FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2000
Citibank Introduces New American Cancer Society Affinity Credit Cards
Bank commits millions in fight against Cancer
New York, NY —
Citibank USA has introduced two new credit cards that directly contribute to the fight against cancer, America's number one personal health concern. Through a new relationship with the American Cancer Society, the nation's leading voluntary health organization, Citibank has also committed to boost the organization's mission reach through Citibank employees and customers.
The relationship is based on contributions raised from two new Citibank affinity credit cards, the American Cancer Society Platinum MasterCard and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Platinum MasterCardЮ
Through the relationship, Citibank will make a contribution to the American Cancer Society for every credit card account opened and activated, plus contribute a percentage of sales charged on the cards. The cards are expected to generate over $15 million over five years for the American Cancer Society.
Thomas G. Anderson, President of Citibank USA, said Citibank was proud to support the American Cancer Society's mission to prevent cancer and save lives.
"We hope that the contributions made from the affinity cards will be a powerful additional resource in the American Cancer Society's campaign to fight cancer," Mr. Anderson said. "Our efforts in delivering the potential life saving message of the Society will also help win the battle against this disease," he added.
"This is an exciting opportunity for the American Cancer Society to serve its members while advancing the organization's mission," said Gerald L. Woolam, MD, cardholder, volunteer and immediate past president of the American Cancer Society national board of directors. "We believe that this offering provides a customer service while contributing funds directly to the fight against cancer."
The American Cancer Society credit cards feature a 0% introductory interest rate on purchases for the first six months after the account is opened. The promotional interest rate on balance transfers and cash advances is 5.9% for six months after the account is opened. After that, the interest rate is US prime + 5.9%.
The American Cancer Society MasterCard will be primarily marketed via direct mail and to the Internet community at www.cancer.org. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life MasterCard will be marketed primarily to participants at Relay for Life events.
Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event -- a 24-hour community-based celebration designed to showcase cancer survivorship, honor those lost to cancer and raise money for the Society's mission. On the day of the event, teams gather at schools and community football fields, fairgrounds and parks, taking turns walking, jogging or running laps. Each team is asked to keep at least one representative of their team on the track at all times.
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Citigroup (NYSE: C), the premier global financial services company, provides some 100 million consumers, corporations, governments and institutions in 100 countries with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, insurance, securities brokerage and asset management. The 1998 merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group brought together such brand names as Citibank, Travelers, Salomon Smith Barney, CitiFinancial and Primerica under Citigroup's trademark red umbrella. Additional information about Citigroup can be found at www.citigroup.com
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service. For information about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org.
