Terms
Card Terms and Conditions
Participant Agreement
1.
Please read the following information governing this Card and retain
for your records. This Card may not be used by persons under 18 years
of age. Please sign the Card immediately. By accepting and retaining
the Card, signing the Card or using the Card, you agree to all the
terms and conditions in this participant agreement, as well as future
terms and conditions and program/service changes. Current terms and
conditions may be viewed on the Internet address printed on the
enclosed literature, the front of the card carrier attached to the Card
and the Card back. The Card and associated offers are void where
prohibited by law. As used herein, "Card" means the prepaid Card issued
to you. The term "Agreement" means the participant agreement attached
to or enclosed with the Card. The terms "you" and "your" means the
person to whom the Card was issued. "We", "our", "us" and "AEIS" refer
to American Express Incentive Services, LLC, as the issuer of the Card.
The term "Sponsor" refers to the company or companies that have
requested that the Card be issued to you and that provided the funding
for the Card to AEIS.
Use of the Card
2.
The Card is not a credit card and cannot be used as one. The Card will
not be accepted at all American Express merchants. Refer to the Card
carrier attached to the Card or the website printed on the back of the
Card for information on participating establishments. The Card provides
you access to points on the Card. You cannot increase the points on the
Card. If you have a reloadable Card, only the Sponsor is able to direct
us to increase the points. We reserve the right to make corrections to
any points loaded onto the Card as directed by the Sponsor without
notice to you. If you are unsure if the Card is reloadable, you may ask
the Sponsor, or contact Customer Service at the number on the card
carrier attached to the Card and printed on the Card back. A Card that
is predenominated with a specific amount of points cannot be increased.
The Card may be used to make purchases at select establishments that
welcome American Express cards as noted on the enclosed literature. You
agree that you shall not use the Card outside the United States
territories, the District of Columbia and/or Canada.
If the
Card has an activation sticker adhered to the Card face, the Card may
not be used until it is activated. Before using a Card requiring
activation, follow the instructions on the sticker adhered to the front
of the Card. Activation of this Card may not be possible for up to 24
hours after issuance.
The Card's value is in points and may be
printed on the Card face. One point equals one U.S. dollar in
purchasing power. The Card has no cash value. Points cannot be
converted to cash or cash equivalents at any time. Use of the Card is
limited to the number of points held on the Card. The Card is not
transferable and cannot be resold. You may not permit any other person
to use the Card issued to you. Your right to use the points on the Card
is a limited right, subject to the terms and conditions of the
Agreement and applicable law. If you use the Card outside the United
States, the value of your points will be calculated at the then current
exchange rate used on the American Express payment transaction system,
rounded up to the nearest point.
If you received the Card as
part of a consumer promotion, you further acknowledge that you must
perform the following steps in order to earn the points available on
the Card:
- Step 1 – Meet any applicable promotional requirements (such as a specific purchase, rebate submittal or other program requirement)
- Step 2 - Complete applicable documentation (such as a rebate form and appropriate attachments, a survey response, or other required documentation and/or attachments)
- Step 3 – Follow activation requirements indicated on sticker adhered to Card as applicable
- Step 4 – Redeem Points at a participating merchant establishment(s)
If given
the option, choose credit instead of debit when asked by a
participating establishment. You should also sign the receipt for
purchase with the same signature you used when you signed the Card. You
may wish to retain the receipt as a record of the transaction. Please
note that purchases made with the Card are similar to those made with
cash or travelers cheques in that you cannot "stop payment" on such
transactions. Any problems or disputes you may have regarding the
transaction should be addressed directly with the establishment. The
establishments where you can use the Card are subject to change without
notification. Reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that
information regarding participating establishments is accurate;
however, AEIS is not responsible for errors or omissions or any
decision made by any establishment to fail or refuse to honor the Card.
The full amount of each purchase, including taxes, will be deducted
from the points held on the Card, up to the total points available on
the Card. If you attempt to use the Card at a nonparticipating
establishment, your purchase will be declined. If, for any reason,
however, a purchase is completed at a non-participating establishment,
you will be responsible to AEIS for the full amount of the purchase. If
your name is printed on the Card face and is fraudulently or
inappropriately used, you may contact Customer Service at the number on
the card carrier and Card back to request a dispute form provided that
the completed dispute form is delivered to us prior to 90 days from the
date of the transaction you are disputing. If we receive the completed
dispute form within the time period indicated, we will file the dispute
with the merchant on your behalf. We do not guarantee an outcome of the
dispute filing. You may contact American Express to follow up on a
successfully filed dispute not sooner than 45 days of the filing for
domestic merchants and if applicable, not sooner than 90 days of the
filing for international merchants.
