COMMERCE BANK ENHANCES SHOPPING PROMOTION FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Commerce to give away $1,000 a day in random drawings; $25,000 grand prize

Kansas City, Mo. (Nov. 1, 2001) - Just in time for the holiday season, Commerce Bank is giving away money daily. During November and December, the bank will give away an estimated $61,000 in daily drawings to lucky winners. In addition, a grand-prize winner will receive $25,000 at a drawing in mid- January. The promotion is an extension and enhancement of the current promotion which has awarded $27,000 to 27 weekly winners since May 5, 2001.

The "Skip the PIN - Sign and Win!" contest encourages Commerce Bank customers to use their Commerce Bank VISA^® Check Cards as they would a charge card. When they do, they're automatically entered in that day's $1,000 drawing and the grand-prize drawing. Every customer has been entered into the grand prize drawing each time they have "Skipped the PIN" since May. There is no waiting period for contest eligibility once a Commerce Bank VISA Check Card is issued to new customer accounts or if current customers request a Check Card. The more times Commerce customers use their Commerce Bank VISA Check Card, the more chances they have to win.

"The contest gives us a chance to reward our customers in several ways," says Carl Bradbury, Vice President, Check Card Manager, Commerce Bank. "The prize money is just the start. When customers sign for a purchase with the Commerce Bank VISA Check Card, they receive other advantages - like warranty, price and purchase protection - that usually aren't available if the card is used as a debit card, or PIN-based transaction." Mr. Bradbury says other benefits include VISA's consumer dispute protection and the security of "back-up" authorization limits based on the customer's account balance.

For complete contest rules, which includes alternate forms of entry, or a list of winners to date, stop by any Commerce Bank location or visit our website at www.commercebank.com.

Commerce Bank is a subsidiary of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., a registered bank holding company with assets of $12.3 billion offering a full line of banking services, including investment management and securities brokerage. The Company currently operates in over 341 banking 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.

For more information contact:
Christy Campbell
Marketing Officer
(816) 234-7267

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

SYMBOL: CBSH

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