Abstract: A computerized fingerprint matching system is shown for rapidly identifying a person presenting a previously issued identity card to complete a transaction. The user of a credit card, for example, can prove his right to have it in his possession for use in completing a financial transaction and upon proof of his fingerprint identity the system simultaneously makes a record of the transaction. Means are shown to indicate a disapproval of a particular transaction if the account for that card is overdrawn and other means are shown for recording a photograph and a fingerprint of any person in possession of the card when an unauthorized holder of a card presents the card at a card reader station.