BANK OF IRELAND LAUNCHES NEW GOLD VISA CARD FOR BUSINESS CUSTOMERS

- Allows cardholders free access to Aer Lingus Gold Circle Lounge
- Online access to a transaction management system customised to their needs

Bank of Ireland launched its new business card offering, the Gold Visa Business Card, today (13 December 2006), which is specifically designed for business customers. Its unique features allow the cardholder and a travelling guest to access Aer Lingus Gold Circle Lounges worldwide when travelling on Aer Lingus scheduled flights. Cardholders will also have access to priority check-in on long haul routes and 24 hour WorldWide Travelex Emergency Travel Assistance.

In addition, all Gold Visa Business cardholders can avail of a customised web based transaction management system. The new system, Gold Visa Business Online, allows businesses to view transactions at anytime and simplify the expense reconciliation process. Access to the system is via Bank of Ireland's website - www.boi.ie/goldvbc - and there are no enrolling or recurring charges.

According to Scott Kirkwood, Marketing Manager, Bank of Ireland Business Banking, "When researching the needs of our business customers, it became apparent that many have a requirement for features over and above those available on our Standard Visa Business Card, especially those who travel on a regular basis". "Our new Gold Visa Business card will benefit the business traveller through our exclusive arrangement with Aer Lingus, which will allow every cardholder and a guest free access to the Aer Lingus Gold Circle Lounges in Dublin, Cork and Shannon as well as more than thirty affiliated lounges in airports worldwide when travelling on Aer Lingus scheduled fights. Cardholders will also have access to priority check-in facilities on all long haul routes provided by Aer Lingus, along with 24-hour Worldwide Customer Services support. All these substantial benefits are available to all Gold Visa Business Cardholders at no additional cost", he added.

"Extra features of Gold Visa Business Card will benefit both businesses and cardholders by delivering an easy, efficient and time saving expense reconciliation process. By availing of the Gold Visa Business Online system, which we have designed to suit the needs of our business customers, it will allow companies to negotiate better rates with suppliers by monitoring their expenditure, thus creating savings. Businesses will also have more control over their expenses and cardholders can view e-statements and produce reports at any time. We believe that Gold Visa Business Card will meet the requirements of both the business traveller and their business", he concluded.

Applications for Bank of Ireland Gold Visa Business Card are available in all branches. Alternatively, contact your Business Relationship Manager in your local branch.

For further information contact:

Cora Whyte
Group Corporate Communications
Bank of Ireland
Telephone: 01 604 3324

Jane Kealy
Marketing Manager
Bank of Ireland Cards Business
Telephone: 01 617 6372