Dinesh V. Shah
Engineering at Madrona Dr, Eustis, FL

6129273, Oct 10, 2000

Sep 28, 1998

9/161582

Dinesh V. Shah - Eustis FL

G06K 500

235380

A method and apparatus for automated check cashing in which an approved payee is allowed to cash a bank check payable to the payee by a previously identified maker. The method and apparatus is usable for check cashing systems that are not associated with a particular bank and are of the type in which a computer records specific information about the payee and about checks to be cashed by the payee prior to allowing the payee to use the system. Once the payee has registered with the system and has been approved for cashing checks, the system automatically inspects each check using optical readers and MICR readers to verify the identity of a check and record information written on the check. The system can then compare the information entered by the payee and the information on the check to verify that the check is of the type which has been pre-approved for cashing in the automated system. The system may be programmed to allow the cash due from a check to be applied for services other than being dispensed as cash such as by payment of specified bills, wire transfer or crediting the payee's account for future use.