Abstract: The method and system of the invention provide a variety of techniques for using a selected alias and a selected personal identification entry (PIE) in conjunction with use of a transaction card, such as a credit card, debit card or stored value card, for example. A suitable number or other identification parameter is selected by the account-holder as an alias. The account-holder is then required to choose a PIE for security purposes. The alias is linked to the account-holder's credit card number via a database. When the account-holder enters into a transaction with a merchant, the physical card need not be present. The account-holder simply provides his or her alias and then the PIE. This can be done at any point of sale such as a store, catalog telephone order, or over the Internet. The alias and PIE are entered and authorization is returned from the credit card company.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for a call routing system is disclosed whereby the call routing service provider is associated with a series of partners. By providing a system supporting not only the main user, but also the partners, efficiencies are gained through cost-spreading. Agents can be qualified to field calls for multiple business entities. Cross-selling and proactive servicing based on caller demographic and profile data can be effectuated. The system employs a centralized or global bank of shared Interactive Voice Response (IVR) units so that unnecessary post-routing and call site interflow are reduced. The system comprises a central server system that interfaces with a long distance provider so that route requests are received, caller data is retrieved from one or more databases, routing and handling strategies are developed, load balancing is effectuated, and calls are appropriately routed to one of a plurality of geographically separated call center systems with queues staffed by agents.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for a call routing system is disclosed whereby the call routing service provider is associated with a series of partners. By providing a system supporting not only the main user, but also the partners, efficiencies are gained through cost-spreading. Agents can be qualified to field calls for multiple business entities. Cross-selling and proactive servicing based on caller demographic and profile data can be effectuated. The system employs a centralized or global bank of shared Interactive Voice Response (IVR) units so that unnecessary post-routing and call site interflow are reduced. The system comprises a central server system that interfaces with a long distance provider so that route requests are received, caller data is retrieved from one or more databases, routing and handling strategies are developed, load balancing is effectuated, and calls are appropriately routed to one of a plurality of geographically separated call center systems with queues staffed by agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to storing and manipulating customer purchasing information, particularly purchasing information by credit cards, debit cards, checks, and the like. A hierarchical organizational structure is created comprising a plurality of categories and sub-categories. The customer purchase information may then be retrieved according to user created links to generate customer preference information. The customer preference information may be stored in a customer account, thereby allowing targeted offers to be made to customers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to storing and manipulating customer purchasing information, particularly purchasing information by credit cards, debit cards, checks, and the like. A hierarchical organizational structure is created comprising a plurality of categories and sub-categories. The customer purchase information may then be retrieved according to user created links to generate customer preference information. The customer preference information may be stored in a customer account, thereby allowing targeted offers to be made to customers.

Abstract: A Credit Card holder's telephone number is assigned to his or her credit card as an alias. The cardholder is then required to choose a PIN for security purposes. The telephone number is linked to the cardholder's credit card number via a database. When the cardmember enters into a transaction with a merchant, the card need not be present. The cardmember simply provides his or her telephone number and then the PIN. This can be done at any point of sale such as a store, catalog telephone order, or over the internet. The telephone number and PIN are entered and authorization is returned from the credit card company.

Abstract: A Credit Card holder's telephone number is assigned to his or her credit card as an alias. The cardholder is then required to choose a PIN for security purposes. The telephone number is linked to the cardholder's credit card number via a database. When the cardmember enters into a transaction with a merchant, the card need not be present. The cardmember simply provides his or her telephone number and then the PIN. This can be done at any point of sale such as a store, catalog telephone order, or over the internet. The telephone number and PIN are entered and authorization is returned from the credit card company.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus that uses a plurality of predetermined segments to group credit applicants to evaluate each applicant's credit risk. The segments are based on at least one of reported trades, reported delinquency, bank card utilization, and length of said credit history. A score is generated for each applicant based on a unique scorecard designed for each segment The unique scorecards allow more accurate credit risk assessment by evaluating each applicant in view of that segment's tendency to be bad credit risks.