Abstract: A method and system is provided that allows a banking customer to access their bank account via an online banking interface and manage the order in which transactions are posted against their account in a manner that allows them to minimize or eliminate the occurrence of an overdraft condition. Should the monetary balance within the account fall below zero, creating a potential overdraft condition, the customer is notified that such a zero or negative balance condition exists. The customer, using the user interface, can then access the account to arrange the various posted items in any order they want. Further, the customer is provided with the option of returning items to avoid the overdraft condition entirely.

Abstract: A method and system is provided that allows a banking customer to manage repayment of larger bills by breaking them into a series of smaller more manageable payments that are repaid over a number of payments that are spread over a longer period of time. As bills are presented to the bank account customer, the customer, using the user interface can select one of the bills due for payment and request that they be allowed to break the bill into smaller payments. Once approved the larger bill is broken into a predetermined number of smaller repayments that are then more easily managed by the customer in a manner that eases their cash flow.

Abstract: A system and method for consumer control over card-based transactions and associated accounts. An interface is provided between a merchant or the merchant's bank and the bank or banks at which the consumer has accounts for card-based transactions. The interface acts as an intermediary, accessible to the consumer so that the consumer may place a variety of controls on card-based transactions. Multiple transaction cards may be linked to a single credit account with each card having a different credit limit, such that the controls comprise restricting each transaction card to a particular merchant, linking, by the consumer, several credit and/or debit accounts to a single transaction card, and pre-selecting a criteria to be utilized for directing charges for a particular transaction to be applied the different accounts. The consumer may access the interface via a web site or telephone for making changes and receiving account information.

Abstract: A system and method for consumer control over card-based transactions and associated accounts. An interface is provided between a merchant or the merchant's bank and the bank or banks at which the consumer has accounts for card-based transactions. The interface acts as an intermediary, accessible to the consumer so that the consumer may place a variety of controls on card-based transactions. Multiple transaction cards may be linked to a single credit account with each card having a different credit limit, such that the controls comprise restricting each transaction card to a particular merchant, linking, by the consumer, several credit and/or debit accounts to a single transaction card, and pre-selecting a criteria to be utilized for directing charges for a particular transaction to be applied the different accounts. The consumer may access the interface via a web site or telephone for making changes and receiving account information.

Abstract: A method and system is provided that evaluates several pieces of information associated with bank accounts at the time they are opened in order to assess the level of fraud risk that the new account creates for the bank. When a new customer establishes an account the various information collected during the account establishment process is analyzed using a logic algorithm that makes a risk assessment. The logic algorithm assigns a risk level wherein the highest risk accounts may be refused immediately while the next highest risk tier is flagged for further monitoring. Once flagged for monitoring, the account is subject to increased scrutiny based on various customer attributes to identify any problematic patterns. If all transactions are normal, the scrutiny flag lapses. If risky transactions continue, a hold is placed on the account and additional investigation is undertaken to either clear or close the account.

Abstract: A modular transactional banking platform is disclosed that separates the chassis of the account from all of the remaining optional package features, allowing users to select and customize the various components they wish to package into their account. The banking platform is constructed using a modular one-to-many approach that separates the “chassis” from the “features” in a manner that enables customers (and the bank) to create multiple account combinations and the flexibility to change as their needs adjust. The process of account creation may be completed in a self-service manner in an online environment or in person with the assistance of a banker. The features of the account are then attached to the account chassis as money applications or money applications in a customer selected bundle or al a carte fashion.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for establishing a buffer to protect a banking customer against over drafting a bank account. The invention provides a bank account that includes a buffer attached thereto wherein the buffer allows the account holder to exceed their account value within the predetermined range without risk of incurring overdrafts or the resulting overdraft fees associated therewith. A customer establishes a banking account that contains a monetary balance therein. A buffer amount is assigned to the account. The buffer is a monetary value in excess of the balance within the account. As debits are settled against the account they are deducted from the balance. Should one or more transactions cause the value of the account to drop below the balance the account is in an over draft condition, but provided the overdraft amount is less than the buffer, the traditional overdraft fees are waived.

