Method and system for accessing financial information using wireless devices

A financial information and transaction system comprising:

• a host financial computer system, said host system maintaining records of user account information;
• a plurality of user interface terminals for accessing said host financial computer system, at least one of said terminals comprising first means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data, and a smart card reader;
• a wireless communications interface comprising a second means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data operatively counted to said at least one of said terminals comprising first means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data;
• and
• a communications interface coupled to said wireless communications interface and coupled to said host system;
• wherein data corresponding to said user account information is exchanged between said host system and said at least one of said terminals comprising first means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data via said wireless communications interface and said communications interface, such that a user obtains information and performs transactions on said host financial system through a smart card device that is coupled to said smart card reader, said smart card device including means for encrypting data which is exchanged with said host financial system.