"We want to offer the most competitive checking product in the market to give consumers even more reasons to bank with National City," said Peter E. Raskind, president of National City Corporation. "Coupled with the industry-leading rewards program, points from National City, our checking accounts become one of the most attractive checking packages in the bank's network in Ohio, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri and Pennsylvania.

"We're delighted to help our customers save time and money by granting them free access to the nearest ATM and free checks whenever they need them," Raskind added.

National City offers a full suite of checking products, online banking, and checking accounts online to fit any lifestyle. The benefits offered by its new checking accounts, depending on the account selected, include:

• Rebates of $1.50 for every non-National City ATM transaction for National City Elite Checking accounts, in addition to eliminating National City's fee for using other banks' ATMs. Elite checking customers will receive up to 30 rebates per month. Elite Checking accounts just require monthly deposits totaling $5,000 to avoid a monthly maintenance fee.


• No National City fees for transactions at non-National City ATMs and free checks for National City Free Checking Plus and National City Interest Checking Plus accounts. Any monthly automated activity, including monthly direct deposit; online bill payment; or Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment, such as a car loan or a utility bill payment, qualify accounts for these benefits.


• All new National City checking accounts may qualify for overdraft protection from a savings account or Cash Reserve line of credit, and new customers are able to open a Personal Savings account with no initial deposit and are not required to maintain a minimum balance.

"Customers are now able to put the appropriate system in place, whether it's direct deposit or online bill pay, and then relax knowing that they will receive the associated benefits, without checking their account balance every day," said Daniel J. Frate, executive vice president for retail banking for National City. "We recognize that fewer people keep large cash balances in their checking accounts given the range of financial tools available today. The new selection of checking accounts allows customers to put their money where they prefer and still collect perks such as free use of foreign ATMs and free checks."

Existing National City customers who are interested in learning about the benefits of these new products should visit their local branch to discuss transferring to the appropriate new account.

Checking that "Looks out for You"
An integrated marketing campaign launched today throughout National City's Midwestern markets illustrates how the bank looks out for its customers while they navigate daily life. Billboards and print ads challenge customers to consider the extra time and gas used to avoid ATM fees, and television segments show how the new checking accounts help customers keep up with a life that never stops. Ongoing outdoor, print, television and radio advertising will be augmented by an online campaign at www.nationalcity.com/noATMFees.

In conjunction with the introduction of its new checking suite, National City is also unveiling a new design for its Consumer and Business CheckCards and credit cards to more closely align with its National City points rewards program.

Checking Becomes Even More Rewarding
Customers who open a National City checking account and select a Visa® CheckCard may enroll in points from National City. Customers collect points through everyday banking transactions like using their CheckCard, credit card, online bill payment and even writing checks. Points can be redeemed for rewards ranging from $10 Target gift cards to overnight stays at the Ritz-Carlton to airline tickets.

For more information or to open a new checking account, go to National City online at www.NationalCity.com/noATMfees.

About National City
National City Corporation (NYSE: NCC), headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the nation's largest financial holding companies. The company operates through an extensive distribution network primarily in Ohio, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri and Pennsylvania, and also serves customers in selected markets nationally. Its primary businesses include commercial and retail banking, consumer finance, asset management, mortgage financing and servicing and payment processing. For more information about National City, visit National City online at www.nationalcity.com.