SCHEDULE 14A
                                 (RULE 14A-101)

                     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

                    PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Filed by the Registrant |_|
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant |X|

Check the appropriate box:

|X|  Preliminary Proxy Statement
|_|  Confidential, for Use of the
      Commission Only (as permitted by
      Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
|_|   Definitive Proxy Statement
|_|   Definitive Additional Materials
|_|   Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12

                                 INTERCEPT, INC.
                (Name Of Registrant As Specified In Its Charter)

                                JANA PARTNERS LLC
                             JANA MASTER FUND, LTD.
    (Name Of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, If Other Than The Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
|X| No fee required.
|_| Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

       (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
       (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
       (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee
is calculated and state how it was determined):
       (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
       (5) Total fee paid:



|_| Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
|_| Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

          (1) Amount Previously Paid:
          (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
          (3) Filing Party:
          (4) Date Filed:


                                       2





                                JANA PARTNERS LLC
                                 201 Post Street
                             San Francisco, CA 94108
                                  May [_], 2004

Dear InterCept, Inc. Shareholder:

         We are a shareholder of InterCept just like you, and like the
shareholder of any public company, no matter how big or small the investment, we
believe in three things:

                  - GETTING A FAIR RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT -
                          - GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE -
                            - SHAREHOLDER DEMOCRACY -

ON THE BASIS OF THESE CORE PRINCIPLES, WE BELIEVE IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE AT
INTERCEPT.

         But we cannot do it without your support. We know you receive many
communications this time of year, but we believe you will receive few if any
more important than this. We are proposing FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES both in the board
membership and the governance of InterCept, changes which we believe will mark a
turning point in the direction of the company, AND EVERY SINGLE VOTE IS
ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL.

         You will hear many things from the current management regarding our
nominees and proposals. We encourage you to give full and fair consideration to
both sides. But at the end of the day, we also ask you to consider one basic
question: WHO IS MORE LIKELY TO BE FIGHTING FOR MY INTERESTS, THE CURRENT
MANAGEMENT OR A SHAREHOLDER LIKE MYSELF?

         Like you, we profit only if InterCept profits. Like you, we receive no
salary, bonuses, options or other compensation from InterCept. Like you, our
only concern is seeing the value of InterCept's shares realize their maximum
potential. It is for these reasons that we are seeking your support for the
following proposals.

           PROPOSAL 1: ELECT JANA'S NOMINEES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

         We are asking for your support in electing our two board nominees, who
will aggressively pursue the highest possible return for all shareholders. Given
what we know, including that two of the three independent directors who
evaluated a possible sale of the company earlier this year recommended that the
sale process continue, we believe that one likely way to maximize the value of
the company would be through sale to a strategic buyer. However, our nominees
will be relentless in their pursuit of the best options for the company and will
evaluate ALL PROPOSALS TO MAXIMIZE VALUE.

         PROPOSAL 2: GIVE SHAREHOLDERS GREATER POWER TO REMOVE DIRECTORS

         Currently, shareholders have no right to remove directors, NO MATTER
HOW POOR THE COMPANY'S PERFORMANCE, short of "cause", such as fraud or criminal
conduct. Particularly given the tremendous decline in the company's equity
value, we find this unacceptable.


                                       3



      PROPOSAL 3: LET SHAREHOLDERS FILL VACANCIES ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

         InterCept shareholders also currently have no right to fill vacancies
on the board UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. As a result, when the two independent
directors referred to above resigned as a result of the board's decision to
discontinue the sale evaluation process, the board was able to hand-pick
replacements with no shareholder input.

    PROPOSAL 4: LOWER THE THRESHOLD FOR SHAREHOLDERS TO CALL SPECIAL MEETINGS

         Currently only the holders of a majority of the company's shares can
call a special meeting of the company to address issues of importance to them.

         EACH OF PROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 4 IS BASED ON A SIMPLE PRINCIPLE:
SHAREHOLDER DEMOCRACY. EVEN IF MANAGEMENT DISAGREES WITH US ABOUT THE RIGHT
DIRECTION FOR INTERCEPT, WE ARE SURPRISED AND DISAPPOINTED THAT THEY ARE OPPOSED
TO PROPOSALS DESIGNED SOLELY TO GIVE SHAREHOLDERS A GREATER VOICE IN THE AFFAIRS
OF THE COMPANY.

         Under the current terms of InterCept's preferred stock, each of our
proposals to amend the bylaws must be consented to by the holder of the majority
of the preferred stock. We plan to seek such consent and hope that this holder
will support our efforts to increase shareholder democracy.

         YOUR VOTE IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT THIS YEAR. PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THE
ENCLOSED GOLD PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. IF YOU HAVE
ALREADY SENT IN INTERCEPT'S WHITE PROXY CARD, YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO CHANGE
YOUR VOTE BY SIGNING AND RETURNING A LATER DATED GOLD PROXY CARD.

         We face an uphill climb in this effort, including management opposition
to our proposals to empower shareholders and high voting thresholds for some of
our proposals. But with your support, we can overcome these obstacles and
deliver on the common goal of all InterCept shareholders: REALIZING THE MAXIMUM
VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT.

         InterCept's 2004 Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, June 24,
2004, at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast, 5993 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard,
Norcross, Georgia, 30092, beginning at 8:30 a.m. EDT.


                                       4



         On behalf of our nominees and ourselves, we look forward to working
with you and thank you for your support. We encourage you to contact our proxy
solicitor, MacKenzie Partners, Inc. at (800) 322-2885, with any questions or to
learn more.

                                   Very truly yours,


                                   /s/ Barry S. Rosenstein
                                   ---------------------------
                                       Barry S. Rosenstein
                                       Managing Director
                                       JANA Partners LLC


                                       5




                               PROXY STATEMENT OF
                                JANA PARTNERS LLC
                           AND JANA MASTER FUND, LTD.

                            -------------------------

                     2004 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
                                 INTERCEPT, INC.

                            -------------------------

             YOUR VOTE IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT AT THIS YEAR'S ANNUAL
           MEETING. PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE GOLD CARD TODAY.

                            -------------------------

                                  INTRODUCTION

         JANA Partners LLC and JANA Master Fund, Ltd. (together, "JANA", "we" or
"us") is providing you with this proxy statement and the enclosed GOLD proxy
card because we are seeking your support to make fundamental changes in the
leadership and governance of InterCept, Inc. (the "Company" or "InterCept") at
the Company's 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting").

         This Proxy Statement and the accompanying GOLD proxy card are first
being sent or given to the Company's shareholders on or about May 24, 2004.

         JANA's goals are to maximize the value of InterCept for all of its
shareholders and to give the voice of the shareholders the prominence it
deserves in the future of the Company. Like you, we are shareholders of
InterCept and stand to profit not from salaries, bonuses, stock options or other
perks, but from only one thing: the realization of the full potential of
InterCept's value.

         We believe that the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board of
Directors") was wrong to abandon the sale process it began late last year over
the objections of two of the three independent directors assigned to evaluate a
sale of the Company. We also believe the Board of Directors was wrong to replace
these two independent directors, who resigned as a result of the Board of
Directors' decision, with hand-picked replacements without any input from
shareholders.

         We therefore believe it is time to elect directors who will be
RELENTLESS IN EXPLORING EVERY POSSIBLE MEANS OF INCREASING SHAREHOLDER VALUE.
This includes the full exploration of a sale of the Company, as well as any
other conceivable means to maximize the value of your investment in InterCept.
We also believe it is time to amend the bylaws to GIVE SHAREHOLDERS THE VOICE
THEY DESERVE, including giving them greater power to choose directors, rather
than having them selected for them by the Board of Directors.

         Therefore, we are seeking your support for our two nominees named below
in "PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS" to serve as Class III directors on the


                                       6



Board of Directors whose terms will expire in 2007. Both of our nominees will be
dedicated solely to maximizing value for InterCept's shareholders and will fully
explore all avenues to achieve this goal.

