AmSouth Internet Banking Now Even Easier To Use; Helps Consumers Better Protect Their Financial Information

Business Wire, July 6, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- AmSouth Bank (NYSE: ASO), one of the first banks to provide free bill payment to all of its customers, is making online banking even easier and more secure. Enhanced functionality allows customers to instantly enroll for Internet Banking using an ATM or CheckCard debit card, select a more personalized and simplified log-on, and offers tools to better monitor account activity and protect privacy.

The enhancements include:

--Ability to log in directly from the main AmSouth homepage

--The ability for customers to create their own personalized Online ID and password, instead of using their Social Security number, in order to guard their privacy

--A new "pending transactions" section that allows customers to see items that have been authorized (such as Visa CheckCard and ATM transactions), but have not posted to the account, an excellent feature for consumers wanting to track spending in real time

--Immediately begin using the product at the completion of enrollment

--Enhanced electronic bill payment with improved controls

--A running balance in the register view

"We've listened to our customers' suggestions, assessed the technology enhancements available and added solutions to help them improve and protect the security and privacy of their information," said Greg Miles, senior vice president and manager of Electronic Banking at AmSouth. "We've also made it easier for new customers to begin using the product immediately, reinforcing our commitment to provide consumers with the convenience of banking when and where they choose--online, in an AmSouth branch, or at an ATM."

More than 1.1 million AmSouth customers use online banking to manage their accounts and pay bills. The bank introduced e-statements, an electronic alternative to paper statements, in February 2005. e-statements are available for checking, savings and business banking customers.

About AmSouth

AmSouth is a regional bank holding company with $50 billion in assets, more than 685 branch banking offices and 1,240 ATMs. AmSouth operates in Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia. AmSouth is a leader among regional banks in the Southeast in several key business segments, including consumer and commercial banking, small business banking, mortgage lending, equipment leasing, annuity and mutual fund sales, and trust and investment management services. AmSouth also offers a complete line of banking products and services at its web site, www.amsouth.com.