Abstract: A component-based money movement system includes a central request processor that is coupled to various other components. The components may include an arrangement manager; a financial institution validator; a transaction manager; a remittance manager; a check writing manager; and an electronic payment manager. Each component performs specific tasks, each controlled by the request processor. Periodic arrangements can be created and stored by the arrangement manager. When arrangements are due, arrangement manager sends a message to the request processor, which sends a request to the appropriate component. The check writing component is configured to manage the check writing process, including printing the checks and keeping records of the printed checks. The remittance manager scans and processes incoming payments. The electronic payment manager generates electronic payment requests and stores data regarding the requests.

Abstract: An automated method and system for facilitating timely use and/or redemption of the unused portion of an electronic ticket are provided. In accordance with the method, ticket data (e.g., from an electronic ticket) is collected from a financial transaction account, then a search engine uses said ticket data to find open tickets. Finding open tickets includes setting an aging period and adding it to the scheduled departure date of the issued ticket, and a reminder period is set and subtracted from the scheduled date of a ticket. If the scheduled departure date plus the aging date is earlier than the current date, a determination is made as to whether the ticket has been used. If the scheduled date minus the reminder period is earlier than the current date, then a message is communicated to the traveler reminding him to use or redeem the ticket.

Abstract: A secure credential validation compares stored and received modified credentials, e.g., biometric credentials, such that the validating system does not have access to the unmodified credentials. A capture system and a credential validation system are operatively coupled to a network (e.g., the Internet). The credential validation system is configured to store a set of modified stored credentials associated with the principal, receive a set of modified received credentials, and perform a credential validation procedure to validate the modified received credentials, wherein the credential validation procedure performs a one-way consistency test to compare the modified stored credentials and the modified received credentials: The credential validation procedure employs one or more similarity measures, e.g., a weighted quorum of exact matches, a discrete N-ball (or “N-shell”) intersection, or a client-based algorithm with encryption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features, such as a holographic foil, integrated circuit chip, RFID circuitry, silver magnetic stripe with text on the magnetic stripe, opacity gradient, an invisible optically recognizable compound, a translucent signature field such that the RFID circuitry and signature on back of the card is visible from the front of the card and an active thru date on the front of the card. The invisible optically recognizable compound is an infrared ink and/or film, which can be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an opaque, transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features, such as a holographic foil, integrated circuit chip, silver magnetic stripe with text on the magnetic stripe, opacity gradient, an invisible optically recognizable compound, a translucent signature field such that the signature on back of the card is visible from the front of the card and an active thru date on the front of the card. The invisible optically recognizable compound is an infrared ink and/or film, which can be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.

Abstract: A merchant account acquisition and approval system and method generally includes an online application process for card acceptance. The merchant views, completes and receives a merchant account number and rate in real time. A PIN may be used to identify a particular type of merchant and grant access to a specific set of terms and conditions for card acceptance. The merchant may enter the PIN to view the terms and conditions online prior to acceptance of the card acceptance agreement. Merchants from a similar locale or business, such as a franchisee and government entity, can receive similar prices, terms and conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a multiple-service card is disclosed. As a result, a card member 108 is provided with a single card that serves as both a credit card and a club membership card for access to the service partner's exclusive club. This multiple-service card may have the traditional credit card data on one side of the card, including, for example, the account number, name of the account holder, and the expiration date. The other side of the card may include a magnetic stripe that contains the account information in machine readable form as well as membership information suitable to permit entry into a service partner's facility. In the system, the primary party and the service partner participants cooperate to complete the processes associated with the provision of the combined card services, including a new account process, card replacement and renewal processes, a service partner membership cancellation process, and a process for cancellation and/or transfer by a primary party.

Abstract: An automated method and system for facilitating interaction between a consumer and a merchant are provided. In accordance with the method, an offer is presented via display describing a predetermined means for acceptance. Once the offer has been presented, if the consumer accepts, the system facilitates receipt of the acceptance, combined the fact of acceptance with identification and payment information, and transmits the relevant information to the merchant. Optionally, the system may customize the content or the presentation of the offer based on information about the targeted consumer.

Abstract: A system for facilitating transactions among consumers and providers of travel-related services includes a technology provider and a host in communication with an agent and a provider of travel-related services. The technology provider is configured for operating independently from any provider of travel-related services. The host is configured for receiving a request from the agent, retrieving one or more displays from the technology provider, presenting the displays to the agent, and facilitating a transaction among the consumer and the provider of travel-related services. A display comprises an information content such as available inventory from a predefined carrier within a predefined time period. The display may be configured for excluding content, for example, in accordance with a predefined editing criteria. The format may be configured for presenting information in accordance with one or more predefined ranking criteria, which may be a discriminatory criteria, such as an identity of a carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for facilitating a subsidiary account with parental control of one or more spending limits. An exemplary system facilitates provision of funds to a subsidiary and control of the spending of subsidiary by a parent through establishment or modification of one or more spending limits. Exemplary spending limits may be configured for modifying a spending capacity so as to affect, for example, amount per transaction, per day, during a predetermined time period, at a particular merchant, at a particular chain of merchants, at a type of industry, in accordance with a predetermined rate of increase or decrease over time, number of transactions during any time period and/or any combination thereof. A parent may establish or modify one or more spending limits through suitable communication means such as telephone, pager, computer, digital communications device, television, personal digital assistant, facsimile machine, or other suitable device.

