American Express to pay some U.S. customers to close accounts

American Express is paying some U.S. cardholders $300 to close their accounts as the company grapples with reduced spending by consumers and increased delinquency rates.

The company hasn't specified how many people have received the offer, although it says it has been extended to a relatively small batch.

It is available to customers if they pay off their balances and close their accounts in March or April, said the company, which did not reveal the balance totals for the affected people.

"We are looking at different ways that we can manage credit risk based on the customers' overall credit profile," company spokesperson Molly Faust told Reuters Monday.

Cardholders have until the end of February to decide whether they want to take American Express up on the offer. Those who accept will be given a $300 prepaid American Express card.

Increasing numbers of U.S. credit card holders have fallen behind on payments in a faltering economy, which saw unemployment rise to 7.6 per cent last month.

Amex has struggled as well, reporting last week that January credit card delinquencies rose more than expected. Fourth-quarter profits have fallen 72 per cent to $238 million US, and the company said in October that it will cut 7,000 jobs in a bid slash costs by $1.8 billion in 2009.

There are 44.2 million American Express cards in use in the United States.