Fitch Ratings Reflect U. S. CentralFCU’s Role In Payment System

LENEXA, Kan. - (04/20/06) – Fitch Ratings Wednesday said itaffirmed the long-term issuer default rating and short-term issuerdefault rating for U.S. Central FCU at AAA and F1+, respectively, aweek after the corporates’ corporate reported strong retainedearnings growth for 2005. Fitch said U.S. Central’s rating“reflect its solid credit fundamentals, particularly the lowrisk and liquid nature of its balance sheet.” In addition,“U.S. Central’s role within the domestic paymentssystem due to its importance in the credit union industry is a keyrating factor,” the rating agency said. Fitch noted the highprobability of external support “should the organization runinto financial difficulties, which enhances the company’sratings.”