COMMERCE BANK LAUNCHES SKIP THE PIN, SIGN AND WIN SWEEPSTAKES FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

More weeks in this year's contest mean more money and more winners

(Kansas City, MO, April 9, 2002) - Commerce Bank launches its "Skip the PIN, Sign and Win" sweepstakes that awards cash prizes to randomly selected sweepstakes entrants. Commerce Bank Visa^® Check Card, ATM Plus Card, Platinum Check Card, CommerceOptions^SM Check Card and Business Check Card holders are automatically entered into the contest each time they use their Commerce Check Card and sign for their purchase rather than enter their Personal Identification Number (PIN). The more times a cardholder makes a signature-based transaction, then the more chances the customer will have to win.

From April through October of 2002, Commerce Bank will select a $1,000 winner every week. In November and December, a $1,000 winner will be chosen daily. A final grand prize of $25,000 will be awarded at the end of the year.

"The contest is now in its third year and we have awarded more than $190,000 to date," said Carl Bradbury, vice president and check card manager for Commerce Bank. "By simply selecting "credit" at the point of sale, a customer will be entered for a chance to win $1,000 and, at the end of the year, even $25,000. If customers can't easily identify the "credit" function on the sales terminal, they should ask the sales clerk how to make a credit transaction to ensure they are entered in the sweepstakes."

"We are extremely pleased with the contest's continued success because not only are we awarding cash - something everyone can use, but also we are building awareness of the consumer benefits surrounding signature-based check card transactions," Bradbury added.

According to Bradbury, signature-based transactions have a number of measurable benefits that check card holders may not be aware of, such as Commerce Bank's Zero Liability Policy and the ability to dispute transactions. The zero liability policy eliminates the customers' liability for any unauthorized transactions that might take place. The dispute rules allow customers to dispute purchases of goods and services that do not meet their expectations.

All Commerce Bank Visa Check Card customers who select "credit" and make signature-based purchases during this period are eligible. There is no waiting period for eligibility after a card is issued. Complete sweepstakes rules and alternative forms of entry are described at the Commerce Bank website at www.commercebank.com. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

About Commerce Bank
Commerce Bank is an affiliate of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Commerce Bancshares is a registered bank holding company with assets of $12.9 billion and affiliates offering a full line of banking services, including investment management and securities brokerage. The Company currently operates in more than 340 locations in Missouri, Illinois and Kansas. The Company also has operating subsidiaries involved in mortgage banking, credit related insurance, venture capital and real estate activities.

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For further information contact:
Eliza Hamlet
Public Relations Representative
(816) 234-1930

Website: www.commercebank.com
e-mail: mymoney@commercebank.com
SYMBOL: CBSH