- The new TD Drivers Rewards Visa Card provides cardholders with greater flexibility, value and control -

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TORONTO, Sept. 22, 2011 /CNW/ - To help Canadians manage the growing costs of owning and maintaining a car, TD Canada Trust recently launched a no annual fee automotive rewards credit card: the TD Drivers Rewards Visa Card.

The newest addition to TD's suite of reward credit cards, it allows cardholders to earn valuable TD Drivers Rewards Points toward the purchase or lease of any vehicle, no matter the make or model, new or used. Cardholders can also enjoy the freedom to redeem their points earned from purchases made on their Card for almost everything it takes to keep your vehicle running and looking good.

"TD Canada Trust offers a range of credits cards designed to meet the unique needs of Canadians, whether they want to take advantage of travel rewards, collect cash rebates, or save for a new car," says Stephen Menon, AVP, Customer Products and Account Acquisition, TD Canada Trust Credit Cards. "Rising gas prices and tight household budgets has made it more challenging for some Canadians to afford to purchase or maintain a car. With the new TD Drivers Rewards Visa Card, car owners have the freedom and flexibility to use points to help them manage the costs involved with owning a car, like buying new winter tires, servicing their vehicle and even saving to buy their dream car."

Cardholders can earn up to 2% in TD Drivers Rewards Points on every purchase charged to the Card, including:

• 1 TD Drivers Rewards Point for every $1 in purchases made to the Card;
• 2 TD Drivers Rewards Points for every $1 spent on gas purchases up to $700 (per statement period) and 1 TD Drivers Rewards Point for every $1 spent on gas purchases over $700 (per statement period); and
• 1.25 TD Drivers Rewards Points on every $1 in automotive parts and services purchases at eligible merchants

Menon provides his advice on how Canadians can keep their cars from draining their wallets:

• Write a budget - Gather all your auto bills and receipts from the past 12 months, and write them out separating and categorizing your fixed and discretionary expenses. Calculate your total by category, including insurance, gas, maintenance and accessories. If you're alarmed by how much you're spending in some categories, make a plan to cut down.
  
  
• Look into a Drivers Rewards Credit Card - With a good auto rewards card, like the TD Drivers Rewards Visa Card, you can earn points on purchases and redeem them towards the purchase or lease of a new or used car of your choice or redeem them for things you need to own, operate and maintain your vehicle like services, parts and accessories. Such items include windshield washer fluid, winter tires, oil and lube, car stereo system, GPS, etc.
  
  
  
• Consider refinancing - If you're worried about how much you're paying on your car loan, shop around to see if you can find a more competitive interest rate. There are a wide range of options that you can choose from to fit within your overall budget, including different interest rates, payment schedules and amortization periods. If you refinance, consider keeping the amortization as short as you can afford because vehicles are a depreciating asset.
  
  
• Go Green! - Remember, sometimes less is more. A smaller diesel or hybrid will reduce your carbon footprint,  save on gas and retain comparable mileage.

For a limited time until October 31^st, get 2500 bonus points (a $25 value) upon the first purchase made on your new TD Drivers Rewards Visa Card, when that first purchase is completed by December 31^st. Visit www.tdcanadatrust.com/driversrewards  or call 1-800-983-8472 for full offer details.

About the TD Drivers Rewards Visa Card
The TD Drivers Rewards Visa Card gives cardholders the flexibility to earn points toward the purchase or lease of any vehicle, whatever the make or model, new or used. Cardholders can also enjoy the freedom to redeem their Points towards purchases on their Card for almost everything it takes to keep your vehicle running and looking good. Redeeming TD Drivers Rewards Points is easy and convenient. Cardholders simply need to call the TD Canada Trust Credit Card Service Centre within 90 days of the purchase or lease of a vehicle, or of the purchase of automobile parts or services, accessories and more. State the number of TD Drivers Rewards Points you wish to redeem and the dollar value of your points will be credited to your Account within 2-3 business days. Examples of eligible items include windshield wipers, tires, spark plugs, car mats, a GPS unit, car radio, seat covers and oil. Your points never expire as long as you are a Cardholder, and you can redeem in increments of 2,500 (a $25 value).For more information please visit: www.tdcanadatrust.com/driversrewards

About TD Canada Trust
TD Canada Trust offers personal and business banking to more than 11.5 million customers. We provide a wide range of products and services from chequing and savings accounts, to credit cards, mortgages and business banking, to credit protection and travel medical insurance, as well as advice on managing everyday finances. TD Canada Trust makes banking comfortable with award-winning service and convenience through 24/7 mobile, internet, telephone and ATM banking, as well as in over 1,100 branches - most open 8 'til late and many now open Sunday. For more information, please visit: www.tdcanadatrust.com. TD Canada Trust is the Canadian retail bank of TD Bank Group, the sixth largest bank in North America.