Membership Has More Privileges

American Express, New York, adds 13 retail and travel partners to its Membership Rewards loyalty program this year. AmEx cardholders now can earn points for merchandise at Borders Books & Music, Champs Sports, Coach stores, Foot Locker (including Kids and Lady Foot Locker stores), the NBA Store, Royal Doulton, Samsonite Company Stores, Sharper Image, Zany Brainy, Avis, and Cathay Pacific Airways.

AmEx’s 3 million program members can start collecting airline rewards with as few as 1,000 points, and merchandise at 2,500 points.