How does American Express partner with merchants to provide additional cardholder benefits?

@daniela 

American Express partners with merchants in several ways to provide additional cardholder benefits. Here are some examples:

1. Offers and discounts: American Express works with different merchants to provide exclusive offers and discounts to their cardholders. These collaborations involve special promotions, limited-time offers, and other incentives to encourage cardholders to make purchases at partner merchants.
2. Membership Rewards program: American Express partners with various merchants to participate in its Membership Rewards program. Cardholders can earn reward points for their purchases at these partner merchants, which can be redeemed for a wide range of benefits including travel, shopping, and entertainment.
3. Co-branded partnerships: American Express establishes co-branded partnerships with other companies or organizations to offer specialized credit cards that cater to a particular consumer segment. These collaboration cards often come with unique benefits and rewards that align with the partner's brand or industry.
4. Amex Offers: American Express has an Amex Offers program that provides targeted deals and promotions for cardholders. Merchants can partner with American Express to create exclusive offers that are available only to American Express cardholders. These personalized offers are based on cardholders' spending behavior and can be accessed through their online banking or mobile app.
5. Shop Small initiative: American Express runs the "Shop Small" initiative, which encourages cardholders to support local and small businesses. Through this program, American Express partners with small merchants to provide special promotions and rewards to cardholders when they make purchases at participating small businesses.

Overall, American Express leverages its relationships with merchants to create mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance the cardholder experience and provide additional benefits beyond basic payment transactions.