1
                                                                   Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 pertaining to the National Processing, Inc. Nonemployee Directors Stock
Option Plan of our report dated February 20, 1998, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of National Processing, Inc. included in its
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                 ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
May 21, 1998