"Branding Hinges On Seeing Names In Print." The old-fashioned way gives you credibility. The new brand masters used established methods, particularly print media. THE MARKETING REPORT, August 16, 1999, p. 1.

"Small Banks Gang Up To Survive In Card Business." Community banks are "recognizing that the credit card is a relationship product, and they're embracing it again." MBNA runs a big agent banking program, and even Citigroup has gotten into the business. Agent banking is thriving. AMERICAN BANKER, July 8, 1999, pp. 1-4.

"Selling Cards Via Internet Called Cheapest, Not Best." Internet marketing is the least expensive way for credit card issuers to pick up new customers, but it may not be the best. It costs a card issuer $38 to $180 to acquire an account, depending on the source. Some companies that encourage people to apply over the Internet say the channel has produced high fraud rates, partly as a result of people experimenting to see whether they can trick the system into extending credit. AMERICAN BANKER, July 9, 1999, pp. 1-2.