NEW YORK, February 08, 2007–American Express today announced Tully’s Coffee Corporation, Inc. as the latest merchant partner to accept ExpressPay from American Express in the quick service category. Tully’s is a leading specialty coffee retailer with stores in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho and Arizona. With the help of Chockstone, Tully’s strategic payment processing provider, Tully’s plans to accept ExpressPay at all 90 of its company-owned locations during the first quarter of 2007.

“We are delighted to announce Tully’s as our latest partner,” said Leigh Malnati, vice president of Cardless Payments at American Express. “The adoption of contactless payments is growing rapidly as more merchants and consumers across a wide range of industries begin to use this technology and experience the benefits.”

ExpressPay from American Express is a 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.

“Tully’s is continually looking for ways to reward our customers and make their coffee shop experience even more enjoyable and hassle free,” said John Buller, president and CEO of Tully’s. “We are excited to partner with American Express because we know how important efficiency at the counter and their technology ensures that our customers are getting the best, most effective service every time.”

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 Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card, 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 to a reader near the register to complete an eligible purchase.

Payment is authorized in seconds and no signature is required for most purchases under $25.00. The computer chip enables end-to-end transaction security. All Blue from American Express, Starwood Preferred Guest and Clear from American Express Cards also have a magnetic strip and function as traditional credit cards.

American Express has been working with contactless payments since 2002. Market research with pilot participants 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.

American Express continues to sign national and regional contactless payment merchants. For a full list of merchants now accepting ExpressPay, visit http://www.americanexpress.com/expresspay.

About American Express

American Express Company (http://www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

About Tully’s Coffee Corporation

Founded in 1992, Tully’s Coffee Corporation is a fully handcrafted coffee roaster and a leading specialty coffee retailer and wholesaler, dedicated to small-batch roasting and hand-scooping each and every blend. Through company-operated and licensed specialty retail stores in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho and Arizona and its global alliance partner in Japan, Tully’s premium coffees are available at more than 350 branded locations. Tully’s wholesale division also distributes handcrafted coffees and related products via office coffee services, food service distributors, and leading supermarkets located throughout the western half of the United States. Tully’s corporate headquarters and roasting plant are located at 3100 Airport Way S. in Seattle, Wash. For more information, call (800) 96-Tully or visit the Web site at http://www.tullys.com.