Abstract: Disclosed is a consumer processing system for identifying and recognizing a consumer engaged in a transaction with a merchant. The system includes a consumer processing system interface for receiving, from a merchant, a consumer/transaction data set with a plurality of fields. A consumer/transaction database is populated with data sets, and each data set is related to a specific consumer and also includes multiple data fields therein. The consumer/transaction data set is established as part of an initial data set in the consumer/transaction database, and thereafter, during subsequent transactions, compared to an existing data field in an existing data set in the consumer/transaction database. Based upon the establishment or comparison, a consumer activity data set is communicated from the consumer processing system interface to the merchant. A method of identifying and recognizing a consumer engaged in a transaction with a merchant is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a risk management system for providing risk data to an entity engaged in a transaction with a consumer. The system includes an authorization denial system having an authorization denial system interface for receiving a transaction data set having a plurality of data fields from the entity; and a denial rule set with multiple rules for outputting risk data directed to the transaction based upon the result of applying the rules to the data fields in the transaction data set. The authorization denial system interface transmits the resulting risk data to the entity. A method of authorizing a transaction between a consumer and an entity is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of extending credit to a consumer, including the steps of: offering, to the consumer, a credit account having a private label portion associated with a specified private label entity and a credit issuer network portion for use with a merchant in a credit issuer network; activating at least one portion of the credit account; engaging in a transaction by the consumer, where the consumer uses at least one portion of the credit account; and processing the transaction by a credit issuer processing system. A method of processing a transaction between the consumer having a private label credit account affiliated with a specified private label entity and a merchant and apparatus is also disclosed.