American Express is launching a new program to allow its Cardmembers to pay for Facebook Ads by means of Membership Rewards points, the first time in the history rewards are redeemed this way.

With the addition of Membership Rewards points as a payment option, business owners now have a powerful new way to build their businesses through the rapidly growing area of social media advertising.

“The Membership Rewards program is a unique and core asset for American Express that is becoming even more relevant for our Cardmembers in the social media space,” said Ed Gilligan, Vice Chairman at American Express. “We are thrilled to partner with Facebook to bring this first-of-its kind opportunity to small business Cardmembers who can now leverage the marketing power of the world’s largest social media platform in a smart and effective way.”

“With hundreds of thousands of small businesses advertising on Facebook, this latest effort by American Express effectively takes advantage of our platform by providing these business owners with a new and convenient way to pay for Facebook advertising,” said David Fischer, vice president of advertising and global operations, Facebook.

To redeem their rewards so as to pay for Facebook Ads Cardmembers should go to American Express OPEN’s Facebook Page facebook.com/OPEN or the Membership Rewards program website at membershiprewards.com.