First Citizens Bank Programs to Aid Hurricane Floyd Victims

September 22, 1999

RALEIGH, N.C. — First Citizens Bank has established special relief programs to help customers cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd. The bank has also donated $100,000 for relief efforts.

The bank's special relief programs are designed to work with customers who may not be able to meet their obligations because of damage to their homes or businesses.

"First Citizens has been a member of the Eastern North Carolina community for more than a hundred years, and like our neighbors, we've never experienced a disaster of this magnitude," said Jim Hyler, vice chairman of First Citizens Bank. "We've committed money, supplies, employees and equipment to relief efforts. One of the best contributions we can make is a commitment to be understanding and provide fast, straightforward answers for our customers."

The relief programs, which will be in effect through Jan. 31, 2000, include:

• Emergency consumer loans for six months with a fixed 7.75 APR. The unsecured loans carry no closing costs or fees. No payments are due until maturity.
• Emergency consumer loans for 36 months with a fixed 7.75 APR with no payment for up to 90 days. The unsecured loans carry no closing costs or fees.
• Consumer loan payment deferral for up to six months for customers with a satisfactory payment history.
• Waiver of early withdrawal penalties for certificates of deposits (CDs) when customers need the funds for hurricane relief.
• Small business loan payment deferral for up to six months for customers with a satisfactory payment history.

Customers can call 1-888-FC DIRECT (1-888-323-4732) to speak with a telephone banker ready to answer questions. First Citizens' insurance customers can call 1-888-322-4678, or they can directly contact the insurance company issuing the policy. In addition to the toll-free numbers, customers can always contact their local banker, Hyler said.

In addition to the special relief programs, First Citizens donated $100,000 to the Eastern North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.

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