FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2002

For information, contact

First Citizens Bank
Janice C. Burt
Phone: (803) 931-8539
Fax: (803) 312-8850

First Citizens Bank Opens New Proof Center

Columbia, S.C., April 24, 2002 - At its annual shareholders' meeting today, First Citizens Bank announced the opening of a new proof center, located at 300 Arbor Lake Drive, Suite 100, in Columbia. The center opened March 18th and currently serves about 88 of First Citizens' offices statewide. By May 30th of this year, the center will be fully operational and will serve the entire statewide network of more than 145 offices. The center is equipped with new image-capture technology and employs 33 people, with an expected maximum of 55 employees.

The investment in the new proof center was made by the bank's service provider and will service only First Citizens of South Carolina.

First-Citizens Bank and Trust Company of South Carolina provides a broad range of banking services in more than 145 offices throughout the state. Online banking services are available through First Citizens' web site at www.fcbsc.com. First Citizens Bank has assets of $3.6 billion. First Citizens Bancorporation of South Carolina, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, and parent corporation of First-Citizens Bank and Trust Company of South Carolina and The Exchange Bank of South Carolina, Inc.