         Furthermore, JANA is seeking your support for the following three
proposals to amend the Company's bylaws, each of which has the sole purpose of
increasing shareholder democracy at InterCept:

o Give shareholders greater power to remove directors.
o Let shareholders fill vacancies on the Board of Directors.
o Lower the threshold for shareholders to call special meetings.

         These proposals are further described below in "PROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 4:
BYLAW AMENDMENTS".

         The Board of Directors has set April 15, 2004 as the record date for
the Annual Meeting, The Company's principal executive offices are located at
3150 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 200, Norcross, GA 30071.

         PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN ONLY THE GOLD PROXY CARD AND DO
NOT RETURN ANY PROXY CARD FROM INTERCEPT. IF YOU HAVE ALREADY RETURNED
INTERCEPT'S WHITE PROXY CARD, YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR VOTE BY SIGNING AND RETURING A
LATER-DATED GOLD PROXY CARD.

         IF YOU NEED HELP OR HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT OR THE
ENCLOSED GOLD PROXY CARD PLEASE CONTACT:

                            MacKenzie Partners, Inc.
                               105 Madison Avenue
                               New York, NY 10016
                                 (800) 322-2885

                             ----------------------

          THIS SOLICITATION IS BEING MADE BY JANA AND NOT ON BEHALF OF
                               INTERCEPT'S BOARD.


                                       7




                             INFORMATION ABOUT JANA

         JANA Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, is a private
money management firm with assets under management of approximately $1.4
billion. JANA Partners LLC beneficially owns 1,796,437 shares of the Company's
common stock (approximately 8.9% of the shares outstanding) in various accounts
under its management and control, including JANA Master Fund, Ltd., a Cayman
Islands exempted company. The principals of JANA are Barry Rosenstein and Gary
Claar. The principal business address of JANA is 201 Post Street, Suite 1000,
San Francisco, California 94108.

         JANA, as a greater than 5% shareholder of the Company, is subject to
the filing requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is required
to file periodic reports and other information with the SEC relating to its
ownership of the Company's common stock. These reports and other information can
be inspected and copied at the public reference facility maintained by the SEC
at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information
regarding the public reference facility may be obtained from the SEC by
telephoning 1-800-SEC-0330. JANA's and the Company's filings are also available
to the public on the SEC's Internet site, at www.sec.gov. Copies of such
materials may also be obtained by mail from the Public Reference Section of the
SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates.
Intercept's common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market. Reports and
other information regarding Intercept are available for inspection at the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. at 9513 Key West Avenue,
Rockville, Maryland 20850.

                                    IMPORTANT

         JANA STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR ITS NOMINEES AND BYLAW
AMENDMENT PROPOSALS BY COMPLETING, SIGNING, DATING AND MAILING THE ENCLOSED GOLD
PROXY CARD PROMPTLY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED WHETHER OR NOT YOU INTEND TO ATTEND
THE MEETING IN PERSON.

         HOLDERS OF RECORD OF INTERCEPT COMMON STOCK AS OF APRIL 15, 2004, ARE
URGED TO SUBMIT A GOLD PROXY CARD EVEN IF YOU SOLD YOUR SHARES AFTER THAT DATE.

         IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED INTERCEPT COMMON STOCK AFTER APRIL 15, 2004, AND
WISH TO VOTE YOUR SHARES AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU SHOULD SEEK TO OBTAIN A
PROXY FROM THE PERSON THAT SOLD YOU YOUR SHARES.


                                       8



         IF YOUR INTERCEPT COMMON STOCK WAS HELD IN THE NAME OF A BROKERAGE
FIRM, BANK OR NOMINEE ON APRIL 15, 2004, PLEASE CONTACT THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE
FOR YOUR ACCOUNT AND GIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR SHARES TO BE VOTED ON THE GOLD
PROXY CARD.

         IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS PROXY
STATEMENT OR THE ACCOMPANYING GOLD PROXY CARD PLEASE CONTACT:

                            MacKenzie Partners, Inc.
                               105 Madison Avenue
                               New York, NY 10016
                                 (800) 322-2885

                             ----------------------


                                       9





                 BACKGROUND OF AND REASONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION

         This proxy contest is about one thing: maximizing value for the
shareholders of the Company. JANA's nominees to the Board of Directors will
aggressively pursue all possible means to realizing the maximum value of
InterCept's stock. Furthermore, JANA's proposals to amend the bylaws of the
Company are all designed to give greater power to the people who have the most
to gain from the realization of the Company's full value, the shareholders.

         The recent activities of the Board of Directors strongly indicate that
a change in the membership of the Board of Directors will be required for the
Company to promptly and thoroughly explore the opportunity to realize the
maximum value of the Company for its shareholders. Additionally, JANA believes
that recent events also show that there is a serious imbalance of power between
the Board of Directors and the shareholders of InterCept which must be
addressed.

         On October 30, 2003, the Company announced that its Chairman and CEO,
John W. Collins, intended to make an offer to take the Company private. The
Board of Directors formed a special independent committee of three directors
(the "Special Committee") to evaluate the possible sale of the Company. On
December 12, 2003, the Company announced that Mr. Collins, after consulting with
several parties regarding financing of a transaction, would not be making an
offer but that "several third parties initiated contact with the special
committee and expressed interest in the Company, and the special committee will
be evaluating those indications of interest."

         HOWEVER, LESS THAN TWO MONTHS LATER, DESPITE HAVING RECEIVED BY THE
COMPANY'S OWN ADMISSION TEN INDICATIONS OF INTEREST IN JANUARY OF 2004 AND
DESPITE THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO CONTINUE THE SALE
PROCESS, THE COMPANY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS TERMINATED THE SALE PROCESS AND
DISSOLVED THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE. AS A RESULT OF THIS DECISION, ON FEBRUARY 13,
2004, TWO OF THE THREE INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS ON THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE, BOONE A.
KNOX (WHO WAS THEN ALSO THE VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMPANY) AND JON R. BURKE,
RESIGNED.

         In his resignation letter, Mr. Knox stated: "The Special Committee,
after carefully considering the advice of financial advisors determined that the
Company should permit selected interested and capable strategic buyers to
conduct due diligence and negotiations to evaluate a possible sale of the
Company. The Board of Directors has determined to discontinue this process. As a
result of this decision, I hereby resign as a director, Vice Chairman and member
of various committees of the Company and its subsidiaries effective February 13,
2004 and request that this letter and the forgoing reasons for my resignation be
disclosed publicly." Mr. Burke's resignation letter was similar in its content.

         WE BELIEVE THAT THIS SEQUENCE OF EVENTS POINTS TO THE NEED TO ELECT
INDIVIDUALS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHO WILL AGGRESSIVELY PURSUE THE BEST
COURSE TO MAXIMIZE VALUE FOR SHAREHOLDERS. IF OUR NOMINEES ARE ELECTED, THEY
WILL PROPOSE THAT THE COMPANY IMMEDIATELY ENGAGE A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED
INVESTMENT BANKING FIRM TO CONDUCT A FULL AND FAIR REVIEW OF THE BEST


                                       10




VALUE-MAXIMIZING OPTIONS FOR SHAREHOLDERS, INCLUDING A SALE OF THE COMPANY. IF
SUCH FULL AND FAIR REVIEW DETERMINES THAT A SALE IS NOT THE BEST COURSE OF
ACTION, OUR NOMINEES WILL RELENTLESSLY PURSUE ALL OTHER MEANS OF INCREASING
VALUE FOR SHAREHOLDERS. IF SUCH REVIEW DETERMINES THAT A SALE IS THE BEST COURSE
OF ACTION, WE WILL WORK TO PERSUADE THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TO FOLLOW THROUGH TO MAXIMIZE SHAREHOLDER VALUE.

