Union Planters Introduces First Translucent Platinum Debit Card; A Cool New Look and Great New Benefits - the New Platinum Debit Card is Clearly Better

Business Wire, April 23, 2004

Business Editors

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 23, 2004

Union Planters Bank (NYSE: UPC) is adding a new Platinum debit card to its product offering. Providing customers a more convenient way to pay every day, the Platinum debit card offers an exclusive package of benefits free with every Union Planters checking account - and the monthly fee is waived for all new cards. The new see-through design distinguishes itself as the first translucent Platinum debit card in the industry.

"The introduction of our new Platinum debit card continues our commitment to deliver innovative products that provide customers anytime, anywhere access to their accounts. It's a more convenient way to pay for everyday purchases from dry cleaners and drug stores to supermarkets, hair salons and gas stations - even recurring bill payments such as health club dues, mobile phones and Internet service providers," said Dan Goldman, Vice President and Director of Products Union Planters Bank. "Our new Platinum debit card simplifies day-to-day transactions for our customers. They don't have to worry about carrying cash or writing a check at the checkout counter. Even record keeping is made easier. Customers can manage their spending all in one place - every purchase creates an automatic record that is conveniently detailed in real-time online via Internet banking or on customers' monthly checking account statement."

Plus, with Visa's Zero Liability policy, the card is safer than cash or checks because every transaction is protected. If the card is ever lost or stolen, the customer will pay nothing for unauthorized purchases.

"Visa's Zero Liability commitment surpasses protections mandated by federal regulations," said Visa spokesperson, Stacey Pinkerd. "Whether shopping in a store or online, a debit card is a safer way to pay."

The new Platinum debit card comes with an exclusive package of free benefits including:

-- Fraud Protection. Monitors cardholders activity and provides

alerts in the event of unusual activity detected with the card.

-- Purchase Security. Protects purchases made with the customer's

Union Planters Platinum debit card in the event of theft or

damage.

-- Warranty Manager Service. Allows customers to easily register a

product and provides extended protection on purchases.

-- Emergency Cash and Card Replacement. Provides emergency cash

advances and a replacement card if a customer's card is ever lost

or stolen.

Customers may request their new card by contacting a Union Planters Customer Service Representative at 1-866-237-1372. Once the new card is received, customers may easily activate their card and set their personal identification number (PIN) via an enhanced automated voice response service.

The new Platinum debit card may be used to get cash at over 900 Union Planters ATMs or 855,000 ATMs in the Visa/Plus Global Network. But now it can also be used to make purchases at millions of locations worldwide. Either way, the amount is directly deducted from the customer's Union Planters checking account.

About Union Planters

Union Planters Corporation announced a definitive merger agreement with Birmingham, Ala. based Regions Financial Corp. in January. The merger is expected to be completed in summer 2004, pending customary regulatory and shareholder approvals. The combined company, to be called Regions Financial Corporation, will be among the nation's top 15 largest bank holding companies with $81 billion in assets.

Union Planters Corporation, Memphis, Tennessee, with total assets of $31.5 billion at March 31, 2004, is the largest bank holding company in Tennessee and among the 30 largest bank holding companies in the United States. Union Planters Bank, National Association, the principal banking subsidiary, was founded in 1869 and operates branches in 12 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. Union Planters Bank is a member of FDIC.

About Visa U.S.A.'s Zero Liability Policy

Although payment card fraud is extremely rare, Visa's Zero Liability policy provides protection to consumers by eliminating liability, in most circumstances, of payment card fraud. This applies to purchases made on the Visa system with a Visa consumer card, whether in the physical world or on the Internet. While there are steps consumers should take to protect themselves, they should use their Visa payments cards whenever they choose, knowing that, ultimately, Visa holds consumer liability to zero in most circumstances.