BMO launches first World Elite MasterCard in Canada

    
    New BMO World Elite MasterCard delivers highest flight redemption value,
    deluxe travel experiences, unique merchandise and financial rewards,
    plus ability to contribute to charitable donations.

    -  Part of the global MasterCard 'World Elite' program - BMO World Elite
       MasterCard will be the first World Elite MasterCard launched in the
       Canadian marketplace.
    -  Cardholders can redeem for worldwide travel, unique merchandise,
       gift certificates, BMO investment products, and charitable donations
    -  Welcome bonus offer of 15,000 BMO ELITE Rewards points (13,000 points
       are enough for a return flight between Toronto and New York).
    
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<p><span class="xn-location">TORONTO</span>, <span class="xn-chron">March 16</span> /CNW/ - BMO Bank of <span class="xn-location">Montreal</span> today launched a new MasterCard product designed for Canadians that will provide cardholders with first-class benefits. The BMO World Elite MasterCard addresses the needs of customers who are looking for dedicated customer service, a rich travel rewards program, exclusive benefits and comprehensive first-class travel insurance.</p>
<p>"We've built the BMO World Elite card around what our customers want, namely superior flexibility, unmatched choice and comprehensive insurance coverage," said Nancy Marescotti, Director, Payments Marketing, BMO Bank of <span class="xn-location">Montreal</span> "The BMO World Elite card will provide a differentiated customer experience and enhanced benefits."</p>
<p>BMO is the first financial institution to leverage MasterCard's World Elite benefits and develop a best in class travel rewards credit card. The MasterCard World Elite Program features exclusive access to tickets to popular concerts, theatre events, international cultural events, luxury travel packages and much more. Special offers with select partners including Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts are also part of the program.</p>
<p>To complement the MasterCard benefits, BMO is launching its proprietary rewards program that will provide customers with superior value, choice and flexibility. Customers will earn 1 BMO ELITE Rewards point for every <span class="xn-money">$1</span> spent in purchases and the rewards points never expire. "Our customers told us they wanted a card that lets them travel with the utmost flexibility so we created the rewards program to allow redemptions on any airline with no blackout periods or seat restrictions including business/first class," said Marescotti. Customers can also use points to cover all flight charges, including taxes, fuel surcharges and booking fees.</p>
<p>"Because BMO World Elite redemptions are applied against actual retail fare costs, you get the compounded benefit of carrier discounts and low-season sales," said <span class="xn-person">Ms. Marescotti</span>. "Other cards charge a fixed number of points per destination. This is a significant advantage that the BMO World Elite MasterCard holds over many of the other major Travel Rewards programs in <span class="xn-location">Canada</span>."</p>
<p>Another unique feature of the card is that customers can redeem their points toward several BMO financial investment choices including Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and non-registered accounts.</p>
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    The card also offers

    -  21 days out-of-country travel medical coverage - up to $2 million in
       eligible expenses
    -  Priority Pass membership, which includes special access to more than
       600 VIP airport lounges worldwide ($180 USD value)
    -  Dedicated BMO World Elite Customer Service
    -  International concierge service


    Backgrounder

    Product Details:
    -  $150 Annual Fee (additional cards $50/year)
    -  Membership in the BMO ELITE(TM) Rewards program
    -  15,000 points welcome bonus
    -  Earn 1 BMO ELITE Rewards point for every $1 in purchases
    -  Rewards points never expire
    -  Out-of-country medical coverage, trip cancellation/delay insurance
    -  Collision or Loss damage insurance, and more
    -  Exclusive access to tickets to popular concerts and theatre events,
       international cultural events, luxury travel packages and much more
    -  Priority Pass membership, which includes special access to more than
       600 VIP airport lounges worldwide ($180 USD value)
    -  Dedicated BMO World Elite Customer Service
    -  Concierge Service

    The BMO World Elite MasterCard offers you a superior level of service,
    world-class travel benefits and first-class travel insurance. Plus, it
    gives you exclusive access to one-of-a-kind experiences and sought-after
    cultural events.

    Rewards      -  Membership in the BMO ELITE Rewards program
                 -  15,000 points welcome bonus
                 -  Earn 1 BMO ELITE Rewards point for every $1 in purchases
                 -  Rewards points never expire

    Protection   -  Comprehensive travel coverage, including:
                      -  21 days out-of-country travel medical coverage - up
                         to $2 million in eligible expenses
                      -  Trip cancellation/delay insurance
                      -  Collision or Loss damage insurance, and more

    Access       -  Exclusive access to tickets to popular concerts and
                    theatre events, international cultural events, luxury
                    travel packages and much more
                 -  Priority Pass annual membership, which includes special
                    access to more than 600 VIP airport lounges worldwide
                    ($180 USD value)
                      -  Receive three complimentary VIP lounge visits per
                         membership year for the primary cardholder. World
                         Elite VIP lounge visits beyond the three
                         complimentary visits and guest visits are $27USD
                         each
                 -  Special MasterCard World Elite offers with select
                    partners like Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Fairmont
                    Hotels & Resorts

    Service      -  Dedicated BMO World Elite Customer Service can assist you
                    promptly and efficiently from home or abroad
                 -  Concierge Service that can assist you 24/7 with
                    personalized travel dining, leisure and entertainment
                    recommendations
    
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<p>BMO ELITE Rewards Program</p>
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<p>As a BMO World Elite MasterCard customer, you are automatically enrolled in the BMO ELITE Rewards Program. Collect one BMO ELITE Rewards point for every <span class="xn-money">$1</span> you spend. Rewards points never expire and can be redeemed for exclusive travel rewards, luxury merchandise, lifestyle experiences, charitable donations or special gifts for yourself or someone else.</p>
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    Here are just some of the rewards available from the BMO ELITE Rewards
    Program:

    -  Travel rewards including flights, hotels, cruises and vacation
       packages. Use your points to cover all charges, even taxes
         -  15,000 points welcome bonus - Short-haul flights start at just
            13,000 points
         -  Fly on any airline with no blackout periods or seat restrictions
         -  Use your points to cover ALL charges including taxes, fuel
            surcharges and booking fees
    -  Rejuvenating experiences, such as spa gift certificates or fine dining
    -  A selection of luxury merchandise items, such as flat-screen TVs, a
       Vespa scooter and more
    -  Contribution to BMO financial investments or charitable donations:
         -  Use your points toward several BMO financial investment choices
            including Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), Registered
            Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and non-registered accounts
         -  Make a charitable donation
    

For further information: For Media Enquiries: Ralph Marranca, Toronto, [phone], [email protected]; Sarah Bensadoun, Montreal, [phone], [email protected]; Internet: www.bmo.com