         On April 2, 2004, JANA notified the Company that it intended to
nominate four directors for election to the Board of Directors. Prior to
April 14th, 2004, the Company's bylaws stated that "A director elected to fill a
vacancy shall hold office only until the next election of directors by the
shareholders." Under this provision (the "pre-amendment bylaw"), the individuals
selected solely by the Board of Directors to replace the two directors who
resigned as a result of the Board of Directors' decision to end the sale process
as described above would be standing for election at the Annual Meeting, in
addition to the two Class III directors whose terms expire at the Annual
Meeting, so that a total of four director seats on the Board of Directors would
be voted upon at the Annual Meeting.

         On April 14, 2004, the Company amended its bylaws to state that
directors elected by the Board of Directors to fill vacancies, such as the ones
created by the resignations referred to above, would serve for the unexpired
terms of the directors they replaced, rather than until the next shareholders'
meeting. In addition, on April 14, 2004, the Company filed an application for a
temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in United States District
Court to prevent JANA from nominating four individuals to the Board of
Directors, claiming that the Company's own pre-amendment bylaw, which had been
in existence for almost six years and which the Company had set forth in its
public SEC filings, was invalid and accordingly that only two director seats
would be up for election at the Annual Meeting. JANA in response filed a
counterclaim requesting, among other things, that the court allow JANA to
present shareholder proposals at the Annual Meeting.

         On April 29, 2004, the court both denied InterCept's request for a
temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction preventing JANA from
nominating four directors and ordered the Company to allow JANA to present
shareholder proposals at the Annual Meeting. Following the court's order JANA
announced that, consistent with the court's opinion, to avoid uncertainty at the
Annual Meeting and to facilitate an orderly election, it would nominate only two
individuals for election to the Board of Directors. On May 3, 2004, JANA
delivered to the Company the proposals described below in "PROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 4:
BYLAW AMENDMENTS", which are designed to increase shareholder democracy
at the Company and to allow the Company's shareholders to elect directors of
their own choosing rather than those hand-picked by the Board of Directors.


                                       11



                        PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

GENERAL

         The Company's articles of incorporation provide that its board of
directors shall consist of at least four and no more than 12 directors. The
Company's directors are divided into three classes, each class as nearly equal
in number as possible. The Board of Directors determines the number of directors
within these limits. The term of office of only one class of directors expires
in each year. The directors elected at the Annual Meeting will hold office for a
term of three years or until their successors are elected and qualified. The
current number of directors is six. Article 3.8 of the bylaws of the Company
allows shareholders to nominate persons for election as directors.

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF JANA'S NOMINEES

         At the Annual Meeting, JANA will nominate and vote, individually and as
proxy, in favor of its two nominees indicated below. JANA has selected these
individuals because it believes both will aggressively pursue all opportunities
to maximize the value of each shareholder's investment in InterCept.

         Nominees for Election - Class III Director, Term Expiring 2007

NAME               AGE     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND BACKGROUND

Kevin J. Lynch     35      Mr. Lynch has been a Principal of JANA Partners LLC
                           since 2001. Prior to joining JANA, Mr. Lynch was an
                           Investment Analyst at Sagaponack Partners, L.P., a
                           private equity fund, from 1999 to 2001. Mr. Lynch has
                           also held Associate positions at Cornerstone Equity
                           Investors, Prudential Equity Investors and Prudential
                           Investment Corporation. Mr. Lynch earned his Masters
                           in Business Administration from Columbia Business
                           School in 1999, his B.S. from Penn State in 1990 and
                           holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
                           designation.

Marc Weisman       51      Mr. Weisman is a co-founder of Sagaponack
                           Partners, L.P., a private equity investment
                           partnership, where he has been a Principal since
                           1996. Prior to that, Mr. Weisman was a Director at
                           Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB), in the
                           Principal Transactions Group from 1995 to 1996.
                           Prior to joining CSFB, Mr. Weisman served as the
                           Chief Financial Officer of The Adco Group from
                           1988 to 1995. Prior to that, Mr. Weisman worked at
                           Oppenheimer & Co. from 1985 to 1988, first as
                           Chief Financial Officer and then as the head of
                           Oppenheimer & Co.'s real estate investment banking
                           group. Before embarking on a career in finance and
                           investing, Mr. Weisman practiced law, including at
                           the law firm of Weil, Gotshal & Manges from 1979
                           to 1985, where he was an associate and then a
                           partner. Mr. Weisman earned B.A. and J.D. degrees
                           from Temple University in 1974 and 1977,
                           respectively, and received an L.L.M. in taxation
                           from New York University in 1980.

         The principal business address of Mr. Lynch is 201 Post Street, Suite
1000, San Francisco, California 94108. The principal business address of Mr.
Weisman is 645 Fifth Avenue, Eighth Floor, New York, New York 10022.



                                       12



         Both Messrs. Lynch and Weisman are investors in affilates of JANA,
which owns shares of common stock of the Company as described below in
"INFORMATION CONCERNING PERSONS WHO MAY SOLICIT PROXIES - Participant Ownership
of and Transactions in the Company's Securities". None of the organizations
listed above is a parent, subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company. The
information above concerning age, principal occupation, background and principal
business address of JANA's nominees has been furnished by the respective
nominee.

         Each of JANA's nominees has agreed to be named in this Proxy Statement
and, if elected, to serve as a director of the Company. Unless otherwise
specified on the proxy card, JANA will vote any proxies it receives in favor of
the election of the persons named above. JANA does not expect that any of its
nominees will be unable to stand for election or serve as a director, but if any
vacancy in JANA's slate occurs for any reason (including if the Company makes or
announces any changes to its bylaws or takes or announces any other action that
has, or if completed would have, the effect of disqualifying any or all of
JANA's nominees), the Company's common stock represented by GOLD proxy cards
received by JANA and not properly revoked will be voted for the substitute
candidate(s) nominated by JANA in compliance with the rules of the SEC and any
other applicable law and, if applicable, the Company's bylaws.

         You have the opportunity to withhold authority for JANA Partners, as
proxy, to vote in favor of the election of any of its nominees as directors at
the Annual Meeting by so indicating on the GOLD proxy card. There is no
assurance that any of the Company's nominees will serve if elected with any of
JANA's nominees.

         JANA RECOMMENDS THAT HOLDERS OF INTERCEPT COMMON STOCK VOTE IN FAVOR OF
THE ELECTION OF JANA'S NOMINEES.


                                       13





                 PROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 4: BYLAW AMENDMENTS

GENERAL

         The proposals set forth below are all designed to accomplish the same
goal: to give shareholders a greater voice in the running of InterCept.

         Even if the current management of InterCept disagrees with us about the
direction of the Company, WE ARE SURPRISED AND DISAPPOINTED THAT THEY ARE
OPPOSED TO PROPOSALS DESIGNED SOLELY TO GIVE SHAREHOLDERS A GREATER VOICE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY. We have read and are not persuaded by the Company's
rationale for opposing such proposals. Under InterCept's current bylaws,
shareholders have no right to remove directors before their term expires unless
"cause" such as fraud or criminal conduct exists and no right to fill vacancies
on the Board of Directors under any circumstances. Plus, the bylaws currently
require a majority of InterCept's shares just to cause the Company to call a
special meeting to address issues of importance to shareholders. We think this
imbalance in power is unacceptable.

         The proposals set forth below will correct this imbalance and we urge
your support for each. If the current management of InterCept believes that
public companies should be run with the full participation of their
shareholders, we believe that they should support these proposals as well.

         The full text of our proposals setting forth each bylaw as it is
proposed to be amended, together with such bylaw as it currently stands, is set
forth in Schedule I.  The percentage of votes required for the passage of each
proposal as set forth below is based upon the requirements set forth by the
Company in its proxy statement.

PROPOSAL 2:  GIVE SHAREHOLDERS GREATER POWER TO REMOVE DIRECTORS

         Under Section 3.3 of the Company's current bylaws, members of the Board
of Directors may only be removed by the shareholders for cause, which is
described in the comments to the Georgia Business Corporation Code (the "Georgia
Code") as consisting of "fraud, criminal conduct, gross abuse of office
amounting to a breach of trust, or similar misconduct". Furthermore, even if
such cause exists, the Company's current bylaws require the vote of the holders
of 66 2/3% of the votes entitled to be cast at a shareholders' meeting called
for such purpose to effect removal.

