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1. MBNA AMEX CARD

MBNA, a major VISA and MasterCard issuer, launched an American Express card, the first U.S. card issuer to do so. The new MBNA-AmEx card, launched in November, offers complimentary enrollment in "MBNA WorldPoints," earning one point for every purchase, and double points for travel and dining until 2006. Cardholders receive access to American Express services including emergency assistance services offered at 1,700 AmEx location in 130 countries, travel accident insurance, CDW coverage, and fraud protection. AmEx is also providing cardholders with special offers from nearly 100 retailers. MBNA says it plans to develop a premium line of AmEx-branded cards in 2005. For more information visit http://www.mbna.com.

2. DREAMCARD MASTERCARD

A new MasterCard was introduced in August that gives cardholders a chance to win a monthly cash jackpot of at least $25,000, every time they spend $1 on purchases. The new "American DreamCard Platinum MasterCard" awards one sweepstakes entry for every net $1.00 spent on the card, up to 1,000 entries per a $1,000 transaction. Consumers also receive 1,000 entries for applying during the promotional period which ends September 30th. If approved, cardholders will also earn 100 entries by enrolling in the online account servicing platform, and one hundred entries each time they pay their "American DreamCard" bill online. Monthly winners will receive 0.50% of the total amount of net dollars spent by the cumulative number of cardholders on their "American DreamCards" during each drawing period. The maximum monthly prize is expected to vary between $30,000 and $100,000. Metris/Direct Merchants Credit Card Bank is the issuer. For more information visit: http://www.americandreamcard.com.

3. STRATUS REWARDS VISA

Stratus Rewards and U.S. Bank teamed to launch a new card in April, with a $1,500 annual fee, which rewards users with points that can be redeemed for private jet travel or life-inspiring experiences. "Stratus Rewards VISA," or "White VISA," cardholders earn one point for each dollar charged. About 200,000 points are required for a free hour of flight on a seven-passenger "Citation Ultra" private jet. To help members enjoy benefits more quickly, Stratus Rewards encourages members to pool their points with friends and colleagues. Annual membership dues are $500 for secondary cardholders. Cardholders may also donate their points for cash contributions to a handful of select philanthropic organizations. For more information visit http://www.stratusrewards.com.

4. PREMIER-PASS MASTERCARD

Citibank launched two new rewards credit cards in September offering points for miles flown on any airline as well as points for all purchases. The new "Citi PremierPass MasterCard" also enables cardholders to earn points for the purchase, plus the miles flown, on tickets purchased for family or friends. Since the new card is not sponsored by an airline, cardholders can continue to earn separate frequent flyer miles from their airline carrier if they are enrolled in its frequent flyer program. Cardholders of the "PremierPass MasterCard" can earn up to 100,000 total points per calendar year, only 50,000 of which may be flight points. Cardholders of the "Elite PremierPass MasterCard" can earn up to 200,000 total points per calendar year, only 100,000 of which may be flight points. The "Elite" card carries a $75 annual fee, while the standard card is free. There are also sign-up bonus points: 5,000 for the standard card and 15,000 for the "Elite" card. Points do not expire if the card is used at least once in three years. Points earned on either "PremierPass MasterCard" can be used to purchase round-trip airline tickets on any airline worldwide, with no black-out dates, starting at 25,000 points. Unlike many generic air mile credit card programs, Citi does not cap the ticket value. Cardholders may also redeem points for merchandise via Citi's "ThankYou Redemptions Network." Both cards carry Citi's standard prime +9.99% pricing. For more information visit: http://www.citicards.com.

5. REAL REWARDS VISA

Providian launched a new credit card in February that rewards cardholders for making purchases, maintaining a balance, and making payments on time. Under the new "Providian Real Rewards VISA," cardholders earn one point per $1 spent, 10 points for each $100 in revolving balances every billing cycle, and 500 points for on-time payments in six consecutive billing cycles. The points can be redeemed for rewards at restaurants and retailers, cash back in the form of statement credits, a lower interest rate, or to get a late or over-limit fee credit. For example: 1,000 points for a $10 Barnes & Noble gift card; 3,000 points for a late or over-limit fee credit; 5,000 points for a $40 cash statement credit; and, 10,000 points for three percentage points off the purchase APR for 12 consecutive billing cycles. Providian also launched the "Providian Real Information" program whereby customers will have free online access to their "FICO" credit score, a score simulator, and a supporting credit information summary. For more information visit http://www.providian.com.

