American Express (NYSE:AXP) agreed to pay a $108.7M civil penalty to resolve allegations that the credit card company deceptively marketed credit card and wire transfer services to small businesses, the U.

Credit card company American Express has agreed to pay $108.7 million to settle allegations that it engaged in deceptive marketing practices, the U.S. Justice Department said on Thursday.

The Wall Street Journal had reported on a series of deceptive and strong-arm tactics the card company used to increase small business sign-ups.

U.S. credit card delinquency and net charge-off rates remained stable in December even as U.S. consumers borrowed more during the month, the company disclosed on Wednesday. The U.S. consumer card member delinquency rate held at 1.