         We believe this prevents shareholders from removing directors even when
it is clear from the Company's performance that such change on the Board of
Directors is necessary.

         However, under the Georgia Code, corporations can give shareholders the
power to remove directors "with or without cause" by vote of the holders of a
simple majority of a corporation's shares entitled to be cast at a shareholders'
meeting called for such purpose.

         JANA proposes to give shareholders the right available under Georgia
law to remove directors with or without cause by vote of the holders of a simple
majority of the Company's shares entitled to be cast at a shareholders'
meeting for which notice of the removal action has been given for such removal.


                                       14



Shareholders are therefore asked to approve Proposal 2, the full text of which
is set forth in Schedule I to this Proxy Statement.

         JANA and its advisors, based upon Georgia law, disagree with the
Company's assertion that Proposal 2 would result in an invalid bylaw.

         Proposal 2 will be deemed to be approved if the holders of 66 2/3% of
the votes entitled to be cast at the Annual Meeting vote in favor of approval.

             JANA RECOMMENDS THAT HOLDERS OF INTERCEPT COMMON STOCK
              VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL 2 ON THE ENCLOSED GOLD PROXY CARD

PROPOSAL 3:  LET SHAREHOLDERS FILL VACANCIES ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

         Under Section 3.4 of the Company's current bylaws, vacancies on the
Board of Directors (such as those resulting from director resignations) may ONLY
be filled by the remaining directors.

         We think this is contrary to the principles of shareholder democracy.
In fact, it was this provision of the Company's current bylaws which allowed the
Board of Directors to hand-pick successors to the two independent directors who
resigned from the Board of Directors as a result of its decision to discontinue
the sale process as described above and to place the Board of Directors'
designees beyond the review and vote of shareholders for over a year in the case
of one designee and over two years in the case of the other designee.

         However, under the Georgia Code, corporations can give the power to
fill vacancies to shareholders as well, meaning that the Company's bylaws can be
amended to prevent the Board from hand-picking replacements without any
shareholder input in the future.

         JANA proposes to give shareholders the rights available under Georgia
law by giving the right to fill such vacancies on the Board of Directors first
to the shareholders and then to the Board of Directors if the shareholders fail
to act at a shareholders' meeting called for such purpose, and, in the case of
vacancies caused by removal, to give this power only to the shareholders.
Shareholders are therefore asked to approve Proposal 3, the full text of which
is set forth in Schedule I to this Proxy Statement.

         Proposal 3 will be deemed to be approved if the votes cast in favor of
approval exceed the votes cast opposing approval.

             JANA RECOMMENDS THAT HOLDERS OF INTERCEPT COMMON STOCK
             VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL 3 ON THE ENCLOSED GOLD PROXY CARD

PROPOSAL 4:  LOWER THE REQUIREMENT TO CALL SPECIAL MEETINGS

         Under Section 2.3 of the Company's current bylaws, special meetings
must be called by the Company at the written request of the holders of 25% or
more of the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting, or if at any time the


                                       15



Company has more than 100 beneficial owners of its shares, as is currently the
case, a majority of such votes. We believe this sets too high a bar for
shareholders who wish to cause the Company to call special meetings to address
issues of importance to them.

         However, under the Georgia Code, corporations can lower this
requirement to allow the holders of a smaller percentage of shares to call a
special meeting.

         JANA proposes to lower this requirement to 10% in all cases, as allowed
under Georgia law. Shareholders are therefore asked to approve Proposal 4, the
full text of which is set forth in Schedule I to this Proxy Statement.

         Proposal 4 will be deemed to be approved if a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast at the Annual Meeting vote for approval.

             JANA RECOMMENDS THAT HOLDERS OF INTERCEPT COMMON STOCK
              VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL 4 ON THE ENCLOSED GOLD PROXY CARD

SPROUT GROUP RIGHTS

         Under the provisions of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock as
currently in effect, Sprout Capital IX, L.P. (the "Sprout Group"), as holders of
over 99% of the Series A Preferred Stock, although they hold only approximately
3 1/2% of the total shares of the Company on an as-converted basis, has
extensive approval rights with respect to actions taken by the Company or its
shareholders, including any amendment to the Company's bylaws. Therefore, under
the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock as currently in effect, even if the
holders of the required percentage of the Company's common stock were to approve
JANA's proposals to amend the Company's bylaws as set forth above, the Sprout
Group's consent would be required for such bylaw amendments to become effective,
and we will actively seek such consent.

         As we have stated, we believe our proposals to amend the bylaws are
essential to increasing shareholder democracy at InterCept. We are hopeful
therefore that the Sprout Group will consent to such amendments and intend to
seek its support.

    YOUR VOTE IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT AT THIS YEAR'S ANNUAL MEETING. PLEASE
    SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE GOLD CARD TODAY. IF YOU HAVE ALREADY RETURNED
    INTERCEPT'S WHITE PROXY CARD, YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR VOTE BY SIGNING AND
    RETURING A LATER-DATED GOLD PROXY CARD.


                                       16



         IF YOU NEED HELP OR HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT OR THE
ENCLOSED GOLD PROXY CARD PLEASE CONTACT:

                            MacKenzie Partners, Inc.
                               105 Madison Avenue
                               New York, NY 10016
                                 (800) 322-2885


                                       17




              QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING THIS PROXY STATEMENT

Q:     WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND PROXY CARD?

A:     You are receiving this Proxy Statement and proxy card because you
       beneficially own shares of InterCept common stock and we, JANA Partners
       LLC, are seeking your support for an alternate slate of nominees for
       election to the Board of Directors of InterCept and for our proposals to
       amend InterCept's bylaws to increase the rights of shareholders to remove
       and elect directors and to call special meetings.

Q:     WHAT AM I VOTING ON?

A:     You are being asked to vote on:

       -      the election of two individuals to the Board of Directors of
              InterCept;

       -      proposals by JANA to amend InterCept's bylaws to:

              o      allow for the removal of directors with or without cause at
                     a shareholders' meeting by the holders of a majority of
                     votes entitled to be cast,

              o      give shareholders the right to fill vacancies on
                     InterCept's board of directors, and the exclusive right to
                     fill vacancies caused by removal, and

              o      lower the percentage of InterCept's shares required to
                     cause InterCept to call a special meeting to 10%; and

       -      to authorize JANA, or its representative, to vote upon such other
              business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting including
              any adjournment, postponement or rescheduling of the Annual
              Meeting.

       Cumulative voting is not permitted and dissenters' rights are not
       applicable to the matters being voted upon.

Q:     HOW DO I VOTE IN FAVOR OF JANA'S NOMINEES AND BYLAW AMENDMENT PROPOSALS?

A:     When you sign the enclosed GOLD proxy card, you appoint JANA or its
       representative as your representative at the Annual Meeting. JANA or its
       representative will vote your shares of InterCept common stock at the
       Annual Meeting as you have instructed on the proxy card. This way, your
       shares of InterCept common stock will be voted whether or not you attend
       the Annual Meeting in person. Even if you plan to attend the Annual
       Meeting in person, it is a good idea to complete, sign and return your

                                       18



       GOLD proxy card in advance of the meeting, just in case your plans
       change. If you attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person, any proxy
       card you have submitted will be revoked.

       You may vote by mail or you may vote in person at the Annual Meeting. To
       vote by mail, you must sign and date the enclosed GOLD proxy card and
       mail it in the enclosed, prepaid and addressed envelope. If you mark your
       voting instructions on the proxy card, your shares will be voted as you
       instruct. If you return a signed card but do not provide voting
       instructions, your shares will be voted for the two individuals named
       below in "PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS" and in favor of the
       proposals described below in "PROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 4: AMENDMENTS TO THE
       BYLAWS".

