Guaranty's small business customers will be eligible to apply for the Business Gold Charge Card, which offers Cardmembers the option to enroll in the Membership Rewards® program from American Express and earn valuable rewards points toward travel, dining, entertainment and retail purchases, or the Platinum Business Cash Rebate Credit Card, which offers up to 5% cash back annually on purchases.(1),(2) Both Cards include access to the OPEN Savings® program, which gives Cardmembers automatic savings when using their Card for purchases with partners such as FedEx®, Hertz®, Health Allies – a UnitedHealth Group Company and more.(3)

American Express will issue the new Cards and service the accounts. Guaranty Bank and OPEN from American Express will market the Cards through Guaranty's in-branch, direct mail and online channels.

The agent bank alliance brings together OPEN(SM), a leading issuer of small business credit and charge card products in the United States, with one of the largest financial institutions based in the state of Texas. Guaranty Bank holds assets of more than $15 billion, and its small business segment has grown at 22% annually, on average, since 2001.

"Our partnership with Guaranty Bank represents a win-win-win for all stakeholders," said Raymond Joabar, senior vice president, OPEN from American Express. "Guaranty's small business customers will enjoy best-in-class co-branded card products from two trusted companies. Additionally, Guaranty can deepen loyalty among its customers by enhancing its menu of small business financial services. As importantly, OPEN from American Express has an opportunity to introduce an important distribution channel that leverages the close relationships that Guaranty has built with its customers.”

Ron Murff, retail bank president, Guaranty, commented, “We are excited about our affiliation with OPEN from American Express. Their strong brand and commitment to customer service are a natural fit for a partnership with Guaranty. These premier card products are ideal for our small business customers and add a new dimension to Guaranty's small business product offerings.”

About OPEN from American Express
OPEN is the American Express team dedicated exclusively to the success of small business owners and their companies. The OPEN Team provides small business owners access to an enhanced set of products, tools, services and savings designed to help meet their evolving needs. Offerings include charge and credit cards, robust online account management capabilities and automatic savings on business services from such partners as FedEx®, Hertz®, HealthAllies – a UnitedHealth Group Company and more. To obtain more information about OPEN from American Express, visit www.open.com, or call 1-800-NOW-OPEN. Terms and conditions apply.

American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, business services and international banking.

About Guaranty Bank
Guaranty Bank, with more than $15 billion in assets, operates a network of more than 150 banking centers throughout California and Texas. Guaranty Bank is a member of the FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. The bank and its affiliates are owned by Temple-Inland Inc., a Fortune 500 company. Temple-Inland is a major manufacturer of corrugated packaging and forest products, with a diversified financial services operation. The company manages its 2 million acres of forestland in accordance with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)SM program of the American Forest & Paper Association to ensure that forest management is conducted in a scientifically sound and environmentally sensitive manner. Temple-Inland's common stock (TIN) is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. Temple-Inland's address on the WORLDWIDE web is www.templeinland.com.

(1) Basic and additional Cardmembers holding a Business Card from OPEN who have one of the following Cards may also enroll in the Membership Rewards Pro­gram: Business Gold Card, Business Platinum Card,® Business Centurion® Card, Executive Busi­ness Card, Business Purchase Account, Business Costco Card, Business Membership Rewards Card. Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program apply.

(2) There is no limit to the amount of cash rewards you can earn. Your annual cash reward for purchases at OPEN Savings(SM) is up to 5%. Your annual cash reward for all other purchases is up to 2.5%. Once your spending for the year exceeds $15,000, the cash reward for additional purchases at OPEN Savings is 2% and your cash reward for all other purchases is 1%. OPEN Savings are purchases at FedEx(R), Hyatt, Hertz, UnitedHealth Allies and more. Offer and participation subject to change without notice. Balance transfers are not eligible for cash back. The annual rebate will be credited to your account in the month of February. To receive your rebate, your account must be active and in good standing.

(3) Payment must be made with an American Express® Business Card. Participation and offers are subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply. For more information please visit open.americanexpress.com/savings.

Contacts:
Channing Barringer
212.640.0512
Channing.K.Barringer@aexp.com