Abstract: A financial transaction system for use in authorizing charging of an electrically powered vehicle includes a smart grid that includes an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system. The AMI system includes at least one credential reading device coupled to a charging device for an electrically powered vehicle. The at least one credential reading device is configured to transmit credential information. The AMI system also includes a server system that includes at least one server coupled to the at least one credential reading device via a communications network. The at least one server is configured to determine validity of the credential information transmitted from the at least one credential reading device. The at least one server is further configured to one of permit and deny charging of the electrically powered vehicle.