Abstract: A system and method for providing a receipt (20) to a user involving receiving at a host terminal receipt information from a point of sale or self-service terminal, and using this to create an image of a receipt (20). This can be done in any suitable image format or layout. The receipt image (20) is then included in a customer bank or account statement (18), together with conventional statement information (22).

Abstract: A network of interconnected self-service machines (SSMs), wherein each of the SSMs executes a relational database management system (RDBMS) that maintains a relational database stored on the SSM. The relational databases are partitions of a global relational database and each partition stores information for only those customers that frequent the SSM that executes the RDBMS. The relational databases are used to more effectively serve the customer at the SSM and to market products and services to the customer at the SSM.

Abstract: A system of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). When a customer of an ATM requests a disbursement of cash, such as one hundred dollars, the ATM contacts an intermediary agent, who sends a message to the customer's bank over the INTERNET, requesting approval. When approval is authorized, the customer's bank sends an approval-message to the intermediary-agent, who relays it to the ATM, which then dispenses the cash. The intermediary agent then (1) credits amounts to both itself and the ATM (or its owner), for services rendered, such as one dollar each, (2) debits the customer's bank, for $ 102 in this example, (3) credits the ATM (or its owner), for $ 101 in this example, (4) keeps one dollar for itself, and (5) periodically collects the actual amounts and physically distributes them, to satisfy the debits and credits.