Foursquare deal with American Express

Just when I started to think that maybe Gowalla was going to have more long-term growth potential (because of their use with conferences, to put together self-guided tour packages, etc.) Foursquare announces a new deal with American Express that gives it an edge:

It’s a pilot test of a new system that lets your credit card company reward you with a special deal — after it has verified that you have checked in someplace on Foursquare.

This gives you many incentives: To shop with participating merchants, to check in on Foursquare, and to use your AmEx card.

(Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/foursquare-amex-deal-2011-3?op=1#ixzz1GH1JZeib)

This pairing is inspired. It makes a lot of sense and, if it works, will help make Foursquare checkins more mainstream. I’ll be very interested in seeing where this goes.

Source:

• Here’s How Foursquare’s Huge New Deal With AmEx Works, by Business Insider