Abstract: The invention is a computer-implemented method and system to facilitate a purchase utilizing a tax-advantaged account. A request for payment for an item is received from a requester. A determination is made whether the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment. If the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment at least a partial payment amount for the item is determined. The tax-advantaged account is debited for at least a portion of the purchasing amount of the item based on the payment authorization; and the at least partial payment amount for the item is transmitted to an account of the requestor.

Abstract: The invention is a computer-implemented method and system to facilitate a purchase utilizing a tax-advantaged account. A request for payment for an item is received from a requester. A determination is made whether the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment. If the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment at least a partial payment amount for the item is determined. The tax-advantaged account is debited for at least a portion of the purchasing amount of the item based on the payment authorization; and the at least partial payment amount for the item is transmitted to an account of the requestor.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system to facilitate a purchase utilizing a tax-advantaged account. A request to charge the tax-advantaged account for an item is received at a host computer. A determination is made whether the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment. If the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment then at least partial payment authorization for the item is determined, and the tax-advantaged account is debited for at least a portion of the purchasing amount of the item based on the payment authorization. If the item does not qualify for pre-tax treatment, then a non-tax advantaged account is debited for an item not qualifying for pre-tax treatment.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system to facilitate a purchase utilizing a tax-advantaged account. A request for payment for an item is received at a host computer. The item comprises any item that qualifies for pre-tax treatment, including, but not limited to: a medical expense; a dental expense; a dependent care expense; a childcare expense; a work-related parking expense; and a work-related transportation expense. The system determines whether the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment. If the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment, then the tax-advantaged account is debited for at least a portion of the purchasing amount of the item based on the payment request.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method to facilitate a purchase utilizing a flexible spending account, comprising the steps of: receiving, at a host computer, a request for payment authorization for an item; determining whether the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment; and when the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment: determining at least partial payment authorization for the item, transmitting the at least partial payment authorization for the item to a point of sale device; causing the flexible spending account to be debited for at least a portion of the purchasing amount of the item based on the payment authorization; and debiting a non-flexible spending account for an item not qualifying for pre-tax treatment.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method to facilitate a purchase by a cardmember using a transaction instrument, comprising: receiving, at a host computer, a request from a provider for payment authorization for a charge to the cardmember using the transaction instrument; determining whether the charge is for a covered healthcare expense; if the charge is determined to be for a covered healthcare expense, then crediting an account of the cardmember with points associated with the value of the charge; and if the charge is determined to be for a non-covered expense, then not crediting the cardmember's account with any points associated with the value of the charge.