System and method for registering passwords

Abstract

A system and method for registering a password includes a data center that processes and stores transaction data, and a teller window transaction device communicating with the data center. The teller window transaction device has a first input device such as a keyboard used by a teller for inputting transaction data, a first display unit used by the teller for displaying the transaction data, a second input device such as an input panel used by the customer, and a second display unit used by the customer for displaying the transaction data. When a new customer's card is issued, the first input device is used by the teller for inputting information such as the customer's name and address, and this information is shown on the second display unit as well as the first display unit so that the customer can confirm that it has been accurately entered. Thereafter the customer is prompted to use the second input device to enter a secret password, which has not been disclosed to the teller. Preferably the customer enters the password several times, to impress it on his memory and to permit one entry of the password to be checked electronically against another entry of the password. Other embodiments permit a customer who has already been issued a card to change the password without revealing the new password to the teller or others. This updating of the password may be conducted regardless of whether the customer still possesses the card. The teller display and the customer display are arranged in substantially face-to-face relationship. Passwords are entered by the customer at the second input device without revealing the passwords to others.