ROCKFORD, Ill., Sept. 14, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMCORE Financial (Nasdaq:AMFI) announced today that AMCORE customers with non-interest bearing deposit accounts, more commonly known as checking accounts, and NOW accounts paying less than 0.50 percent will continue to be fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) regardless of the dollar amount.

The FDIC has extended its Transaction Account Guarantee Program for six months from the end of 2009 through June 30, 2010 and AMCORE continues to participate in the program. Financial institutions that elect to join the program must post prominent notices in the lobbies of their main office and branches indicating that they are a participant.

"This has been a popular program for customers and as a company with a nearly 100 year history of safeguarding our customers' deposits, we are pleased to provide this added peace of mind and protection," said William R. McManaman, Chairman and CEO of AMCORE. "We understand the pressures our customers and local businesses face in today's economy and we are committed to helping them achieve their financial objectives."

The insurance coverage on non-interest bearing transaction deposit accounts and NOW accounts paying less than 0.50 percent is over and above the $250,000 coverage provided to customers already. For example, if a customer has $500,000 in a non-interest bearing transaction deposit account and $250,000 in a certificate of deposit, the FDIC would fully ensure the entire $750,000 under this program. "This truly is a program designed to maintain consumer confidence in the financial services industry," said McManaman.

About AMCORE

AMCORE Financial, Inc. is headquartered in Northern Illinois and has banking assets of $4.9 billion with 73 locations in Illinois and Wisconsin. AMCORE provides a full range of consumer and commercial banking services, a variety of mortgage lending products and wealth management services including trust, brokerage, investment management and comprehensive retirement plan services.

AMCORE common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol AMFI. Further information about AMCORE Financial, Inc. can be found at the Company's website at www.AMCORE.com.

Member FDIC

CONTACT:  AMCORE Financial, Inc.
          Media inquiries:
          Katherine Taylor
          815-961-7164