Tom Watson 'Tees Off' the New Enhanced World MasterCard(R) Card Program

PURCHASE, N.Y., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- . Today, MasterCard International, along with PGA legend Tom Watson, will treat some lucky business executives to a lunch-time round of golf without ever leaving Manhattan. The event showcases the enhanced World MasterCard(R) card offerings and the innovative rewards card, the Citi PremierPass(R) MasterCard(R) card, bringing "the rewards program to end all reward programs" to life.

Earlier this year, MasterCard launched its enhanced World MasterCard card program to further establish its leading profile among affluent consumers in the United States. The World MasterCard card allows cardholders to choose from a wide selection of rewards, from vacations to donations, based on their personal needs and interests.

Based upon extensive research, MasterCard determined "what matters most" to high net worth consumers, including simplicity, managed customization and value, versus the novelties and gimmicks so often found in the category. Within the affluent segment, the company determined that "one size does not fit all" and that these consumers have different priorities for different stages of life.

One such unique rewards card in the enhanced World MasterCard card program is the Citi PremierPass MasterCard card, the only credit card to reward cardholders for the miles they fly on any airline, in addition to the dollars they spend on the card. Also, unlike any other rewards program, the Citi PremierPass MasterCard card offers its cardholders points for the purchase of airline tickets for family or friends, plus points for the miles flown on each of those tickets.

"Each World MasterCard cardholder is unique, and only they know what is truly rewarding to them, whether it is giving back to a charity or traveling to a unique destination like an exclusive golf resort," said Nicole Risafi, vice president, MasterCard International. "What better way to highlight the new enhanced World MasterCard program and a unique rewards card like the Citi PremierPass MasterCard card than bringing the travel and golf rewards to life right in the middle of Manhattan?"

The mass-affluent category is an increasingly sought-after segment in the payments space. By offering a rewards program based on four distinct categories -- Personal, Family, Finances and Community -- the World MasterCard card provides a unique and personalized rewards program while further enhancing MasterCard's already strong position in the affluent market. Purchase volume for the World MasterCard card increased more than 20 percent from year-end 2003 to year-end 2004.

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 cards 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 105 countries and in 48 languages, giving the MasterCard brand a truly global reach and scope.

For more information go to http://www.mastercardinternational.com/ or refer to our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Citi

Citi Cards, or Citi, is a member of the Citigroup . Citigroup, the preeminent global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, insurance, securities brokerage and asset management. Major brand names under Citigroup's trademark red umbrella include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney, Banamex and Travelers Life and Annuity. Additional information may be found at http://www.citigroup.com/.

Contact:

Joanne Trout, MasterCard International, 1.914.249.5826