American Express' Smart Offer APIs will now enable cardmembers to redeem LevelUp deals by simply enrolling and using their cards - removing the need for punch-cards, coupons, and the associated hassle at the point of sale. When a cardmember uses his or her enrolled card at a merchant, the LevelUp savings will be automatically delivered via a statement credit to the card account. Eligible cardmembers will instantly receive notification via their mobile devices indicating that a statement credit is on its way and that they have "leveled up," unlocking the next, richer offer from that merchant. This launch also marks the first time Android's new push notification technology is used in market.

Developed by Google Ventures-backed SCVNGR, LevelUp is a new type of local deal that offers unique value for the consumer and for the merchant. After purchasing an initial offer, consumers unlock progressive deal levels that get better each time, creating incentive to return to the business and loyalty to the merchant along the way. The Levi's® brand is the first national merchant partner to offer specials on LevelUp.

"Today's news represents significant innovation in location and mobile-commerce," said Rich Miner, partner at Google Ventures and co-creator of the Android platform. "The combination of American Express's Smart Offer APIs, LevelUp's loyalty-retail experience, and the new Android push notification system provides a frictionless transaction experience for everyone involved - consumers and merchants alike."

From May 10 - August 31, American Express Cardmembers in San Francisco, Boston and Philadelphia will be able to link their American Express® Cards to LevelUp to activate and redeem deals by simply using their enrolled cards at the merchant. Levi's is the first national merchant to leverage this new functionality, and will roll it out at three locations: the Levi's® Store on Newbury Street in Boston, the Levi's® flagship store on Post Street in San Francisco,co,cisco, and the Levi's® store at the King of Prussia Mall in Pennsylvania. The LevelUps include:

* Level #1: spend $10, get $20
* Level #2: spend $10, get $30
* Level #3: spend $10, get $50.

"Our unique assets, including a network of merchants and cardmembers, are the backbone to creating unparalleled digital experiences for consumers that bring ease and value to merchants. This represents an important component to our ongoing ecommerce strategy," said Bill Glenn, President, Global Merchant Services, American Express. "In partnership with LevelUp and the Levi's® brand, and in collaboration with Google Ventures, we've utilized our technology to take a leap forward in the loyalty deals space."

"By partnering with American Express to make deal redemption seamless, and launching with one of America's most iconic brands -- Levi's® -- LevelUp is showing that brand loyalty and engagement is a much-needed asset in the daily deals and offers space," said Chris Mahl, SVP and Chief Brand Alchemist at LevelUp. "The unique ability for LevelUp to develop loyalty along with sales is a winning combination for any business."