Don't get Caught Without Your PIN Come St Patrick's Day - MBNA Ireland Provides Easy Solutions to Your Forgetfulness

DUBLIN, Ireland, March 16 /PRNewswire/ --

ATTN: Ireland Editors

Consumers in Ireland will have one extra thing to remember come St Patrick's Day, when credit and debit cardholders will be required to enter their PIN at terminals when paying with a Chip & PIN enabled credit or debit card.

For those customers who find themselves stuck at the checkout, unable to pay for their goods or services, MBNA Ireland has launched a handy telephone PIN reminder service for customers. In addition MBNA (NYSE: KRB) is also one of the few provider who allow customers to access their PIN online.

Customers who call into MBNA's telephone call centre will now be given the option to obtain their PIN, in real-time, through the Bank's telephone banking service. The new service will bring immediate advantages to MBNA customers who have forgotten their PIN as they will now be able to ring and obtain their PIN immediately, rather than wait for it to be sent through the post. The service is secure as customers have to pass a series of checks prior to receiving their PIN.

Brendan Jones, Director of Product Development at MBNA, said: "The ability to obtain a PIN over a telephone represents a significant customer service development for MBNA cardholders. Customers can now request their PIN when they require it, rather than having to wait for one to be sent through the post. This will be particularly beneficial when a customer finds himself or herself in a situation where they are unable to remember their PIN.

"From March 17 Chip and PIN cardholders in Ireland may be required to use their PIN whenever they make a purchase, and may not be able to use a signature as an alternative, so it is vitally important that Customers remember their PIN at all times, and avoid embarrassment at the point of sale."

Notes to Editors:

About MBNA Europe Bank:

MBNA Europe, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE: BAC), is the recognised leader in affinity marketing. MBNA credit cards and related products and services are endorsed by more than 5,000 organisations worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.mbna.ie or Bank of America's site at www.bankofamerica.com.

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 www.mbna.ie for full terms and conditions.