Members of Scottish Rite Freemasons Can Now Support the Organization with the Scottish Rite Credit Card From U.S. Bank

Business Wire, April 6, 2005

MINNEAPOLIS & LEXINGTON, Mass. -- Members and supporters of the Scottish Rite may now support the organization's charitable causes by using the new Scottish Rite affinity credit card, created in partnership with U.S. Bank. The card benefits the organization each time a new card is activated and again each and every time that card is used.

This affinity program will help Scottish Rite Charities to fund several collegiate scholarships as well as graduate research in the fight against schizophrenia, help kids to learn to read at 32 Degrees Masonic Learning Centers for Children, and help to preserve national heritage through the programs and conservation efforts of the National Heritage Museum.

Scottish Rite members and charity supporters have a choice of one of three cards offered through this U.S. Bank partnership, including one that earns reward points that can be redeemed for gift certificates, merchandise, cash and travel rewards. The partnership improves ability of the Scottish Rite organization to offer members high-quality affinity credit products. The partnership also demonstrates U.S. Bank's commitment to be a key corporate partner to the Scottish Rite.

"The prestige and history of the Scottish Rite is widely recognized and we are proud to join in supporting that legacy," said Tanya Turner, senior vice president of affinity products at U.S. Bank. "The Scottish Rite credit card will be a tremendous asset to anyone who wishes to support the organization's charitable causes with purchases they make every day."

The new cards are available through local valley offices, the Supreme Council web site www.supremecouncil.org/visa, or by calling 1-800-853-5576 ext. 8449.

Scottish Rite is a fraternal organization of Master Masons whose mission it is to improve the individual character, leadership and spirit of its members through relevant teachings and programs; to promote family and community values; to serve mankind through the impact of its extensive charitable outreach; to inspire men to support the principles of the organization and to strengthen the Masonic Way of Life through its worldwide brotherhood.

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB), with assets of $195 billion, is the 6th largest financial holding company in the United States. The company operates 2,370 banking offices and 4,620 ATMs, and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. U.S. Bancorp is home of the Five Star Service Guarantee which assures customers of certain key banking benefits and services or customers will be paid for their inconvenience. U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of U.S. Bank. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at usbank.com.