SYDNEY, February 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Business owners can now pay for their vehicle and equipment finance commitments by card following the launch of a relationship between American Express and Macquarie Leasing. The program is open to all American Express Cardmembers enrolling in a new commercial vehicle and equipment finance agreement with Macquarie Leasing.

Joanne Sully, Vice President, Global Merchant Services, American Express, said: "This is a great opportunity for business owners to diversify the way they pay for their business equipment needs - from car to medical equipment finance arrangements. In addition, business owners can benefit from a convenient method of payment with the added advantage of being able to extend their cash flow."

The program is a global first for American Express within the commercial equipment finance space, with Macquarie Leasing the only institution in the market to accept any form of plastic payment for new commercial vehicle and equipment finance repayments.

Sully added: "Business owners can now use their American Express Card to pay for commercial vehicle and equipment finance repayments and in doing so, will earn more Membership Reward points - which can ultimately be put back into their business."

Andrew Sidery, Head of Macquarie Leasing Specialist Sales, said: "Macquarie Leasing is delighted that we can assist Australian businesses by expanding the range of vehicle and equipment financing solutions available in the market. This relationship with American Express is a result of our continued commitment to provide market-leading solutions to SMEs."

As part of their service offer, Macquarie Leasing will accept American Express for monthly payments for new commercial hire purchase, chattel mortgage and finance lease agreements. Macquarie Leasing also has the ability to source cars and insurance products on behalf of American Express Cardmembers.

About American Express - American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. The American Express service ethos, Relationship CareSM, is designed to train Customer Care Professionals to not only respond to a customer's question or solve their problem, but go the extra step of offering the customer tailored information about how they can get more value out of their card and their relationship with American Express.

Learn more at http://www.americanexpress.com and connect with us on http://www.facebook.com/americanexpressaustralia, http://www.facebook.com/AmexBusiness, http://www.twitter.com/americanexpress and http://www.youtube.com/americanexpress.

About Macquarie Leasing

Macquarie Leasing is a leading provider of finance leases to small to medium enterprises, corporate, government and retail clients in Australia. Established in 1998, Macquarie Leasing offers products including finance leases, novated lease agreements, chattel mortgage and commercial hire purchases for motor vehicles and other income producing plant and equipment.

Macquarie Leasing is part of Macquarie Group (Macquarie), a global provider of banking, financial, advisory, investment and funds management services. Founded in 1969, Macquarie employs more than 15,000 people in over 28 countries.

Visit http://www.macquarie.com.

SOURCE American Express Australia