Shop Safe and Protect Your PC...With MBNA, You're Covered!

CHESTER, England, January 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MBNA is offering a year's complimentary online security protection to millions of its UK customers. The security software is being provided by McAfee, (NYSE: MFE), the world's largest dedicated security company.

Soaring levels of online shopping are seeing customers demanding greater security from credit card companies.

The ground-breaking deal gives MBNA customers a year's complimentary use of a McAfee Online Banking security suite worth around GBP60.

Ian O'Doherty, Europe executive for MBNA, said: "We want MBNA customers to know that when they use our credit cards, they're covered. Our commitment to security and protection is stronger than ever and this 'no strings attached' deal is available for all of our customers.

"Millions of people are spending their hard-earned money online, but concerns about credit card security are high(1). We have layers of protection on our cards; but we'll continue to do more to make our customers safer."

The complimentary software package includes virus, spyware and adware protection; anti-spam and e-mail protection; a website safety advisor that flags malicious links within web search results, e-mail and instant messages; a two-way firewall to repel hackers; and one GB of online backup for consumers' most important files. The offer is available to all MBNA customers who have registered for Online Card Services(2).

MBNA has layers of security on all its products. One example is Sitekey (http://www.mbna.co.uk/protection-security/online-banking-security/index.html ), an anti-phishing tool unique in the UK credit card market, that helps MBNA to identify one of its customers, and vice versa, when banking online.

MBNA customers are also encouraged to use 3-D secure ( https://www.securesuite.co.uk/mbna/registration/welcome.jsp?partner=mbnairelandvisa) , a service provided by MBNA and certified by Visa and Mastercard offering secure Internet shopping.

(Due to the length of the above URL, it may be necessary to copy and paste the hyperlink into your Internet browser's URL address field. Remove the space if one exists.)

(1) MBNA commissioned a SKOPOS Opinion People panel of 752 UK credit card customers in August 2010. More than 88% highlighted security and protection as a vital part of their credit card - 43% singled it out as the most important factor.

(2) To take up the McAfee Online Banking Suite offer, MBNA customers should log in to Online Card Services and visit the "Your Account" page, which will guide them through the steps. Customers not already registered on Online Card Services can follow the quick registration process and follow the same simple process. For details about McAfee Online Banking Suite and the terms of the offer, go to http://www.mbna.co.uk/protection-security/mcafee

About MBNA Europe Bank

MBNA Europe is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE: BAC) and is the recognised leader in affinity marketing.

For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.mbna.co.uk or Bank of America's website at http://www.bankofamerica.com

Editor and supplementary notes:

The information contained in MBNA Europe's press releases is intended solely for journalists and should not be used by consumers to make financial decisions. Any consumer interested in finding out more about any of MBNA Europe's products should visit http://www.mbna.co.uk for full terms and conditions.