An automated check-cashing unit includes an input device configured to
generate input signals in response to inputs from a customer, a storage
device including a database of customer information, a check reader
configured to receive and read a check to be processed, a cash dispenser,
and an electronic processor. The processor is configured to receive the
input signals from the input device, receive information about the check
to be processed from the check reader, access the database of customer
information to obtain data about the customer, and determine automatically
whether to accept or reject the check based on the input signals, the
received information about the check, and the data about the customer.
Upon accepting the check, the processor signals the cash dispenser to
dispense cash to the customer. The processor may be further configured to
confirm the identity of the customer based on biometric information about
the customer. Examples of suitable biometric information include the
customer's fingerprint or an image of the customer's
