Abstract: A transaction method, system and apparatus of the present invention employs two electromagnetically read cards. A first card is employed for accessing account data of a corresponding account. A second card effectively carries identity data of the owner/account holder of the first card. During a transaction, the two cards must be used sufficiently in tandem or in proper series order, in order for the card processing center to authorize the subject transaction. In particular, use of the first card accesses a corresponding account to determine if the account is active versus in a halted state (e.g., due to a reported stolen or lost card). Use of the second card spaced apart (in time and/or in distance) from the first card then verifies identity of the user as an authorized person to be accessing the corresponding account and hence authorized user of the first card.

Abstract: A transaction method, system and apparatus of the present invention employs two electromagnetically read cards. A first card is employed for accessing account data of a corresponding account. A second card effectively carries identity data of the owner/account holder of the first card. During a transaction, the two cards must be used sufficiently in tandem or in proper series order, in order for the card processing center to authorize the subject transaction. In particular, use of the first card accesses a corresponding account to determine if the account is active versus in a halted state (e.g., due to a reported stolen or lost card). Use of the second card spaced apart (in time and/or in distance) from the first card then verifies identity of the user as an authorized person to be accessing the corresponding account and hence authorized user of the first card.