SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Providian Financial (NYSE: PVN) today announced that it has signed a one-year marketing agreement with LookSmart Ltd. (Nasdaq: LOOK). The agreement establishes the Internet directory and search engine as a primary online advertising channel for Providian's leading Internet credit card, Aria VISA.
"Providian has partnered with LookSmart based on their proven track record and impressive Internet position," said Greg Pacheco, Providian Senior Vice President and Aria business manager. "In earlier tests, the site has consistently generated a high volume of customers for us, and we are confident that LookSmart's continued growth as a leading Web directory and search engine will be a great source of new customers for Aria."
LookSmart is among the top 15 most-used Web properties, according to an August 1999 report by Media Metrix. It has 10 million unique users each month, making it an ideal site for advertising the Aria VISA, a unique credit card with broad customer appeal.
"We are very pleased to be working with a quality company like Providian," said Brian J. Cowley, LookSmart's Senior Vice President of Global Sales. "Considering the potential Aria has to meet the credit card needs of the broad consumer market visiting our site, this agreement represents a winning situation on three levels-for LookSmart, Providian and, most importantly, each of our customers."
Providian launched Aria VISA (www.aria.com) in May of this year, complete with one of the lowest introductory APRs on the Web, an instant approval process that can take less than 20 seconds, online balance transfers and customer service, and one of the Internet's most comprehensive rewards programs. Based on a customer's profile, Aria determines which of its product offers will best satisfy a customer and delivers it with individualized terms.
About Providian Financial
San Francisco-based Providian Financial Corporation (www.providian.com) is a leading provider of lending and deposit products to customers nationwide and now offers credit cards in the United Kingdom. Providian serves a broad, diversified market with loan products that include credit cards, home equity loans, secured cards and membership services. With a commitment to 100 customer satisfaction, Providian's mission is to help its customers build or rebuild, protect and responsibly use credit by providing a quality borrowing experience that leads to active and lasting customer relationships. The sixth largest bankcard issuer in the nation, Providian has $18 billion in assets under management and over 10 million customers.
About LookSmart
LookSmart, a leading Web directory and search service, creates and maintains one of the largest editorially reviewed directories of content on the World Wide Web. LookSmart's directory is distributed through multiple channels, including a global network of ISPs, major Web sites, portals and viral marketing. Through its partnership with Cox Interactive Media, LookSmart also offers one of the largest collections of quality local Web content in more than 70 U.S. markets. The company is headquartered in San Francisco and can be contacted at 415-597-4850.
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