American Express has added new awards that allow cardmembers to redeem their points for gas cards; household appliances, such as washers, dryers and dishwashers and for an expanded list of gift cards that include casual dining restaurants and a broader range of retailers. It’s American Express’ way of helping Membership Rewards members survive the current economic downturn.

“The introduction of these rewards to the Membership Rewards program underscores American Express’ commitment to continuously listen to our cardmembers and provide rewards that are the most relevant to their lifestyle and resonate most with them,” says Tracey Beberman, vice president, Membership Rewards Marketing, American Express. “These new rewards give them even more ways to redeem points and get the kinds of things they want and need.”

Express Rewards Gas Cards have been introduced in $50 and $100 denominations for 6,500 and 13,000 points, respectively. These cards can be used to fill up at virtually any gas station that accepts American Express cards. Membership Rewards members can now also spend their points on home appliances from KitchenAid, GE Profile and Whirlpool such as 134,000 points for a KitchenAid built-in dishwasher or 170,000 points for a Whirlpool front-load washer and dryer. Members can also redeem their points for smaller appliances such as microwaves, kitchen mixers and air conditioners starting at 25,000 points.

And if your taste is running more toward Olive Garden (2,500 points for a $25 gift card) than Ruth’s Chris Steak House (10,000 points for a $100 gift card), you now have more options for casual dining including new partners Legal Seafood and Longhorn. Old Navy has been added on the retail side to give you more options at all point levels; a $10 Old Navy gift card is 1,000 points.

Members can still choose to use their points toward a year lease on a Lamborghini, but now, they can choose to simply fill up their Toyota when it’s running low.