       If an issue comes up for vote at the meeting that is not on the proxy
       card, JANA or its representative will vote your shares of InterCept
       common stock, under your proxy, in its discretion.

       To vote in person at the Annual Meeting, you should attend the Annual
       Meeting and fill out the written ballot that will be distributed to
       InterCept's shareholders at the Annual Meeting. If you hold your
       InterCept common stock through a brokerage account but do not have a
       physical share certificate, you must request a legal proxy from your
       stockbroker in order to vote at the meeting.

Q:     WHAT IS THE RECORD DATE?

A:     The record date for the Annual Meeting is April 15, 2004. Only holders of
       record of InterCept common stock as of the close of business on that
       date, or the holders of proxies assigned by such holders, are entitled to
       vote at the Annual Meeting.

Q:     HOW MANY SHARES ARE OUTSTANDING?

A:     According to InterCept's proxy statement, as of the record date, there
       were 20,272,148 shares of InterCept common stock outstanding, as well as
       100,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock (the "Series A Preferred
       Stock") outstanding. Each share of common stock entitles the holder to
       one vote on each matter presented at the Annual Meeting. Each share of
       Series A Preferred Stock entitles the holder to approximately 7.158 votes
       on each matter presented at the Annual Meeting. Additionally, the Company
       has granted to the holders of its Series A Preferred Stock, among other
       special rights, the right to block any amendment to the Company's
       articles of incorporation or bylaws by requiring the consent of a
       majority of the Series A Preferred Stock for such amendments. Therefore,
       under the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock as currently in effect,
       the bylaw amendments we are proposing must be approved by a majority of
       the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock to become effective following
       approval by the holders of the required percentage of the Company's
       common stock.

                                       19



Q:     WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND AFTER I RETURN MY PROXY?

A:     You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the
       polls close at the Annual Meeting. You may revoke your proxy by signing
       and returning another proxy with a later date, voting in person at the
       Annual Meeting or giving written notice of revocation to the Secretary of
       InterCept.

Q:     HOW ARE VOTES COUNTED?

A:     A majority of the outstanding shares of InterCept's common stock and
       Series A Preferred Stock (considered on an as-converted to common stock
       basis) as of the record date must be present at the meeting, either in
       person or by proxy, to hold the meeting and conduct business. This is
       called a quorum. Shares will be counted for quorum purposes if they are
       represented at the meeting for any purpose other than solely to object to
       holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting. Abstentions
       and broker non-votes count as present for establishing a quorum. A
       "broker non-vote" occurs with respect to a proposal when a broker is not
       permitted to vote on that proposal without instruction from the
       beneficial owner of the shares and no instruction is given.

       You may vote either "for" or "against" each matter to be considered at
       the Annual Meeting other than the election of directors.

       A representative of IVS Associates, an independent inspector of
       elections, will tabulate and certify the shareholder vote.

Q:     HOW MANY VOTES ARE NEEDED TO ELECT DIRECTORS AND APPROVE JANA'S PROPOSALS
       TO AMEND THE BYLAWS?

A:     If a quorum is present, the director nominees receiving the highest
       number of votes will be elected as directors. This number is called a
       plurality. Each of our proposals to amend the Company's bylaws requires a
       different percentage of votes for approval.  According to the Company's
       proxy statement:

       o      Proposal 2 will be deemed to be approved if the holders of 66 2/3%
              of the votes entitled to be cast at the Annual Meeting vote in
              favor of approval.

       o      Proposal 3 will be deemed to be approved if the votes cast in
              favor of approval exceed the votes cast opposing approval.

       o      Proposal 4 will be deemed to be approved if a majority of the
              votes entitled to be cast at the Annual Meeting vote for approval.

       Proposals 2, 3 and 4 are described below in "PROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 4:
       BYLAW AMENDMENTS".

       You will be receiving at least two proxy statements, and corresponding
       proxy cards, for the matters to be voted on at the Annual Meeting,
       including one from InterCept and this Proxy Statement from us. EACH OF


                                       20



       THESE PROXY STATEMENTS RELATES TO THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. HOWEVER,
       THIS PROXY STATEMENT RELATES TO AN ALTERNATE SLATE OF NOMINEES PROPOSED
       BY JANA AND NOT THE SLATE OF NOMINEES PROPOSED BY INTERCEPT.

Q:     WHAT IF I AM NOT THE RECORD HOLDER OF MY SHARES?

A:     If your shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank nominee or
       other institution ("custodian"), only such custodian can execute a proxy
       on your behalf. You should sign, date and return the GOLD proxy card
       provided by such custodian. If your shares are held in the name of a
       custodian and you wish to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, you may
       request a document from the custodian called a "legal proxy" and bring it
       with you to the Annual Meeting.

       If you need any assistance, please contact MacKenzie Partners, Inc. at
       (800) 322-2885.

       NO MATTER HOW YOU PLAN TO VOTE, WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO PARTICIPATE.
       THIS YEAR'S ANNUAL MEETING WILL BE CRUCIAL IN DETERMINING THE FUTURE OF
       INTERCEPT AND WE ENCOURAGE EVERY SHAREHOLDER TO CONSIDER EACH PROPOSAL
       CAREFULLY.

       -------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                       21



                                     VOTING

         The information contained in the following five paragraphs is based on
publicly available copies of the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the
Company, the Company's proxy statement and on other information contained in the
Company's public filings.

         The Board of Directors has fixed April 15, 2004 as the record date for
the determination of the Company's shareholders that are entitled to notice of
and to vote at the Annual Meeting. According to the Company's proxy statement,
as of that date, there were 20,272,148 shares of the Company's common stock
outstanding and 100,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding. Each
share of Series A Preferred Stock entitles the holder to approximately 7.158
votes on each matter presented at the Annual Meeting. According to the Company's
proxy statement, a list of shareholders eligible to vote will be available at
the Annual Meeting.

         Additionally, the Company has granted to the holders of its Series A
Preferred Stock, among other special rights, the right to block any amendment to
the Company's articles of incorporation or bylaws by requiring the consent of a
majority of the Series A Preferred Stock for such amendments. Therefore, under
the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock as currently in effect, the bylaw
amendments we are proposing must be approved by the holders of a majority of the
Series A Preferred Stock to become effective following approval by the holders
of the required percentage of the Company's common stock.

         A majority of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock and
Series A Preferred Stock (considered on an as-converted to common stock basis)
as of the record date, also known as a quorum, must be present at the meeting,
either in person or by proxy, to hold the meeting and conduct business. Shares
will be counted for quorum purposes if they are represented at the meeting for
any purpose other than solely to object to holding the meeting or transacting
business at the meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes count as present for
establishing a quorum. A "broker non-vote" occurs with respect to a proposal
when a broker is not permitted to vote on the proposal without instruction from
the beneficial owner of the shares and no instruction is given.

         Two individuals will be elected to the Board of Directors at the Annual
Meeting as Class III Directors whose terms expire in 2007. If a quorum is
present, the director nominees receiving the highest number of votes for their
election, also known as a plurality, within each class of director will be
elected directors of that class. Proposal 2 will be deemed to be approved if the
holders of 66 2/3% of the votes entitled to be cast at the Annual Meeting vote
in favor of approval. Proposal 3 will be deemed to be approved if the votes cast
in favor of approval exceed the votes cast opposing approval. Proposal 4 will be
deemed to be approved if a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the
Annual Meeting vote for approval. Proposals 2, 3 and 4 are described below in
"PROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 4: AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS". Shareholders do not have
cumulative voting rights.

         The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee, a Nominating
and Governance Committee and a Compensation and Stock Option Committee.
Information regarding membership, meetings and policies and procedures of these


                                       22



committees is contained in the proxy statement of the Company furnished to
shareholders in connection with the Annual Meeting.

