Exhibit 99.1

              MoneyGram International Increases Full Year Guidance

    MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 22, 2004--MoneyGram
International, Inc. (NYSE:MGI), today announced an increase in full
year 2004 guidance on earnings per share from continuing operations
from the $0.65 to $0.69 previously provided, to $0.70 to $0.74. During
the third quarter, a security in the investment portfolio paid off
early, which will result in an unanticipated gain. In addition to the
gain, there are third quarter charges expected to affect previous
guidance including losses on the sale of securities from portfolio
repositioning. The expected net effect of these third quarter items on
previously issued guidance for earnings per share from continuing
operations is an increase of approximately $0.05. MoneyGram will
provide further information in the company's third quarter earnings
press release to be issued on October 28.

    About MoneyGram International, Inc.

    MoneyGram International, Inc., is a leading global payment
services company and S&P MidCap 400 company. The company's major
products and services include global money transfer, money orders and
payment processing solutions for financial institutions and retail
customers. For more information, visit the company's website at
www.moneygram.com.

    Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    The statements contained in this press release regarding the
business of MoneyGram International, Inc. that are not historical
facts are forward-looking statements and are made under the Safe
Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations
and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances due to a
number of factors, including, but not limited to: (a) fluctuations in
interest rates that may materially adversely affect revenue derived
from investment of funds received from the sale of payment
instruments; (b) material changes in the market value of securities we
hold; (c) material changes in our need for and the availability of
liquid assets; (d) successful management of the credit and fraud risks
of retail agents, and the credit risk related to our investment
portfolio; (e) continued growth rates approximating recent levels for
consumer money transfer transactions and other payment product
markets; (f) renewal of material retail agent and financial
institution customer contracts, or loss of business from significant
agents or customers; (g) technological and competitive changes in the
payment services industry; (h) changes in laws, regulations or other
industry practices and standards which may require significant systems
redevelopment, reduce the market for or value of the company's
products or services or render products or services less profitable or
obsolete; (i) continued political stability in countries in which
MoneyGram has material agent relationships; (j) material lawsuits or
investigations; (k) catastrophic events that could materially
adversely impact operating facilities, communication systems and
technology of MoneyGram, its clearing banks or major customers, or
that may have a material adverse impact on current economic conditions
or levels of consumer spending; (l) material breach of security of any
of our systems; and (m) other factors more fully discussed in
MoneyGram's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Actual results may differ materially from historical and anticipated
results. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on
which such statements are made, and MoneyGram undertakes no obligation
to update such statements to reflect events or circumstances arising
after such date.


    CONTACT: MoneyGram International, Inc., Minneapolis
             Investor Relations:
             Patricia D. Phillips, 952-591-3840
             pphillips@moneygram.com