied with access to credit but are in search of financial products that can also meet their evolving lifestyle needs at home and around the world," said Dmitry Levin, Chief Executive Officer, Russian Standard Bank. "We are pioneers in consumer lending, and we look forward to meeting the needs of modern Russian consumers by offering those benefits and services that only American Express Cards can provide." The Cards issued by Russian Standard Bank display the classic look of traditional American Express Cards and are accepted by the American Express network of merchants in Russia and in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. RSB is responsible for issuing these American Express Cards, extending credit, managing accounts, and marketing and customer service support. American Express will provide its technical, operational and marketing experience in managing a global card business and access to its global network of millions of merchants. American Express will also continue to manage relationships with merchants in Russia, including signing new merchants to accept the American Express Card. To apply for an American Express Green or Gold Cards, consumers can call +7 095 543 9100 or 8 800 200 0091. The Platinum and Centurion Cards, which provide an extensive array of exclusive and premium benefits and services, are available by invitation only. About American Express American Express Company is a leading global payments, network, travel and banking company founded in 1850. Since 1996, American Express has been aggressively pursuing a strategy of opening its merchant network and card product portfolio to third-party issuers around the world. By leveraging its global infrastructure and the powerful appeal of the American Express brand, the Company aims to gain even broader reach for its network worldwide. American Express currently has more than 90- partnerships in more than 100 countries around the world. About Russian Standard Bank Russian Standard Bank (http://www.bank.rs.ru/) was founded in 1999 and in just five years has become the leading operator on the Russian consumer finance market, with more than seven million loan customers, the overall volume of which has exceeded USD 2.9 billion, and more than 2.4 million credit cards issued. RSB has reached national coverage and has presence in more than 2000 cities in Russia. Russian Standard Bank is a dynamically developing, independent and reliable financial institution offering world-class services targeting a broad customer base. With a clear business strategy focused on high-quality, innovation and cutting-edge technologies, RSB has been able to develop a complete set of financial products with strong appeal in the market and has become a trusted and recognized brand in consumer credit. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051201/AMEXLOGODATASOURCE: American Express Company CONTACT: Keri Buster, American Express, +1-212-640-6193 Web site: http://www.americanexpress.com/ http://www.bank.rs.ru/

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