6. IN-NYC AMEX

American Express introduced a card in October just for fellow New Yorkers. The new "IN:NYC Card" offers "INSIDE Rewards" points redeemable for certificates at more than 70 New York City establishments or for one-of-a-kind experiential rewards. Cardholders earn one point for every dollar spent and double points on dining, movies, mobile phone service, cable and satellite TV service, Internet service, gym membership, and magazine/newspaper subscriptions. "IN:NYC" cardholders can also share or transfer "INSIDE Rewards" points with friends and family. Another "IN:NYC" benefit provides cardholders with VIP access to concert venues. For more information visit http://www.americanexpress.com/nyc.

7. HOME REBATE MASTERCARD

Citigroup introduced a new consumer credit card in April to the general public that links a rebate feature to the cardholder's mortgage, regardless of the provider. The "Citi Home Rebate Platinum Select MasterCard" offers a full 1% rebate on all purchases, with no annual or lifetime cap. The card carries no annual fee and 0% interest rate on purchases and balance transfers through November 2004. The go-to APR is prime +6.99%. Citi is inviting consumers to check out its on-line mortgage savings calculator to estimate savings. For more information visit: http://www.CitiCards.com.

8. EQUITY REWARDS MASTERCARD

GMAC Mortgage and MBNA launched a new card on May called the "Equity Rewards Platinum Plus MasterCard." The new card helps cardholders pay down their mortgage balance with GMAC Mortgage by applying the "Equity Rewards" directly to the mortgage principal. The card offers one point for every dollar in net retail purchases charged to the card. Each time a cardholder accumulates 2,500 points, $25 is credited automatically to the cardholder's mortgage principal with GMAC Mortgage. There is no annual limit on points and no annual limit on how many "Equity Rewards" can be applied to the reduction of mortgage principal. Redemption is automated and occurs once each quarter. For more information on the "GMAC Mortgage Equity Rewards Card" call 800-821-8758.

9. EXTRA POINTS VISA/MASTERCARD

The ultimate football credit card was introduced in August by MBNA and the NFL. The new "MBNA NFL Extra Points" credit card is available with the team logo of any of the 32 NFL clubs, the NFL shield, and as either a VISA or MasterCard. The card also offers football fans a variety of NFL and NFL TEAM experiences such as dinner with a coach, golf with former players, sideline passes, game tickets, etc. Cardholders receive one point for each dollar charged. "Extra Points" redemptions include "VIP Draft Party Access" for 8,000 points, two game tickets for 35,000 points, dinner with a coach for 80,000 points, two "Super Bowl" tickets for 200,000 points, and many more options. MBNA is the official credit card issuer of the NFL and all 32 NFL teams. For more information visit: www.extrapointscard.com.

10. MERRILL+ VISA

The "Merrill+ VISA" was unveiled in April, offering a credit limit up to $250,000, free nights at The Ritz-Carlton, and free upgrades on international tickets with British Airways. The benefits are tiered with "+Benefits" available to all cardholders; "+2 Benefits" for those charging $20,000 or more annually; and, "+3 Benefits" for those charging $50,000 or more annually. Examples of "+ benefits" include complimentary spa services when you stay at leading destinations such as Canyon Ranch and New Age Health Spa (+Level), a two-category upgrade on the "World's Leading Cruise Lines" (+2Level), and three complimentary nights at The Ritz-Carlton and business-to-first upgrades on international tickets with British Airways (+3Level). Under the program, cardholders earn one "+Point" for every dollar charged and there is no cap on the points you can earn. The card, issued through MBNA, offers two pricing options: 5.9% APR on purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers or 0% APR on cash advances, and balance transfers for 12 months and 7.9% APR for purchases. For more information visit www.card.ml.com.

THE MOST UNUSUAL CARD FOR 2004 COMES FROM TCF FINANCIAL:

It walks and talks like a credit card, it's not a debit card, it is not exactly a charge card, and it produces rewards. What am I? It's a platinum VISA credit card linked to a checking account that is automatically paid-off each month. The innovative combination is the brainchild of Minnesota-based TCF Financial. The new, free "TCF Miles Plus VISA" credit card is packaged with the high-yielding "TCF Premier Checking Plus" account. TCF says the program is uniquely suited for customers who maintain checking account balances of $5,000 or more and pay off their credit card balance each month. Cardholders of the new "TCF Miles Plus VISA" credit card earn one point for every dollar of purchases made with their card. The points can be used as miles for free air travel. TCF customers receive a combined account statement, which shows not only all checking account activity but also all of their credit card purchases made with their "Miles Plus" card during the same time period. Card purchases are then automatically deducted from the checking account 15 days after the statement is generated. TCF is also offering its new "Premier Checking Plus" customers 5,000 points to get their reward account started after their first card purchase. For more information visit: http://www.tcfexpress.com.