This new approach to reward programs links bank debit card customers to retailers through a partnership with the bank. The result in customer behavior is a boost in debit card usage, stimulated purchase behavior among inactive customers, cross-sell opportunities, and most importantly to the bank, a significant impact to overall customer acquisition and retention.

Integra Bank has partnered with Affinity Solutions, the leading designer of merchant-funded, issuer-funded and enterprise rewards programs, to create RewardMe! With over 400 retail partners, representing over 20,000 retail locations, Affinity has built the platform upon which the program operates. A small sample of participating retailers include Barnes & Noble, Gap, Starbucks, Sears, Kohls, Best Buy, Petsmart, Expedia, Taco Bell, and Victoria's Secret.

Integra's program provides a winning formula for the key stakeholders:

Customer Wins

Most reward programs allow their customers to earn points toward future redemptions of gifts or travel. These require the customer to manage their points and complete order forms when redeeming points. Integra's RewardMe! Program allows each debit card holder to earn cash rewards up to 25% of the purchase price from national and local brand name retailers when they use their Integra debit card to make purchases. Based on the retailer, eligible purchases can be made in-store, by phone and/or online. In addition, there is nothing additional that the customer has to do. Cash rewards are automatically credited to the customer's Integra checking account each month.

Retailer Wins

Participating retailers have the opportunity to gain new customers with no out-of-pocket advertising expense. Integra communicates the offers directly with the debit card customers and the retailer's only expense is the cost of the rebate they choose to offer. Additionally, Affinity Solutions utilizes proprietary segmentation and targeting strategies to align the right retailer offer with the right customer at the right time -- ensuring maximum customer engagement.

Bank Wins

With RewardMe!, Integra Bank offers an exciting program that is highly differentiated from any other in the market place, increased customer loyalty and profitability, and enhanced value propositions.

Cardholders can use the program's website, www.integrabank.com/rewardme to view participating retailers and their offers, shop online, and monitor their cash rewards.