American Express Launches Premium Return Protection to Help Shoppers Avoid The Point of No Return

New Service Gives Shoppers the Freedom to Make Returns for Up to 180 Days on Retail Purchases

NEW YORK - Just in time for the holidays, American Express announced Premium Return Protection, a new addition to its portfolio of protection services that gives shoppers up to 180 days to return eligible items that retailers will no longer accept.

Compared to other return protection services, Premium Return Protection offers consumers greater flexibility and fewer restrictions on the types of items that can be returned. This includes expanded return protection on clothing, jewelry and electronics as well as for new categories like watches, books and DVDs. It is available to all consumers – not just American Express Cardmembers – for an annual price of $49.99 and will cover purchases made in the United States with any credit, debit or charge card from any financial services company. It also covers purchases made with prepaid cards issued by American Express. Those who enroll in the service will be covered for up to $600 per item, with a maximum annual refund of $2,500. All items must be returned in like new condition.

In addition, Premium Return Protection covers the cost of return shipping, up to $20 per item, with an annual maximum refund of $100. This benefit is designed for consumers who enjoy online shopping but don’t have the option of seeing what they’re buying. Another advantage of the service is that it can be used to cover restocking fees, which can be as much as 25 percent of the cost of an item.

“Premium Return Protection is a great service for those who often have second thoughts about their purchases well after the fact,” said David Kroner, vice president and general manager, American Express, Card Services. “With retailers tightening return policies this holiday season, shoppers will appreciate the peace of mind and extra time our enhanced return protection offers. And when consumers can shop with confidence, we know merchants will benefit, too.”

How It Works

Consumers can enroll in Premium Return Protection online at americanexpress.com/premium-return-protection or by calling American Express at 1-866-912-6566. Once enrolled, consumers must first try to return an item to the merchant where it was purchased. If the retailer will not accept the item back – and the time period to make a return has expired – enrollees can use Premium Return Protection.

To make a return, enrollees need to send a photocopy of a valid receipt of purchase along with their charge, credit or debit statement. Once the request is approved, the item can be sent to American Express. Items cannot be used or worn, meaning that apparel must have original tags, electronics and other goods should be in good working order, and computer software and DVDs must be returned in their original, sealed packaging. Once a request for return is approved and processed, American Express will refund shoppers in the form of a check or an American Express Gift Card.

Premium Return Protection covers purchases made in the United States on any credit, debit, charge or American Express prepaid card. Eligible items include:

* Clothing and accessories
* Electronics
* Jewelry – excluding loose gems, pearls, custom made items, antiques
* Watches – excluding custom made items and antiques
* Cellular phones and pagers
* Computer software, firmware, CDs and DVDs
* Books
* Home décor and small appliances
* Exercise equipment

For a complete list of eligible items and more information about Premium Return Protection, consumers can visit americanexpress.com/premium-return-protection.

“All shoppers – from significant others unsure of jewelry tastes, to bargain hunters who love the deals that come with final sales – can enjoy the benefits of Premium Return Protection from American Express,” added Kroner.

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, twitter.com/americanexpress and youtube.com/americanexpress.