Patent ID: 7006998

Claim:
A payment system utilizing a card, which includes a microprocessor attached to the card with associated memory circuits for storage of program software and transactions, and which via a terminal can be supplied with an available and useable amount for a card user, from which reduction can be made via a payment terminal when the card is used as a means of payment, and that a unique card number for said card, together with a PIN code registered for the card, are transformed by means of the card microprocessor into a unique user certificate for each individual card, which is used for verification of the authority of the user, characterized in that said card includes stored information relating to a maximum level of amount to which the card can be used without stating PIN code, and information relating to the maximum number of such transactions that can be performed without the card communicating and transferring information of executed transactions to the bank holding the account or similar party, such transactions being registered and stored in the memory circuits of the card with a corresponding reduction and storage of remaining available amount and remaining number of allowed executable transactions; that said card when used in connection with payment terminals not communicating online performs storage of transaction data in the memory circuits of the card as well as in the payment terminal; that said card, when inserted into a reading terminal having direct connection to the bank holding the account or similar party, performs transfer of stored transaction data in the card for registration checking recorded transactions with said bank or similar party, and that preferably also at the same time limit values for total number of transactions allowed without stating PIN code, as well as maximum total amount limit for such transactions, are updated restored and the system further comprising the means for performing the following steps to facilitate transfer of an amount between two cards with use of a terminal included in the payment system, wherein: as an initial step, a first card is placed in a terminal with input of type of transaction, PIN code and intended amount; as a following step, verification is performed of the first card and PIN code, requested amount is reserved, and a time restricted certificate is created for the terminal used; the second and receiving card is placed in the terminal within a predetermined time period with input of the PIN code for the second card, whereby the amount in question is transferred and registered as a completed transaction; and should the second and receiving card not be placed in the terminal within said predetermined time period, the transaction is annulled as not completed.