American Express' Global Network Services (GNS) supports over 100 banks and financial institutions that issue American Express-branded cards on its global merchant network. Launched in 1997, GNS offers a premium network backed by American Express' global reach and brand awareness. GNS partners customize products and benefits using American Express' secure transaction processing and worldwide services, while enjoying advantages like a closed-loop network and innovative spend-centric products. As a result, GNS has accelerated the network's growth and built a sustainable long-term position as the best payments system worldwide.