WILMINGTON, Del. and PHOENIX, Ariz., - (August 5, 2003) - Best Western International Inc., THE WORLD’S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN®, and Juniper Bank, a leading full-service credit card issuer, today announced a partnership agreement in which Juniper is
offering the Best Western MasterCard to Gold Crown Club International (GCCI) members.  The Best Western MasterCard gives consumers the opportunity to earn Global Free Room Night Vouchers good any day of the week with no blackout dates, airline miles and
gift certificates for dining, shopping and entertainment and there are no limits on the number of points a cardholder can earn.
Cardholders using the Best Western MasterCard are able to:

o Earn one 1,200 point Global Free Room Night Voucher at more than 1,000 hotels worldwide upon first use of their Best Western MasterCard
o Earn one reward point for every three dollars spent at a Best Western
o Earn one reward point for every five dollars spent elsewhere
o Earn up to 800 bonus points for balance transfers - Global Free Room Night Vouchers start at 800 points
o Earn awards quickly from retailers such as Macy’s and The Olive Garden for just 625 points
The Best Western MasterCard will feature a 0% introductory rate on balance transfers for 6 months and a low 9.9% variable APR.  There is no annual fee.

“Juniper was selected because of the company’s proven track record for quality customer care and innovative marketing,” said David Kong, senior vice president, Global Strategy and Development, Best Western International Inc.  “Our loyal Gold Crown Club International members are now able to earn points whether they are staying at a Best Western or shopping at the grocery story.  This helps us better serve our loyal customers by continuing to offer great incentives.”
“We’re very excited to have the opportunity to partner with Best Western. The Best Western MasterCard’s compelling incentives provide Best Western with a great way to reach new customers and retain existing ones,” said Kevin Kleinschmidt, managing director of partnership marketing at Juniper Bank.  “Gold Crown Club International members and other interested consumers can go to www.bestwestern.com for the Best Western MasterCard.”
Best Western MasterCard holders will receive all the benefits of being a Gold Crown Club International member.  GCCI, founded in 1988 to recognize and reward frequent travelers, has doubled in size in the last year and a half and is rated among the best
in the industry by Inside Flyer magazine.  All GCCI members have the opportunity to reach Platinum or Diamond reward status.  Platinum level status is achieved after completing 15 qualified nights at any Best Western worldwide during a calendar year an
d Diamond level status is achieved after completing 30 qualified nights.  Platinum and Diamond members earn 10 and 15 percent point bonuses on base points, respectively. Platinum and Diamond members are also entitled to:

o Quarterly recognition gifts
o Exclusive offers
o Dedicated level-exclusive priority service
o Complimentary room upgrades, early check-in and later check-out privileges, upon availability
o Point-pooling for individuals with the same address

About Best Western:
Best Western International is THE WORLD’S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN® with more than 4,000 hotels in 80 countries and territories. Best Western is a membership association of independently owned and operated hotels that provides marketing, reservations and
operational support to its members.
About Juniper Bank:
Juniper Bank is a leading full-service credit card issuer headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. For more information about partnership opportunities with Juniper Bank, please contact Juniper at [email protected]. Additional information about the com
pany and its products and services can be found at www.juniper.com. “Juniper” is a trademark of Juniper Bank.
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