Organisation, is launching the latest batch of card-based services, The Meyer Card, which can be used throughout the Meyer Group of companies.

The new card will provide: the opportunity for those participating in Delta or American Airlines frequent flyer programmes to gain additional miles through all Meyer purchases; an independent credit facility; 4.0 percent interest earnings on credit balances; Western Union cash worldwide; 24-hour overseas accident protection plan up to $100,000 for family; and, 24-hour overseas assistance service using a 1-800 number.

"The big aim for this,'' said Meyer development manager Cheryl Hayward-Chew, "is that it is for the whole group of companies, not just travel.

"It gives people the ability to use our Save To Go programme, while it can be used as a charge card. We have about 1,700 people enrolled in Save To Go, where they place money with us on a regular, or irregular basis, so that when they want to travel, the money is already there.

"Go Card Ltd. is doing the mechanism of the card for us. They are doing the billing and finances, the back office of the card.'' Use of the card for purchasing or payments automatically brings the frequent flyer benefits into play. The card can be used at various Meyer businesses, including the Travel office, American Express office, Auto Service, Steel & Fabrication, Marine Services, Destination Management and Real Estate.

And a variety of insurance products can be paid for with the use of the Meyer Card at Freisenbruch-Meyer Insurance Services Ltd. President of the Meyer Group, Henry Hayward, said, "We are coming out with a number of benefits for card holders right now. But because it is so flexible, we have other ideas and within six months or a year, we will be coming out with other unique benefits to card holders.

"We did away with charge accounts 18 months to two years ago. We had a considerable amount at the time. This now gives our customers the benefit of using the Meyer Card, which is another form of a charge account.

"They can have their established credit and charge on the Meyer Card and obtain all the benefits that come along with it.

"If businesses in Bermuda are going to survive and be profitable, they have to become more innovative and be ahead of the game. This is a product of the computer age. All our companies are linked and this system will be linked by computer with the Gibbons Organisation.'' The services that will be available with the card are being listed on Meyer's recently installed Internet web site:www.meyer.bm.

The 24-hour overseas accident protection plan covers card holders and their families, including dependents up to the age of 16. It covers death and dismemberment on common carriers such as rental cars, taxis, buses, trains, airplanes, etc., through the US company, AIG Accident and Health Worldwide.

Outstanding balances on the cards will draw a penalty of nine percent per annum. And a statement fee of $3 is being charged unless there is a credit balance of $50 or more.

There are no other hidden charges and card holders have an option of having their picture on the card free of charge. There is also no application fee, annual card fee, additional card holder fee, lost card replacement fee or late payment fee.

HOPEFUL ABOUT CARD -- Cheryl Hayward-Chew