eBanking Goes On-Line at First Citizens Bank

New Internet banking provides highest security, convenient service

August 30, 1999

RALEIGH, N.C. — First Citizens Bank's eBanking product premieres today, giving customers who sign up safe and easy access to their accounts through the bank's Internet web site, www.firstcitizens.com.

"eBanking is convenient; it allows customers to bank when and where they like and never stand in line," Vice Chairman James B. Hyler Jr. said. "We believe it's also one of the safest and most secure Internet banking sites on the market today. All information is transmitted using state-of-the-art technology that protects the security of on-line transactions. First Citizens is committed to respecting our customers' privacy."

The basic eBanking service is free. eBanking allows First Citizens' customers to get product information, apply for certain credit products and access account information over the Internet. It enables them to transfer funds, place stop payments, request a check or statement copy and even order checks.

Customers also can export data to personal-finance software or other spreadsheet applications and use a transfer function to make payments directly to First Citizens' credit products.

For a small monthly fee, customers may sign up for eBanking's Bill Pay option, which lets them pay one-time or recurring bills on-line to anyone, directly from their checking accounts via the Internet. Payments will be debited from their accounts the day they are scheduled to be paid, and the funds will be sent either electronically or by check the following business day.

"eBanking is one more way we are serving our customer's needs," said Jamie Duke, group vice president of First Citizens Direct. "Customers can bank with us through our traditional and in-store branches, our Telephone Banking service, our ATMs and now over the Internet."

eBanking goes above and beyond basic Internet security. Account information is only accessible when customers enter their ATM or Visa Check Card number and an eight-character password they select. As an additional privacy precaution, eBanking does not use customers' social security numbers as passwords.

All eBanking transactions will be conducted in "real time," meaning there is no wait for information to be processed or downloaded. eBanking works with a current Internet connection and a standard web browser, so no special software is needed. First Citizens' PC Banking has allowed customers with a personal computer and modem to conduct transactions; now with eBanking, customers will have the option of convenient Internet banking without having to dial a new number or install additional software.

First Citizens' retail customers in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia can enroll in eBanking starting today by calling 1-888-FC DIRECT (1-888-323-4732) and selecting option #2 or by stopping by their local First Citizens branch.

Once enrolled, customers can access their accounts on-line by visiting First Citizens' web site at www.firstcitizens.com and selecting the eBanking option. On-line help and secure e-mail to customer service representatives are available to assist customers with questions. Customers may also send an email to us for more information.

A promotion inviting new customers to sign up for eBanking will begin Sept. 30. eBanking will be offered to business customers in the first quarter of 2000. To learn more about First Citizens' eBanking service, customers can visit the bank's web site and view an on-line demonstration.

First Citizens operates more than 365 branches in 211 cities and towns in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Headquartered in Raleigh, the bank has $9.63 billion in assets. First Citizens Bank is committed to providing superior financial services to individual customers and small to mid-sized businesses. The bank has been working on its Year 2000 (Y2K) preparedness strategy since 1996 and is now ready for the Year 2000 date change. For more information on the bank's Year 2000 program, call toll free 1-877-Y2K-4-FCB (1-877-925-4322), email us or visit our web site.

For more information, contact:
Barbara Thompson
(919) 716-2716
First Citizens Bank