03.10.05 | TRANSFIRST Launches New Check Processing Services Program

TRANSFIRST and CrossCheck, Inc. form strategic partnership to introduce check processing program for merchant customers

DALLAS (March 10, 2005) – Dallas-based TRANSFIRST, a leading provider of transaction processing services and payment enabling technologies, and CrossCheck, Inc., a premier provider of check approval and guarantee, today announced a partnership agreement to deliver an industry-leading check processing program that will allow merchants to reduce liability and increase sales by safely and securely accepting checks as a form of payment.

Through this partnership, TRANSFIRST will utilize CrossCheck's innovative technology platforms and information systems to provide its merchant customers with a fast and easy-to-use check acceptance service that can protect the merchant from losses on bad checks. In addition to the convenience of check acceptance, TRANSFIRST's and CrossCheck's check processing solution provides the merchant with flexibility and customization in selecting a check services program that best meets their needs.

"We understand that check acceptance is a core processing service that can increase sales volume and improve the bottom line for our merchant customers," said Thomas Rouse, chief executive officer of TRANSFIRST. "We also understand the merchant's need to accept checks without the fear of liability for returned checks. Based on these merchant needs and our business philosophy of choosing leading back-end technology providers, we selected CrossCheck, Inc. as our check services program partner. Their specialized focus and proven experience in the check guarantee space made them the ideal partner for delivering one of the industry's most innovative and comprehensive check processing services and solutions to our customers."

"This relationship with TRANSFIRST allows us to support their customers with the service, training and value-added products they require for check services," stated J. David Siembieda, president and CEO of CrossCheck. "We recently managed a large conversion of TRANSFIRST's merchants to this check services program, and we look forward to expanding these capabilities to more of TRANSFIRST's customers as the company continues to acquire portfolios as part of their strategic growth plans."

About CrossCheck, Inc.
CrossCheck, Inc. provides check approval and guarantee for a variety of merchants nationwide. For more than 20 years, its goal has been to increase merchants' profits by allowing them to accept more checks and to provide their customers with payment flexibility. Annually, CrossCheck handles and approves billions of dollars worth of transactions for its retail and dealer outlets. It is known for industry firsts and cutting-edge technology. For more information, visit www.cross-check.com.

About TRANSFIRST
A premier provider of transaction processing services and payment enabling technologies, TRANSFIRST offers a first-rate suite of products and services and customized processing programs uniquely tailored for the special business needs of financial institutions, independent sales organizations and agents and its referral and reseller partners. Through its in-depth industry knowledge, partnership strategy and innovative solutions, TRANSFIRST provides a specialized approach to transaction processing for healthcare providers, public entities, online and other non-traditional merchants, as well as brick and mortar retailers. Founded in 1995, TRANSFIRST is a market leader in strategic mergers and acquisitions, which has allowed the company to gain significant market share and world-class expertise in growing and profitable industry segments. Built on a platform of personal service, customer commitment and flexible pricing, TRANSFIRST is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has operations facilities in Louisville, Colo., Omaha, Neb., Kansas City, Kan., Newport Beach, Calif., Milwaukee, Wis. and Langhorne, Penn. TRANSFIRST was recapitalized in 2000 by GTCR Golder Rauner LLC, a leading private equity investment firm. Company wide, TRANSFIRST currently processes approximately $20 billion in annual sales volume for more than 150,000 merchants and more than 760 financial institutions. TRANSFIRST can be reached at 1-888-254-4137 or at www.TRANSFIRST.com.