(ARA) - Have you ever rushed to the bank to deposit your paycheck before the
cutoff time? Have you ever played "beat the bank" -- writing checks before
making a deposit? Have you ever made a trip to the bank just to deposit your
paycheck? Have you ever lost checks that needed to be cashed or deposited?

If you answered yes to any of the above, it's time to reconsider the way you
bank. Banking should be easy and convenient, and it can be with direct deposit.

According to America's Community Bankers, an independent national trade
association representing the nation's community banks, having your paychecks
routed to your bank electronically is one of the easiest and safest ways to
improve your banking routine. Here's why:

Direct deposit is reliable. Direct deposit puts money in your account on
time, every time. And checks don't get lost. The Social Security Administration
has used direct deposit for benefits payments since 1976 and has never lost a
payment. And with direct deposit, you don't have to wait for your checks to
catch up with you if you move to a new address.

Direct deposit is convenient. You don't have to make that special trip to the
bank if you have direct deposit. This is a real convenience if you're on
vacation or away on business. And you can be confident that the funds will be
credited to your account safely and ready to use, whether you're at home or
halfway around the world.

Direct deposit is quick. With direct deposit, your money is transferred
electronically into your account and available to use instantly once the
transfer is complete. When you deposit your paycheck in person, you may have to
wait up to three days to access all of your funds because some banks put a
"check hold" on paychecks to ensure that the funds clear. With direct deposit
there's nothing to "hold" since it's transmitted electronically directly to your
bank account. Your money also begins collecting interest immediately if you have
it in an interest-bearing account.

And above all, direct deposit is secure. You don't have to worry about lost,
stolen or misplaced checks with direct deposit. With the electronic trail that
direct deposit leaves, deposits are easier to track than paper checks. And if
you are one of the many individuals that will be receiving a refund from the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) this coming tax season, direct deposit enables
the IRS to deposit your refund up to three weeks earlier than if you were to
receive it by mail.

Your banking can be hassle-free and secure. Talk to your local community
banker about direct deposit and other ways to enhance your banking
opportunities. For more information about America's Community Bankers, visit
www.americascommunitybankers.com, or call (202) 857-3100.