FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Brenda D. Farrell, Corporate Communications Manager, 401-348-1363
DATE: April 5, 2004

Washington Trust Launches New Marketing Campaign And Free Checking Product

Westerly, Rhode Island... The Washington Trust Company has rolled out a new multi-media marketing campaign to reach the people of Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut with the message that it offers the best banking products, services and customer service in the market. The new "Make It Happenä" campaign uses television, radio, print, outdoor and direct mail advertising to show consumers that, no matter what their financial goals or dreams, Washington Trust has the right people and products to help "make it happen."

John C. Warren, Washington Trust's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Washington Trust is growing significantly in Rhode Island, particularly in the greater Providence - Kent County areas. As we've entered those markets, we've found that people are familiar with our long-standing reputation for excellent customer service and that they value our strong commitment to helping our communities. The purpose of the new campaign is to deliver the message that Washington Trust not only has the best people and the provides the best service, but offers the best retail and business banking products and trust and investment services as well."

According to Elizabeth B. Eckel, the Bank's Senior Vice President, Marketing, Rhode Island itself is prominently featured in the "Make It Happen" television ad. "Washington Trust is the largest independent bank headquartered in the state, so we've featured the faces and places that make Rhode Island such a special place to live and work."

This week, Washington Trust introduced a new free checking account, Freedom Checking. "Unlike the 'free' checking accounts offered by our competitors, Freedom Checking does not require direct deposit to waive monthly service fees," Eckel said. "However, we are rewarding new customers who do by depositing $50 into their account after the first direct deposit transaction is made." There is no minimum balance required for Freedom Checking, and customers are not charged for teller transactions, check writing, ATM/debit cards, or ATM transactions.

In addition, Washington Trust's online banking and online bill payment services are now completely free of charge to all customers. "As an incentive for new customers to start using online banking, Washington Trust will deposit $50 into their account after he or she has made their first three online bill payment transactions, " Eckel said.

She continued, "Washington Trust also has a free business checking account featuring no monthly service fees, free online business banking and free bill payment, and the first 200 checking and deposit transactions are free. This free checking account is part of our Freedom Business Partners package of discounted services and special offers for business banking customers."

Those interested in obtaining an easy "switch kit" or learning more about Washington Trust's products and services may visit any of the Bank's 16 branch locations, call the account information center at (401) 348-1200 or (800) 475-2265, or visit the Bank's website, www.washtrust.com. For customer convenience, branches in North Kingstown, Narragansett, Warwick and Cranston will be open until 7:30 p.m. on Thursday nights.

Founded in 1800, The Washington Trust Company is a state-chartered bank and offers a full range of financial services, including trust and investment management, through its branch offices in Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut. The Bank is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. whose common stock trades on The Nasdaq Stock Market® under the symbol WASH. Web site address: www.washtrust.com.