         If you execute and return the enclosed form of GOLD proxy card, you may
still revoke that proxy at any time before the polls close at the Annual
Meeting. You may do so by filing with the Secretary of the Company a written
notice of revocation, by executing and returning a proxy card bearing a later
date than your most recently submitted proxy card or by attending the Annual
Meeting and voting in person. Your execution of a proxy card will not affect
your right to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person, but your attendance
at the Annual Meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy that you have
previously executed and delivered.

         IF YOU, AS A COMPANY SHAREHOLDER, WISH TO VOTE FOR JANA'S NOMINEES AND
BYLAW AMENDMENT PROPOSALS, YOU SHOULD SUBMIT THE ENCLOSED GOLD PROXY CARD
WHETHER OR NOT YOU INTEND TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON. YOU SHOULD NOT SUBMIT
THE COMPANY'S PROXY CARD.

         Unless you indicate contrary instructions on the enclosed GOLD proxy
card, all shares of the Company's common stock represented by valid GOLD proxy
cards, which have not been revoked as described above, will be voted:

          o    FOR the election of JANA's nominees named below in "PROPOSAL 1:
               ELECTION OF DIRECTORS";

          o    FOR the proposals described below in "PROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 4:
               BYLAW AMENDMENTS"; and

          o    at the discretion of the proxy holder(s) on such other business
               as may properly come before the Annual Meeting, including any
               decision to adjourn, postpone or reschedule the Annual Meeting.

        YOUR VOTE AT THIS YEAR'S ANNUAL MEETING IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT.

                PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED GOLD PROXY CARD
       AND PROMPTLY RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE WHETHER OR NOT YOU
                     INTEND TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON.

       ------------------------------------------------------------------


                                       23





             INFORMATION CONCERNING PERSONS WHO MAY SOLICIT PROXIES

INFORMATION CONCERNING PARTICIPANTS

         Under applicable SEC regulations, JANA and each of its nominees for the
Board of Directors is deemed to be a "participant" for purposes of this Proxy
Statement. The principals of JANA, Barry Rosenstein and Gary Claar, may also be
deemed to be "participants" for purposes of this Proxy Statement. Barry
Rosenstein, 45, has been a Managing Member of JANA Partners LLC since 2001 and
prior to that was a Principal at Sagaponack Partners, L.P., a private equity
fund, from 1993 to 2001. The principal business address of Mr. Rosenstein is 201
Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94108. Gary Claar, 37, has been a Managing Member
of JANA Partners LLC since 2001 and prior to that was a Principal at Marathon
Advisors LLC, an investment fund, from 1999 to 2001. The principal business
address of Mr. Claar is 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166. Both Messrs.
Rosenstein and Claar are investors in affiliates of JANA, which owns shares of
common stock of the Company as described below in "Participant Ownership of and
Transactions in the Company's Securities". The principal business address of
JANA is 201 Post Street, Suite 1000, San Francisco, California 94108. The name,
business address and principal occupation of each of JANA's nominees for the
Board of Directors is set forth above under "PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS".

         If elected, each of JANA's nominees would be considered an independent
director under NASDAQ rules applicable to service on audit committees. None of
JANA's nominees currently serves as a director of the Company.

         Marc Weisman has entered into an Indemnification Agreement with JANA,
pursuant to which JANA has agreed to indemnify him from and against any losses
incurred by such nominee resulting from, relating to, or arising out of his
nomination for election as a director of the Company at the 2004 Annual Meeting,
his service as a director of the Company or any committee of the board of the
Company, if elected, and his service as an officer, employee or agent of the
Company, if so appointed. Other than as set forth herein, there are no
arrangements or understandings between JANA and any of JANA's nominees or any
other person or persons pursuant to which the nominations described herein are
to be made, other than the consent by each of JANA's nominees to be named in
this Proxy Statement and to serve as a director of the Company if elected as
such at the Annual Meeting.

         JANA's nominees will not receive any compensation from JANA for their
services as directors of the Company if elected. If elected, JANA's nominees
will be entitled to such compensation from the Company as is consistent with the
Company's past practices for services of non-employee directors, which is
described in the Company's proxy statement furnished to shareholders in
connection with the Annual Meeting.

         Except as otherwise set forth in this Proxy Statement, none of the
participants or their associates has any arrangement or understanding with any
person (i) with respect to any future employment by the Company or its
affiliates or (ii) with respect to future transactions to which the Company or
any of its affiliates will or may be a party, or any material interest, direct
or indirect, in any transaction that has occurred since January 1, 2003 or any


                                       24



currently proposed transaction or series of similar transactions, to which the
Company or any of its subsidiaries was or is to be a party and in which the
amount involved exceeds $60,000.

         Except as otherwise set forth in this Proxy Statement, there are no
material proceedings in which any of the participants or any of their associates
is a party adverse to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or proceedings in
which any of the participants or their associates have a material interest
adverse to the Company or any of its subsidiaries. On April 14, 2004, the
Company filed a Verified Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief, naming
JANA Partners LLC and JANA Master Fund, Ltd. as defendants. JANA removed the
lawsuit to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
(the "court"). On April 14, 2004, the Company filed an application for a
temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent JANA from
nominating four individuals to the Board of Directors. On April 26, 2004, JANA
filed an answer to the Company's complaint, a counterclaim, and a response to
the Company's application for a temporary restraining order and preliminary
injunction. In its counterclaim, which named the Company and the members of the
Board of Directors as counterclaim-defendants, JANA requested that the court
allow JANA to nominate four nominees for election to the Board of Directors at
the Annual Meeting, order the Company to turn over certain requested books and
records, allow JANA to present shareholder proposals at the Annual Meeting,
allow JANA to nominate at least two directors should JANA be unable to nominate
four, and prevent the Board of Directors from taking actions in violation of
their fiduciary duties designed to discourage JANA's efforts to participate in
InterCept's governance. On April 29, 2004, the court entered an order denying
InterCept's request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction
and ordering the Company to allow JANA to submit proposals for business to be
discussed at the Annual Meeting. On May 3, 2004, JANA delivered to the Company
the proposals described in this Proxy Statement and announced that consistent
with the court's order, to avoid uncertainty at the Annual Meeting and to
facilitate an orderly election, it would nominate only two persons for election
as directors at the Annual Meeting. According to the Company's proxy statement,
the Company and the other counterclaim-defendants have until May 17, 2004, to
respond to JANA's counter-claim.

         None of the participants has ever served on the Board of Directors.
Except as otherwise set forth in this Proxy Statement, none of the participants
nor any of their associates has received any cash compensation, cash bonuses,
deferred compensation, compensation pursuant to other plans, or other
compensation, from, or related to, services rendered on behalf of the Company,
or is subject to any arrangement described in Item 402 of Regulation S-K under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Regulation S-K").

         Except as otherwise set forth in this Proxy Statement, none of the
relationships regarding the participants described in Item 404(b) of Regulation
S-K exists or has existed. To the knowledge of JANA Partners, there are no
relationships involving any of the participants or any of their associates that
would have required disclosure under Item 402(j) of Regulation S-K had the
participants been directors of the Company. There are no family relationships
(as defined in Section 401(d) of Regulation S-K) between any participant and any
director or officer of the Company or person nominated by the Company to become
a director or executive officer.

         Except as otherwise set forth in this Proxy Statement, none of the
participants have been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic
violations or similar misdemeanors) in the ten past years.


                                       25




INFORMATION CONCERNING OTHER REPRESENTATIVES OF JANA

         JANA has engaged MacKenzie Partners as its proxy solicitation agent.
JANA anticipates that certain employees of MacKenzie Partners may communicate in
person, by telephone or otherwise with institutions, brokers or other persons
that are shareholders of the Company for the purpose of assisting in the
solicitation of proxies. Although MacKenzie Partners does not admit that it or
any of its directors, officers, employees, affiliates or controlling persons is
a "participant," as defined in Schedule 14A promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act, or that Schedule 14A requires the disclosure of certain
information concerning them, the employees of MacKenzie Partners listed below
may assist JANA in such solicitation of proxies. The business address of each
such employee is 105 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016, and the telephone
number of each such person is (212) 929-5500. Each person listed below is a
citizen of the United States.

