Citizens Trust Bank Announces New Loan Decisioning Software, Mark IV.

ATLANTA -- Citizens Bancshares Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board:CZBS), parent company of Citizens Trust Bank (CTB) announced today that they have entered into an agreement with Cypress Software Systems for their flagship loan decisioning product, Mark IV. The Mark IV system enables credit application analysis and ensures compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements. This project is yet another example of CTB's commitment to using technology to improve customer service and satisfaction.

Local decision making is one of the key differentiating factors for CTB as a community bank. Mark IV allows for the automation of the entire decision process by enabling the tracking of loan applications beginning with entry of the application, through the investigation and underwriting process, and finally through the point of funding. Mark IV is designed to assist credit originators in improving operating efficiencies by increasing productivity, enhancing customer satisfaction through reduced turnaround time on credit decisions and decreasing portfolio risk through the application of consistent underwriting standards.

"We are extremely excited at the benefits Mark IV will provide for our customers," says Sharnell W. Reynolds, Director of Consumer Lending. "Customers are too busy to spend an entire or even half a day in a branch waiting on a loan decision. We respect and value our customer's time and Mark IV will allow our customers to receive a loan decision in a matter of minutes instead of hours. Local decisions for local lending in a timely fashion!"

CTB has launched several new initiatives geared toward increasing customer service and satisfaction in the first two quarters of 2005. In addition to Mark IV, the bank announced earlier this month a new customer relationship management system and the launch of their new state-of-the-art website at www.CTBconnect.com. Future technology releases include a centralized bank call center and enhancements on these existing products.

About Citizens Trust Bank

As the leader in the financial services industry, Citizens Trust Bank prides itself on offering a full range of quality banking products and services. Since 1921, the Bank has continued to fulfill its mission to promote financial stability and business development, stress the principles of thrift, and make home ownership a reality. Today, CTB remains dedicated to neighborhood and small business growth, development and advancement through community reinvestment.

Citizens Trust Bank is the third largest African American owned financial institution in the nation and has 84 years of history, assets of more than $340 million and nine offices throughout metropolitan Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia, two branches in Birmingham, and one in Eutaw, Alabama. Through its parent company, Citizens Bancshares Corporation, CTB offers its common stock over-the-counter to the general public under the trading symbol CZBS. For more information please visit Citizens Trust Bank on the web at http://www.CTBconnect.com