FREEPORT — To celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary, L.L. Bean has launched the L.L. Bean Visa Centennial Sweepstakes with a grand prize of $1 million.

According to a news release, the sweepstakes offers an opportunity for L.L. Bean cardholders to win a cash grand prize of $1 million. Sweepstakes entries are automatic when cardholders use their L.L. Bean Visa card, issued by Barclaycard US, for purchases. Entries accumulate, as well. So, the more that shoppers use their card, the more chances cardholders have to win.

Cardholders can accelerate their chances of winning by using their L.L. Bean Visa card for everyday purchases such as gas, groceries, utilities and retail purchases.

Launched earlier this month, the sweepstakes also provides cardholders with the opportunity for a chance to win one of 25 prizes each month from March through December. Monthly prizes include 10 $500 L.L. Bean gift cards, 10 pairs of Bean boots, one camping package, one kayaking package, one 100th collectors knife and case, one Double L fly rod and reel package, and one $500 L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools Adventure gift card.

“The company has always been about helping families get outside and enjoy outdoor activities. These prizes — and certainly the grand prize — will help people do just that,” said Shelly Bartlett, vice president of Card Services, L.L. Bean. “The sweepstakes is a fun way for our cardholders to join our 100th celebration. We have also made the entry process as simple as possible — no forms to fill out, online codes to enter. Entries are automatic.”

“Barclaycard US is excited to partner with L.L. Bean in its centennial celebration,” said Surinder Singh, general manager-US Cards, Barclaycard US. “Card members will be pleased that there is no cost or effort to enter and will see how easy it is to earn chances in the sweepstakes — by doing what they are already doing now — using their card to make purchases.”

Sweepstakes entries will be automatically entered for each purchase transaction made from March 5 through Dec. 31, 2012.

Using the L.L. Bean Visa credit card, cardholders will earn:

— Five entries for every gas purchase.

— Three entries for every other outside purchase where Visa credit cards are accepted.

— One entry for every L.L. Bean purchase.

There is no limit to the number of entries, no minimum purchase, all entries accumulate and entrants can win more than once. People who don’t have the card can also enter through the mail, without purchase and residents of all 50 states are eligible. Complete information about the sweepstakes is available at www.llbean.com/1million.