American Express’s (New York; 37.8 million cards) latest addition to its ExpressNet Web is the 401(k) Site at <www.americanexpress.com/401k/>. The site features personal finance calculators geared towards retirement planning. Site users can also track portfolio performance. The site also has information primarily of value to plan administrators, such as news, regulatory issues, and legislation in the retirement planning arena. The 401(k) site was developed by Yamamoto Moss.

American Express’s busy Web site now features four main content areas: shopping, travel, financial services, and business services. The shopping area is called American Express Promenade <www.americanexpress.com/promenade>. It features merchandise from the company’s direct sales unit, such as high-end electronics and sports memorabilia. Users can “earmark” merchandise of interest to return to on subsequent visits. A free “gift reminder” service is offered for registered users. The Promenade also features an online mystery available to registered users. Anyone can use the Promenade, but purchases can only be made with an American Express card.

American Express has done a good job loading interesting content onto its Web, but they still have a ways to go with usability. I find its Web painfully slow to load and navigate. Before ExpressNet on the Web is a hit, it needs to be redesigned for speedier access.

Contact: Lisa Hoene is VP Employee Education at American Express Institutional Services. David Bauman is SVP Interactive Services, 212.640.2000.