News Releases

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - May 1, 2012) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

BMO Bank of Montreal, the Bank of Soccer in Canada, today announced the launch of its BMO Major League Soccer MasterCard program, which includes a Vancouver Whitecaps FC BMO MasterCard.

The new BMO MLS team credit cards give fans all the benefits of a regular BMO credit card, including convenience, security and loyalty rewards, plus the pride of showing their support for their team every time they make a purchase.

"The excitement around soccer keeps growing in Vancouver and across the country. BMO is part of that excitement at every level of the game, from its national BMO Team of the Week contest for youth soccer players, to its sponsorship of professional MLS teams like the Whitecaps, to products like these BMO MLS team credit cards," said Nick Mastromarco, Director, BMO Bank of Montreal. "Supporting Major League Soccer is an important part of BMO's commitment to investing in our communities. Our customers are passionate about their MLS soccer teams and so are we."

"BMO MLS team cardholders also have the benefit of being able to choose a low-interest rate option for their credit card, and still collect the loyalty rewards of their choice," added Mastromarco.

BMO proudly supports Vancouver Whitecaps FC and MLS in numerous ways:

- As the first Founding Partner of Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2006, BMO sponsors the "Kickin with the 'Caps program," integrating youth soccer players into each home match, while providing British Columbian soccer clubs with the opportunity to fund raise.

- Fans that show their game ticket and BMO credit or debit card can enjoy BMO's Power of Blue program at all home MLS matches. This includes a chance to participate in the official coin toss before the game, and to win seat upgrades and a $50 food and beverage voucher.

- Soccer fans can participate in the "BMO Free Kick." Before every MLS home game, fans can test the speed of their kick and compare it to professional players.

"We are delighted with BMO's new Vancouver Whitecaps FC team credit cards, which offer our fans the opportunity to show their support whenever they make a transaction," said Rachel Lewis, Chief Operating Officer, Vancouver Whitecaps FC. "Our fans show their support by wearing their jerseys and holding up their scarves proudly, and BMO is now providing them with another way in which to show their support for the team."

Whitecaps FC fans can get their BMO MLS team card application at www.bmo.com/mls or at their BMO branch. Or, if they are attending a home game in Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal, they can complete an application at the game.

BMO: the Bank of Soccer in Canada

BMO supports soccer across Canada from youth players in local neighbourhoods and communities to the professional level. Our deep commitment to "The Beautiful Game" is evident from the beginning of the curve with our grassroots sponsorship of more than 900 youth teams nationally. For the second year, BMO is running BMO Team of the Week, a contest to reward youth teams across the country with a grand prize that includes $125,000 to refurbish their local soccer field, and $5,000 to award to the charity of their choice. The relationship continues with our support of the Canadian Soccer Association through to our support of Canada's three professional teams in MLS.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120430-bmowhitecaps800.jpg.