American Express Partners with Expedia.com to Enhance Online Shopping Experience

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft Expedia.com and American Express have partnered to make American Express the featured card for purchasing travel on Expedia.com, promoting electronic commerce and online travel booking. This collaboration aims to provide customers with better access to American Express's global purchasing power while emphasizing the ease, efficiency, and security of online shopping. The partnership is expected to increase site traffic on Expedia.com, boost card holder purchases, and drive new American Express memberships.

Key Takeaways:

  • The partnership between Microsoft Expedia.com and American Express will feature American Express as the exclusive card for purchasing travel on Expedia.com.
  • American Express cards will provide benefits such as car rental insurance, travel accident insurance, protection against accidental damage or theft for items purchased on the card, and extension of manufacturers' warranties.
  • Expedia.com visitors will be able to link directly to the card applications page on the American Express Web site.
  • The agreement bolsters the previously announced credit card guarantee service provided by Expedia, offering protection from liability for unauthorized charges up to $50 on purchases made within 12 months after an Expedia.com purchase.
  • American Express is a member of the Expedia Associates program, incorporating links to Expedia-based booking services from the American Express consumer travel site.
  • Microsoft Expedia.com has become one of the Web's most successful electronic-commerce sites, with weekly travel sales exceeding $5 million since its inception in October 1996.
  • The partnership between Microsoft Expedia.com and American Express continues an ongoing relationship between the two companies, including their joint development of the AXI Travel (American Express Interactive) online reservations system for corporations.

Statistics:

  • Weekly travel sales on Expedia.com have exceeded $5 million since its inception in October 1996.
  • American Express is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, business services, insurance, and international banking.
  • Over 150 Fortune 500 companies have adopted the AXI Travel (American Express Interactive) online reservations system for corporations.
  • Expedia.com has become one of the most successful electronic-commerce sites on the Web.

Sources:

  • "Microsoft Expedia.com and American Express Agreement to Make American Express the Featured Card on Expedia.com," PR Newswire, September 29.
  • "About American Express," American Express Web site.
  • "About Expedia.com," Microsoft Web site.
  • "Microsoft Expedia," Microsoft Web site.
  • "About Microsoft," Microsoft Web site.