An automated banking machine transaction request is authorized based on a determined location of an authorized user relative to the machine. Identification of an authorized machine user is linked to a remotely locatable item (e.g., a cell phone) of the authorized user. A banking machine receiving the user identification causes the location of the cell phone to be determined. A comparison is then made of the cell phone location and the banking machine location. If the locations correspond, then the current machine user is recognized as the authorized user and machine transactions are permitted. If the locations do not correspond, then the current user is denied transactions at the banking machine. The security arrangement helps prevent an unauthorized person from using a fraudulent card to access a financial account.