Blue From American Express(R) Re-Launches Blue PLAY(R) Site With Real-Time Online Auctions That Money Can't Buy, and Surveys Consumers' 'Play' Habits

National Poll Shows That Time, Work and Money are Top Barriers to 'Playing'
More; Data Reveals Many Differences about How Men and Women Spend Their
Leisure Time

Upcoming Blue PLAY Auctions Include:
-- Indy Racing League(R):  Two tickets to next month's TOYOTA Indy 300,
with private tours of the garage and pit areas at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, 
and a ride in the pace car on race day.

-- Europe's Cool Capitals:  An amazing ten days in Amsterdam, Vienna, and
Zurich

-- three 21st-century cities with world-class reputations for classical works of art 
and architecture, as well as haute design, cuisine, fashion, and music.

-- Tribeca Film Festival:  Five nights in New York City  with all-access
entry into star-studded film premieres and exclusive parties at one of
the year's most exciting cinematic events.

According to the Blue PLAY Survey, 40% of adults have bid at least once
for merchandise or experiences through an auction, with nearly three-quarters
(74%) of those bidders having won an auction.  Of those who have bid for
merchandise, 35% have placed bids via the Internet.

"The Blue PLAY Survey reveals that the vast majority of adults love to
play but face serious challenges such as time, work and money," said Pam
Codispoti, vice president, Marketing, American Express.  "With online auctions
and experience-based rewards growing in popularity, Blue PLAY opens unique
'playgrounds' to help Cardmembers enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences without
using cash."

Survey: Time, Work & Money Cut into "Play" Time -- Women Have Less Time to
Play

According to the Blue PLAY Survey, 92% of adults love to play.  Twenty-one
percent of respondents say their ideal "play" activity is to "goof off" with
the kids, followed by socializing with friends or family (18%), relaxing or
doing nothing (12%), participating in a sport (12%) and traveling (11%).  By
far, men would most prefer to spend valuable playtime with their spouse or
partner (51% vs. 35% of women respondents).  Women, however, would rather
spend playtime with their kids (36% vs. 26% of men) or with a friend (21% vs.
16% of men).  Less than 1% of the more than 1,000 respondents care to spend
their playtime with co-workers or their boss.

Although adults love to play, 50% of respondents say they don't spend
"enough time" or "any time" enjoying fun activities outside of work.

Where time is concerned, more women than men (41% vs. 32%) say they love
to play, but don't have the time or energy.  Men are much more likely than
women to say they love to play, and they do so as often as possible (54% vs.
45%), according to the Blue PLAY Survey.

With time at a premium, male and female consumers together average 16
hours of playtime in a typical month -- only four hours per week.  A quarter
of respondents (26%) squeeze in up to seven hours of play a month, if any time
at all.

Men Spend Nearly Twice as Much to Play as Do Women ...
In a typical month, consumers spend an average of $135 on fun activities.
Men outspend women by almost two to one, shelling out about $178 monthly vs.
$96 by women.  Westerners are the "big spenders" when it comes to playing
($179 per month), followed by consumers in the South ($127), the North East
region ($124) and the North Central region ($115).

When they have disposable income, consumers are more likely to spend the
money on themselves or others (68%), rather than save or invest it (33%).
Also, 31% say they don't typically have disposable income with which to play.
 ... But "Playing" Takes on a Different Meaning when Time and Money Are No
Object

The survey emphasized the importance of rewards programs like Blue PLAY
that offer incredible experiences for consumers who want to use points instead
of currency.  Respondents shared grand ideas about how they would spend their
playtime if time and money were no object.  Nearly half of respondents (49%)
envision flying away for a romantic weekend, while others would opt for VIP
treatment at an entertainment event (17%), to shop 'til they dropped (16%) or
treat themselves to a relaxing day at a spa (11%).  Interestingly, a romantic
weekend getaway seems vastly more appealing to men than women (55% vs. 44%).


If time and money were no object, women are more than twice as likely to opt
for a shopping spree (22% vs. 9%).

Survey Methodology

The Blue PLAY Survey, is based on a nationally representative sample of
more than 1,000 adults, 18 years of age and older.  The survey was conducted
via telephone by International Communications Research (ICR) from January 14 -
18, 2005.  The poll has a margin of error of +/-3.1%.

About American Express
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and
network ser vices company founded in 1850.  It is a world leader in charge and
credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, business
services, insurance and international banking.  For more information about
American Express, visit http://www.americanexpress.com.