Abstract: Among other things, the present invention provides a variety of systems and methods for configuring and/or providing a configurable point-of-sale system. Various methods of the present invention include providing a point-of-sale device and coupling it to a communication network. One or more transaction systems are accessible to the point-of-sale device via the transaction network, instructions are loaded to the memory of the point-of-sale device allowing it to access the transaction system. Various systems include a plurality of point-of-sale devices communicably coupled to various transaction systems via a communication network. The point-of-sale devices can be configurable to access one or more of the various transaction systems.

Abstract: A method for accepting payments from a consumer for a travel ticket from a travel company comprises receiving at a point of sale device a transaction request that includes a transaction identifier that identifies a travel arrangement made with the travel company and a payment amount. The payment amount and the transaction identifier is transmitted to a host computer system for validation. Also, a validation from the host computer system is received indicating that the transaction requested has been validated. A payment is received from the consumer, and at least a portion of the payment is electronically transmitted to the travel company.

Abstract: One method involves payment of money to a recipient traveling to one or more foreign countries by entering into a remote computer money transfer information from a sender. The money transfer information comprises recipient identification information, at least one country where the money is to be received, and a payment amount in an originating currency. The money transfer information is transmitted to a host computer system. When ready to receive payment in the designated country, recipient identification information along with a request to withdraw a portion of a possible payment amount is entered into a payout computer. The recipient identification information and the request to withdraw is transmitted to a host computer system, and the requested withdrawal is provided to the recipient in the local currency.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to initiate, facilitate, process and/or perform money transfers. One such method includes establishing a money transfer record (310) and receiving, from a vendor location, a money transfer activation request (320) associated with the money transfer record. The method includes receiving a fulfillment request (330) associated with the money transfer record, collecting a customer data set, and authorizing a money transfer (340) associated with the money transfer record. The money transfer is facilitated by the creation of a money transfer record, which may occur prior to the money transfer activation request. The customer then can initiate the money transfer while at the vendor location using, for example, money transfer cards available for purchase from the vendor.

Abstract: Stored value cards, such as gift cards, from different card issuers are displayed for sale and activation at retail locations. A distribution database system maintains records of cards sold at the retail locations. The system accounts to each retailer for commissions owed for cards sold by that retailer, and accounts to each card issuer for its cards that are sold at each retail location.

Abstract: A method for accepting payments from a consumer for a travel ticket from a travel company comprises receiving at a point of sale device a transaction request that includes a transaction identifier that identifies a travel arrangement made with the travel company and a payment amount. The payment amount and the transaction identifier is transmitted to a host computer system for validation. Also, a validation from the host computer system is received indicating that the transaction requested has been validated. A payment is received from the consumer, and at least a portion of the payment is electronically transmitted to the travel company.

Abstract: One method involves payment of money to a recipient traveling to one or more foreign countries by entering into a remote computer money transfer information from a sender. The money transfer information comprises recipient identification information, at least one country where the money is to be received, and a payment amount in an originating currency. The money transfer information is transmitted to a host computer system. When ready to receive payment in the designated country, recipient identification information along with a request to withdraw a portion of a possible payment amount is entered into a payout computer. The recipient identification information and the request to withdraw is transmitted to a host computer system, and the requested withdrawal is provided to the recipient in the local currency.

Abstract: A system for performing a money transfer receive transaction includes a receive transaction staging device which provides a recipient with access to a financial services institution in order to receive transaction details from the recipient. The system also includes a data base for storing transaction details and a receive control code, wherein the transaction details include a receive amount, and wherein the receive control code corresponds to the transaction details stored on the data base. The system further includes a receive transaction fulfillment device in communication with the data base to retrieve the receive control code and the transaction details from the data base based on the receive control code. The data base verifies the receive control code and authorizes the receive transaction fulfillment device to issue cash or another negotiable instrument corresponding to at least a portion of the receive amount.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention provides a variety of systems and methods for configuring and/or providing a configurable point-of-sale system. Various methods of the present invention include providing a point-of-sale device and coupling it to a communication network. One or more transaction systems are accessible to the point-of-sale device via the transaction network, instructions are loaded to the memory of the point-of-sale device allowing it to access the transaction system. Various systems include a plurality of point-of-sale devices communicably coupled to various transaction systems via a communication network. The point-of-sale devices can be configurable to access one or more of the various transaction systems.

