First Federal Selects First Data to Provide Signature Debit Processing

Electronic commerce and payments leader First Data Corp. (NYSE: FDC) today announced it has renewed its agreement to provide signature debit processing for cardholders of First Federal. The contract names the STAR® Network as First Federal’s primary debit network in the United States. As a coast-to-coast electronic payments network and an expert in secure, real-time electronic transactions, the STAR Network connects First Federal’s U.S. customers with their cash at ATM and retail locations, as well as provides access to various national and international ATM and point-of-sale networks. The STAR Network serves more than 5,700 financial institutions across the United States and provides cardholders with account access at approximately 2 million ATM and retail locations. There are more than 140 million cards carrying the STAR logo. "At First Federal, we believe that our focus on providing quality service to our customers is enhanced by partnering with First Data and the STAR Network for our technology and processing needs,” said Robbie Snyder, senior vice president, First Federal. "With STAR, we combine cutting-edge technology with convenience to create a pleasurable banking experience that effectively meets our customers’ needs.” "We look forward to working with First Federal and its widespread customer base,” said Todd Strubbe, president First Data Debit Services. "We’re committed to delivering reliable and innovative debit services and superior service to every customer with every interaction, and we are excited about the expanding role we can play in helping First Federal serve its customers.” About First Federal Founded in 1934, First Federal focuses on providing innovative and competitive financial products and services, convenient locations and friendly, professional staff. Over the years, the bank has grown from a single office in the heart of Charleston into one of the largest financial institutions based in South Carolina. First Federal serves more than 110,000 households in the Charleston metropolitan area, Horry, Georgetown, Florence and Beaufort counties in South Carolina and Brunswick County in coastal North Carolina. With assets of more than $2.6 billion, First Federal is a subsidiary of First Financial Holdings, Inc., making it the third largest financial institution headquartered in South Carolina. About STAR First Data Corp.’s STAR® Network is a coast-to-coast electronic payments network and an expert in secure, real-time electronic transactions. Financial institutions rely on the STAR Network to deliver ATM access, PIN-secured debit purchasing, deposit sharing, interbank transfers and surcharge-free ATM access programs to their cardholders. The STAR Network is a leader in developing check debit, Internet and telephone bill payments, small-value payments, deposit risk management and ATM check imaging products. The STAR Network serves more than 5,700 financial institutions across the U.S. and provides cardholders with account access at approximately 2 million ATM and retail locations. There are approximately more than 140 million cards carrying the STAR logo. STAR has a broad footprint of distribution points across the United States including the acceptance of the STAR card at approximately 5.1 million POS terminals. In 2005, First Data Debit Services processed 9 billion transactions. About First Data First Data Corp. (NYSE: FDC) is a leading provider of electronic commerce and payment solutions for businesses worldwide. Serving 4.6 million merchant locations, 1,900 card issuers and their customers, First Data powers the global economy by making it easy, fast and secure for people and businesses around the world to buy goods and services using virtually any form of payment. The company's portfolio of services and solutions includes merchant transaction processing services; credit, debit, private-label, gift, payroll and other prepaid card offerings; fraud protection and authentication solutions; electronic check acceptance services through TeleCheck; as well as Internet commerce and mobile payment solutions. The company's STAR Network offers PIN-secured debit acceptance at approximately 2 million ATM and retail locations. For more information, visit www.firstdata.com. FDC-1