An image forming apparatus providing services for general users, capable
of getting rid of trouble to collect use charges. The image forming
apparatus has: a connector to which a portable communication terminal is
connected; a communication section for controlling the portable
communication terminal connected to the connector, and controlling
communication with the portable communication terminal and a management
apparatus; a reading section for reading authentication information out
of the portable communication terminal; an inquiry request section for
sending the authentication information to the management apparatus, and
requesting the management apparatus to inquire the electronic prepaid
information based on the authentication information; a receiving section
for receiving the electronic prepaid information replied by the
management apparatus through the communication section; and an image
forming control section for controlling whether to perform image forming
processing or not on the basis of the electronic prepaid information.