American Express plans to start operations in Cuba

JetBlue New York Havana flights
People load luggage from a Miami charter flight onto a car at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, Cuba, on August 30, 2014.
Photograph by Enrique de la Osa — Reuters

(Reuters) – American Express (AXP) said it would launch operations in Cuba following President Barack Obama’s decision this month to ease sanctions against the communist-ruled island.

MasterCard (MA) said last week it would allow its cards issued in the United States to be used in Cuba from March 1 as Washington eases restrictions on travel, trade and financial activities.

Marina Norville, a spokeswoman for American Express, confirmed in an email that AmEx also planned to start business activities in Cuba but provided no further details.

Visa (V) has not revealed its plans for Cuba, and company executives were not available to comment on Tuesday.

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