BARTOW, Fla., November 12, 2003/PRNewswire/ - Amscot Financial, one of the Tampa Bay Area's fastest-growing retail financial service companies, recently opened a new location at 250 E. Van Fleet Dr.

Designed to serve the residents of Bartow and the surrounding communities, the new branch will offer check cashing, free money orders, payday advances and tax preparation services, as well as Western Union money transfers and pre-paid MasterCards.

In the last 12 months, Amscot Financial has opened 17 additional branches throughout Florida, including locations in Avon Park, Brandon, Brooksville, Clearwater, Plant City, Tampa, Sarasota, Spring Hill, St. Petersburg and Zephyrhills.

"At Amscot Financial," explains President and CEO Ian MacKechnie, "our focus has always been on helping people meet their demand for financial services.

"Whether the residents of Bartow and Polk County need to cash a check or receive their income tax return - regardless of the amount - this new branch will be open seven days a week, 365 days a year to accommodate their needs," MacKechnie adds.

Hours for the new location will be Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., Amscot Financial is a leading provider of income tax preparation and electronic filing services, refund anticipation loans, check cashing services, cash advance services, money transfer services, and money orders through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Amscot International Money Order Company. Amscot Financial currently operates more than 50 tax preparation offices and 50 retail financial service centers throughout Florida, employing more than 1,500 people and transacting in excess of $1.5 billion annually. For additional information, please visit the company's Web site at www.amscotfinancial.com.