Hancock Bank establishes commercial credit card
relationship with GE's card unit

ProductivitySM Card Provides Convenience, Control and Contingency
Spending for Business Customers

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, and GULFPORT, MS - November 29, 2006 - Hancock Bank (NASDAQ: HBHC) executives announced today that Hancock business customers can now enjoy the advantages of Hancock Bank commercial credit cards available through the company's new alliance with GE Money - Corporate Payment Services (NYSE:GE). Under the agreement, Hancock Bank is offering a co-branded version of the ProductivitySM MasterCard® to small and middle market business customers in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida.

The Productivity Card's suite of features helps companies streamline their purchasing and payment processes, control costs, and augment contingency planning. Business card holders can use the card at any merchant that accepts MasterCard and can utilize Productivity Online, an online self-service tool that includes real-time tracking and reporting of transactions plus convenient online payment and account management options.

"The Productivity Card for Business suite of credit products supplements Hancock's commercial products, and provides service and savings to strengthen their customer relationships. We're proud to help extend Hancock's ability to help clients when needs arise," said Joan Peters, Vice President - Business Card, CPS."

Through the program, companies also have access to discounts with suppliers of business goods and services, such as rental car, lodging, and office supplies. Additionally, the program includes an optional Productivity Points Rewards program with 2,000 bonus points upon application approval and enrollment.

"By offering the ProductivitySM BusinessCard from Hancock Bank, we're providing a valuable tool to facilitate commerce and opportunities in business communities throughout our Gulf South market," said Jim Howarth, the senior vice president responsible for retail sales throughout Hancock Bank's four-state market.

From the ability to download transaction data to accounting systems, to online account management functions, the program assists clients growing their businesses through efficient, more strategic financial management.

"The Productivity MasterCard complements Hancock Bank's commitment to providing our business, institutional, and governmental entity customers the innovative cash management choices they need with flexible payment, billing, and control options tailored to their specific business success objectives," said Kerrie Duvernay, vice president and manager for Hancock Bank Cash Management Services.

About Hancock Bank

Hancock Holding Company - the parent company of Hancock Bank (Mississippi), Hancock Bank of Louisiana, Hancock Bank of Florida, and Magna Insurance Company - has assets of $6.26 billion. Founded in 1899, Hancock Bank stands among the strongest, safest financial institutions in the United States and is the only financial services company headquartered in the Gulf South to rate among the top 20 percent of America's top performing banks. Hancock offers comprehensive financial solutions through more than 140 banking and financial services offices and more than 130 automated teller machines throughout South Mississippi, Louisiana, southern Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle.

About GE Money - Corporate Payment Services

Corporate Payment Services, the commercial card unit of GE Money - Americas, develops and markets corporate bank cards and e-settlement tools designed for small-, medium- and large-sized companies and organizations. Cards are issued by GE Capital Financial Inc. For more information, visit www.gebusinessmarketplace.com.

With more than $163 billion in assets, GE Money, a unit of General Electric Company, is a leading provider of credit services to consumers, retailers and auto dealers in 50 countries around the world. GE Money, based in Stamford, Conn. (USA), offers a range of financial products, including private label credit cards, personal loans, bank cards, auto loans and leases, mortgages, corporate travel and purchasing cards, debt consolidation and home equity loans, and credit insurance. More information can be found at www.gemoney.com.

GE (NYSE: GE) is Imagination at Work -- a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.

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For further information, please contact:
Michael O'Malley
Marketing Manager
GE Money - Corporate Payment Services
(801) 517-5711
michael.o'malley@ge.com