NAME                                       TITLE

Daniel H. Burch                            Chief Executive Officer

Lawrence Dennedy                           Executive Vice President

Robert C. Marese                           Vice President


PARTICIPANT OWNERSHIP OF AND TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMPANY'S SECURITIES

         Other than as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, neither JANA nor, to
the knowledge of JANA, any of the participants: (1) owns beneficially, directly
or indirectly, or of record but not beneficially, any securities of the Company;
(2) owns beneficially, directly or indirectly, or of record but not
beneficially, any securities of any subsidiary of the Company; or (3) is, or was
since January 1, 2003, a party to any contract, arrangement or understanding
with any person with respect to any securities of the Company, including, but
not limited to, joint ventures, loan or option arrangements, puts or calls,
guarantees against loss or guarantees of profit, division of losses or profits,
or the giving or withholding of proxies. JANA's participants disclaim beneficial
ownership of any securities of the Company owned by JANA, and this Proxy
Statement shall not be deemed an admission that any participant is the
beneficial owner of such securities for any purpose.

         The following table sets forth the name of each participant who
purchased or sold the Company's common stock within the previous two years, the
date of the transaction and the amount purchased or sold:


                                       26



  Shares of Common Stock
      Purchased             Price Per Share               Date of Purchase

                                JANA PARTNERS LLC

         218, 610                   $12.3390                  03/10/04
          160,000                   $12.7084                  03/11/04
           50,000                   $12.4533                  03/12/04
           80,000                   $11.9757                  03/15/04
           67,600                   $11.4782                  02/23/04
          201,027                   $10.7546                  03/24/04
           50,000                   $10.8500                  03/25/04
          112,700                   $11.6988                  03/30/04
           95,400                   $12.0020                  03/31/04
          176,200                   $12.2856                  04/01/04
          173,900                   $12.4782                  04/02/04
          150,500                   $12.4860                  04/05/04
           84,000                   $12.8200                  04/07/04
           20,000                   $12.9000                  04/12/04
          156,500                   $14.7800                  05/11/04

As of May 12, 2004, JANA Partners LLC beneficially owned, through various
accounts under its management and control, 1,796,437 shares of the Company's
common stock (including options and units exercisable for or convertible into
common stock), or 8.9% of the Company's outstanding common stock. The record
date for the Annual Meeting is April 15, 2004.

                              COST OF SOLICITATION

         JANA intends to seek reimbursement for the cost of this solicitation,
including the costs of the reimbursements described below, from the Company if
any of its nominees are elected as directors or if any of the bylaw amendment
proposals are approved at the Annual Meeting. Additionally, JANA intends to seek
reimbursement for its litigation costs incurred as a result of its nomination of
directors, proposals to amend the bylaws and related matters. JANA does not
intend to seek shareholder approval for such reimbursement. While no precise
estimate of this cost can be made at the present time, JANA currently estimates
that it will spend a total of approximately $[ ] for its solicitation of
proxies, including expenditures for attorneys, solicitors and advertising,
public relations, printing, transportation and related expenses, and
approximately $[ ] in connection with litigation. As of May [ ], 2004, JANA had
incurred proxy solicitation expenses of approximately $[ ], and litigation
expenses of approximately $[ ]. In addition to soliciting proxies by mail,
proxies may be solicited in person or by telephone or telecopy or through
advertisements. Information regarding certain representatives of JANA who may
solicit or participate in the solicitation of proxies is set forth above under
the heading "INFORMATION CONCERNING PERSONS WHO MAY SOLICIT PROXIES".


                                       27



         Additionally, JANA will reimburse brokers, fiduciaries, custodians and
other nominees, as well as persons holding stock for others who have the right
to give voting instructions, for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in forwarding
this Proxy Statement and related materials to, and obtaining instructions or
authorizations relating to such materials from, beneficial owners of the
Company's common stock. JANA will pay for the cost of these solicitations, but
these individuals will receive no additional compensation for these solicitation
services.

         JANA has retained the proxy solicitation firm of MacKenzie Partners,
Inc. in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting.
MacKenzie will be paid a customary fee for its services, and will produce and
place all advertising copy at regular open-line rates. JANA also has agreed to
reimburse MacKenzie for its expenses, and to indemnify MacKenzie against certain
liabilities and claims, incurred in connection with its performance of services
pursuant to its engagement by JANA.

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2005 ANNUAL MEETING

         Information regarding the requirements for shareholders to submit
proposals to the Company for the 2005 annual meeting is contained in the
Company's proxy statement furnished to shareholders in connection with the
Annual Meeting.

                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

         Certain information as to the number and percentage of outstanding
shares beneficially owned by (i) each of the Company's directors, (ii) each
named executive officer of the Company,(iii) each person known to the Company to
own more than 5% of the Company's common stock and (iv) all executive officers
and directors of the Company as a group, is contained in the Company's proxy
statement furnished to shareholders in connection with the Annual
Meeting.

         Certain of the information contained in this Proxy Statement is based
on publicly available information filed by the Company with the SEC.

         JANA is not aware of any other substantive matters to be considered at
the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matter should properly come before the
Annual Meeting, then JANA will vote all proxies held by it in accordance with
its best judgment and consistent with the federal proxy rules.

                QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS PROXY STATEMENT OR THE
               ACCOMPANYING GOLD PROXY CARD SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:


                                       28



                        ---------------------------------

                            MacKenzie Partners, Inc.
                               105 Madison Avenue
                               New York, NY 10016
                                 (800) 322-2885
                       ----------------------------------

                                    IMPORTANT

1.       Your proxy is important no matter how many shares of the Company's
         common stock you own. Be sure to vote on the GOLD proxy card. JANA
         urges you NOT to sign any proxy card which is sent to you by InterCept.

2.       If you have already submitted a proxy card to InterCept for the 2004
         Annual Meeting, you may change your vote to a vote "FOR" the election
         of JANA's four nominees by completing, signing, dating and returning
         JANA's GOLD proxy card, which must be dated after any proxy card you
         may previously have submitted to InterCept. Only your last dated proxy
         card for the Annual Meeting will count at the Annual Meeting.

3.       If any of your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other
         nominee, please contact the person responsible for your account and
         direct him or her to vote on the GOLD proxy card "FOR" the election of
         JANA's nominees.

4.       If you hold your shares in more than one type of account or your shares
         are registered differently, you may receive more than one GOLD proxy
         card. We encourage you to vote each GOLD proxy card that you receive.

5.       If you have any questions or need assistance in voting your shares,
         please contact our proxy solicitors, McKenzie Partners, Inc., at the
         number set forth below:

                            MacKenzie Partners, Inc.
                               105 Madison Avenue
                               New York, NY 10016
                                 (800) 322-2885



                                       29





                                   SCHEDULE I

                             FULL TEXT OF PROPOSAL 2

     BE IT HERBY RESOLVED, that Section 3.3 of the Bylaws is amended and
     restated in its entirety as follows: "The entire Board of Directors or any
     individual director may be removed with or without cause by the
     shareholders, provided that directors elected by a particular Voting Group
     may be removed with or without cause only by the shareholders in that
     Voting Group. Removal action may be taken only at a shareholders' meeting
     for which notice of the removal action has been given, and a director may
     be removed only by the holders of at least a majority of the votes entitled
     to be cast. If any removed director is a member of any committee of the
     Board of Directors, he shall cease to be a member of that committee when he
     ceases to be a director. A removed director's successor, if any, may be
     elected at the same meeting to serve the unexpired term. The Board of
     Directors may not amend or repeal or adopt any bylaw provision inconsistent
     with this Section 3.3."

