Corporate Insight Finds Diversity in Check Image Archives at Major Banks' Websites.

NEW YORK -- Despite the fact that online check images have become commonplace at all major online banking sites, Corporate Insight noted a wide variety in the availability and interactive capabilities of online checks for 14 of the banks they follow. In a recent report entitled, "Online Check Images: Virtual Checks in a Material World," online check imaging capabilities were analyzed using criteria that included: accessibility, viewing options, and print/storage alternatives.

The firm noted check image archives that ranged from a low of 45 days to a high of two years. "Since our last report on check images in August 2004, we were encouraged by the fact that online check image archives seem to be growing," said Stephanie O'Connor, Senior Analyst at Corporate Insight and author of the Bank Monitor report. "When we reviewed check images in 2004, 70% of the firms offered three months or less of check images - a figure that has now dropped to roughly 60%."

While a majority of the firms provide clients with check image archives as large as their general transaction archives, the firm noted a large disparity between the check and transaction archives offered by the firms that do not. For example, one firm offered 18 months of account activity and only 75 days of check images. In another finding, Corporate Insight noticed the largest disparity between firms offering interactive capabilities - only a handful of firms allow clients to zoom in on sections of the check, rotate images or change colors for greater legibility.

In this 60 page report, Corporate Insight takes an in-depth look at the online check image capabilities of fourteen major financial institutions. The report includes detailed findings of each firm's offerings, a summary matrix, analysis, and recommendations to firms on how to improve or enhance their offerings. An abstract of the report is available at the Corporate Insight website.

For more information on this research and related services, please visit: www.corporateinsight.com.

About Corporate Insight

Corporate Insight is a leading provider of competitive intelligence, analysis, and consulting services to the financial services industry. Founded in 1992, the firm has a blue-chip client base of industry leaders who rely on the company's commentary and insight gleaned through years of research examining the issues and trends that have shaped the industry. CI monitors the top firms on an ongoing basis, measuring, analyzing, and communicating industry best practices. Its products include Bank Monitor, Broker Monitor, Credit Card Monitor, e-Monitor, Mutual Fund Monitor, Mutual Fund Advisor Monitor, and Annuity Monitor as well as custom project work. For more information, please visit www.corporateinsight.com.