System and method for biometric authorization for financial transactions

• US 20030061172A1
• Filed: 09/20/2002
• Published: 03/27/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/21/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Open Invention Network LLC
• Original Assignee: Timothy L. Robinson
• Inventors: Robinson, Timothy
• Granted Patent: US 7,269,737 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/67
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/22 Indexing; Data structures therefor; Storage structures
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/32 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/04 Payment circuits
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/20 Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3674 involving authentication
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3678 e-cash details, e.g. blinded, divisible or detecting double spending
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3821 Electronic credentials
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/4014 Identity check for transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/40145 Biometric identity checks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/257 electronically G07C9/26 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/27 with central registration

Abstract

The present invention is a system and method of biometric-based identity verification for authorizing financial transactions between a consumer and a merchant, said system comprising distributed processing to facilitate biometric matching and various types of financial transactions to facilitate said system'"'"'s integration into current financial networks. System users register at least one biometric identifier, personal and/or business identity-verifying data, and financial account information. A user presents a biometric sample obtained from the user'"'"'s person and the user'"'"'s system ID number to conduct financial transactions. This data is used to authenticate the user'"'"'s identity and authorize transfer of funds from the user'"'"'s registered financial account to the designated recipient'"'"'s account by matching the presented transaction biometric with at least one registered biometric template and without the use of a man-made financial account token or identity token.

Claims

1. A method of using a transaction system to provide approval of a transaction between a payee and a payor, the transaction system having a central database that has stored therein a biometric template associated with the payor through a payor identification code, and at least one approval station configured to access the central database, wherein the method comprises:

receiving, at the approval station, a biometric sample proffered by the payor via a biometric identification device;

receiving, at the approval station, an identification code proffered by the payor;

sending from the approval station to the central database the identification code proffered by the payor;

comparing, at the central database, the proffered identification code to payor identification codes stored in the central database;

making, at the central database, a first determination whether the proffered identification code matches a payor identification code stored in the central database;

in the event the proffered identification code matches a payor identification code stored in the central database, selecting at the central database one or more potential matching biometric templates based on the proffered identification code;

receiving at the approval station the one or more potential matching biometric templates from the central database;

comparing at the approval station the proffered biometric sample to the one or more potential matching biometric templates received from the central database;

making, at the approval station, a second determination of whether the proffered biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching biometric templates; and

in the event that the proffered biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching biometric templates, approving, at the approval station, the transaction.

2. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the payor identification code is selected from the group consisting of a government identification number, an address, a telephone number, a checking account number, a debit account number, a pre-paid account number, a value account number, and a credit account number.

3. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the payor identification code is unique.

4. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the payor identification code comprises a telephone number with one or two additional digits.

5. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the payor identification code is reasonably unique.

6. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the payor identification code is not unique.

7. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a fingerprint of the payor.

8. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to an iris scan of the payor.

9. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a facial scan of the payor.

10. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a voice scan of the payor.

11. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a retinal scan of the payor.

12. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a hand architecture of the payor.

13. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein transaction data is encrypted and the communications between the approval station and the central database are encrypted.

14. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the approval station is located at a location selected from the group consisting of a merchant, a kiosk, an ATM;

a payphone;

a wireless telephone;

a self-checkout POS register station;

an automated cash register, or a vending machine.

15. A method of using a transaction system to provide approval of a transaction between a payee and a payor, the transaction system having a central database that has stored therein a biometric template associated with the payor through a payor identification code, and wherein the central database is configured to apply transaction rules, and at least one approval station configured to access the central database, wherein the method comprises:

receiving, at the approval station, a biometric sample proffered by the payor via a biometric identification device;

receiving, at the approval station, an identification code proffered by the payor;

assembling, at the approval station, transaction data;

sending from the approval station to the central database the identification code proffered by the payor and the transaction data;

comparing, at the central database, the proffered identification code to payor identification codes stored in the central database;

making, at the central database, a first determination whether the proffered identification code matches a payor identification code stored in the central database;

in the event the central database matches the proffered identification code to a payor identification code stored in the central database, making, at the central database, a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules;

in the event the transaction data complies with the transaction rules, selecting, at the central database, one or more potential matching biometric templates based on the payor identification code;

receiving, at the approval station, the one or more potential matching biometric templates from the central database;

comparing, at the approval station, the proffered biometric sample to the one or more potential matching biometric templates received from the central database;

making, at the approval station, a third determination of whether the proffered biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching biometric templates; and

in the event that the proffered biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching biometric templates, approving, at the approval station, the transaction.

16. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the payor identification code is selected from the group consisting of a government identification number, an address, a telephone number;

a checking account number, a debit account number, a pre-paid account number, a value account number, and a credit account number.

17. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the payor identification code is unique.

18. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the payor identification code is reasonably unique.

19. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the payor identification code is not unique.

20. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a fingerprint of the payor.

21. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to an iris scan of the payor.

22. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a facial scan of the payor.

23. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a voice scan of the payor.

24. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a retinal scan of the payor.

25. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a hand architecture of the payor.

26. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the transaction data comprises an amount to be paid by the payor to the payee.

27. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 26, wherein the transaction data further comprises at least one account from which the amount is to be paid.

28. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the at least one account is selected from the group consisting of a checking account, a credit account, a debit account, a pre-paid account, a value account, or a savings account.

29. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the transaction data comprises a terminal identification number associated with a local approval station.

30. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the transaction data comprises a transaction reference number associated with a transaction.

31. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules comprises determining that a transaction does not exceed a payment amount limit.

32. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules comprises determining whether a payor meets or exceeds a minimum credit rating.

33. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules comprise determining if the transaction amount exceeds a minimum balance in an account.

34. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules comprise determining if an account exceeds a minimum score.

35. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the transaction data comprises a request from the payor for cash back from the payee.

36. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 35, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules comprises determining if an account permits cash back.

37. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules further comprise determining if the transaction complies with a parameter established by a payee or a payor.

38. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules further comprises determining if the transaction is for a type of goods.

39. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules further comprises determining if the transaction is for a type of service.

40. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein transaction data is encrypted, and the communications between the approval station and the central database are encrypted.

41. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the approval station is located at a location selected from the group consisting of a merchant, a kiosk, an ATM;

a payphone;

a self-checkout POS register station;

an automated cash register, or a vending machine.

42. A method of using a transaction system to provide approval of a transaction between a payee and a payor, the transaction system having a central database that has stored therein a biometric template associated with the payor through a payor identification code, and wherein the central database is configured to apply transaction rules, and at least one approval station configured to access the central database, wherein the method comprises:

receiving, at the approval station, a biometric sample proffered by the payor via a biometric identification device;

receiving, at the approval station, an identification code proffered by the payor;

assembling, at the approval station, transaction data;

sending from the approval station to the central database the identification code proffered by the payor;

comparing, at the central database, the proffered identification code to payor identification codes stored in the central database;

making, at the central database, a first determination whether the proffered identification code matches a payor identification code stored in the central database;

in the event the central database matches the proffered identification code to a payor identification code stored in the central database, selecting, at the central database, one or more potential matching biometric templates based on the payor identification code;

receiving, at the approval station, the one or more potential matching biometric templates from the central database;

comparing, at the approval station, the proffered biometric sample to the one or more potential matching biometric templates received from the central database;

making, at the approval station, a second determination of whether the proffered biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching biometric templates;

in the event that the proffered biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching biometric templates, sending the transaction data from the approval station to the central database;

making, at the central database, a third determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules;

in the event the central database determines that the transaction data complies with the transaction rules, approving, at the central database, the transaction; and

advising the approval station that the transaction has been approved.

43. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the payor identification code is selected from the group consisting of a government identification number, an address, a telephone number;

a checking account number, a debit account number, a pre-paid account number, a value account number, and a credit account number.

44. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the payor identification code is unique.

45. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the payor identification code is reasonably unique.

46. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the payor identification code is not unique.

47. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a fingerprint of the payor.

48. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to an iris scan of the payor.

49. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a facial scan of the payor.

50. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a voice scan of the payor.

51. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a retinal scan of the payor.

52. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a hand architecture of the payor.

53. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the transaction data comprises an amount to be paid by the payor to the payee.

54. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 53, wherein the transaction data further comprises at least one account from which the amount is to be paid.

55. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 54, wherein the at least one account is selected from the group consisting of a checking account, a credit account, a debit account, a pre-paid account, a value account, or a savings account.

56. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the transaction data comprises a terminal identification number associated with a local approval station.

57. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the transaction data comprises a transaction reference number associated with a transaction.

58. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules comprises determining that a transaction does not exceed a payment amount limit.

59. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules comprises determining whether a payor meets or exceeds a minimum credit rating.

60. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules comprise determining if the transaction amount exceeds a minimum balance in an account.

61. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules comprise determining if an account exceeds a minimum score.

62. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the transaction data comprises a request from the payor for cash back from the payee.

63. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules comprises determining if an account permits cash back.

64. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules further comprise determining if the transaction complies with a parameter established by a payee or a payor.

65. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules further comprises determining if the transaction is for specific goods.

66. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules further comprises determining if the transaction is for specific services.

67. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the communications between the approval station and the central database are encrypted.

68. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the approval station is located at a location selected from the group consisting of a merchant, a kiosk, an ATM;

a payphone;

a self-checkout POS register station;

an automated cash register, or a vending machine.

69. A method of using a transaction system to provide approval of a transaction between a payee and a payor, the transaction system having a central database that has stored therein a payor biometric template associated with the payor through a payor identification code and a payee biometric template associated with the payee through a payee identification code, and at least one approval station configured to access the central database, wherein the method comprises:

receiving, at the approval station, a payee biometric sample proffered by the payee via a biometric identification device;

receiving at the approval station a payee identification code proffered by the payee;

receiving, at the approval station, a payor biometric sample proffered by the payor via a biometric identification device;

receiving, at the approval station, a payor identification code proffered by the payor;

assembling, at the approval station, transaction data;

sending from the approval station to the central database the payee identification code proffered by the payee,the payor identification code proffered by the payor and the transaction data;

making, at the central database, a first determination that the proffered payee identification code matches a payee identification code stored in the central database;

in the event that the proffered payee identification code matches a payee identification stored in the central database, making, at the central database, a second determination that the proffered payor identification code matches a payor identification code stored in the central database;

in the event the central database matches the proffered identification code to a payor identification code stored in the central database, making, at the central database, a third determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules;

in the event the transaction data complies with the transaction rules, selecting, at the central database, one or more potential matching payee biometric templates based on the payee identification code and one or more potential payor biometric templates based on the payor identification code;

receiving, at the approval station, the one or more potential matching payee biometric samples from the central database and the one or more potential matching payor biometric templates from the central database;

comparing, at the approval station, the proffered payee biometric sample to the one or more potential matching payee biometric templates received from the central database;

making, at the approval station, a fourth determination of whether the proffered payee biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching payee biometric templates;

if the proffered payee biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching payee biometric templates, comparing, at the approval station, the proffered payor biometric sample to the one or more potential matching payor biometric templates received from the central database;

making, at the approval station, a fifth determination of whether the proffered payor biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching payor biometric templates; and

in the event that the proffered payor biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching payor biometric templates, approving, at the approval station, the transaction.

70. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payee identification code is selected from the group consisting of a government identification number, an address, a telephone number;

a checking account number, a debit account number, a pre-paid account number, a value account number, and a credit account number.

71. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payee identification code is unique.

72. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payee identification code is reasonably unique.

73. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payee identification code is not unique.

74. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payor identification code is selected from the group consisting of a government identification number, an address, a telephone number;

a checking account number, a debit account number, a pre-paid account number, a value account number, and a credit account number.

75. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payor identification code is unique.

76. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payor identification code is reasonably unique.

77. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payor identification code is not unique.

78. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payee biometric sample corresponds to a fingerprint of the payee.

79. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payee biometric sample corresponds to an iris scan of the payee.

80. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payee biometric sample corresponds to a facial scan of the payee.

81. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payee biometric sample corresponds to a voice scan of the payee.

82. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payee biometric sample corresponds to a retinal scan of the payee.

83. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payee biometric sample corresponds to a hand architecture of the payee.

84. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payer biometric sample corresponds to a fingerprint of the payor.

85. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payor biometric sample corresponds to an iris scan of the payor.

86. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payor biometric sample corresponds to a facial scan of the payor.

87. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payor biometric sample corresponds to a voice scan of the payor.

88. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payor payor biometric sample corresponds to a retinal scan of the payor.

89. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the payor biometric sample corresponds to a hand architecture of the payor.

90. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the transaction data comprises an amount to be paid by the payor to the payee.

91. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 90, wherein the transaction data further comprises at least one account from which the amount is to be paid.

92. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 91, wherein the at least one account is selected from the group consisting of a checking account, a credit account, a debit account, a pre-paid account, a value account, or a savings account.

93. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the transaction data comprises a terminal identification number associated with a local approval station.

94. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the transaction data comprises a transaction reference number associated with a transaction.

95. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules comprises determining that a transaction does not exceed a payment amount limit.

96. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules comprises determining whether a payor meets or exceeds a minimum credit rating.

97. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules comprise determining if the transaction amount exceeds a minimum balance in an account.

98. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules comprise determining if an account exceeds a minimum score.

99. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the transaction data comprises a request from the payor for cash back from the payee.

100. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 99, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules comprises determining if an account permits cash back.

101. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules further comprise determining if the transaction complies with a parameter established by a payee or a payor.

102. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules further comprises determining if the transaction is for a type of goods.

103. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein making at the central database a second determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules further comprises determining if the transaction is for a type of services.

104. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein transaction data is encrypted, and the communications between the approval station and the central database are encrypted.

105. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 69, wherein the approval station is located at a location selected from the group consisting of a merchant, a kiosk, an ATM;

a payphone;

a wireless telephone;

a self-checkout POS register station;

an automated cash register, or a vending machine.

106. A method of using a transaction system to provide approval of a transaction between a payee and a payor, the transaction system having a central database that has stored therein a payor biometric template associated with the payor through a payor identification code, and at least one approval station configured to access the central database, the approval station having a payee biometric template associated with the payee through a payee identification code, wherein the method comprises:

receiving, at the approval station, a payee biometric sample proffered by the payee via a biometric identification device;

receiving at the approval station a payee identification code proffered by the payee;

receiving, at the approval station, a payor biometric sample proffered by the payor via a biometric identification device;

receiving, at the approval station, a payor identification code proffered by the payor;

assembling, at the approval station, transaction data;

sending from the approval station to the central database the payor identification code proffered by the payor and the transaction data;

making, at the approval station, a first determination that the proffered payee identification code matches a payee identification code stored in the approval station;

in the event that the proffered payee identification code matches a payee identification stored in the approval station, making, at the central database, a second determination that the proffered payor identification code matches a payor identification code stored in the central database;

in the event the central database matches the proffered identification code to a payor identification code stored in the central database, making, at the central database, a third determination whether the transaction data complies with the transaction rules;

in the event the transaction data complies with the transaction rules, selecting, at the central database, one or more potential payor biometric templates based on the payor identification code and selecting, at the approval station, one or more potential matching payee biometric templates based on the payee identification code;

receiving, at the approval station, the one or more potential matching payor biometric templates from the central database;

comparing, at the approval station, the proffered payee biometric sample to the one or more potential matching payee biometric templates;

making, at the approval station, a fourth determination of whether the proffered payee biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching payee biometric templates;

if the proffered payee biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching payee biometric templates, comparing, at the approval station, the proffered payor biometric sample to the one or more potential matching payor biometric templates received from the central database;

making, at the approval station, a fifth determination of whether the proffered payor biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching payor biometric templates; and

in the event that the proffered payor biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching payor biometric templates, approving, at the approval station, the transaction.

107. A method of using a transaction system to provide approval of a credit transaction between a payee and a payor, the transaction system having a central database that has stored therein a payor biometric template associated with the payor through a payor identification code and a payee biometric template associated with the payee through a payee identification code, and at least one transaction station configured to access the central database, wherein the method comprises:

receiving, at the transaction station, a payee biometric sample proffered by the payee via a biometric identification device;

receiving at the transaction station a payee identification code proffered by the payee;

receiving, at the transaction station, a payor biometric sample proffered by the payor via a biometric identification device;

receiving, at the transaction station, a payor identification code proffered by the payor;

sending from the transaction station to the central database the payee identification code and the payee biometric proffered by the payee and the payor identification code and the payor biometric proffered by the payor;

making, at the central database, a first determination that the proffered payee identification code matches a payee identification code stored in the central database;

in the event that the proffered payee identification code matches a payee identification stored in the central database, making, at the central database, a second determination that the proffered payor identification code matches a payor identification code stored in the central database;

in the event that the proffered payor identification code matches a payor identification code stored in the central database, selecting, at the central database, one or more potential matching payee biometric templates based on the payee identification code and one or more potential payor biometric templates based on the payor identification code;

comparing, at the central database, the proffered payee biometric sample to the one or more potential matching payee biometric templates received from the central database;

making, at the central database, a third determination of whether the proffered payee biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching payee biometric templates;

if the proffered payee biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching payee biometric templates, comparing, at the central database, the proffered payor biometric sample to the one or more potential matching payor biometric templates received from the central database;

making, at the central database, a fourth determination of whether the proffered payor biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching payor biometric templates;

in the event that the proffered payor biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching payor biometric templates, approving, at the central database, the credit transaction; and

notifying the transaction station that the credit transaction has been approved.

108. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payee identification code is selected from the group consisting of a government identification number, an address, a telephone number;

a checking account number, a debit account number, a pre-paid account number, a value account number, and a credit account number.

109. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payee identification code is unique.

110. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payee identification code is reasonably unique.

111. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payee identification code is not unique.

112. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payor identification code is selected from the group consisting of a government identification number, an address, a telephone number;

a checking account number, a debit account number, a pre-paid account number, a value account number, and a credit account number.

113. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payor identification code is unique.

114. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payor identification code is reasonably unique.

115. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payor identification code is not unique.

116. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payee biometric sample corresponds to a fingerprint of the payee.

117. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payee biometric sample corresponds to an iris scan of the payee.

118. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payee biometric sample corresponds to a facial scan of the payee.

119. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payee biometric sample corresponds to a voice scan of the payee.

120. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payee biometric sample corresponds to a retinal scan of the payee.

121. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payee biometric sample corresponds to a hand architecture of the payee.

122. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payor biometric sample corresponds to a fingerprint of the payor.

123. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payor biometric sample corresponds to an iris scan of the payor.

124. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payor biometric sample corresponds to a facial scan of the payor.

125. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, where the payor biometric sample corresponds to a voice scan of the payor.

126. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payor biometric sample corresponds to a retinal scan of the payor.

127. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the payor biometric sample corresponds to a hand architecture of the payor.

128. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein transaction data is encrypted, and the communications between the approval station and the central database are encrypted.

129. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 107, wherein the transaction station is located at a location selected from the group consisting of a merchant, a kiosk, an ATM;

a payphone;

a wireless telephone;

a self-checkout POS register station;

an automated cash register, or a vending machine.

130. A method of using a transaction system to provide approval of a credit transaction between a payee and a payor, the transaction system having a central database that has stored therein a payor biometric template associated with the payor through a payor identification code, and at least one transaction station configured to access the central database, wherein the method comprises:

receiving, at the transaction station, a payor biometric sample proffered by the payor via a biometric identification device;

receiving, at the transaction station, a payor identification code proffered by the payor;

sending from the transaction station to the central database the payor identification code and the payor biometric proffered by the payor;

making, at the central database, a first determination that the proffered payor identification code matches a payor identification code stored in the central database;

in the event that the proffered payor identification code matches a payor identification code stored in the central database, selecting, at the central database, one or more potential payor biometric templates based on the payor identification code;

comparing, at the central database, the proffered payor biometric sample to the one or more potential matching payor biometric templates received from the central database;

making, at the central database, a second determination of whether the proffered payor biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching payor biometric templates;

in the event that the proffered payor biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching payor biometric templates, approving, at the central database, the credit transaction; and

notifying the transaction station that the credit transaction has been approved.

131. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 130, wherein the payor identification code is selected from the group consisting of a government identification number, an address, a telephone number;

a checking account number, a debit account number, a pre-paid account number, a value account number, and a credit account number.

132. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 130, wherein the payor identification code is unique.

133. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 130, wherein the payor identification code is reasonably unique.

134. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 130, wherein the payor identification code is not unique.

135. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 130, wherein the payor biometric sample corresponds to a fingerprint of the payor.

136. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 130, wherein the payor biometric sample corresponds to an iris scan of the payor.

137. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 130, wherein the payor biometric sample corresponds to a facial scan of the payor.

138. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 130, wherein the payor biometric sample corresponds to a voice scan of the payor.

139. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 130, wherein the payor biometric sample corresponds to a hand architecture of the payor.

140. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 130, wherein the payor biometric sample corresponds to a retinal scan of the payor.

141. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 130, wherein transaction data is encrypted, and the communications between the approval station and the central database are encrypted.

142. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 130, wherein the transaction station is located at a location selected from the group consisting of a merchant, a kiosk, an ATM;

a payphone, a wireless telephone, a self-checkout POS register station, an automated cash register, or a vending machine.

143. A method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system, the transaction system having a central database that receives and store therein enrollment data associated with authorized system users through a system identification code, the method comprising:

prompting a prospective system user to proffer enrollment data comprising personal information, a system identification code, and one or more biometric sample;

transmitting to the central database the proffered enrollment data;

comparing the proffered enrollment data of the prospective system user to enrollment stored in the central database;

making at the central database a first determination that proffered enrollment data does not match enrollment data stored in the central database;

in the event the proffered enrollment data is not found, saving the proffered enrollment data in the central database; and

notifying the prospective system user that the system user is authorized to use the transaction system.

144. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the system user authorizes a payee to debit an account under the system user'"'"'s control, upon proffer of the user'"'"'s biometric sample.

145. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the personal information is selected from the group consisting of driver'"'"'s license data, social security number, address, and phone number.

146. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the personal information is acquired via a process selected from the group consisting of swiping, scanning, and hand-keying.

147. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the proffered biometric sample is entered via a biometric scanner.

148. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the prospective user proffers enrollment data at a location selected from the group comprising a merchant'"'"'s store, a kiosk, a self-checkout POS register station;

or at a financial institution.

149. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the system identification code is selected from the group consisting of a government identification number, an address, a telephone number, a checking account number, a debit account number, a pre-paid account number, a value account number, and a credit account number.

150. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system as claimed in claim 143, wherein the system identification code is unique.

151. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the system identification code is reasonably unique.

152. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the system identification code is not unique.

153. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a fingerprint of the prospective system user.

154. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to an iris scan of the prospective system user.

155. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a facial scan of the prospective system user.

156. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a voice scan of the prospective system user.

157. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a retinal scan of the prospective system user.

158. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the biometric sample corresponds to a hand architecture of the prospective system user.

159. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein saving the proffered enrollment data in the central database comprises:

converting a biometric sample into a biometric template; and

saving the biometric template to the central database in association with the system identification code.

160. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein enrollment data further comprises the one more financial accounts.

161. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 160, wherein the one or more financial accounts is selected from the group consisting of a checking account, a credit account, a debit account, a pre-paid account, a value account, and a savings account.

162. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, the method further comprising the prospective system user proffering enrollment data at a merchant'"'"'s location and the merchant storing the proffered enrollment data in a local database.

163. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein proffered enrollment data further comprises an account maintenance password.

164. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the prospective system user is a consumer.

165. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the prospective system user is an employee of a system user.

166. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the method further comprises:

in the event the proffered system identification code matches a system identification stored in the central database, sending to the prospective system user one or more suggested system identification codes; and

receiving from the prospective system user a system identification code selected from the one or more suggested system identification codes.

167. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 143, wherein the proffered enrollment data further comprises a digital image of the biometric sample.

168. A method of using a transaction system to provide approval for a third party to access an account controlled by a primary account holder, the transaction system having a central database that has stored therein a biometric template associated with the third party through an identification code, and at least one approval station configured to access the central database, wherein the method comprises:

receiving, at the approval station, a biometric sample proffered by the third party via a biometric identification device;

receiving, at the approval station, an identification code proffered by the third party;

sending from the approval station to the central database the identification code proffered by the third party;

comparing, at the central database, the proffered identification code to identification codes stored in the central database;

making, at the central database, a first determination whether the proffered identification code matches an identification code stored in the central database;

in the event the central database matches the proffered identification code to an identification code stored in the central database, transmitting a signal to an empowered party indicating that the third party has initiated a transaction involving the account;

receiving a signal from the empowered party indicative of whether the account may be accessed by the third party;

in the event the third party is permitted to access the account, selecting, at the central database, one or more potential matching biometric templates based on the identification code;

receiving, at the approval station, the one or more potential matching biometric templates from the central database;

comparing, at the approval station, the proffered biometric sample to the one or more potential matching biometric templates received from the central database;

making, at the approval station, a second determination whether the proffered biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching biometric templates; and

in the event that the proffered biometric sample matches one of the one or more potential matching biometric templates, approving, at the approval station, the access of the account by the third party.

169. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 168, wherein the empowered party is the primary account holder only.

170. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 168, wherein the empowered party comprises an agent of the primary account holder.