BankAtlantic, ``Florida's Most Convenient Bank,'' Offers Totally Free Online Banking & Bill Pay; Bank from the Convenience of Home or Office with No Additional Charges

Business Wire, Jan 10, 2005

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- BankAtlantic, "Florida's Most Convenient Bank," announced today that Online Banking & Bill Pay is now totally free for all small business and retail customers who choose to pay bills via the computer. There will be no additional fees or number of bill payment restriction to use the online service, which makes account management and monthly bill paying for electricity, car payments, and mortgages as simple as pressing a few buttons on the keyboard.

"As 'Florida's Most Convenient Bank', we continue to improve and adjust to the needs of our customers, and with the popularity of banking from home or the office clearly on the rise, free Online Banking & Bill Pay seemed the next logical step," said Jarett Levan, Chief Marketing Officer for BankAtlantic. "This additional benefit, much like midnight hours, gives our customers the luxury of doing their banking when THEY want to, not during particular limited times."

The elimination of the monthly service fee for all Online Banking & Bill Pay is effective immediately, and is available to all BankAtlantic customers without any restrictions. "Convenience is not just a word, it is truly a philosophy at BankAtlantic," added Levan. "Making online banking free makes it more accessible for our customers, and therefore more convenient."

This is just one more unique service of BankAtlantic's "Florida's Most Convenient Bank" initiative. First, the bank opened 7 days a week, then extended weekday and weekend hours, next offered 24/7 Customer Service Center, followed by free checking for retail and small business customers, then opened on "traditional" banking Holidays, offering Totally Free Change Exchange coin counters and instituting free events for the community like Pumpkin Painting and Photos with Santa.

About BankAtlantic: BankAtlantic, "Florida's Most Convenient Bank," is one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Florida and provides a comprehensive offering of banking services and products via its broad network of community branches throughout Florida and its online banking division - BankAtlantic.com. BankAtlantic has 74 branch locations and operates more than 200 conveniently located ATMs. BankAtlantic is open 7 days a week and offers holiday hours, extended weekday hours including several branches open until midnight, Totally Free Online Banking & Bill Pay, 24/7 Customer Service Center, Totally Free Change Exchange coin counters and free retail and business checking with a free gift. Visit the BankAtlantic Web site for further information at http://www.BankAtlantic.com.

BankAtlantic, "Florida's Most Convenient Bank," Contact Info:
Public Relations for BankAtlantic: Boardroom Communications
Caren Berg
Phone: (954) 370-8999, Fax: (954) 370-8892
Email: caren@boardroompr.com

About BankAtlantic Bancorp:

BankAtlantic Bancorp (NYSE:BBX) is a diversified financial services holding company and the parent company of BankAtlantic and Ryan Beck & Co. Through these subsidiaries, BankAtlantic Bancorp provides a full line of products and services encompassing consumer and commercial banking, brokerage and investment banking.

BankAtlantic Bancorp Contact Info:
Investor Relations & Corporate Communications:
Donna Rouzeau, Assistant Vice President
Phone: (954) 760-5317, Fax: (954) 760-5415
Email: CorpComm@BankAtlanticBancorp.com

Investor Relations:
Leo Hinkley, Senior Vice President
Phone: (954) 760-5317, Fax: (954) 760-5415
Email: InvestorRelations@BankAtlanticBancorp.com

Mailing Address: BankAtlantic Bancorp, Investor Relations,
1750 East Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

For further information, please visit our websites:
http://www.BankAtlanticBancorp.com
http://www.BankAtlantic.com
http://www.RyanBeck.com

To receive future BankAtlantic Bancorp news releases or announcements directly via Email, please click on the Email Broadcast Sign Up button on http://www.BankAtlanticBancorp.com.

The matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. ("the Company") and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond the Company's control. These include, but are not limited to risks, uncertainties, and factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, products and services; including, but not limited to BankAtlantic's Totally Free Online Banking and Bill Pay, BankAtlantic's seven-day banking initiative, and other growth initiatives not being successful or producing results which do not justify their costs. In addition to the risks and factors identified above, reference is also made to other risks and factors detailed in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.