New Options and Tools Available to Consumers to Help with Federal Regulations ("Reg. E") Regarding Overdraft Privileges

Lewiston, Maine - May 26, 2010 - Androscoggin Bank, a community leader in financial services, today announced new banking options and tools for consumers affected by a recent federal banking regulation around overdraft privileges.

Beginning August 15, 2010 for existing checking account holders and July 1, 2010 for individuals opening new checking accounts, the new federal regulation will significantly alter the way consumers can use their debit card for everyday purchases and/or ATM transactions. Beyond these dates, if a debit card user does not have enough money in their account or funds are not yet available for a purchase at the point of sale or withdrawal at an ATM, their transaction will be denied. To keep current overdraft privileges in place, account holders must sign the federal A-9 form agreeing to "opt-in," or retain, their bank's current overdraft privilege services.

While overdraft privilege services remain a valued safety net offering flexibility, protection and peace of mind in case of an emergency, there are additional tools available to consumers assisting them with awareness of their account balance.

Androscoggin Bank senior vice president, Christine Conrad, noted that Androscoggin Bank now offers tools that, in conjunction with overdraft privilege services, will help its account holders be aware of their account balance at all times. Among these tools is an e-messenger capability, which allows users to set the online banking system to send an email alert should their account balance fall below a set amount. Additionally, Androscoggin Bank offers customers the ability to check balances via Text Message. Account holders on the go can text in a private PIN number - anytime, anywhere - to find out the current account balance.

"In the midst of the recent media coverage around the federal government's new rules regarding overdraft privileges, we wanted to make sure consumers know there are alternative tools to aid in effective account management," said Conrad. "The Bank's new email and text alerts allow our account users the ability to view their finances on a mobile device no matter the time or location - before their card is even swiped."

About Androscoggin Bank
Founded in 1870, Androscoggin Bank provides financial services to individuals, businesses, governments, non-profits, and municipalities. Androscoggin Bank currently serves communities throughout central and mid-coast Maine with branch locations in Lewiston, Auburn, Brunswick, Gray, Jay, Lisbon Falls, Livermore Falls, South Paris, Turner, and Portland.

For further information, contact:

* Androscoggin Bank is committed to ensure the safety of your financial information. We would like to remind you that eMails are not secure. Confidential information such as social security numbers, account numbers, access ID’s or passwords should not be used when communicating via e-mail.