Abstract: An apparatus and method for a card payment instrument providing that a percentage of consumer spending is rebated to the consumer for payment of premiums or the like for an account with an insurance company. In one version, an applicant provides a benefiting insurance account number to which the rebate is credited based on the rebate amount. The rebate is automatically submitted by the card issuer to the insurance account and, depending on the sizes of the rebate and premium, the cardholder may receive a bill reflecting a reduced premium or even a credit from the insurance concern. In another version, the rebate is submitted as a two-party check which can be cashed by the consumer or submitted by the consumer to the insurance company for cashing.

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: 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.

Abstract: The present invention is a computerized collection strategy model for use in collecting payments from delinquent accounts. The computerized collection strategy model estimates for each possible collection strategy, how much will be paid on each account in response to that collection strategy, estimates the amount of resources to be expended in the execution of that collection strategy, and recommends a particular collection strategy for each account that optimizes the use of the available collection resources.

Abstract: The Customer Activated Multi-Value (CAM) card provides a customer with a primary use as a transaction card which can be further activated to have a secondary use as a credit card. The CAM card can be activated as a transaction card or as a transaction card with a credit card feature. Activation of the CAM card as a transaction card allows the customer to purchase goods and services from one specific vendor and to establish a relationship with that vendor for the goods or services rendered (for example, telephone calling card or gasoline product purchasing card) while enjoying reward benefits based on those purchases. Activation of the credit feature of the card allows the customer to interact with any merchant that accepts traditional credit cards such as VISA.RTM., MASTERCARD.RTM., AMERICAN EXPRESS.RTM., or DISCOVER.RTM.. The combination of features allows a customer to purchase various goods and services from several different merchants.

Abstract: The present invention is an automated system and method of initiating payments from a payor's checking account pursuant to the payor's authorization during a conversation via telephone, computer terminal or other telecommunication devices with a customer service representative. The automated system initiates a debit from the payor's checking account so that funds are automatically transferred to the payee without generating a paper bank draft check payable to the payee. Regardless as to where the payor banks, as long as the bank complies with American Banking Association Magnetic Ink Character Recognition Line regulations, the system automatically decodes the payor's checking account number and the bank's routing number.

Abstract: The present invention is a process that includes a graphical user interface, a client-server design and computer telephony integration to enhance the quality and productivity while reducing training in the correspondence and chargeback operations. The process uses a data index component of a scanned or computer-output image to automate interaction with an intelligent workstation used by a customer service representative. The system uses business rules and accesses other data to provide rapid and high quality disposition of cases. The image document can be resolved with minimum or no human interaction.