MasterCard, MBNA, Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens Deploy MasterCard PayPass

Business Wire, Feb 22, 2005

PURCHASE, N.Y. -- MBNA Seahawks and MBNA Ravens Extra Points Cards to be PayPass-enabled, Offering Fans Speed, Convenience and Rewards

MasterCard International today announced it is working with MBNA, the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens Football Clubs to incorporate MasterCard(R) PayPass(TM) contactless payment technology into the MBNA Seahawks and MBNA Ravens Extra Points credit card programs. Both Qwest Field and M&T Bank Stadium will accept MasterCard PayPass cards at the point-of-sale, beginning with the 2005 football season.

With MasterCard PayPass, Seahawks and Ravens fans won't miss any of the action standing in lines or fumbling for cash. Seahawks and Ravens fans will be able to simply tap their new MBNA Seahawks or MBNA Ravens Extra Points credit card on specially equipped merchant terminals throughout the stadiums when purchasing refreshments or souvenirs.

"The Seattle Seahawks are excited about offering fans an easy-to-use contactless payment solution, in addition to providing rewards," said Scott Patrick, vice president, Partnership Development, the Seattle Seahawks. "Fans benefit from the added speed and convenience in quickly returning to their seats and enjoying the game."

"We are thrilled to be offering ardent Ravens fans such a convenient payment and rewards program," said Dennis Mannion, senior vice president, Business Ventures, the Baltimore Ravens. "In addition to accumulating redeemable points, fans can now benefit from a quick, easy-to-use contactless payment card, enhancing their in-stadium experience."

"The benefits of MasterCard PayPass extend far beyond a simpler way to pay," said Robert Cramer, vice president of Partner and Content Integration, MasterCard International. "PayPass provides the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens with a valuable tool for loyal fans to stay connected with their favorite team inside the stadium, as well as everywhere they use their MasterCard card."

MasterCard PayPass uses radio frequency technology to transmit payment details wirelessly between the PayPass device and the merchant's terminal. The transaction is then processed through the MasterCard network for clearing and settlement. MasterCard PayPass acceptance is ideal for sports venues and other cash-heavy environments, such as quick serve restaurants, drug stores, and movie theaters, where speed and ease of use are essential.

PayPass-enabled cards, like other traditional MasterCard cards, also include magnetic stripe technology, so cardholders can use the cards anywhere MasterCard is accepted around the world.

Seahawks and Ravens fans currently benefit by using the no annual fee MBNA card program to accumulate points for every net retail dollar they spend. Points can be redeemed toward an incredible range of rewards, including:

--Authentic autographed jerseys, helmets and footballs

--VIP parking, training camp visits and exciting team experiences

--Season tickets and pre-game tours

Last year, the Philadelphia Eagles launched a similar implementation of MasterCard PayPass acceptance at its stadium. MasterCard is continuing to explore further deployments of PayPass at sports arenas throughout 2005, providing sports teams and merchants with the opportunity to offer new payment and reward applications and increase customer loyalty.

To apply for a MBNA Seahawks, Ravens or Eagles Extra Points card, fans can sign up by logging on to www.mbna.com, or by calling MBNA at 1-800-932-2775. Additional information regarding MasterCard PayPass is available at www.paypass.com.

About MBNA Corporation

MBNA (NYSE: KRB), the largest independent credit card lender in the world and a recognized leader in affinity marketing, is an international financial services company providing lending, deposit, and credit insurance products and services. MBNA credit cards and related products and services are endorsed by more than 5,000 organizations worldwide. MBNA employs approximately 28,000 people, each of whom is committed to satisfying the Customer. For more information, visit the company's web site at http://www.mbna.com.

About MasterCard International

MasterCard International is a leading global payments solutions company that provides a broad variety of innovative services in support of our global members' credit, deposit access, electronic cash, business-to-business and related payment programs. MasterCard International manages a family of well-known, widely accepted payment card brands including MasterCard(R), Maestro(R) and Cirrus(R) and serves financial institutions, consumers and businesses in over 210 countries and territories. The MasterCard award-winning Priceless(R) advertising campaign is now seen in 97 countries and in 47 languages, giving the MasterCard brand a truly global reach and scope. For more information go to www.mastercardinternational.com.