System for authorizing credit use

A system for approving the use of credit for a purchase, the system comprising:

• a credit request device including an input device for receiving a credit request from a customer, and an output device for communicating information to the customer, the credit request device located at a first location;
• a credit analysis module operable to receive and analyze the credit request, and to determine whether the credit request should be approved;
• a first communication path providing communication between the credit request device and the credit analysis module;
• a point of sale unit operable to receive customer-related information and located at a second location;
• and
• a second communication path providing communication between the point of sale unit and the credit analysis module.

A method for approving a credit request, the method comprising:

• receiving a credit request from a customer through a credit request device located at a first location;
• communicating the credit request to a credit analysis module;
• analyzing the credit request to determine if the credit request should be approved, the credit request analyzed by the credit analysis module;
• presenting the customer with a conditional offer for credit if the credit request is approved;
• and
• manually verifying the identity of the customer at a second location.