A method and apparatus for rapidly and remotely providing temporary credit to a borrower is provided. In one embodiment, a lender uses as one criterion in approving the temporary credit a minimum number of deposits within a predetermined deposit verification time. Upon receipt of a request for credit, which may come either from a prospective borrower or from a merchant upon denial of credit to the prospective borrower, a lender queries a deposit account to determine whether a predetermined minimum number of deposits has been made within a predetermined deposit verification time. The lender may also determine whether each of the deposits exceeds a minimum deposit amount. Where approved, the lender is able to rapidly dispense funds for use by the borrower. In one embodiment, the lender makes these funds available via a pre-paid credit card. The lender is then able to collect principal and interest through electronic withdrawals.