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American Express Co. last week introduced a free service that enables cardholders to combine the management of their rewards points, card accounts and other products, such as investment accounts and loans, via its Web site. The Money Manager tool automatically links all the cardholders' accounts so they can track spending, points and payments. "In today's economy, consumers are looking to gain greater control over their money and to get a clearer picture of where their money is going each month," Robin Korn, AmEx senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Charge Group, said in a statement. "Money Manager addresses these needs and provides an easy, one-stop solution for those concerned about the time commitment involved in managing their budgets." Money Manager includes a budget tracker that sets monthly goals and sends e-mail alerts on budget limits. Spending reports analyze spending over time. A financial calendar includes due dates and amount of payments due. A rewards tracker enables cardholders to monitor frequent-flyer and other rewards accounts. A personal net-worth calculator displays account information in a personalized balance-sheet format, categorizing it into assets and liabilities and calculating a total net worth. AmEx is not the only company offering money-management and spending tools. MasterCard Worldwide, for example, last week introduced an online, interactive financial-management tool that enables debit cardholders to track their spending (CardLine, 10/15).
