On-line/off-line automated banking system

Abstract

An automated banking system, which comprises at least one remote transaction and cash dispensing unit interconnected with a central unit via a communication network is disclosed. Each remote unit is operable following a single customer card insertion, in either a first mode or a second mode, to process one or more transactions, including cash withdrawal, fund transfer and payment and deposit transactions. The central unit determines the mode of operation of each remote unit. In the first mode, the central unit communicates data to a remote unit following a request from the remote unit. The central unit may transmit information for updating the customer's card. The central unit communicates actual account balances which the remote unit reports to the customer. From other communicated data, which includes account descriptions, the remote unit determines which transactions a customer may perform. The remote unit then processes customer-selected transactions in accordance with additional communicated data, which includes working balances, an extended credit balance and a maximum cash limit. In the second mode, the remote unit does not communicate with the central unit, but itself both determines which transactions a customer may perform and processes customer-selected transactions in accordance with information included on the customer's card. In the first mode, the remote unit communicates customer transaction data to the central unit immediately after the customer completes his transactions. The remote unit, in the second mode, records customer transaction data which it communicates to the central unit when the remote unit becomes operable in the first mode. Line security and customer verification schemes are provided to protect the integrity of the system. Additional features are disclosed.