In a method and apparatus for paying for recrediting of an electronic postage meter machine, switchable into a reloading mode, and communicating with a data central, data is entered into the postage meter machine and the postage meter machine is switched into a communication mode or into a credit inquiry mode. Communication is established with the data central and a plausibility check of the entered data and register values is undertaken in the data central, and a credit inquiry process is begun by the data central if a credit card number has been entered via the postage meter machine. The data central contacts a credit card processing center for verifying the credit card status of the customer and, upon receiving an authorization indicating an acceptable credit card status of the customer, the data center processes the reloading event. If the credit card processing center indicates an unacceptable credit card status, the preceding steps are repeated. A list of successful credit inquiries can be produced. The credit card processing center authorizes a transfer of funds from a bank of the customer, and subsequently the transfer of funds is implemented to credit the bank of the nationally authorized postal carrier who is responsible for postal deliveries.