Ameritrade Offers Customers Instant Funding of New or Existing Accounts Via the Internet; Immediate Access to Funds Made Possible Through TROY's eCheck Secure.

OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 1999--

Providing its customers with the ability to fund new or existing accounts via the Internet, Ameritrade, Inc., one of the leading online brokerages and a subsidiary of Ameritrade Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: AMTD), today announced that it is utilizing TROY Group, Inc.'s(NASDAQ: TROY) eCheck Secure(TM) funding software.

"At Ameritrade, we are always listening to our customers and expanding the ways that we can provide even higher levels of service. Electronic funding of accounts will enhance customer convenience by dramatically reducing the time required to open a new account," said Jack McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer of Ameritrade, Inc.

"eCheck Secure(TM) will enable Ameritrade to expand its market by offering the convenience of online check payments and speed up funding for potential customers who don't want to deal with the longer traditional funding process," McDonnell said. "And we know our customers will appreciate the ability to take advantage of immediate stock purchase opportunities and replenish existing accounts without waiting for the mail or going to the bank."

Patrick J. Dirk, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Santa Ana, Calif.-based TROY Group, Inc. commented: "In consideration of Tower Group's recent prediction that the eight million active online brokerage accounts are expected to grow to 40 million by 2002, we are pleased to provide Ameritrade's growing customer base with this new funding option."

"We are excited about incorporating TROY's eCheck Secure(TM) solution into our online account funding process," McDonnell said. "The use of eCheck Secure(TM) will allow existing customers to act quickly on their investment decisions by giving them the opportunity to add funds to their Ameritrade account in real time."

According to Robert S. Messina, President of TROY Group, Inc.: "Online investors typically fund their accounts with deposits sent by U.S. mail, overnight delivery or wire transfer. The TROY solution reduces the time delay and offers an alternative to expensive and time-consuming wire transfers, cash transfers and direct deposits."

The eCheck Secure(TM) procedure is a simple process. From their Ameritrade account screen, customers click on eCheck Secure(TM) as an online payment option. They enter checking account data into easy-to-follow payment screens. In seconds, the investor will receive a confirmation of payment. The eCheck Secure(TM) system is protected with state-of-the-art encryption technology. Ameritrade plans to incorporate TROY Group, Inc.'s eCheck Secure(TM) in upcoming marketing campaigns that will include print ads and direct mail.

About Ameritrade Holding Corporation

Ameritrade Holding Corporation ( www.amtd.com ) is a pioneer in the discount and online brokerage industry. The Company provides brokerage services and clearing services to self-directed individual consumer investors and other financial institutions through its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries of Ameritrade Holding include: Ameritrade, Inc. (www.ameritrade.com), a leading online brokerage firm; Accutrade, Inc. (www.accutrade.com), a discount brokerage delivering superior levels of personal service and support to its clients; AmeriVest, Inc. (www.amerivestinc.com), a provider of third-party discount brokerage services and other financial services to commercial banks, credit unions and thrift institutions; as well as Advanced Clearing, Inc. (www.advancedclearing.com), a securities clearing firm providing clearing services to each subsidiary as well as other financial institutions.

About TROY Group, Inc.

TROY Group, Inc. (www.troygroup.com) is recognized worldwide as a leading provider of output enhancement solutions and connectivity solutions. The U.S. Treasury has printed checks on TROY equipment since 1984. TROY Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: TROY) has established a number of strategic relationships with companies such as Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Standard Register and Equifax and distributes products in 55 countries. TROY Group, Inc.'s current technologies in software, firmware, and connectivity allow the Company to move toward its goal of becoming a leading provider of e-commerce solutions.