NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Express announced that its Cardmembers and merchants will be the first to have access to Twitter?s new advertising solution for small businesses, which is scheduled to launch in late March. And American Express will give $100 in free Twitter advertising when using this solution to the first 10,000 eligible businesses that register starting today at ads.twitter.com/amex. These businesses will be able to use Twitter?s advertising products to engage with current customers and reach new ones. The new advertising solution is expected to open to the general public later this year.

?We are committed to providing cutting-edge products, services and programs to help our small business Cardmembers and merchants grow?

?We are committed to providing cutting-edge products, services and programs to help our small business Cardmembers and merchants grow,? said Ed Gilligan, Vice Chairman of American Express. ?This partnership with Twitter gives our small business owners access to a powerful tool for reaching and engaging existing and new customers."

?Small businesses were among the first to embrace Twitter as a way to connect and interact with consumers in real-time,? said Dick Costolo, CEO of Twitter. ?Today, we?re announcing a simple way for small businesses to amplify their voices on Twitter and reach a new set of potential customers using our Promoted Products. With their deep commitment to supporting small businesses, American Express is an ideal partner to help us launch this new advertising offering and give small business owners everything they need to get started with advertising on Twitter.?

This is the first time Twitter has introduced an advertising solution specifically designed for small businesses. Through the new advertising solution, small businesses will now be able to run their own promotional campaigns that tap into Twitter?s 300+ million user base to help them gain new followers and engage current ones.

American Express Cardmembers and merchants will have early access to this advertising solution, and the first 10,000 eligible businesses that register on ads.twitter.com/amexwill receive $100 in free ads when using this solution. American Express Cardmembers and merchants can register now for the new advertising solution with the Twitter account they use for their business at ads.twitter.com/amex. American Express will follow up with registrants in the next few weeks via Twitter direct message to provide additional program and eligibility information.

About AmericanExpress

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 twitter.com/americanexpress,facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/companies/american-express and youtube.com/americanexpress.