U.S. Bank, TACA Airlines introduce new Visa credit card program

Minneapolis, July 10, 2009 -- U.S. Bank, the sixth-largest bank in the United States, and TACA Airlines, a premiere airline serving North, Central and South America, have partnered to offer the DISTANCIA Visa® and DISTANCIA Visa® Signature credit cards. These cards will dramatically accelerate the benefits and value of the customer’s DISTANCIA frequent flyer membership.

Editor's Note:  And, since most travelers book their airfare online, I would think that TACA would enjoy the Interchange savings that an Internet PIN Debit rate could provide.

“TACA is a world-class airline that is recognized as best in class for its service to North, Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. We welcome them to the U.S. Bank family and look forward to serving their loyal customers,” said Pat Coll, executive vice president of U.S. Bank Retail Payment Solutions.

DISTANCIA is the frequent flyer loyalty program of TACA Airlines, which has several hundred thousand members in the United States. DISTANCIA Visa customers will earn one mile for every dollar spent in purchases with the card. Special to this card program is an excess luggage redemption discount, which is particularly meaningful for travelers given the airline industry excess luggage fees. Benefits available only on the DISTANCIA Visa Signature® card include: double miles on TACA Airlines purchases; no preset spending limit; 24-hour complimentary Visa Signature Concierge Service; special offers from the finest hotels, resorts, retail and travel providers; advance ticket sales and preferred seating at popular events; complimentary Zagat® Survey restaurant ratings and reviews; and travel and emergency assistance services including roadside dispatch.

“We are pleased to be partnering with U.S. Bank, an organization that shares our passion for providing value via a great customer experience and a personal touch. Through the collaboration and combined experience of our teams, our new DISTANCIA Visa credit card is a product we believe will meet the specific needs of our target market,” said Matthew Vincett, commercial vice president of TACA Airlines. “The new DISTANCIA Visa will be the only credit card available to U.S. residents that awards DISTANCIA Miles.”

TACA is giving away 10 passes to fly free for a year as part of a sweepstakes promotion to launch the new card program. For more information about the sweepstakes and to learn more about the DISTANCIA Visa cards, visit www.distanciavisa.com .

TACA is in eight major metropolitan areas in the United States: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York City (JFK), Washington D.C. (Dulles) and Miami. Based in El Salvador, TACA (Transportes Aéreos del Continente Americano or Air Transports of the American Continent) flies to 40 destinations in 23 countries in North, Central, South America and the Caribbean, including daily flights to eight of the largest cities in the United States and Toronto, Canada, with hubs in El Salvador; Lima, Peru; and San Jose, Costa Rica. To learn more, visit www.taca.com .

U.S. Bank has partnered with the airline industry with more than 30 years issuing, processing and acquiring of consumer, business and corporate cards for more than 40 airlines.

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), with $264 billion in assets, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the 6th largest commercial bank in the United States. The company operates 2,847 banking offices and 5,183 ATMs in 24 states, and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com .

Source: Company press release.