A method for providing a quantity of pre-paid telephone time from an automated
teller machine (ATM) or a point-of-sale device (POS terminal), to a patron of either
of such device. PIN numbers, obtained from a telephone service provider and each
designating a pre-paid quantity of telephone service time, are made available to
the ATM or POS terminal. The patron is queried by the device if he/she wishes to
purchase telephone time. Upon selection of a quantity of pre-paid telephone time
by a patron and payment for such purchased quantity of time, the device selects
a particular PIN number having an associated quantity of telephone time corresponding
to the quantity of telephone service time purchased by the patron, and provides
such PIN number to the patron. In a preferred embodiment the PIN number is provided
to the patron by being printed out on the ATM's existing account statement printer,
or on the account statement printer of a POS terminal if a POS device is alternatively
employed. An ATM to permit patrons of such ATM to purchase a quantity of telephone
time from one of a plurality of telephone service providers is further disclosed.