The present invention is embodied in an online-like transaction processing method and system for processing account information contained in batch process files. The method includes the steps of reading at least one batch file containing a plurality of records, each of the plurality of records associated with one of a plurality of accounts, identifying which of the plurality of records relate to same ones of the plurality of accounts selecting and restricting access to one of the accounts and processing all of the records identified as related to one of the accounts together and independent of processing any of the records relating to any other of the plurality of accounts.