A system and method for efficiently processing check or other non-cash financial instrument-initiated is disclosed. The method includes the steps of accepting a check from a person initiating a non-cash financial transaction at a point of identification terminal. The checking account number is input into the point of identification terminal and is communicated to a remote database site, having stored therein a database of digital photographic images of authorized users of checking accounts. The database is searched and any digital photographic images associated with the transmitted account number are retrieved and transmitted to the point of identification terminal where they are displaying on a display means and a comparison is made between the images and the physical appearance of the person tendering the check. The person tasked with verifying the identity of the person initiating the transaction inputs identifier specific data into the point of identification terminal to indicate that at least one of the displayed digital images matches the appearance of the person initiating the transaction. The identifier specific data is then transmitted to the remote database site where it is stored, along with the account number and other transaction data as a transaction record.