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AmericanExpress is officially one step closer to integrating credit accounts and social media accounts, for better or for worse. They've launched a new program in which users can purchase items from AmEx's Twitter feed via hashtags.
The how-to is a little involved so follow along closely: First, users sync their AmEx cards with Twitter. Then they keep an eye out for a deal that AmEx tweets (e.g., a $25 AmEx gift card for $15). When users see something they like, they tweet the corresponding hastag (e.g. #BuyAmexGiftCard25). AmEx will then tweet a confirmation message at the user that includes a another hashtag. Users tweet the hashtag back at AmEx within 15 minutes and the item will be sent to the user's address, with complimentary shipping.
An innovative idea, true, but for the record, there are some things that the Twitterverse just doesn't need to know.
· American Express Lets You Buy Stuff on Twitter by Using a Hashtag [Mashable]
· Urban Outfitters One of the First Brands to Adopt Twitter's 'Vine' [Racked]