Visa's Premium Rewards Card Becomes Bank's Leading Offer to Emerging Affluent Customers
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug 19, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) today announced that Fifth Third Bank will
offer Visa Signature cards to customers through its more than 1,300
banking centers. The Visa Signature card is designed for affluent
customers who value unique lifestyle benefits and want added value in
their payment products.
"Fifth Third Bank customers can now take advantage of rewards that
help create unique life experiences such as access to exclusive events
and personal concierge services through Visa Signature, enabling us to
meet the needs of our customers and also exceed expectations for what
a premium card can offer," said Jon Groch, Senior Vice President and
Director of Card Services for Fifth Third Bank. "Our new Visa
Signature product will be part of Fifth Third's industry-leading
53PointShare(TM) program that features a Rewards Accelerator with no
annual rewards limit, and offers customers the ability to combine
debit and credit rewards points to accumulate and redeem points faster
than ever."
From benefits that save time, to those that safeguard purchases,
Visa Signature helps cardholders get the most out of life. In addition
to a choice of numerous airline, hotel and other premium rewards
partners, cardholders enjoy:
-- Round-the clock complimentary Visa Signature Concierge
services to assist with everything from travel reservations
and entertainment plans to business meeting arrangements,
special shopping requests and help with many other everyday
needs;
-- Prime dining reservations at some of the country's hottest
restaurants and customized dining recommendations through Visa
Signature Dining, as well complimentary access to the latest
Zagat Survey restaurant ratings and reviews online;
-- Access to advance ticket sales and premier seating at popular
music, film, theatre, gourmet dining and sporting events
through Visa Signature Access, as well as VIP access to
once-in-a-lifetime experiences like the Super Bowl, Tony
Awards, and the Olympic Games; and
-- Unique merchant upgrades, offers and savings through Visa
Signature Privileges, like special offers and upgrades at some
of the world's finest hotels, resorts and spas, and special
savings from top retailers and travel providers.
"Consumers are increasingly looking for added value from their
payment products to help enrich their busy lives," said Elizabeth
Buse, Global Head of Product, Visa Inc. "We look forward to working
closely with Fifth Third Bank to introduce Visa Signature and make it
the card that is top of wallet for the bank's emerging affluent
customers."
For more information about the Fifth Third Bank Visa Signature
Rewards card, visit www.53.com.
About Fifth Third Bank: Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified
financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. The
Company has $115 billion in assets, operates 18 affiliates with 1,308
full-service Banking Centers, including 97 Bank Mart(R) locations open
seven days a week inside select grocery stores and 2,329 ATMs in Ohio,
Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West
Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Georgia and North Carolina. Fifth
Third operates five main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch
Banking, Consumer Lending, Investment Advisors and Fifth Third
Processing Solutions. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers
in the Midwest and, as of June 30, 2008, has $207 billion in assets
under care, of which it managed $31 billion for individuals,
corporations and not-for-profit organizations. Investor information
and press releases can be viewed at http://www.53.com . Fifth Third's
common stock is traded on the NASDAQ(R) National Global Select Market
under the symbol "FITB."
About Visa Inc.: Visa Inc. operates the world's largest retail
electronic payments network providing processing services and payment
product platforms. This includes consumer credit, debit, prepaid and
commercial payments, which are offered under the Visa, Visa Electron,
Interlink and PLUS brands. Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around
the world, and Visa/PLUS is one of the world's largest global ATM
networks, offering cash access in local currency in more than 170
countries. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com
SOURCE: Visa Inc.
Visa Inc.
Jennifer Doidge, +1-415-932-2564
globalmedia@visa.com