FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Elizabeth Eckel, SVP Marketing, 401-348-1309
DATE: April 6, 2005

Washington Trust Offers Free Checking and Free Sox Stuff

Westerly, Rhode Island... (April 6, 2005) - Washington Trust today introduced a new free checking promotion for local Sox fans. Beginning on Monday, April 11th, Washington Trust will give away two free tickets for the August 1 PawSox game against Syracuse to anyone who opens a new Freedom checking account. In addition, customers who sign up for direct deposit with their new checking account will also receive a free Boston Red Sox road jersey when their first direct deposit is made. Customers can select the jersey of one of four of Boston's top players: Johnny Damon, Manny Ramirez, Curt Shilling or David Ortiz.

As a special bonus offer, Washington Trust is also raffling off a PawSox VIP package, which includes all of the following for the August 1 game:

• A suite for 20 guests (including hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and soda)
• The opportunity to throw out the first pitch
• The winner's name posted on the scoreboard
• A photo of the winner with a PawSox player

The VIP contest, which is open to anyone, will run through July 22, 2005.

"The PawSox are a first-class organization and we're proud to support the hometown team with our new checking promotion," stated John C. Warren, Washington Trust Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

"We're very excited about teaming up with Washington Trust," stated Mike Tamburro, president of the Pawtucket Red Sox. "They are a great PawSox sponsor and terrific Rhode Island community bank. This promotion should be a hit with local Sox fans."

The multi-media marketing campaign will feature radio, print, outdoor and direct mail advertising. In 2004, Washington Trust was the first bank in Rhode Island to offer totally free checking, with a $100 cash back offer.

Washington Trust's Freedom Checking account offers several great benefits:

• No monthly service charge checking
• Free debit card
• Free set of 50 starter checks
• Free ATMs*
• Free online banking with bill pay

*Other banks may charge for ATM use.

To open a new Freedom Checking account, stop by any Washington Trust branch, or open an account online at www.washtrust.com. For more information call Washington Trust toll-free 1-800-475-2265.

The Washington Trust Company is the largest independent bank headquartered in Rhode Island. A state-chartered bank, Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including trust and investment management, through its 16 branch offices located in Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut. Founded in 1800, 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.