Card Fees
3. Provided the Card is still valid for use (refer to "Card Expiration"),
we will replace one lost or stolen Card at no charge; however, we will
deduct 15 points from the Card balance for each subsequent replacement
Card requested, subject to applicable law.
Information on Card Usage
4.
You may obtain information regarding the amount of points remaining on
the Card, and, if applicable, where you have used the Card and/or any
new points added to the Card by the Sponsor, by inquiring at the
Internet address or by calling the toll free number printed on the card
carrier attached to the Card and on the Card back.
Laws of Missouri
5. The laws of Missouri govern your use of the Card and the terms and conditions of this Participant Agreement.
CARD EXPIRATION
6.
IMPORTANT: There is a "valid thru" date on the front of the Card. You
MUST use the points on the Card by the last day of the month of the
valid thru date. After that date, the Card cannot be used and is
invalid for all purposes. After the valid thru date, please cut up the
Card and dispose of it. Any attempt to use the Card after the valid
thru date shall be denied. SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW, ANY POINTS
REMAINING ON THE CARD AFTER THE VALID THRU DATE ARE IRREVOCABLY
FORFEITED. However, if the Card issued to you is reloadable and the
Sponsor of the program, in its sole discretion, elects to continue the
program beyond the valid thru date, the Sponsor may request we transfer
any remaining points to a new Card. The Card valid thru date will still
apply to the current Card. Invalid Cards are not replaceable,
refundable or returnable.
Florida residents:
If the Card "VALID THRU" date is less than 12 months from date of
issuance and the Card was provided as a benefit to you by the Sponsor
pursuant to an employee incentive program, you may request a
replacement Card with your remaining balance (good for an additional 6
months) at no charge. To obtain the free replacement Card you must (1)
request the replacement Card within 6 months of the original "VALID
THRU" date, (2) have a positive balance remaining on the original Card,
and (3) have the Card shipped to your Florida residence.
Returns
7.
You agree to use the Card only for legitimate purchases of goods or
services and not for the purpose of obtaining cash from an
establishment. You may not return goods or services obtained with the
Card for a cash refund. You may return a purchase for a credit
allocated to the Card provided that the establishment accepts returns
and the Card is still valid (refer to "Card Expiration"); such amounts
may not be available on the Card balance for 3 to 7 days.
Shortages/Negative Card Balance
8.
You should not attempt a transaction greater than the available balance
of the Card. If you attempt to use the Card for an amount greater than
your available point balance, a properly authenticated transaction will
be declined. If, for any reason whatsoever, a transaction is processed
despite insufficient available points on the Card (creating a
"negative" amount, referred to herein as a "Shortage"), you agree to
reimburse us, upon request, for the amount of the Shortage.
Supplemental Payment
9.
If your desired purchase amount is greater than your available Card
balance, you must consult with the establishment to determine whether
supplemental payment is allowed. If the establishment accepts
supplemental payment, the best way to process a transaction with a
supplemental form of payment is to have the sales associate process the
difference with your personal form of payment first, then process the
Card for an amount less than or equal to the remaining point balance.
It is your responsibility to know the points available on the Card at
the time of purchase. To obtain your point availability, visit our
Internet address located on the Card carrier attached to the Card and
on the Card back or contact the Customer Service Center at the phone
number printed on the Card back. It is up to each establishment to
determine if supplemental payment is accepted and the types and terms
of such.
Lost or Stolen Card
10. You should
safeguard the Card from unauthorized use. It is your responsibility to
immediately inform the Card Customer Service Center at the telephone
number on the Card and on the card carrier attached to the Card if the
Card is lost or stolen. We will require the Card number in order to
process your request. We will replace one Card at no charge; however,
we will deduct 15 points from the Card balance for each subsequent
replacement. Please allow fifteen days to receive a replacement Card.
