Score Is Tied between Beckham and Pele in Chase Survey of Soccer Fans

Business Wire, Oct 31, 2007

New U.S. Soccer Arrival David Beckham Favorite Among Female Fans

WILMINGTON, Del. -- Chase Card Services, a division of JPMorgan Chase & Co. [NYSE:JPM], conducted a recent survey to gauge fans' reaction to soccer, particularly with the arrival of David Beckham. Although Beckham was sidelined during most of the soccer season due to injuries, 68 percent of soccer fans who participated in the survey felt he would have a significant impact on soccer in the U.S., making more Americans interested in the sport. The Los Angeles-based player also had particular appeal among female sports fans - 28 percent of female sports fans listed Beckham as their favorite soccer player in comparison to 15 percent of male respondents.

Although more than half (64 percent) of soccer fans said they would watch more soccer due to the Beckham factor, the midfield player tied in popularity with another hero among soccer fans. When asked about their favorite soccer player, past or present, fans chose both Beckham and Pele, who respectively earned 28 percent and 26 percent of responses.

A long-time supporter of sports fans, Chase created its Ultimate Fan Rewards program to offer consumers credit card rewards toward exclusive sporting event experiences, memorabilia and other merchandise across several sports, including soccer. The Chase Major League Soccer Platinum Visa[R] Card, offered through the Ultimate Fan Rewards program, gives fans access to games, unique soccer memorabilia and merchandise by using the card to earn rewards.

"Soccer continues to have a growing fan base in the U.S.," said Heather Philp, senior vice president, Chase Card Services. "With this in mind, we designed the Chase Major League Soccer Ultimate Fan Rewards Card to give soccer fanatics access to unique experiences - such as special game tickets - simply by using their rewards card to make purchases."

Soccer Fans Kick Around "Ultimate Rewards"

When asked about the "ultimate reward" for soccer fans, 40 percent of all respondents said their dream as a soccer fan is to attend the World Cup, while seven percent of soccer fan respondents favor having special access to their favorite team or player.

Chase also asked survey participants what they would be willing to do to get tickets to their favorite Major League Soccer team's game. Nearly half of soccer fan respondents - 49 percent - said they were willing to participate in a stunt such as a half-time goal kick, while 46 percent said they were willing to call in sick to work.

"Fortunately, soccer fans who use the Chase Major League Soccer Ultimate Fan Rewards Card won't have to call in sick to earn tickets to a soccer game," said Philp.

This survey was conducted online by MarketTools on behalf of Chase Card Services between Aug. 7 and Aug. 22, 2007. The results are from a nationwide sample of 1,917 total respondents of adults between the ages of 18-49.

Chase Helps Fans Get in on the Action

Through Chase, soccer lovers can choose between Major League Soccer, the U.S. National Team and the Mexican National Team Chase Ultimate Fan Rewards Visa credit cards in 12 different designs. Rewards that can be earned include fan memorabilia and experiences such as a U.S. Soccer Replica Ball or a trip to a men's or women's FIFA World Cup qualification game. For more information about the Chase Ultimate Fan Rewards cards, including the Major League Soccer Platinum Visa[R] Card, visit www.chase.com or call 1-800-347-7887.

About JPMorgan Chase & Co.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $1.5 trillion and operations in more than 50 countries. The company has more than 154 million credit cards issued. Under the Chase and JPMorgan brands, the firm serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients. Information about the firm is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.