A method for making on-line purchases includes purchasing a card having a
unique identification code and a predetermined cash balance and
activating an associated account. Goods or services offered by a seller
through a web-site are selected and the identification code provided to
the seller who transmits it for verification. If the identification code
is associated with the valid and active account and if there is
sufficient cash balance in the account, an approval code is sent to the
seller, and the purchase price of the selective goods or services is
debited from the cash balance of the account. If the identification code
is determined invalid, or there is insufficient cash balance, a denial
code is transmitted to the seller. As there are low cash balances and no
personally identifying or sensitive information associated with the
cards, there is little risk in use over the Internet.