A method of electronic paymeNT which allows money to be transferred from the accouNT of the shopper to the merchaNT in close-to real-time. Generally the shopper will give the merchaNT a credit or debit card, which will be swiped to obtain the accouNT information. The shopper will then be required to either sign a receipt or eNTer a PIN via a keypad to authorise the transaction. (2003-06-22)