Abstract: An atomated fingerprint identification system (10), which utilizes an encoded identification card, such as a credit card (12). When a person applies for a credit card (12) they must register a finger of their choice with the card issuance company. At the company, the finger is scanned and a composite number (14) is produced that consists of several fingerprint identifying parameters. The composite number (14), corresponding to the fingerprint is encoded onto the card (12) and is also stored in a card database (50) and/or a server database (52). When a person wants to use the card (12), the card (12) is inserted into a card reader (22) and the person's finger is scanned by a fingerprint scanner (24) which produces a composite number (14) that is compared with the composite number (14) in the card or server database (50, 52). If the two composite numbers (14) are similar, use of the card is allowed. Conversely, if they are not similar, use of the card is disallowed.