We are not responsible for replacing lost or stolen points. Do not
attempt to use the Card after you have reported it lost or stolen, even
if you find it or have it returned to you. The replacement Card will
have the same valid thru date as the Card being replaced. Subject to
applicable law, if a Card is reported lost or stolen within 15 business
days prior to the last day of the month of the valid thru date or any
amount of time after the valid thru date, the Card will not be
replaced. PLEASE SAFEGUARD THE CARD SECURELY AND TELL US IMMEDIATELY IF
THE CARD IS LOST OR STOLEN. NO REPLACEMENT POINTS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR
POINTS DEDUCTED FROM YOUR LOST/STOLEN CARD BEFORE YOU NOTIFY US.
Call Monitoring
11.
We may monitor and record telephone calls between you and us to ensure
the quality of customer service or as required by applicable law.
Misuse of the Card
12.
If you repeatedly attempt to use the Card at nonparticipating
establishments the Card may be suspended or terminated. You may also be
required to pay all costs incurred by us due to transactions that you
initiate with nonparticipating establishments. If we suspect misuse of
the Card, it may be suspended or terminated, and all points cancelled,
with or without notice. The Card and associated points are
nonrefundable and have no surrender value. You must return the Card to
us upon request. The Card is the property of AEIS. In the event of a
cancellation for any reason, we reserve the right to notify the Sponsor
regarding the cancellation.
| NOTICE OF DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY POLICY 13. Information We Collect/Information Security: We may obtain personal information ("Cardholder Information") about you, including information (i) provided to us by the Sponsor, such as your name and/or your address, (ii) provided by you during customer service calls, and (iii) about purchases you made with the Card, such as the date of the purchase, the amount and the place of purchase. We may also obtain information from providers of identity verification data and demographic information, in connection with our efforts to protect against fraudulent or unauthorized use of the Card and regulatory compliance. Only those persons who need it to perform their job responsibilities are authorized to have access to Cardholder Information. We also maintain physical, electronic, and procedural security measures that comply with federal regulations to safeguard Cardholder Information. Disclosure: We may use Cardholder Information to process Card transactions, to provide customer service from the United States and the Philippines, to process claims for lost or stolen Cards, to help protect against fraud, and to conduct research and analysis with our Cardholders through mail, phone or email surveys. We will provide information about you and your participation in the program to the Sponsor. In addition, on occasion establishments where you have shopped with the Card, and that are under contract with us, may request disclosure of Cardholder Information for the purposes of providing special offers. If, at any time, you wish to have your information removed from these lists, please call the Card Customer Service Center at the number listed on the card carrier attached to the Card and printed on the Card. We may provide certain Cardholder Information to others outside of AEIS as permitted by law, such as to government entities or other third parties in response to subpoenas. Choice: If you prefer not to receive offers from establishments, you may opt out by calling us in the US toll free at the number on the card carrier attached to the Card and printed on the Card. If you opt out from receiving these offers, we may still send important information to you about the Card. |
Disclaimer
14.
AEIS, the Sponsor, American Express Travel Related Services Company,
Inc. ("American Express") and their respective parents, subsidiaries
and affiliated companies maintain no control over the |personnel,
equipment or operations of any air, water or surface carrier, ship
line, transportation company, hotel, restaurant, tour company,
establishment, catalog retailer or other person or entity providing
services, products or accommodations as part of a trip or retail
purchase; all establishments or suppliers offering products and/or
services through the Card program are independent contractors. AEIS,
the Sponsor, American Express and their respective parent companies,
subsidiaries and affiliated companies make no guarantees, warranties or
representations of any kind, expressed or implied, with respect to
products, services or merchandise, and shall not be liable for any
loss, expense, damage or injury incurred as a result of any defect in
or failure of such items. SUCH PARTIES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND/OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. AEIS, the Sponsor, American Express and their respective
parent companies, subsidiaries and affiliated companies shall not be
liable for any injury, damage, loss, expense, accident, delay,
inconvenience or irregularity which may be caused or contributed to:
(1) any wrongful, negligent or unauthorized act or omission on the part
of any establishments offering products and/or services through the
Card program, or any of their agents, employees or independent
contractors; (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment,
instrumentality, service, product, delivery or accommodation which is
owned, operated, furnished, sold or otherwise used by any participating
Card establishment or supplier; (3) any wrongful, negligent or
unauthorized act or omission on the part of any other person or entity
not under their direct control; and/or (4) any other cause, condition
or event whatsoever beyond their direct control. In no event will AEIS,
the Sponsor, American Express and their respective parent companies,
subsidiaries and affiliated companies, be liable for any punitive,
special, indirect, or consequential damages.
Change of Name or Address
15.