Abstract: One method for transferring funds includes receiving at a web server computer a request to transfer funds from a sender to a receiver. The request includes information identifying the sender and a payment vehicle for providing funds to transfer. The payment vehicle is validated and a transaction identifier is generated or assigned. The transaction identifier may be transmitted from the web server computer to the sender. When ready to receive the funds, the transaction identifier is entered into an ATM. If the transaction identifier is validated, the funds are dispensed from the ATM.

Abstract: A method for performing a money transfer receive transaction involving a recipient that receives money from a sender includes the steps of providing a receive code to a recipient via a transaction staging device that is used to stage the receive transaction, wherein the code is used to identify the receive transaction on a data base; receiving at the data base an entry, provided by the recipient and corresponding to the code, from a transaction fulfillment device in communication with the data base; and providing transaction details of the receive transaction to the transaction fulfillment device for verification with the recipient; wherein the code is not provided by or to the sender for use by the sender during the receive transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing financial transfers. In some instances, the methods include providing a staged transaction system that includes at least two stages. Quotes are accessed for the first and for the second stage of the transaction. One quote associated with a stage of the transaction is selected and used to consummate the financial transfer. Other methods include marketing financial transfer transactions. Such marketing can include providing a flexible rate fixing mechanism; monitoring a financial transaction market; and fixing a rate based at least in part on monitoring the financial transaction market where the flexible rate fixing mechanism provides access to the fixed rate.

Abstract: One method involves payment of money to a recipient traveling to one or more foreign countries by entering into a remote computer money transfer information from a sender. The money transfer information comprises recipient identification information, at least one country where the money is to be received, and a payment amount in an originating currency. The money transfer information is transmitted to a host computer system. When ready to receive payment in the designated country, recipient identification information along with a request to withdraw a portion of a possible payment amount is entered into a payout computer. The recipient identification information and the request to withdraw is transmitted to a host computer system, and the requested withdrawal is provided to the recipient in the local currency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing financial transfers. In some instances, the methods include providing a staged transaction system that includes at least two stages. Quotes are accessed for the first and for the second stage of the transaction. One quote associated with a stage of the transaction is selected and used to consummate the financial transfer. Other methods include marketing financial transfer transactions. Such marketing can include providing a flexible rating mechanism; monitoring a financial transaction market; and fixing a rate based at least in part on monitoring the financial transaction market where the flexible rating mechanism provides access to the fixed rate.

Abstract: A computerized method of verifying the identity of an attendant operating a money transfer transaction device includes receiving at the money transfer transaction device a user identification and password from the attendant and receiving at the money transfer transaction device additional information from the attendant. The additional information relates to a security feature that limits access to the transaction device. The method also includes using the additional information, the user identification, and the password to evaluate whether to allow the attendant to operate the transaction device to process a transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods including one or more point-of-sale devices for effectuating value transfers. In particular implementations, various point-of-sale devices are in communication with various transaction systems. Thus, a transaction can be effectuated from one point-of-sale device to another utilizing one or more of the communicably coupled transaction systems. The transaction systems can include, but are not limited to, money transfer systems, fraud detection systems, check acceptance systems.

Abstract: One method involves the use of stored value account that may be used, for example, to make internet payments, and that can be credited using a variety of payment techniques. Such a method involves receiving money at a money transfer location from a potential purchaser. The money is then stored as an electronic record in a stored value account of the purchaser. This money is then available for transfer at the request of the purchaser. Upon such a request, the money may be electronically sent to a recipient and the stored value account may be debited.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a company payroll is disclosed. The system and method provide for issuing an employee an identifier. The employee may access the account at a remote payroll distribution device by disclosing the identifier. The remote payroll distribution device enables the employee to withdraw a sum of money up to the total amount of money in the account, as well as print tax withholding information as typically displayed on a check stub. Other features include printing checks for payment to various establishments which effectively eliminates the need for bank checks.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention provides a variety of systems and methods for effectuating transactions using a point-of-sale device. The present invention is applicable to a broad range of transaction types including but not limited to, money or other value transfers, value transfers, check acceptance protocols, loyalty program utilization, fraud detection, and the like. The methods of the present invention provide the ability to fulfill the various transaction types through access to one or more transaction systems accessible to the point-of-sale device. Thus, in some instances, a common point-of-sale device can be used to effectuate different transaction types depending upon which transaction systems are accessible to the point-of-sale device.

Abstract: One method involves the use of stored value account that may be used, for example, to make internet payments, and that can be credited using a variety of payment techniques. Such a method involves receiving money at a money transfer location from a potential purchaser. The money is then stored as an electronic record in a stored value account of the purchaser. This money is then available for transfer at the request of the purchaser. Upon such a request, the money may be electronically sent to a recipient and the stored value account may be debited.