First USA Named Official Credit Card Issuer of APHA

FORT WORTH, Texas--First USA, the recognized leader in affinity credit card marketing programs, kicks off its new relationship with the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) as the association's official credit card issuer beginning June 2000. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company will issue four new APHA credit cards featuring American Paint Horses. Previously, members were restricted to just two card designs.

"We're thrilled with our new relationship with First USA," said APHA Director of Marketing Services Jenn Pemberton. "First USA has already shown its sincerity in this relationship by supporting a number of programs, beginning with the Challenge Series to be held at the World Championship Paint Horse Show."

First USA is the largest Visa credit card issuer in the world. The company offers high-value credit cards for consumers and businesses under its own name, that of its parent, Bank One, the First Card name, and on behalf of over 2,300 marketing partners. These partners include some of the leading corporations, universities, sports franchises, affinity organizations, and financial institutions in the United States.

The company began operations in 1985 as a subsidiary of a major Texas-based financial institution, completed a management-led leveraged buyout in 1989, became a public company in 1992, and merged with Bank One corporation in 1997.

Pemberton said that First USA will be very visible in support of several APHA member programs.

"We strongly encourage our members to consider adding the First USA Paint Horse card to their credit options," she said. "The interest rate is highly competitive and their other financial offerings are very attractive. But most importantly, the support APHA will receive from the use of the card will go toward enhancing our member programs."