Citizens Trust Bank Announces New GiftVantage Visa Gift Cards


ATLANTA, Aug. 15, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Citizens Bancshares Corporation (OTCBB:CZBS), parent company of Citizens Trust Bank (CTB), announced today that it has added GiftVantage Visa Gift Cards to its line of consumer retail services. GiftVantage Visa Gift Cards are yet another example of CTB's commitment to remaining a community bank with full-service, mega-bank products.

GiftVantage Visa Gift Cards allow customers to purchase a personalized gift without the hassle of shopping. GiftVantage Visa Gift Cards are available in any denomination up to $500 and can be redeemed for goods or services wherever Visa(R) debit cards are accepted. GiftVantage Visa Gift Cards are easy to give, easy to use, and are available in six eye-catching designs for every occasion including holiday, birthday, wedding, graduation and more.

"GiftVantage Visa Gift Cards will change the way our customers view gift giving," says Jaques Lee, Senior Vice President of Consumer Banking for Citizens Trust Bank. "These GiftVantage Visa Gift Cards are safer to mail and give than cash. Everyone uses gift cards these days and our new Visa Gift Card is a perfect gift for someone who has everything."

CTB will be launching several new retail and loan products for consumers and businesses in the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2005. The release of Stored Value Gift Cards, CTBusiness Debit Cards and CTBusiness Free Checking reinforces CTB's commitment to remain a full service financial institution with the personal touch of a community bank. Future releases include PayLynk Visa Debit Payroll Cards and Home Equity Products for Investor Properties.

About Citizens Trust Bank

As the leader in the financial services industry, Citizens Trust Bank prides itself on offering a full range of quality banking products and services. Since 1921, the Bank has continued to fulfill its mission to promote financial stability and business development, stress the principles of thrift, and make home ownership a reality. Today, CTB remains dedicated to neighborhood and small business growth, development and advancement through community reinvestment.

Citizens Trust Bank is the third largest African American owned financial institution in the nation and has 84 years of history, assets of more than $340 million and nine offices throughout metropolitan Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia, one branch in Birmingham, and one in Eutaw, Alabama. Through its parent company, Citizens Bancshares Corporation, CTB offers its common stock over-the-counter to the general public under the trading symbol CZBS. For more information please visit Citizens Trust Bank on the web at http://www.CTBconnect.com



            

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