ARLINGTON, Va. – At least some of the American Express cards that card giant MBNA has begun issuing run very heavy toward rewards and privileges. MBNA is a leader in the card industry overall and a leading purchaser of credit union card portfolios. According to one recent offer, the new MBNA American Express cards carry a variable interest rate of 5.9% for purchases and 19.99% for cash advances and accumulates reward points at the rate of one point for every dollar spent. The card also offers double points for travel and related purchases on airlines, hotels, cruises and car rentals through January 1, 2006. MBNA is currently the only bank in the U.S. to have entered into an agreement with American Express to issue cards, although others are expected to follow suit. As expected, MBNA is using rewards and service to try to open a niche for the cards in the crowded card field. MBNA American Express cardholders, for example, will be eligible to use a personal concierge service to make different arrangements and research purchases as well as access to "identity theft specialists" should the cardholder ever have their identity compromised.