News Releases

HARRIS HELPFUL HINTS
Deal or No Deal?
How to Navigate Through the Myriad of Bank Promotions

CHICAGO, January 29, 2008 – In today's competitive environment, banks are vying for your business more than ever. Deals, promotions and special offers come at you from every direction. The questions are, how do you know what is right for you? Are you really getting a good deal?

"There is so much information available and out there that you can perform extensive research on these deals and offers and find out what really is the best, but who has time for that?" said Titi Cole, Harris Senior Vice President, Retail Banking Product Management. "There are some simple hints or things to know that we provide during straightforward, yet thoughtful, discussions that can help customers get through the fine print to the bottom line."

1. Read the Fine Print. Each ad you read is going to have fine print at the bottom that will explain, in more detail, what the deal is really offering. Take the time to read the fine print and ask yourself a few questions as you do:

   • Is it a short-term special? When does the promotion expire?
   • Is there a new money requirement?
   • Is there a limit or cap on the offer?
   • Is there a relationship requirement?
   • Does it require another product be opened or a balance to be maintained?

   If you have further questions, talk to your local banker, who should be able to walk you through the fine print and provide some clarity.

2. Compare and Contrast. A quick comparison between ads will help you distinguish which is the better offer. Be sure to compare the headline to the fine print to determine if they match up. Also, look to see how the rates and tiers, or balance requirements and length of time, compare between each offer. Additionally, when looking at how requirements compare between offers, be sure to check if there is a:

   • Minimum balance requirement?
   • New money requirement?
   • Other promotional strings attached?
   
   
3. Do the Math. Spend a few minutes computing the rates during the offer, and what they will return to after the promotion is over. While it may be a good deal in the short term, you may be better off choosing the bank where your rate will be better in the long term.

Harris has been helping its customers and the communities it serves for 125 years and has more than 230 full-service locations throughout Chicagoland and Indiana, and more than 580 ATMs. Our mortgage professionals can help you navigate though the offers and promotions to help determine what is best for you. Stop by any Harris location or call us at 1-888-482-3781.

About Harris:
Harris is an integrated financial service organization providing more than 1 million personal, business and corporate clients with banking, lending, investing and wealth management solutions. The organization is a member of the BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), which also provides corporate and investment banking services in the U.S. under the BMO Capital Markets name. For more information, please visit www.bmocm.com or www.harrisbank.com.

Harris^® is a trade name used by various financial service subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp. Banking products and services are provided by Harris N.A., The Harris Bank, N.A. and their bank affiliates. Members FDIC. Brokerage products are offered through Harris Investor Services, Inc. (HIS), a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and SEC registered investment adviser. Insurance and annuities are offered through Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc. (HBIS). Securities are provided by BMO Capital Markets Corp. (BMOCM), a registered broker dealer and member NYSE, FINRA and SIPC. HIS, HBIS and BMOCM are affiliated companies and are wholly owned subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp. Products offered by HIS, HBIS and BMOCM are Not Insured by the FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit of or Guaranteed by Any Bank or Bank Affiliate, May Lose Value. The purchase of insurance or an annuity is not a condition to any bank loan or service. Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney, Inc., an SEC registered investment adviser. Family Office Services are provided by Harris myCFO, Inc. Investment advisory services are offered by Harris myCFO Investment Advisory Services LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser and wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris myCFO, Inc. Not all products and services are offered in every state and/or location