PVN Providian Financial

Providian Financial Corporation (NYSE:PVN) today announced it will hold its second quarter 2005 earnings conference call on Thursday, July 21, 2005, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The earnings release and accompanying financial information will be released on that day after market-close and, together with the conference call script, will be available on the Company's web site. The call will be broadcast live over the Internet through the Investor Relations page of Providian's web site. Those interested in listening to the call and/or presentation should go to the Investor Relations page of Providian's web site (www.providian.com) at least 15 minutes before the start time to register and download any necessary software. Replays will be available shortly after the conclusion of each event and archived on the Company's web site. About Providian San Francisco-based Providian Financial Corp. (www.providian.com) is a leading provider of credit cards to mainstream American consumers throughout the United States. By combining experience, analysis and technology, Providian seeks to build long-lasting relationships with its customers by providing products and services that meet their evolving financial needs. For more information: Investors, please contact Victoria Hyde-Dunn at 415-278-4282. Media, please contact Alan Elias at 415-278-4189.