<PAGE>
Supplement dated November 1, 1999*
to the Prospectus dated September 13, 1999
of the American Express Signature Variable Annuity SM
The following bullet points replace first two bullet points in the "Charges"
section of the prospectus under the "Withdrawal charge" heading.
o First, in each contract year, we withdraw amounts totaling up to 10% of
your prior anniversary contract value. (Your initial purchase payment is
considered the prior anniversary contract value during the first contract
year.) We do not assess a withdrawal charge on this amount.
o Next, we withdraw contract earnings, if any, that are greater than the
annual 10% free withdrawal amount described in number one above. Contract
earnings equal contract value less purchase payments received and not
previously withdrawn. We do not assess a withdrawal charge on this amount.
NOTE: We determine contract earnings by looking at the entire contract
value, not the earnings of any particular subaccount or the fixed
account.
The following bullet points replace first two bullet points in the "Charges"
section of the prospectus under the "Waiver of withdrawal charge" heading.
o withdrawals of any contract earnings;
o amounts totaling up to 10% of your prior contract anniversary contract
value to the extent they exceed contract earnings;