Abstract: A system and method for verifying the existence of a deposit account, such as a checking account, are provided. The system and method may also be used to determine whether the deposit account is configured to receive automatic transactions for withdrawal. For example, a lender may extend an offer of credit to a borrower where payments of principal and interest are to be made by automatic withdrawals. Prior to transferring the principal, the lender verifies the existence and configuration of the borrower's deposit account by charging a fee to establish the line of credit and retrieving the fee by automatic withdrawal. Once the transaction clears and the lender receives the fee, the lender is assured that the account does exist and is configured to receive automatic transactions. Two exemplary methods of retrieving the fee are electronic funds transfer and remote creation of a paper negotiable instrument.

Abstract: A system and method for extending a firm offer of credit contingent upon receiving a one-time authorization to execute recurring automatic withdrawals from a deposit account is provided. In providing the one-time authorization to execute recurring automatic withdrawals, a prospective borrower may elect from a plurality of automatic withdrawal repayment options. One such option is electronic fund transfer, such as the initiation of a withdrawal entry into the Automated Clearing House network. A second option is by the remote creation of a paper negotiable instrument, which is then converted into an electronic substitute check capable of electronic routing. Upon receiving the one-time authorization, the lender may make recurring automatic withdrawals from the borrower's deposit account.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and remotely providing temporary credit to a borrower is provided. In one embodiment, a lender uses as one criterion in approving the temporary credit a minimum number of deposits within a predetermined deposit verification time. Upon receipt of a request for credit, which may come either from a prospective borrower or from a merchant upon denial of credit to the prospective borrower, a lender queries a deposit account to determine whether a predetermined minimum number of deposits has been made within a predetermined deposit verification time. The lender may also determine whether each of the deposits exceeds a minimum deposit amount. Where approved, the lender is able to rapidly dispense funds for use by the borrower. In one embodiment, the lender makes these funds available via a pre-paid credit card. The lender is then able to collect principal and interest through electronic withdrawals.