First Reliance Bank Launches a Community Outreach Banking Program

FLORENCE, S.C., June 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As South Carolina's most
customer-friendly bank, First Reliance Bank (OTC Bulletin Board: FSRL) is
pleased to announce it has created an outreach program, Check 'N Save,
especially for people in our communities who have experienced trouble managing
their bank accounts in the past or who may have been turned down by a bank or
credit union for a checking or banking relationship.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041022/CLF051LOGO)

Rick Saunders, First Reliance Bank's Chief Executive Officer, said, "Our team
is excited to be involved in this community outreach program. We began
realizing the real need for bank services among low and middle income
households when we read a report outlining the number of households in the US
that have no relationship with a bank. As a local community bank, we believe
it to be part of our purpose, to provide convenient banking program's
specifically designed for people in our neighborhoods including those
individuals that currently do not have a banking relationship.

"In our research, we found we could offer a check cashing and savings program,
at a significantly lower cost than other alternative financial servicing
businesses. The money that could be saved in fees could go into a savings
account that could be used for an emergency fund or even a down payment on a
home in the future. This information compelled us to develop a program that
would make a difference in people's lives and help them financially because
they came to us. We anticipate that the program will attract a lot of good
banking customers," said Saunders.

The Check'N Save program, includes a checking account combined with a high
interest 12 month savings CD, for which the bank will contribute the first $10
for the CD to be opened. Customers are required to set up transfers for as
little as five dollars a month to go into the CD and they can make unlimited
deposits in addition to their automatic transfers. The package is designed to
help customers learn to manage a checking account and encourage saving.
Convenient services such as ATM service, online banking and billpay services
are also available.

The program also provides customers a partnership with associates of First
Reliance bank who provide financial tools which include personal and family
budget worksheets, printed information on how to balance their checkbook,
money management tips and free online financial education courses. Customers
who want additional assessment and financial counseling have the option to
enroll in a program offered through a company the bank has partnered with,
Checking Network USA. This program will help customers learn how to manage a
banking relationship and protect their credit.

The program launched June 8, 2009 at all First Reliance Bank locations.
Check'N Save is a strong program to help people get back on their feet and
it's a great starter checking account for those beginning their banking
relationship.

ABOUT FIRST RELIANCE BANK
First Reliance Bank, founded in 1999, has assets of approximately $637
million, and employs over 145 highly talented associates. The bank serves
Columbia, Charleston, and Florence markets in South Carolina. The bank has
been recognized for its success including being the only company ever to be
named to The Top 25 Fastest Growing Companies(TM) in South Carolina four times
including 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2006 (SC Chamber/Elliott Davis). In June
2007, the bank was added to the Palmetto 25, a list of S.C.'s largest publicly
held companies. In 2006, 2007, and 2008 the bank was also recognized as One of
the Best Places to Work in South Carolina by the SC Chamber of Commerce. First
Reliance Bank offers a unique Hometown Heroes package of benefits to serve
those who are serving our communities, a Customer Service Guaranty, Totally
FREE Checking, Totally FREE Business Checking, FREE Coin Machines, a Worldwide
NO FEE ATM Network, and a 5 Way Mortgage Service Promise. It also offers 8-8
Extended Hours in all of their Florence, Charleston, and Lexington locations
and is open on most traditional bank holidays. Its Easy to Do Business
With(TM) standard has earned the young bank a customer satisfaction rating of
98% (Lamothe & Associates, Inc., Research Firm). First Reliance Bank is traded
as FSRL.OB. Information about the Company is available on the company's
website at www.firstreliance.com.

Media Contacts:
Rick Saunders, CEO Pam Rhoads, VP, Customer Experience
First Reliance Bank First Reliance Bank
(843) 674-3001 (843) 674-3261
rsaunders@firstreliance.com prhoads@firstreliance.com

SOURCE First Reliance Bank

Rick Saunders, CEO, +1-843-674-3001, rsaunders@firstreliance.com; Pam Rhoads,
VP, Customer Experience, +1-843-674-3261, prhoads@firstreliance.com, both of
First Reliance Bank