Abstract: A method and system is provided that establishes an inventive program across services offered by two vendors. In a preferred embodiment, a bank account is established that is linked with a customer's mobile phone account in a manner that facilitates paperless billing and paperless payment of the mobile phone service bills via services offered by a bank service provider while providing the customer a reward in the form of discounted mobile phone services thereby promoting the goods and services of both vendors simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and system is provided whereby a customer either establishes a new account or converts their existing account into a program that maximizes the use of online bill payment, electronic statements and paperless charge transactions in exchange for reward payments. In accordance with the method and system, customers establishing or transferring to the program are provided with an electronic transaction card formed from 100% recycled plastic material, on-line banking and an electronic monthly statement thereby eliminating all of the paper associated with the management side of the account. Then customers who enroll receive an incentive for each and every payment or transaction that they complete without using paper.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing a savings account for the benefit of an account holder is provided wherein the account holder arranges to make periodic deposits into the savings account and the bank service provider deposits an predetermined incentive amount into the account such that the account holder can access the incentive amount after a fixed period of time or after a fixed savings goal is reached. In one embodiment, the method and system of the present invention tailored for use in connection with a savings account that is established as a college savings account for the benefit of a child. The method and system is also applicable in other contexts such as for example, retirement savings, education savings, healthcare savings, home purchase savings, etc.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing a savings account for the benefit of an account holder is provided wherein the account holder arranges to make periodic deposits into the savings account and the bank service provider deposits an predetermined incentive amount into the account such that the account holder can access the incentive amount after a fixed period of time or after a fixed savings goal is reached. In one embodiment, the method and system of the present invention tailored for use in connection with a savings account that is established as a college savings account for the benefit of a child. The method and system is also applicable in other contexts such as for example, retirement savings, education savings, healthcare savings, home purchase savings, etc.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing a savings account for the benefit of an account holder is provided wherein the account holder arranges to make periodic deposits into the savings account and the bank service provider deposits an predetermined incentive amount into the account such that the account holder can access the incentive amount after a fixed period of time or after a fixed savings goal is reached. In one embodiment, the method and system of the present invention tailored for use in connection with a savings account that is established as a college savings account for the benefit of a child. The method and system is also applicable in other contexts such as for example, retirement savings, education savings, healthcare savings, home purchase savings, etc.

Abstract: A method and system is provided whereby a customer either establishes a new account or converts their existing account into a program that maximizes the use of online bill payment, electronic statements and paperless charge transactions in exchange for reward payments. In accordance with the method and system, customers establishing or transferring to the program are provided with an electronic transaction card formed from 100% recycled plastic material, on-line banking and an electronic monthly statement thereby eliminating all of the paper associated with the management side of the account. Then customers who enroll receive an incentive for each and every payment or transaction that they complete without using paper.

Abstract: A method and system is provided that evaluates several pieces of information associated with bank accounts at the time they are opened in order to assess the level of fraud risk that the new account creates for the bank. When a new customer establishes an account the various information collected during the account establishment process is analyzed using a logic algorithm that makes a risk assessment. The logic algorithm assigns a risk level wherein the highest risk accounts may be refused immediately while the next highest risk tier is flagged for further monitoring. Once flagged for monitoring, the account is subject to increased scrutiny based on various customer attributes to identify any problematic patterns. If all transactions are normal, the scrutiny flag lapses. If risky transactions continue, a hold is placed on the account and additional investigation is undertaken to either clear or close the account.

Abstract: A general purpose transaction card is provided that offers an attractive incentive to customers to encourage the use of a general purpose transaction card. The general purpose transaction card is offered in connection with a co-branded loyalty program whereby a percentage of a total purchase made at one vendor is deposited into an account maintained at another vendor. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment a grocery vendor deposits a percentage of a customer's total grocery purchase into a savings account held by that customer at a bank service provider. By offering a transaction method in accordance with the teachings of the present invention both of the vendors gain in the number of joint customers while deepening the relationship those customers have with both vendors.

Abstract: A method for conducting a transaction is provided wherein a consumer prepays for a service in a traditional retail transaction to obtain a voucher that allows the customer, at a later time and date, to complete the enrollment process in order to obtain the underlying service. In general operation, a customer selects a desired service that is represented by a tangible product representation, such as a gift card or the like. That product representation is then presented to the cashier at the retail location like any other product and the customer pays the cashier for the product. The settlement value for the retail transaction is sent to the service provider and the customer uses the product representation to contact the service provider to complete the transaction for services and establish a contract or account.