Actually can think of several phleneomum that would satisfy but first need to separate transactions into relating to electronic items and relating to physical items. In the case of physical items, pickup for shipping is probably done in batches (example: for FedEx the last pickup typically at 5 pm). It is not necessary to verify transactions instantaneously but rather when the order is processed /shipped. This could be done in a batch mode syncronized with order processing. In the case of electronic media there are two choices: either immediate access or delayed access. In the first case either access can be granted or immediate verification can be done. In the case of immediate access, it should be limited to items of restricted value. In delayed access the same batch processing mode can be performed (during the 0-dark hours most likely). This leaves only cases where immediate access must be granted and I suspect that in most cases the vulnerability of 6-24 hours of access before verification will be small. Where the possible loss is low, we are back to (a). So in the small proportion of transactions where immediate verification and transfer is necessary, I have no doubt that the existing infrastructure can handle it. At "slight additional charge" by the credit card company no doubt. Warmly, Padgett