US motion picture distributor Universal Studios enters into a multi-year marketing and financial services alliance with GE Money, a division of General Electric, and financial services company American Express. Following the deal, American Express becomes the official payment of choice of Universal Studios Theme Parks Resorts, GE Money becomes the Parks’ official financial services sponsor.

Under the arrangement, the companies launch the new Universal American Express Card issued by GE Money, which is currently available only at Universal Parks & Resorts properties in the US. The card comes with no annual percentage rate for up to six months on purchases, from the date the account is opened.

Cardholders receive discounts on select Universal Parks and CityWalk purchases, plus various premiums such as Universal Studios theme park tickets, tours, annual passes and vacation packages. Cardholders get 1 point for each USD 1 of net purchases, an additional 1 bonus point for each USD 1 of net Universal purchases and 2 points for the first USD 400 of net gas and grocery purchases. A minimum of 2,500 points is needed in order to redeem. Points expire 60 months after the application for the account or if no purchase is made in any 12-month period.