smile LAUNCHES FOUR IN ONE

smile LAUNCHES FOUR IN ONE "BEST BUY" CREDIT CARD smile, the Internet bank, intensified the competition for credit card customers today (16 July, 2002) when it launched a four in one "best buy" credit card. The smile Visa card offers 0.5 per cent cashback on all card purchases, 0 per cent interest for six months on balances transferred before October 2002 and an interest rate of just 10.5 per cent p.a. - one of the lowest standard credit card rate on the market. This is then reduced to just 9.9 per cent p.a. for smile current account holders The card, which is available in both standard and gold versions, offers up to 46 days' free credit and can be used at more than 20 million Visa outlets worldwide. All existing smile credit card customers will automatically receive the new terms. smile Chief Executive Bob Head said: "Since we launched smile in 1999 we have gained a reputation for great products and this four in one credit card deal is just our latest best buy offering. "Of course, there is far more to smile than just competitively priced products. We are attracting customers at a consistent rate and proving that Internet banking is a real alternative for people who want great deals and awesome service. Our research shows 94 per cent of customers would recommend us to their family and friends." In addition to this latest credit card deal, smile offers 3.04 per cent gross AER on all current account credit balances. Other benefits smile customers are grinning about include: x an automatic, no-fee, £500 authorised overdraft, with a market- leading rate of just 9.9 per cent EAR. x personal loans from a typical APR of just 9.5 per cent. x current account holders opening a cash mini ISA receive 4.25 per cent per annum - and it fully meets the CAT standards. x current account holders opening a smile no-notice savings account receive 3.75 per cent gross on every pound in their account. Ends For further information contact: 16 July 2002 Dave Smith/Paul Lawler The Co-operative Bank Press Office Tel: 0161 829 5397 Fax: 0161 839 4220 e-mail: press.office@co-operativebank.co.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/2002/07/16/20020716BIT00370/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/07/16/20020716BIT00370/wkr0002.pdf