<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK> 0000721683
<NAME> TOTAL SYSTEM SERVICES, INC.

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1999
<CASH>                                      35,423,729
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                              112,930,489
<ALLOWANCES>                                 1,275,030
<INVENTORY>                                          0
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<PP&E>                                     174,544,176
<DEPRECIATION>                              80,986,113
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<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       88,144,439
<BONDS>                                              0
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<OTHER-SE>                                 296,664,486
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<SALES>                                    390,130,232
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           390,130,232
<CGS>                                                0
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<EPS-BASIC>                                        .25
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .25