Amex makes deal with Sam’s Club

Seven months after splitting with longtime partner Costco Wholesale Corp., American Express Co. said Thursday that its cards would be accepted at rival membership warehouse Sam’s Club starting Oct. 1.

Sam’s Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., has 653 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

“We are constantly looking for ways to expand the places where our card members can shop and bring more convenience and value to their everyday lives,” said Anré Williams, American Express president of global merchant services.

American Express was the only credit card accepted at Costco for 15 years. The companies said in February that the partnership would end next year. Starting in April 2016, Citigroup will issue Costco’s credit cards and Visa will be the credit card network for Costco’s stores.

In March, American Express unveiled a loyalty program called Plenti, in which consumers could earn points for shopping at companies such as Macy’s.