Sovereign Bank Announces Debit MasterCard® Major League Baseball® World Series® Sweepstakes

BOSTON, Aug. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sovereign Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Banco Santander, today announced the new limited time only Sovereign Bank Debit MasterCard® Major League Baseball® (MLB) World Series® Sweepstakes.  The winner of the sweepstakes will receive a three-day, two-night trip for two to a 2011 MLB® World Series® game.

"We entered 2011 with a commitment to rewarding our loyal customers for making everyday purchases," said Eduardo Tobon, Head of Santander's U.S. Cards Division.  "We want customers to feel motivated and excited to use their Sovereign Debit Card every day. The MLB® World Series® Sweepstakes is another great opportunity for Sovereign Checking Account holders to win a priceless experience as a result of banking with Sovereign Santander."

From August 1 through September 15, 2011, Sovereign Consumer Debit MasterCard customers will receive one entry into the sweepstakes each time they use their card to make a purchase.  Transactions using a Sovereign Business Debit MasterCard are not eligible for entries into the sweepstakes.

Winners of the sweepstakes will receive one of three Grand Prize packages, including:

• Two round-trip coach flights
• Transfers to/from the airport in city of event
• Three-day/two-night double-occupancy five-star hotel accommodations
• On-site concierge
• Two tickets to the World Series® game
• Access to watch batting practice from the field
• A $600 pre-paid MasterCard Gift Card (one per package)
• Welcome reception and select meals
• Priceless Moments Collection gift bag (one per package)
• Breakfast daily in the hotel

The sweepstakes is open to new and existing Sovereign Consumer Bank Debit MasterCard customers, and the general public.  No purchase is required to participate in any sweepstakes Sovereign Bank sponsors.

The complete list of sweepstakes prize details and Official Rules are available at www.sovereignbank.com/mlbsweepstakes.

All Sovereign Debit MasterCard Cards come with special benefits for consumers, including Purchase Assurance Coverage, Extended Warranty and Satisfaction Guarantee.  Consumer Debit MasterCard holders also have access to special travel services and emergency roadside assistance, while Business Debit MasterCard members get added rental insurance and liability protection.

About Sovereign and Santander

Santander Holdings USA, Inc. (SAN.MC, STD.N) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Banco Santander, S.A. and is the holding company for Sovereign Bank and Santander Consumer USA. Santander is a retail and commercial bank, headquartered in Spain, with a presence in ten main markets: Spain, Portugal, Germany, the UK, Poland, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina and the U.S. Founded in 1857, Santander has 92 million customers, approximately 14,000 branches –– more than any other international bank –– and over 170,000 employees. For more information on Santander, visit http://www.santander.com.

Sovereign Bank, a subsidiary of Banco Santander, S.A., is a financial institution with principal markets in the northeastern United States. Sovereign has more than 700 branches, nearly 2,300 ATMs, and approximately 8,000 team members. For more information on Sovereign Bank, visit http://www.sovereignbank.com or call 877-SOV-BANK.

SOURCE Sovereign Bank