London, October 29 2004: Leading online retailer Amazon.co.uk and HBOS today announced the launch of a co-branded credit card as part of a long-term alliance to offer consumers exceptional products, services and savings.
The Amazon.co.uk MasterCard will offer cardholders a loyalty programme where customers are rewarded with Amazon.co.uk gift certificates. Cardholders will earn one point for every pound spent on any Amazon website, while 0.5 points will be awarded for every pound spent elsewhere. For every 1,500 points they accumulate, cardholders will automatically receive a £15 Amazon.co.uk gift certificate to use towards Amazon.co.uk purchases.
Additional benefits include no annual fee and 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for the first six months (which moves to a 12.9% per annum variable rate thereafter).
"We are continually looking for ways to provide additional savings and convenience for our customers," said Robin Terrell, Managing Director of Amazon.co.uk. "Together with free super saver delivery on orders over £19, and low prices across the site, the Amazon.co.uk MasterCard is yet another way to help customers save money when they shop with us."
Commenting on the new card, Judy D'Albertson, Head of HBOS Card Services Partnerships and Affinities, said: "This new credit card launch with Amazon.co.uk underlines our position as a leading online credit card provider. The card offers customers a very competitive APR and introductory offer, as well as an attractive rewards scheme."
For additional information about the Amazon.co.uk MasterCard, visit www.amazon.co.uk.
For further information, please contact:
Rachel Silk / Marie Fagan
Amazon Press Office
Tel no: 020 8636 9280 / 07768 695759
Email: rsilk@amazon.co.uk
Alex Barnett
HBOS Press Office
Tel no: 01422 333829
About Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.co.uk opened its virtual doors in October 1998, and strives to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online. Amazon.co.uk and sellers list millions of new and used items in categories such as Books, Music, Video, DVD, Software, PC & Video Games, Electronics & Photo, Home & Garden, and Toys & Kids!. Through Amazon Marketplace, zShops and Auctions any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.co.uk's millions of customers. Amazon.co.uk customers enjoy the benefits of industry-leading online-shopping technology, such as secure credit-card payment, personalised recommendations, streamlined, 1-Click® ordering and hassle-free Bid-Click® auction bidding. Through Amazon Anywhere, Amazon.co.uk is also available on mobile phones with WAP technology--see www.amazon.co.uk/anywhere for details.
Amazon.com and its affiliates operate seven Web sites: www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.ca, and www.joyo.com.
As used herein, “Amazon.com,” “we,” “our” and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
Forward Looking Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may differ significantly from management's expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, risks related to potential future losses, significant amount of indebtedness, competition, management of growth, potential fluctuations in operating results, fulfillment center optimization, seasonality, commercial agreements, acquisitions, and strategic transactions, foreign exchange rates, system interruption, international expansion, consumer trends, inventory, limited operating history, government regulation and taxation, fraud, and new business areas. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, and all subsequent filings.