If your name is printed on the Card face, you must notify us promptly
if your name or address has changed. Call the Card Customer Service
Center number appearing on the card carrier attached to the Card and
printed on the Card back to report the change. Failure to notify us of
these changes may result in information regarding the Card being sent
to the wrong person. In such event, we will not be responsible for any
resulting misuse of the Card, Customer Information, or the points
contained on the Card.
Arbitration
16. Purpose: This
Arbitration Provision sets forth the circumstances and procedures under
which Claims (as defined below) may be arbitrated instead of litigated
in court.
Definitions: As used in this
Arbitration Provision, the term "Claim" means any claim, dispute or
controversy between you and us arising from or relating to the Card or
this Agreement as well as any related or prior agreement that you may
have had with us or the relationships resulting from any of the above
agreements ("Agreements"), including the validity, enforceability or
scope of this Arbitration Provision or the Agreements. For purposes of
this Arbitration Provision, "you" and "us" also includes any corporate
parent, or wholly or majority owned subsidiaries, affiliates, any
licensees, predecessors, successors, assigns, any purchaser of any
accounts, all agents, employees, directors and representatives of any
of the foregoing, and other persons referred to below in the definition
of "Claims." "Claim" includes claims of every kind and nature,
including but not limited to initial claims, counterclaims, crossclaims
and third-party claims and claims based upon contract, tort, fraud and
other intentional torts, statutes, regulations, common law and equity.
"Claim" also includes claims by or against any third party using or
providing any product, service or benefit in connection with the Card
(including, but not limited to, third parties who accept the Card,
third parties who use, provide or participate in programs accessed with
the Card, enrollment services and rewards programs, debt collectors and
all of their agents, employees, directors and representatives) if and
only if, such third party is named as a co-party with you or us (or
files a Claim with or against you or us) in connection with a Claim
asserted by you or us against the other. The term "Claim" is to be
given the broadest possible meaning that will be enforced and includes,
by way of example and without limitation, any claim, dispute or
controversy that arises from or relates to (a) the Card; (b) the amount
of available points on the Card; (c) advertisements, promotions or oral
or written statements related to the Card, goods or services purchased
with the Card; (d) any benefits and services related to the Card; and
(e) your request or enrollment for or activation of the Card. We shall
not elect to use arbitration under the Arbitration Provision for any
Claim that you properly file and pursue in a small claims court of your
state or municipality so long as the Claim is individual and pending
only in that court.
Initiation of Arbitration Proceeding/Selection of Administrator:
Any Claim shall be resolved, upon the election by you or us, by
arbitration pursuant to this Arbitration Provision and the code of
procedures of the national arbitration organization to which the Claim
is referred in effect at the time the Claim is filed (the "Code"),
except to the extent the Code conflicts with this Agreement. Claims
shall be referred to either the National Arbitration Forum ("NAF") or
the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") as selected by the party
electing to use arbitration. If a selection by us of one of these
organizations is unacceptable to you, you shall have the right within
30 days after you receive notice of our election to select either of
the other organizations listed to serve as arbitrator administrator.
For a copy of the procedures, to file a Claim or for other information
about these organizations, contact them as follows:
- NAF at P.O. Box 50191, Minneapolis, MN 55404; website at www.arbitration-forum.com.
- AAA at 335 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017; website: www.adr.org.
Significance of Arbitration:
IF ARBITRATION IS CHOSEN BY ANY PARTY WITH RESPECT TO A CLAIM, NEITHER
YOU NOR WE WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO LITIGATE THAT CLAIM IN COURT OR HAVE
A JURY TRIAL ON THAT CLAIM. FURTHER, YOU AND WE WILL NOT HAVE THE RIGHT
TO PARTICIPATE IN A REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY OR AS A MEMBER OF ANY CLASS
OF CLAIMANTS PERTAINING TO ANY CLAIM SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION. EXCEPT AS
SET FORTH BELOW, THE ARBITRATOR'S DECISION WILL BE FINAL AND BINDING.
NOTE THAT OTHER RIGHTS THAT YOU WOULD HAVE IF YOU WENT TO COURT ALSO
MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ARBITRATION.
