System and method for biometric authorization for check cashing

A check cashing transaction method provided by a check cashing service, comprising:

• receiving, from a first entity, information regarding a check that is drafted from a financial account of a second entity;
• receiving biometric data of said first entity that is initiating a check cashing transaction;
• comparing said received biometric data to previously registered biometric data stored in a database, said comparison being used to authorize said check cashing transaction;
• and
• storing an identifier of a third entity associated with the check cashing service that is involved in said check cashing transaction.

A method for enrolling an individual in a biometric check cashing system, comprising:

• receiving identification information from an individual for enrollment in the check cashing system;
• transmitting said received identification information to a central database to determine whether a portion of said identification information already exists in an account in said central database, each of said accounts including registered biometric data;
• receiving, from the central database, additional enrollment information from an existing account in said central database, and an account status of said existing account;
• and
• enrolling said individual in a local database using said additional enrollment information.

A check cashing transaction method, comprising:

• receiving, from a first entity, a check that is endorsed by a second entity;
• receiving biometric data of said first entity that is presenting said check for cashing;
• comparing said received biometric data to previously registered biometric data stored in a database, wherein a successful comparison locates a check cashing history record of said first entity;
• and
• determining whether said located check cashing history record indicates negative check cashing activities,
• automatically issuing a recommendation regarding the authorization of said check cashing transaction based on said determination.

A check cashing transaction method at a point of sale, comprising:

• receiving one or more items from a first entity as part of a financial transaction;
• receiving, from said first entity as payment for said financial transaction, a check that is endorsed by a second entity;
• receiving biometric data of said first entity that is presenting said check for cashing;
• comparing said received biometric data to previously registered biometric data stored in a database;
• and
• accepting said check as payment for said financial transaction if said check cashing is authorized, said check cashing authorization being based at least in part on said comparison.

A check cashing transaction method, comprising:

• receiving, from a first entity, a check drawn on a financial account of a second entity and that is endorsed by said second entity;
• receiving biometric data of said first entity that is presenting said check for cashing;
• comparing said received biometric data to previously registered biometric data stored in a database;
• and
• determining whether said financial account of said second entity can cover a value of said check, said determining comprising querying a third party for a status of said financial account,
• wherein said comparison and said determination are used to authorize said check cashing transaction.