Abstract: Existing e-commerce is carried out largely using credit card charges, which are expensive in terms of transaction charges and not particularly secure. The present invention provides an online funds transfer system which avoids transmitting sensitive information over the Internet, and utilizes the security and simplicity of the ACH system, and the benefits of pre-approved payment and debit systems. It does this by using the bank Automated Clearing House system through Pre-approved Debits and payment distributions.

Abstract: An online payment method is disclosed which permits users to make realtime debit card payments over the Internet. The payor and payee pre-register with the system by sending their PAN, encrypted PIN and encryption key to the system database using a debit card reader, and then enter user names and secret IDs to be associated with the PAN and PIN numbers. When an online transaction is made the payor enters its user name and ID which is sent to the system along with the transaction amount and the payee user name. The system sends out a standard POS transaction using the stored PAN, encrypted PIN and encryption key. If approved it sends out a credit POS transaction to the payee in the same way.