In-Store Automated Credit Check Being Tested

GE Consumer Finance is testing machines that will enable retailers to extend credit to shoppers in less than a minute. Self-service kiosks were initially installed in IKEA furniture stores in December 2005 that would issue a temporary pass for immediate use. A physical card was then mailed to the customer later. The machines use the customer's name, address, birth date and license number to cross reference with credit bureaus.