Sovereign Bank customers can Celebrate Cash Independence with the latest Sovereign Debit MasterCard Sweepstakes

BOSTON, June 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sovereign Bank, N.A. announced that it is giving its Sovereign Debit MasterCard® customers the chance to win one of 100 prizes of $1,000 with their new "Celebrate Cash Independence" sweepstakes. Twenty five (25) winners will be randomly selected each week during the four week campaign.

From June 16 through July 14, 2012, the "Celebrate Cash Independence" Sweepstakes gives cardholders one automatic entry into the weekly drawings for every Sovereign Debit MasterCard purchase under $17.76, in recognition of the year America declared its independence.

Eduardo Tobon, head of the Bank's U.S. Cards division said, "Cash comes with the burden of ATM trips and a heavier wallet. As we celebrate America's independence in 1776, we welcome customers to join us in being free from cash. Using the Sovereign Debit MasterCard® for small, daily purchases is easy and with the 'Celebrate Cash Independence' Sweepstakes, buying your morning latte could make you $1000 richer."

New and existing consumer Sovereign Bank Debit MasterCard cardholders get an automatic entry for each qualifying purchase. No purchase is required to participate in any sweepstakes Sovereign Bank sponsors. Transactions using a Sovereign Business Debit MasterCard and International transactions are not eligible for entries into the sweepstakes. Winners will be notified in August, 2012.

Additional details and official rules can be found at www.sovereignbank.com/cashindependence.

Since January 2010, Sovereign has awarded over 200 prizes to winners of its various debit card sweepstakes. The lucky winners have received prizes that include: two brand new Audi TT Coupes, coffee for an entire year paid for by the bank, a trip to see a professional sporting event and major entertainment award show, Sony Bravia^® HDTVs with 3D, Sony VAIO^® Laptops, PlayStation^® with PlayStation^® Move Bundle and a Caribbean cruise.  Customers can see photos of some of the winners at www.sovereignbank.com/realwinners.

About Sovereign Bank
Sovereign Bank, N.A. is a financial institution with principal markets in the northeastern United States.  Sovereign has more than 700 branches, nearly 2,300 ATMs, and approximately 8,500 team members.  For more information on Sovereign Bank, N.A. visit http://www.sovereignbank.com or call 877-SOV-BANK.  Member FDIC

Santander Holdings USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Banco Santander, S.A., and parent company of Sovereign Bank, N.A. and Santander Consumer USA.

SOURCE Sovereign Bank