NEW YORK -

To reward loyal customers with such perks as sales and service discounts at the dealership, Mercedes-Benz USA, its financial arm, and American Express have rolled out two new co-branded credit cards that include an array of awards for the luxury automaker’s clientele.

It was also announced Monday that the automaker has signed on to American Express’ membership rewards program.

As far as the two cards — called the “Mercedes-Benz Credit Card from American Express” and the “Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Mercedes-Benz” — will blend the perks of American Express’ Membership Rewards program and  Mercedes-Benz’s annual benefits.

As listed by the companies, the details of each card are as follows:

Mercedes-Benz Credit Card from American Express
—5X Membership Rewards points at Mercedes-Benz dealerships
—3X points for gas purchases
—2X points at restaurants
—One point for everything else
—$500 certificate toward the purchase or lease of a new Mercedes-Benz after spending $5,000
—1,000 excess miles waived at lease-end
—$50 annual reward certificate for Genuine Mercedes-Benz Accessories
—Annual fee of $95

Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Mercedes-Benz
—5X Membership Rewards points at Mercedes-Benz dealerships
—One point for everything else
—Access to Airport Clubs, The Fine Hotels & Resorts Program and Platinum Card Concierge
—$200 Airline Credit, no foreign exchange fees
—$1,000 certificate toward the purchase or lease of a new Mercedes-Benz after spending $5,000
—2,000 miles waived at lease-end
—$100 annual reward certificate for Genuine Mercedes-Benz Accessories
—Annual fee of $475

“Partnerships are an important part of our consumer card strategy, and we are excited to welcome Mercedes-Benz to our growing family of co-branded cards and to our Membership Rewards program,” stated Gunther Bright, senior vice president and general manager of co-brand partnerships at American Express.

“This truly is a world-class collaboration. We’re offering Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts what they value most — premium rewards that benefit their lifestyle and their vehicle,” Bright continued.

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services’ vice president of marketing Geoff Robinson added: “The cards we have created with American Express are a result of driver feedback focusing on benefits geared toward the Mercedes-Benz enthusiast and lifestyle rewards.

“Becoming a card member will expand the ownership experience for our current drivers and encourage aspiring owners to consider Mercedes-Benz for their next vehicle,” he continued.

Membership Rewards Program

Sharing more details about American Express’ Membership Rewards program, officials noted that cardmembers who are eligible to receive membership rewards can put those toward Mercedes-Benz service packages. They can also redeem them for $1,000 certificates to be put toward buying or leasing a new Mercedes.

“While most co-branded cards in the automotive space offer benefits at the dealership for products and services related to the cardholder’s vehicle, the Membership Rewards program from American Express sets these new Mercedes-Benz co-brand cards apart from the competition,” officials contend.

Points earn cardholders rewards, which can be used in traveling, shopping, buying a Mercedes vehicle or having their current Mercedes serviced.

Officials indicated that cardholders automatically are a part of Membership Rewards program. Points can go toward such rewards as vacations, concert tickets and gift cards.

Additionally, cardmembers have a couple options with airfare rewards. They can either take their points and put them directly in various frequent flyer programs or choose the Pay for Points option that allows them to book a seat on any airline. In Pay for Points, there are no blackout dates or other restrictions.

There are no expiration dates on points nor is there a limit on points earned.