Abstract: A selecta-card system and method is disclosed which provides a means to use a single transaction card to facilitate transactions with a variety of transaction account devices. Accordingly, multiple accounts are associated with a selecta-card by pre-selected account identification numbers. To facilitate a transaction with a selecta-card, a cardholder enrolls in a selecta-card account system, providing account identification numbers corresponding to desired cardholder-identified transaction accounts. When making a purchase, the cardholder swipes the selecta-card through a remote terminal such as a POS device, wherein the selecta-card number is read and communicated to a selecta-card provider. To choose which transaction account to use for the purchase, the cardholder inputs an account identification number corresponding to a pre-defined transaction account, the selecta-card provider retrieves the corresponding transaction account and processes cardholder transaction request accordingly.

Abstract: An automated method and system for facilitating timely use and/or redemption of the unused portion of an electronic ticket are provided. In accordance with the method, an aging period is set and is added to the scheduled departure date of the issued ticket, and a reminder period is set and subtracted from the scheduled date of a ticket. If the scheduled departure date plus the aging date is earlier than the current date, a determination is made as to whether the ticket has been used. If the scheduled date minus the reminder period is earlier than the current date, then a message is communicated to the traveler reminding him to use or redeem the ticket. A residual value of the ticket is calculated and communicated to a client to facilitate redemption of the unused ticket and issuance of appropriate redemption credit.

Abstract: The invention includes an improved system and method for creating, distributing and storing vouchers. The method includes a loyalty system obtaining a loyalty card account having a unique identifier and loyalty points associated therewith, accessing a loyalty database utilizing the unique identifier, converting at least a portion of the loyalty points to a first value associated with a first merchant, saving the first value in a first database associated with the loyalty card, converting at least a portion of the loyalty points to a second value associated with a second merchant, saving the second value along with other voucher information as an electronic voucher in a second database associated with the loyalty card, redeeming the first value at a first merchant and redeeming the electronic voucher at a second merchant.

Abstract: The loyalty system allows a consumer to accumulate general loyalty points from one or more merchants, and convert any desired subset of general points to loyalty dollars associated with a specific merchant. The system stores, for each consumer, the merchant loyalty dollars (or monetary equivalent) by merchant within a remotely-accessible host database or within a smart card database. Upon conducting a purchase at a particular merchant, the consumer may utilize a code key to facilitate access to the consumer's own loyalty dollars for the particular merchant. The loyalty dollars are then applied to the purchase transaction as a discount or rebate. The consumer may also re-load the merchant loyalty dollar accounts.

Abstract: A system for facilitating electronic transfer of funds includes a transfer administrator in communication with a transferor institution, one or more intermediary institution, and a transferee institution, the transferor institution having an account at the one or more intermediary institution. The transfer administrator may be configured to receive an incoming payment request designating said transferor institution, a quantity of funds to be transferred, and the transferee institution. The transfer administrator generates and issues a translated payment order based at least in part on the incoming payment request and configured to accomplish a transfer among the transferor institution, the one or more intermediary institution, and the transferee institution. Finally, the transfer administrator may facilitate processing of a balancing payment among the transferor institution, the one or more intermediary institution, and the transferee institution.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improved data handling system facilitates the collection, storage and distribution of information for use by one or more recipient performing a process such as assessing the risk associated with a transaction. A system for handling information acquisition engine that is for facilitating communication with a subscriber and an information acquisition engine that is for facilitating communication with one or more provider of information and an information assimilator that is for facilitating communication with a database. The system is configured to facilitate receiving a request from the subscriber defining one or more set of information and one or more provider of information to be received by the information acquisition engine and combined by the information assimilator into an information suite to be stored in a database.

Abstract: When a merchant desires to offer a promotion, the merchant suitably constructs and activates the bonus point promotion rule in real-time by utilizing the centralized promotions engine. When a consumer purchases the applicable products at the merchant, the promotion engine evaluates the consumer ID and consumer purchase data from a point of sale (POS) terminal, awards applicable promotions in real-time, and notifies the consumer of the promotion in real-time while the consumer is waiting at the POS terminal during check-out.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing a flexible limit subsidiary card account. In particular, the present provides a system and method for allowing a parent to provide funds to a subsidiary and to control the spending of subsidiary or spending capacity. The card account may be issued at the request of the parent who may retain the ability to define, modify, and/or terminate the spending and/or debt accumulation limits for the subsidiary card account as well as other features as described in the attached disclosure.

Abstract: A system and method for presentation of feedback cues to a user of an interactive payment system is disclosed, wherein in one application, a payment product logo is displayed substantially concurrent with user entry of a payment product identifier, such as a credit card number. The subject invention further provides for the reduction of user confusion and errors with respect to entry of information related to a payment transaction. Moreover, the invention provides for reinforcement of payment product and/or service loyalty and branding.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a system and method for administering incentive offers. A system for administering incentive offers includes a centralized repository for storing offer information, a maintenance engine for updating and maintaining the offer information in the repository, and a retrieval engine for finding and retrieving offers. The system cooperates with an offer presentation engine for configuring and presenting offers based on offeree traits and the environment in which the offer is to be presented. An exemplary system formulates tests to determine effects of changes in content or context, tracks events related to presentation and acceptance of offers, evaluates impact of offer changes on offer effectiveness, and predicts optimum offer content and context based on results of such tests.