<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK> 0000721683
<NAME> TOTAL SYSTEM SERVICES, INC.
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                      39,998,737
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                               67,139,903
<ALLOWANCES>                                   737,582
<INVENTORY>                                          0
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<DEPRECIATION>                              66,576,319
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<BONDS>                                              0
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<OTHER-SE>                                 193,823,878
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<SALES>                                    265,008,258
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           265,008,258
<CGS>                                                0
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<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .25
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0