NEW YORK, N.Y.--Sep 4--PRNewswire/AsiaNet
Beginning this week, American Express Cardmembers from around the world will be able to use their Cards at a significantly expanded network of merchants across Japan, as a result of a global agreement between American Express and JCB, Japan's largest card issuer and merchant acquirer.
Since the agreement was announced in June 2000, the markets in which American Express will provide merchant-related services for JCB have been expanded to include Mexico and India, in addition to Australia, New Zealand and Canada. The agreement calls for merchants on the American Express network in these five markets to be given the opportunity to begin accepting JCB cards, and for American Express to become the merchant acquirer for JCB and to assume responsibility for processing and servicing all new merchants.
Beginning July 31, 2001, American Express in Mexico enabled many travel and entertainment merchants, as well as high-volume retail merchants on its network to accept JCB Cards. The company also began acquisition, processing and servicing of new merchants on JCB's behalf in Mexico. Over the next 12 months, American Express will begin providing these same services for JCB in the other four markets. In addition, in the United States, American Express has started working with JCB to provide technical access to American Express-owned merchant terminals.
"We are delighted with the progress of our strategic partnership with JCB. This reciprocal relationship is truly a groundbreaking one between two highly respected global brands. As a result, American Express Cardmembers from around the world will be able to use their cards virtually everywhere in Japan that they would like to," said David House, Group President of American Express Global Establishment Services, Travelers Cheque and Network Services.
Isao Nakanishi, President and CEO of JCB Co. Ltd., stated, "JCB values this relationship with American Express both inside and outside Japan as the launch of a truly innovative strategy in the global card market. As our relationship progresses over the years, we believe that the benefits to our JCB Cardmembers traveling abroad will increase correspondingly."
JCB, which launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding overseas in 1981, is an international brand and the largest card issuer and merchant acquirer in Japan. Its merchant network spans 167 countries and territories, and serves more than 38 million card holders worldwide. More information about JCB can be found at http://www.jcbinternational.com
American Express is a diversified worldwide financial, travel and network services company. Founded in 1850, it is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking. American Express has more than 54 million cards in force worldwide and a presence in more than 200 countries and territories.
More information about American Express can be found at: http://www.americanexpress.com
SOURCE: American Express
CONTACT: Roopa Singh of American Express, New York,
+1-212-640-1712,
[email protected]; or
Kazunori Toma of JCB Co. Ltd., Tokyo,
+81-3-5259-1270,
[email protected]
Web site: http://www.americanexpress.com
http://www.jcbinternational.com
(AXP)