Electronic bank account apparatus and method

An electronic checkbook (20) includes lower and upper parts (22,24) which fold together when not in use. The lower part (22) receives on its upper surface a booklet (28) of checks. A digitizer (26) is hingedly connected or fixed to the lower part (22) and operates as a keyboard in one mode when placed above the check booklet (28), and can be placed beneath the top check (66) of the booklet (28) and used in a second mode as a means for inputting signals to the remainder of the device representing information written on the check. The lower part (22) of the device (20) also includes other elements of the device including a microprocessor (42), a power supply (52) and a smart card reader/writer (32). The upper part (24) includes a display screen (58) upon which checking account information appears during use of the electronic checkbook (20). The method of use of the checkbook (20) provides maintenance of a record of transactions in the account, including addition of deposits and subtraction of checks drawn on the account.