NEW YORK, January 19, 2006–American Express today announced McDonald’s USA as the latest national merchant partner to accept ExpressPay from American Express. Cardholders can use ExpressPay at more than 12,000 McDonald’s restaurants nationwide.

ExpressPay from American Express is a fast contactless payment option that consists of a secure computer chip powered by radio frequency technology. The feature is an easy-to-use alternative to cash for making everyday purchases at merchants where speed and convenience are important–such as quick service restaurants, supermarkets, drug stores and gas stations.

American Express was the first issuer to launch contactless cards nationally with the rollout of Blue from American Express® with the ExpressPay feature in June 2005. ExpressPay is also embedded in the Clear from American Express^SM Card and available via a key fob that can be linked to any American Express® Card. Users simply hold the Card or key fob with ExpressPay next to a special reader near the register to complete a purchase. Payment is authorized in seconds and no signature is required for most purchases. The computer chip enables end-to-end transaction security. Blue and Clear from American Express Cards also have a magnetic strip and function as traditional credit cards.

“ExpressPay from American Express is an innovative cashless payment option that’s value-added for our customers,” said Jim Sappington, Vice President, Information Technology for McDonald’s USA. “The technology is fast and convenient and that’s exactly what McDonald’s customers are looking for.”

“We are delighted about our partnership with McDonald’s to further build ExpressPay’s momentum in the marketplace and help customers gain even greater speed and convenience when visiting McDonald’s,” said David Bonalle, Vice President and General Manager of Advanced Payments for American Express. “The adoption of contactless payments is growing rapidly as consumers and more and more merchants across a wide range of industries begin to use this new technology and experience the benefits.”

American Express has been working with contactless payments since 2002. The company’s initial pilots involved thousands of consumers making more than a million transactions with ExpressPay at hundreds of merchants. Test results showed that, on average, ExpressPay transactions are 63 percent faster than using cash. Market research with pilot participants also confirmed that consumers view convenience and simplicity of use as two of the major benefits. For merchants, important benefits include reduced transaction and service time for customers on the go. Also, the ExpressPay reader uses the merchants’ existing network infrastructure, so the system can be simply installed without lengthy or costly upgrades.

American Express continues to sign national and regional contactless payment merchants. Merchants now accepting ExpressPay include: McDonald’s, AMC Theatres, Boater’s World, CVS/pharmacy®, Duane Reade, Loews Cineplex Entertainment, Meijer retail supercenters, Regal Entertainment Group, Ritz Camera and Sheetz.

About ExpressPay

ExpressPay adheres to ISO 14443, the interoperable standard that has been adopted by the major payment brands for conducting contactless payments. Many leading POS and reader manufacturers are integrating radio frequency (RF) technology into their POS equipment, enabling them to read ExpressPay and other contactless payment products. The adoption of a common standard as well as the availability of low-cost RF solutions for the POS that are simple to implement is facilitating the rapid acceleration of contactless payments in retail environments globally. In addition, ExpressPay contains a robust set of fraud prevention features. Customers also are not liable for any fraudulent ExpressPay charges.

The introduction of ExpressPay continues American Express’ tradition of innovation. American Express introduced the industry’s first plastic credit card in 1959, and, in 1972, issued the first magnetic stripe card nationally. In 1999, American Express delivered the payment industry’s first wide-scale rollout of smart cards in the United States when it introduced Blue from American Express. The company also was an early adopter and industry leader in leveraging the Internet to develop new products, expand its customer service, and improve its overall operations.

About American Express

American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, business services and international banking.

About McDonald’s

McDonald’s USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald’s 13,700 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. For more information about McDonald’s visit http://www.mcdonalds.com.