Restrictions on Arbitration: IF
EITHER PARTY ELECTS TO RESOLVE A CLAIM BY ARBITRATION, THAT CLAIM SHALL
BE ARBITRATED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS. THERE SHALL BE NO RIGHT OR
AUTHORITY FOR ANY CLAIMS TO BE ARBITRATED ON A CLASS ACTION BASIS OR ON
BASES INVOLVING CLAIMS BROUGHT IN A PURPORTED REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY
ON BEHALF OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, OTHER CARDHOLDERS OR OTHER PERSONS
SIMILARLY SITUATED. The arbitrator's authority to resolve Claims is
limited to Claims between you and us alone, and the arbitrator's
authority to make awards is limited to you and us alone. Furthermore,
Claims brought by you against us or by us against you may not be joined
or consolidated in arbitration with Claims brought by or against
someone other than you, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by all
parties. No arbitration award or decision will have any preclusive
effect as to issues or claims in any dispute with anyone who is not a
named party to the arbitration. Notwithstanding any other provision in
this Agreement (including but not limited to the "Continuation"
provision below) and without waiving either party's right to appeal
such decision, should any portion of this "Restrictions on Arbitration"
provision be deemed invalid or unenforceable, then the entire
Arbitration Provision (other than this sentence) shall not apply.
Arbitration Procedures:
This Arbitration Provision is made pursuant to a transaction involving
interstate commerce, and shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration
Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16, as it may be amended (the "FAA"). The
arbitration shall be governed by the applicable Code, except that (to
the extent enforceable under the FAA) this Arbitration Provision shall
control if it is inconsistent with the applicable Code. The arbitrator
shall apply applicable substantive law consistent with the FAA and
applicable statutes of limitations and shall honor claims of privilege
recognized at law and, at the timely request of either party, shall
provide a brief written explanation of the basis for the decision. The
arbitration proceeding shall not be governed by any Federal or state
rules of civil procedure or rules of evidence. Either party may submit
a request to the arbitrator to expand the scope of discovery allowable
under the applicable Code. The party submitting such a request must
provide a copy to the other party, who may submit objections to the
arbitrator with a copy of the objections provided to the requesting
party, within 15 days of receiving the requesting party's notice. The
granting or denial of such a request will be in the sole discretion of
the arbitrator who shall notify the parties of his/her decision within
20 days of the objecting party's submission. The arbitrator shall take
reasonable steps to preserve the privacy of individuals, and of
business matters. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator
may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. The arbitrator's
decision will be final and binding, except for any right of appeal
provided by the FAA. However, any party can appeal that award to a
three arbitrator panel administered by the same arbitration
organization, which shall consider anew any aspect of the initial award
objected to by the appealing party. The appealing party shall have 30
days from the date of entry of the written arbitration award to notify
the arbitration organization that it is exercising the right of appeal.
The appeal shall be filed with the arbitration organization in the form
of a dated writing. The arbitration organization will then notify the
other party that the award has been appealed. The arbitration
organization will appoint a three-arbitrator panel which will conduct
an arbitration pursuant to its Code and issue its decision within 120
days of the date of the appellant's written notice. The decision of the
panel shall be by majority vote and shall be final and binding.
Location of Arbitration/Payment of Fees:
Any arbitration hearing that you attend shall take place in the federal
judicial district of your residence. You will be responsible for paying
your share, if any, of the arbitration fees (including filing,
administrative, hearing and/or other fees) provided by the Code, to the
extent that such fees do not exceed the amount of the filing fees you
would have incurred if the Claim had been brought in the state or
federal court closest to your residence that would have jurisdiction
over the Claim. We will be responsible for paying the remainder of any
arbitration fees. At your written request, we will consider in good
faith making a temporary advance of all or part of your share of the
arbitration fees for any Claim you initiate as to which you or we seek
arbitration. You will not be assessed any arbitration fees in excess of
your share if you do not prevail in any arbitration with us.
Continuation:
This Arbitration Provision shall survive termination of the Card as
well as voluntary payment of any Shortages in full by you, or any legal
proceeding by you or us to collect a debt owed by the other, and any
bankruptcy by you or us. Except as otherwise provided in the
"Restrictions on Arbitration" provision above, if any portion of this
Arbitration Provision (other than the "Restrictions on Arbitration"
provision) is deemed invalid or unenforceable under any principle or
provision of law or equity, it shall not invalidate the remaining
portions of this Arbitration Provision, this Agreement, or any
predecessor Agreements you may have had with us, each of which shall be
enforceable regardless of such invalidity.
The Card is part of a system and method covered by U.S. Patent Nos. 5,689,100 and 5,956,695
© American Express Incentive Services, L.L.C. 2008.


