Fifth Third Bank to Introduce Visa Signature Program

8/19/2008


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
[email protected]