Go Direct sponsors "Spring into Direct Deposit" promotion in May, June

Financial institutions will compete to sign up Social Security check recipients for direct deposit

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- (May 5, 2006) -- Go Direct is helping financial institutions plan for a safer, easier future for their customers. The May 15 -- June 30 Spring into Direct Deposit promotion gives branches a chance to compete for prizes and national recognition by enrolling people who get Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments by check into direct deposit.

Go Direct is a national campaign, sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks, to motivate people who get Social Security and other federal benefits by check to switch to direct deposit.

The Spring into Direct Deposit promotion is open to any financial institution branch. Banks and credit unions are encouraged to use the new Go Direct online enrollment tool for fast and easy direct deposit enrollments. Financial institutions also may use their own origination software according to contest rules and conditions. Promotional posters and statement stuffers are available online for participants to download and print.

Three branches with the most enrollments at the end of the Spring into Direct Deposit promotion will be featured in a national press release, and awarded a certificate from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Winning branches also will receive a free lunch and Go Direct-themed prizes. The winning branches -- one each from small, medium and large financial institutions -- will be announced in July.

The Spring into Direct Deposit promotion coincides with May Direct Deposit Month, which was originated by NACHA -- The Electronic Payments Association, a Go Direct partner.

To register for the promotion or to learn more about partnering with Go Direct, financial institutions may visit www.GoDirect.org or call (952) 346-6055. The deadline to register is May 12. More information about the Go Direct online enrollment tool can be found in the Partners section for financial institutions on www.GoDirect.org.

About Go Direct

Go Direct has established Web sites, www.GoDirect.org (English) and www.DirectoASuCuenta.org (Spanish), where people and organizations can learn more about the campaign and the benefits of direct deposit, as well as sign up online for direct deposit of federal benefits. The campaign also has a toll-free numbers to help people sign up for direct deposit right over the telephone: (800) 333-1795 (English and Spanish).

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