Abstract: A method for adapting the amount of predial delay in a terminal, such as an automatic teller machine (ATM) system, based upon actual connection times with a host over a telecommunications network experienced by the ATM in a particular installation. The ATM may adjust the point in the customer transaction process at which it initiates a connection with a host in order to decrease the wait time experienced by a customer while a connection with the host is established, as well as wait time by the host after a connection is established while a transaction request message is being prepared.