In a settlement transaction system or settlement transaction method using
the system, the system includes a content providing server conducting a
digital broadcast, for example, for a CS broadcast, a BS broadcast, a
CATV, or a broadcast using ground waves; a settlement server to execute
settlement transaction or settlement transaction, an order placement
managing server to execute order placement processing, and an order
managing server which receives an order of a request from a user to
purchase articles and which sends an associated indication to the
settlement server and the order placement managing server according to
information of the order. The user operates a terminal in which an IC
card communication application to communicate with an IC card is only
installed. It then becomes possible to reduce a load imposed onto the
system in association with a change to an existing digital broadcast
system.