An interactive automated transaction clearing system (10) having an automatic clearing operation (28) controlled by an automatic clearing operator (28) and including means for parties to register a proposed transaction (30, 32) for clearing, and automatically generating automatic payment directions (44) in accordance with the proposed transaction (30, 32) and an automatic funds controller (34) controlled by a party other than the automatic clearing operator (28). The automatic funds controller (34) includes means for receiving the funds of the parties, and for automatically making payments from funds in accordance with the automatic payment directions (44).
