AMNESTY VISA CREDIT CARD GOES PLATINUM

AMNESTY VISA CREDIT CARD GOES PLATINUM Amnesty International UK and The Co-operative Bank have today (29 July) launched a new Platinum Amnesty Visa Credit Card. The new card will raise funds for Amnesty International's work to stamp out human rights abuses throughout the world. The Platinum credit card offers cardholders the choice of two interest rates, one fixed and one variable, as well as the option to transfer balances. Each time a cardholder uses their card they generate a donation for Amnesty International equivalent to 25p for each £100 pound spent. The Co-operative Bank, which provides the card and manages the scheme, also makes a donation of £15 when an account is opened. In addition a new incentive has been added, so in the future, £2.50 will be donated if the card is used within six months. Kate Allen, Director of Amnesty International UK, said: "Amnesty Visa Card holders have raised a staggering one million pounds for Amnesty International since the card's launch in 1993". Sian Ralph, Affinity Card Manager, said: "We are delighted that we have been able to provide this latest affinity card package for Amnesty's supporters. With the Amnesty International Visa credit card everyone's a winner, the cardholder gets a competitive rate of interest and the peace of mind that a donation will be made to the charity each time the card is used." Amnesty International has worked with The Co-operative Bank since the standard card's launch, because it is the only major UK bank with an ethical policy, which includes human rights. Today, the bank is still one of only a handful of companies to independently audit their ethical performance. The Amnesty Platinum Visa credit card has a minimum credit limit of £5,000 and no annual fee. To qualify applicants must be aged 25 years or over, and have an income of at least £25,000 a year, and already hold a credit card. Cardholders will be offered a choice of interest rates: between an initial 0% p.a on purchases and balance transfers* until six months after account opening. This would revert to a variable rate of 13.9% p.a. (12.3% APR) or 9.8% on purchase and balance transfers until 30 September 2007. Ends Notes to Editors: Amnesty International: working worldwide against grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination. To apply supporters should call 0800 129 000 or visit www.amnestyvisa.co.uk For further information contact: 29 July 2002 Paul Lawler The Co-operative Bank Press Office Tel: 0161 829 5091 Fax: 0161 839 4220 e-mail: paul.lawler@co-operativebank.co.uk or Neil Durkin, Teresa Richardson or Amanda Barnes Amnesty International UK Tel: 020 7814 6241/6240/6238 Out-of-hours: 07721 398 984 e-mail: press@amnesty.org.uk ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/07/29/20020729BIT00240/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/07/29/20020729BIT00240/wkr0002.pdf