method and system for implementing a virtual automated teller machine system are described . in one embodiment , the system includes a vatm host connectable to each of a plurality of registered disbursement entities via a secure connection , such as an ssl connection . the system further includes an accessing computer connectable to the vatm host via a secure connection , such as an ssl connection , the accessing computer comprising a card reader for reading user information from an atm card and having installed thereon vatm client software executable by the accessing computer to interact with the vatm host to validate user information read from the atm card and an associated pin entered by a user and , responsive to the validation , present the user with a list of des comprising at least one of the registered des , prompt the user to select one de from the list of des from which funds are to be disbursed to the user , and specify an amount of funds to be disbursed . the vatm host sends a disbursement order to the selected de indicating the specified amount of funds to be disbursed .