Linsco/Private Ledger First Brokerage Firm to Offer American Express-B

WILMINGTON, Del., May 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MBNA today announced the introduction of the LPL Rewards American Express(R)-branded credit card, the first MBNA-issued American Express card to be offered by a brokerage firm. The LPL Rewards American Express(R) Card enhances the diversity of products that Linsco/Private Ledger (LPL) Financial Advisors can offer clients, allowing advisors to deepen business relationships with them.

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The new LPL Rewards American Express(R) Card issued by MBNA America(R) is designed for LPL Financial Advisors and their clients who wish to access the unique range of rewards, privileges and services available from MBNA and the American Express network.

"The launch of the LPL Rewards American Express(R) Card is welcome news for advisors and clients who have been asking for an American Express-branded LPL credit card," said Tom Berry, senior vice president of Private Client Services for LPL. "MBNA's new credit card allows our advisors to better serve their clients by expanding their range of products with a card that matches excellent benefits and rewards with industry-leading customer service."

"We are extremely pleased to be working with LPL to introduce an American Express-branded credit card," said Michelle Shepherd MBNA Group Executive. "We designed the LPL Rewards American Express(R) Card to offer the right mix of rewards and benefits that matter to cardholders."

The LPL Rewards American Express(R) Card includes: Exceptional Rewards -- Complimentary enrollment in MBNA WorldPoints(R) -- One point for every purchase; double points for travel and dining until January 1, 2006 -- Redemption options include cash, travel with no blackout dates, brand-name merchandise and gift cards Special Privileges -- Cardmember offers from American Express with top-name retail and travel merchants -- VIP access to dining, hotel and sought-after tickets from personal concierge services Broad Range of Travel and Retail Benefits -- Access to 1,700 American Express(R) Travel Service locations in more than 130 countries along with emergency assistance service -- Automatic travel accident insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance -- Retail protection against theft or damage for goods purchased with this card World Class Service -- MBNA's world-class customer service plus access to the website, http://www.ibsrewards.com/ -- Online banking center linking all MBNA-issued cards, including the LPL Rewards American Express Card. About MBNA

MBNA Corporation , the largest independent credit card lender in the world and a recognized leader in affinity marketing, is an international financial services company providing lending, deposit, and credit insurance products and services. MBNA credit cards and related products and services are endorsed by more than 5,000 organizations and financial institutions worldwide. For more information, visit the company's web site at http://www.mbna.com/.

About American Express

American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company, founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, business services, insurance and international banking. Since 1996, American Express has been aggressively pursuing a strategy of opening its merchant network to third party issuers around the world. By leveraging its global infrastructure and the powerful appeal of the American Express brand, the Company aims to gain even broader reach for its network worldwide. American Express has now established close to 90 card-issuing partnership arrangements in 100 countries.

About LPL

With over 1,000 staff members headquartered in San Diego and Boston, LPL offers non-proprietary investment products and wealth management services through more than 5,900 financial advisors nationwide. LPL is committed to providing our financial advisors with the tools they need to offer the highest quality of independent investment advice. For more information about LPL, please visit http://www.lpl.com/.