Abstract: Apparatus, system and method are provided for processing charge vouchers against charge card accounts administered by a host institution that issues an approval/disapproval to a merchant for a proposed transaction. The apparatus is processor based and broadly includes a keyboard input having command keys and a charge card reader. Upon activation, account identification data is read from a customer's charge card and the customer enters a maximum charge amount. An autodialer connects the processor to the host institution by way of a transmitter/receiver and a communication line. The host verifies the credit limit of the customer account to ascertain availability of funds. If the host approves the proposed transaction, the maximum charge amount is reversed and an approval signal is sent to the processor; if the host does not approve the transaction, a disapproval signal is sent.