AmSouth Customers Receive Cash Rewards for Debit Card Purchases; New AmSouth CheckCard Rewards Program Gives Cash Back to Customers Using Their CheckCards at a Host of Major Retail Brands.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- AmSouth Bank (NYSE: ASO) has launched its new AmSouth CheckCard Rewards program in which bank customers can get up to 25 percent cash back by using their AmSouth consumer or business CheckCards to purchase merchandise at many retailer and online locations. The retailers include name-brands like Pier 1 Imports, Toys "R" Us, Rite Aid, Gap.com, Staples.com and BarnesandNoble.com. AmSouth CheckCard Rewards is the first debit-card rewards program to incorporate retailers willing to offer substantial rebates.

AmSouth customers making purchases at participating locations on or after August 1, 2005, will have a cash refund amount automatically deposited to their accounts and reported on their monthly bank statements. AmSouth customers shopping online may register for refunds and shop at participating online retailers by visiting www.amsouth.com.

AmSouth CheckCard Rewards is hassle-free: All AmSouth consumer and business CheckCards are automatically enrolled, there is no fee to participate, no counting points to redeem and qualifying transactions at participating retailers may be either signature or PIN-based. The AmSouth CheckCard is subject to credit approval and cash back amounts vary.

"We're rewarding our customers for banking with AmSouth by offering a checking relationship that actually pays them cash back," said Scott Peters, AmSouth's chief marketing officer. "It's the next evolution of checking accounts -- at a time when bank mergers and acquisitions are prompting many people to take a fresh look at their banking services. AmSouth CheckCard Rewards demonstrates a different kind of banking focused on deepening relationships. It is perfectly suited for any value-conscious consumer looking for a 'shopping-savings partner' to help them make every dollar count."

About AmSouth

AmSouth is a regional bank holding company with over $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.