American Express is to offer cardholders reward redemptions for virtual goods and games produced by Zynga, the developer of the popular Farmville Facebook game.
Zynga redemption offers will start at 200 American Express points and can be exchanged in return for virtual and physical game cards, as well as a variety of limited edition virtual goods, such as FarmVille manors and windmills, Café World fountains and stoves, and YoVille roadsters and robots. A $25 game card will trade for 2500 American Express points, with a point equivalent to a $1 spend on each card.
Dan Schulman, group president enterprise growth, American Express, says: "Our relationship with Zynga, one of the key players in the digital space, marks a new redemption category for American Express and reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding and deepening the value we offer customers online."
He says the relationship will be extended to encompass joint-marketing initiatives and exclusive offers for both company's membership bases.
Zynga currently claims more than 225 million monthly active users for its online gaming network.
Vishal Makhijani, SVP of business operations at Zynga, says: "Our partnership with American Express marks the first time that virtual goods are available for purchase with rewards points and reinforces our commitment to offer consumers meaningful experiences that enhance their game play."