AMERICAN EXPRESS SUPPLEMENTS MDA TELETHON DONATIONS

TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 15, 2001 - American Express, a national sponsor of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, is making a valuable contribution enhancement for viewers of the 2001 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. It's also encouraging its Membership Rewards enrollees to donate points to MDA so American Express can turn those points into funds to help "Jerry's kids."

Every time the American Express Card is used to make a Telethon contribution to support MDA in its battle against neuromuscular diseases, American Express will add a $10 donation to MDA, up to a maximum of $140,000. This $10 donation is not tax deductible for Cardmembers.

"Being a good corporate citizen is one of American Express' core values," said Steve Squeri, president, Establishment Services, American Express. "We're proud to further support the research and services provided by MDA by deepening the impact of our Cardmembers' generous donations and by making it easier for them to pledge using Membership Rewards points."

Cardmembers who want to donate Membership Rewards points to MDA can do so by visiting www.americanexpress.com. Once there, Cardmembers can click on the "Seen an Advertisement?" section to find out how to redeem points and donate them to MDA. Cardmembers can also call 1-800-AXP-EARN.

The MDA Telethon will be broadcast beginning at 9 p.m. EDT Sept. 2, originating from CBS Television City in Hollywood and carried by some 200 "Love Network" stations nationwide. The 21½-hour show -- a live extravaganza of spectacular entertainment, combined with information about neuromuscular diseases -- can also be seen on MDA's Web site.

Viewers may use their American Express Cards to make donations at the MDA Web site (www.mda.org) or by phoning numbers to be broadcast during the show.

American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, network and financial services provider founded in 1850. It's a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking. For more information, visit www.americanexpress.com.