Current Section 3.3 of the Company's Bylaws:

     "The entire Board of Directors or any individual director may be removed
     with cause by the shareholders, provided that directors elected by a
     particular Voting Group may be removed only by the shareholders in that
     Voting Group. Removal action may be taken only at a shareholders' meeting
     for which notice of the removal action has been given, and a director may
     be removed only by the holders of 66 2/3% of the votes entitled to be cast.
     If any removed director is a member of any committee of the Board of
     Directors, he shall cease to be a member of that committee when he ceases
     to be a director. A removed director's successor, if any, may be elected at
     the same meeting to serve the unexpired term. Directors may not be removed
     without cause.

                             FULL TEXT OF PROPOSAL 3

     BE IT HERBY RESOLVED, that the second sentence of Section 3.4 of the Bylaws
     is amended and restated in its entirety as follows: "Any vacancy occurring
     on the Board of Directors, including a vacancy resulting from an increase
     in the number of directors, shall be filled by the shareholders at a


                                       30




     shareholders' meeting called for such purpose, or if the shareholders fail
     to act to fill the vacancy at such shareholders' meeting, by the Board of
     Directors, even if the remaining directors constitute less than a quorum of
     the Board of Directors; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the vacant office was
     held by a director elected by a particular Voting Group, only the holders
     of shares of that Voting Group or, if such holders fail to act to fill the
     vacancy at a shareholders' meeting called for such purpose, the remaining
     directors elected by that Voting Group shall be entitled to fill the
     vacancy; PROVIDED FURTHER, HOWEVER, that if the vacant office was held by a
     director elected by a particular Voting Group AND there is no remaining
     director elected by that Voting Group, the other remaining directors or
     director (elected by another Voting Group or Groups) may fill the vacancy
     if the shareholders of the vacated director's Voting Group fail to act to
     fill the vacancy at a shareholders' meeting called for such purpose;
     PROVIDED FURTHER, HOWEVER, that notwithstanding the foregoing, a vacancy
     occurring as a result of a removal of a director with or without cause
     shall be filled exclusively by the shareholders or, if applicable, holders
     of shares of a particular Voting Group, at a shareholders' meeting called
     for such purpose. The Board of Directors may not amend or repeal or adopt
     any bylaw provision inconsistent with the previous sentence of this Section
     3.4."

Current Section 3.4 of the Company's bylaws:

     "A vacancy or vacancies in the Board of Directors may result from the
     death, resignation, disqualification, or removal of any director, or from
     an increase in the number of directors. Any vacancy occurring on the Board
     of Directors, including a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number
     of directors, may only be filled by the affirmative vote of the remaining
     directors, even if the remaining directors constitute less than a quorum of
     the Board of Directors; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the vacant office was
     held by a director elected by a particular Voting Group, only the holders
     of shares of that Voting Group or the remaining directors elected by that
     Voting Group shall be entitled to fill the vacancy; PROVIDED FURTHER,
     HOWEVER, that if the vacant office was held by a director elected by a
     particular Voting Group AND there is no remaining director elected by that
     Voting Group, the other remaining directors or director (elected by another


                                       31



     Voting Group or Groups) may fill the vacancy during an interim period
     before the shareholders of the vacated director's Voting Group act to fill
     the vacancy. In accordance with Section 14-2-805(d) of the Georgia Business
     Corporation Code, a director elected to fill a vacancy: (i) in an existing
     director position shall be elected for the unexpired term of the
     predecessor in office of such director position; and (ii) in a new director
     position created by reason of an increase in the number of directors shall
     be elected until the next election of directors by the shareholders if such
     vacancy is filled by the Board of Directors, and in each case until
     election and qualification of the successor to such director."

                             FULL TEXT OF PROPOSAL 3

     BE IT HERBY RESOLVED, that Section 2.3 of the Bylaws is amended and
     restated in its entirety as follows: "Special meetings of shareholders of
     one or more classes or series of the Corporation's shares may be called at
     any time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, or the
     President, and shall be called by the Corporation upon the written request
     (in compliance with applicable requirements of the Code) of the holders of
     shares representing ten percent (10%) or more of the votes entitled to be
     cast on each issue proposed to be considered at the special meeting. The
     Board of Directors may not amend or repeal or adopt any bylaw provision
     inconsistent with the previous sentence of this Section 2.3."

Current Section 2.3 of the Company's bylaws:

         "Special meetings of shareholders of one or more classes or series of
the Corporation's shares may be called at any time by the Board of Directors,
the Chairman of the Board, or the President, and shall be called by the
Corporation upon the written request (in compliance with applicable requirements
of the Code) of the holders of shares representing twenty-five percent (25%) or
more of the votes entitled to be cast on each issue proposed to be considered at
the special meeting; provided, however, that at any time the Corporation has
more than 100 beneficial owners (as defined in Section 14-2-1110 of the Code) of
its shares, such written request must be made by holders of a majority of such
votes. The business that may be transacted at any special meeting of
shareholders shall be limited to that proposed in the notice of the special
meeting given in accordance with Section 2.4 (including related or incidental
matters that may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the proposed
business)."



                                       32




GOLD PROXY
                                PRELIMINARY COPY

                              SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

                               DATED MAY 11, 2004



                                 INTERCEPT, INC.

             ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD JUNE 24, 2004

           THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF JANA PARTNERS LLC AND
                  NOT ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF INTERCEPT, INC.

         The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints JANA Partners LLC,
proxy of the undersigned ("Proxy Representatives"), attorneys and agents with
full power of substitution, to vote all of the shares of InterCept, Inc., a
Georgia corporation, which the undersigned may be entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of InterCept, Inc. to be held on June 24, 2004, at the
Hilton Atlanta Northeast, 5993 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross,
Georgia, 30092, beginning at 8:30 a.m. EDT, or at any adjournments,
postponements or reschedulings thereof, as shown on the voting side of this
card.

         THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED. IF A CHOICE IS NOT SPECIFIED,
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR JANA PARTNERS LLC'S NOMINEES AS DIRECTORS AND FOR
JANA'S PROPOSALS, EACH AS DESCRIBED IN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT OF JANA
PARTNERS LLC.

         CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON THE REVERSE SIDE


                                       33





GOLD PROXY

         THIS PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF JANA PARTNERS LLC AND NOT ON
BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF INTERCEPT, INC. JANA PARTNERS LLC RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR
THE ELECTION OF ITS NOMINEES AS DIRECTORS, BY CHECKING THE FIRST BOX BELOW
MARKED "FOR ALL NOMINEES" AND "FOR" EACH OF PROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 4.

         NONE OF THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS ARE CONDITIONED UPON OR RELATED TO THE
APPROVAL OF OTHER PROPOSALS.

             PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE AS INDICATED IN THIS EXAMPLE: [X]

1.  Proposal to elect Kevin J. Lynch and Marc Weisman as Class III Directors to
    serve until the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

[ ] FOR ALL NOMINEES

[ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL NOMINEES

[ ] FOR ALL NOMINEES EXCEPT:

-------------------------------------------
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), write
that nominee's or nominees' name in the space provided above.

2.  Proposal to give holders of a majority of shares power to remove directors
    with or without cause.

            FOR           AGAINST       ABSTAIN

            [ ]           [ ]           [ ]

JANA recommends a vote "FOR" this proposal.

3.  Proposal to let shareholders fill vacancies on the Board of Directors.

            FOR           AGAINST       ABSTAIN

            [ ]           [ ]           [ ]

JANA recommends a vote "FOR" this proposal.

4.  Proposal to lower the requirement to call special meetings to 10% of shares.

            FOR           AGAINST       ABSTAIN

            [ ]           [ ]           [ ]

JANA recommends a vote "FOR" this proposal.

5.  In the discretion of the Proxy Representatives, the Proxy Representatives
    are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before
    the Annual Meeting or any adjournment, postponement or rescheduling
    thereof.


                                       34





Dated ________________________, 2004

------------------------------
(Signature)

------------------------------
(Signature if held jointly)

------------------------------
(Title)

NOTE:      This proxy must be signed exactly as the name appears hereon. When
           shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as
           executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give
           full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full
           corporate name by a duly authorized officer, giving full title as
           such. If the signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name
           by a duly authorized person.


                                       35