AF Astoria Financial Corp. (delisted)

American Express and Astoria Federal Team Up to Offer Full Range of American Express Prepaid Products Throughout Astoria Federal's 86-Branch Retail Network LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., July 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Express and Astoria Federal, the sixth largest thrift in the United States, today announced a joint initiative to offer American Express(r) Travelers Cheques, Cheques For Two(r), TravelFunds(r) Cards, Gift Cheques, and Gift Cards throughout Astoria Federal's 86-branch retail banking network beginning July 14. "The American Express brand has a very high perceived value among consumers, and the synergy created by our two companies will greatly benefit our customers throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester," said Brian Edwards, Astoria Federal Senior Vice President of Marketing. "This new relationship gives us the opportunity to demonstrate to our customers one more way we are 'Putting people first' by expanding our product offerings to quickly and conveniently meet their travel and gift purchasing needs." "Today's savvy consumers are looking for products that offer greater flexibility, security and utility," said Valerie Soranno Keating, president, American Express Travelers Cheques and Prepaid Services. "We're excited to have the opportunity to work directly with Astoria Federal to meet the travel and gifting needs of its customers throughout the many communities they serve." American Express Product Features and Benefits: * American Express(r) Travelers Cheques and Cheques For Two(r) are accepted almost everywhere in the world and are refundable if lost or stolen, usually within 24 hours. American Express Travelers Cheques and the TravelFunds Card offer worldwide passport and credit card replacement assistance, at no additional cost, as well as American Express customer service support worldwide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. * The TravelFunds(r) Card from American Express is a prepaid, reloadable card with all the safety and security of Travelers Cheques in a convenient plastic card. The TravelFunds Card can be used at merchants and ATMs worldwide that accept the American Express Card. The card provides travelers with a safe and convenient way to carry their travel funds, including the ability to obtain a refund, usually within 24 hours, if the card is lost or stolen. The card is also reloadable from virtually anywhere. The TravelFunds Card is not linked to a bank account, and provides a safer than cash alternative that provides further protection from financial theft and loss. * American Express(r) Gift Cheques are accepted almost anywhere through out the United States and are refundable if lost or stolen, usually within 24 hours. * American Express(r) Gift Card is a prepaid card that can be used at retailers and restaurants that accepts the American Express Card for purchases throughout the United States. The American Express Gift Card provides a convenient gift giving experience, because you never know what they really want. The card is safer than other gift cards because it is refundable if lost or stolen, usually with in 24 hours. About American Express American Express Company, founded in 1850, is a diversified global financial, network and travel services provider. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, financial planning, travel, investment products, insurance and international banking. American Express is also a leader in prepaid financial products. In addition to the 113-year old American Express(r) Travelers Cheque -- the preeminent brand welcomed worldwide -- the Company also offers the TravelFunds(r) Card, Cheques for Two(r), Gift Cards, Gift Cheques, the Be My Guest(r) dining card, as well as a range of corporate incentive prepaid products through American Express Incentive Services. About Astoria Federal Savings Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Astoria Financial Corporation (NYSE:AF). With assets of $22.7 billion, Astoria Financial Corp. is the third largest thrift institution headquartered in New York and sixth largest in the United States. Astoria Federal embraces its philosophy of "Putting people first" by providing its 700,000 customers and the local communities it serves with quality financial products and services through 86 convenient branches and multiple delivery channels, including its website, http://www.astoriafederal.com/. Astoria commands the third largest deposit market share in the attractive Long Island market, which includes Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties with a population exceeding that of 39 individual states. Astoria originates mortgage loans through its branches and loan production offices in New York, an extensive broker network in 19 states, primarily on the East Coast, and through correspondent relationships in 44 states. Federal Savings and Loan Association DATASOURCE: American Express Company; Astoria Financial Corporation; Astoria CONTACT: Dianne Baumert-Moyik of Astoria Federal, +1-516-327-7863, or cell, +1-516-903-1107, ; or Stephanie Stegich, American Express, +1-212-640-6221, Web site: http://www.astoriafederal.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/104529.html

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