TSYS to Provide Real-time, Online Cardholder Verification

Columbus, Ga., Aug. 15, 2001 -- TSYS today announced that it will provide a Verified-by-Visa authentication solution to its clients in fourth quarter 2001. Visa card issuers will be able to validate the identity of their cardholders in real time, during online payment transactions, enhancing consumer and merchant confidence, ultimately resulting in increased online sales and reduced disputes and fraud.

The TSYS solution is an integrated, online payment platform designed to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of authentication and credit card security products into a single-user experience. This offering enhances TSYS’ strategy of expanding its core services and provides issuers with a clear advantage in the fight against Internet fraud.

For more information, contact Skeet Rolling, director of TSYS Fraud Services, at 706-649-4655 or srollling@tsys.com.

About TSYS:
TSYS brings integrity and innovation to the world of electronic payments. TSYS serves as the integral link between buyers and sellers in the rapidly evolving universe of electronic payments. With more than 200 million accounts on file, TSYS makes it possible for millions of consumers to use their credit, debit, stored value, commercial, chip and retail cards anytime, anywhere through any medium or portal. TSYS offers a full range of acquiring and issuing services from accepting electronic payments for goods and services, to credit applications, collections and bankruptcy. Based in Columbus, Ga., TSYS (NYSE: "TSS") (www.tsys.com) processes for 23 countries in 14 currencies and four languages and maintains operations in Canada, Mexico, Japan and the United Kingdom. TSYS is an 80.8 percent-owned subsidiary of Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE: "SNV") (www.synovus.com), No. 8 on FORTUNE magazine’s list of "The 100 Best Companies To Work For" in 2001. For more information, contact news@tsys.com.

Contacts:
Skeet Rolling
Director of TSYS Fraud Services
ph. 706.649.4655
srollling@tsys.com