Abstract: A card destruction system includes a reader to read identification information from a card. A controller is coupled to the reader to receive the identification information and to determine whether the card is to be destroyed. A delivery sensor is coupled to the controller to sense when the aid is delivered to a card destruction device. The controller is also configured to produce a record of the destruction based on a signal from the sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for implementing a program of discount arrangements. Discount-arrangement information relating to discount arrangements is maintained, with each discount arrangement being associated with one of multiple merchants. Transaction information related to a transaction at a point of sale is received, with the transaction information identifying a merchant party to the transaction. An identifier for a discount instrument presented at the point of sale during the transaction is received. A determination is made whether the merchant party is one of the multiple merchants is made. Validation information is then returned to the point of sale in accordance with the determination.

Abstract: A method of disclosing transaction information to customers includes receiving at a host computer system a file comprising processing information. The processing information comprises a plurality of transaction categories and fee information associated with each transaction category. The method also includes receiving a message from a point-of-sale device requesting the fee information associated with at least one particular transaction category relating to a transaction with a customer and sending from the host computer system an electronic message comprising the fee information. The method further comprises displaying transaction information relating to the electronic message at the point-of-sale device and providing the customer the opportunity to cancel the transaction. The transaction may involve an exchange between at least two different forms of value.

Abstract: A system for initiating a chargeback request by a user. A system can be provided according to one embodiment of the invention that allows a user to submit a chargeback request via a network connection. A user interface can be provided which allows a user to submit such a chargeback request via a computer network system. Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the invention, a billing statement can be provided on-line which allows a user to submit a chargeback request by highlighting a specific transaction shown in the billing statement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for making a payment on an account comprises reading account information from a payment instrument that identifies a customer account that is to receive a payment. A financial institution associated with the customer account is determined as well as a payment account that is associated with the financial institution where the payment is to be deposited. A payment amount is collected, and the payment amount is transmitted to the payment account of the financial institution.

Abstract: A system for screening money transfers. According to one embodiment of the invention an operator is provided with at least one prompt to request further information about an attempted money transfer. The operator can be prompted with a series of questions to facilitate a regimented screening process of suspicious transfers.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for performing a funds transfer. A request to transfer funds to a recipient is received at a host system, as well as an identification of a selected funds-transfer company chosen from a group of funds-transfer companies and a request to provide the funds to the recipient. Information related to the request is transmitted from the host system to a payout system. The request to transfer funds may include an identification of a retrieval location, with a list of funds-transfer companies that offer funds-transfer services to the retrieval location further being transmitted from the host system to a funds-transfer initiating system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for notifying a wireless communication device user regarding an account payment. One method comprises dialing a phone number of a wireless communication device, preferably a cell phone. A communication relating to an account payment that includes a balance due is then transmitted or delivered to a wireless communication device user. Optionally, at the same time or a later time, input from the wireless communication device user may be received regarding payment of the balance due. Such notification methods may be carried out by a host computer system which has a record of when the account payment is due and dials and transmits within a predetermined time frame. Generally, such methods will further comprise pre-registering or enrolling the wireless communication device user.

Abstract: A method for issuing tickets proceeds by selecting an inactive ticket that includes an identifier. Payment is provided for the ticket, and the identifier and a payment amount is entered into a payment processing device. The identifier is transmitted to a host computer system having a record of the identifier and a status of the ticket. The status of the ticket is then changed to an active status in the host computer system.

Abstract: A method of using a kiosk to dispense funds, a portion of which has a value less than the value of the lowest form of currency the kiosk dispenses. The method may include receiving information at the kiosk identifying a source for the funds and transmitting a request to a host computer to verify the source for the funds. The method may include receiving at the kiosk a verification of the funds and displaying on a display screen an amount of funds available for payment. The method may include receiving at the kiosk a request from a user to remit a first portion of the amount of funds in a first form, wherein the first form is selected from a group consisting of paper currency, money order, credit to an account, and credit to a stored value card.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accepting payments for goods and services provided by a merchant. In one embodiment, a method for accepting payments from a consumer for a good or service provided by a merchant comprises receiving a transaction request from the merchant, receiving a payment from the consumer, associating the payment with the transaction request, and sending at least a portion of the payment to the merchant. In this manner, the merchant stages the transaction, and the consumer completes the transaction by making the payment. An optional time limit feature also may be used, and the transaction may be staged by the consumer, or others.

Abstract: A method of presenting financial statements to a consumer includes receiving implementation profile information from a client, wherein the implementation profile includes instructions that define options from which consumers may choose how to receive financial statements. The method further includes storing a representation of the implementation profile information at a database associated with a host computer. The method also includes transmitting from the host computer to a consumer computer a file that includes the options, wherein the options include: receive the financial statement by mail; receive the financial statement electronically; and receive the financial statement both by mail and electronically. The method further includes receiving at the host computer from the consumer computer a selection of one of the options and storing a representation of the selected option.

Abstract: A method for providing rebates comprises receiving at a host computer information on an item being purchased. Also received at the host computer is a request to receive a rebate that is associated with the item. From the host computer, information usable by a payment device is transmitted to the payment device to provide the rebate.

Abstract: A method of processing an application relating to money transfer services includes receiving at a host computer system an electronic transmission from an application computing device. The electronic transmission includes an application having application information relating to an applicant. The method may include electronically evaluating the application at the host computer system, requesting a report relating to the applicant, and receiving the report at the host computer system. The method also may include electronically evaluating the report based on certain criteria to produce a decision as to whether to accept the applicant. The method also may include transmitting a decision relating to the applicant to the application computing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing rebates. A host computer receives information associated with at least one item for sale and reimbursement information relating to the rebate. The host computer also receives redemption information on a redeemed rebate. The host computer transmits a request for reimbursement based on the reimbursement information and the redemption information.

Abstract: A system is provided in which transaction information may be collected at a point-of-sale with a point-of-sale device having multiple capabilities. The transaction information is accumulated by a transaction controller and/or transaction aggregator for transmission to a central host. The central host may receive the transaction information, determine amounts owed from issuers of the discount certificates and to retailers of the discounted items, and coordinate transfer of funds among financial institutions to settle the discounts. The central host may also be configured to perform fraud-probability analyses on the transaction information, using the results of the analysis to pinpoint specific information on the origin of the potential fraud.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for a method for electronically transferring an amount of money from an initiator to a receiver is disclosed. The amount is enhanced or matched by a matching party. In one step, transfer information is received from the initiator. The transfer information includes at least two of a third party identifier, a second party identifier and the amount. The transfer information is analyzed. An enhancing amount to transfer from the matching party to the receiver is determined. Money is transferred to the receiver that corresponds to the amount and the enhancing amount.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a negotiable instrument in combination with a message at a recipient point-of-contact. The systems and methods include a negotiable instrument printer located at the recipient point-of-contact. Access to the negotiable instrument printer is provided via an authorization system that in part prevents fraudulent use of the negotiable instrument printer.

Abstract: A method for converting coined money to another type of value proceeds by receiving a plurality of coins into a coin processing machine. The coins are processed with the coin processing machine to determine a value of the coins. An electronic record of the determined value is produced using the coin processing machine.

Abstract: A method of monitoring credit fraud relating to a plurality of merchants includes, on a server computer, collecting transaction information relating to the merchants and electronically evaluating the collected transaction information for potentially fraudulent activities using specific criteria. The method further includes flagging merchants having transaction information indicating potentially fraudulent activity. Systems for implementing the method are also provided. The method may include collecting transaction records relating to other electronic accounts and electronically monitoring the accounts using specified criteria for potentially fraudulent activity.