Abstract: Methods and systems of processing a plurality of payments. One method can include receiving the plurality of payments from a plurality of customers, the plurality of payments payable to at least one receiver, determining a first set of payments included in the plurality of payments to automatically accept based on validation parameters, determining a second set of payments included in the plurality of payments to reject based on the validation parameters, determining a third set of payments included in the plurality of payments to conditionally accept based on the validation parameters, and electronically prompting at least one user to accept or reject payments included in the third set of payments.

Abstract: Methods and systems which allow one or more money transfer transactions to be implemented in a manner which provides additional certainty to a receiving party are provided. In one embodiment, a money transfer service authorizes a sender to transfer up to a certain amount of money. With this authorization, a money transfer transaction regiment is established, while the money transfer service maintains an accounting of the balance to insure that the balance remains below the pre-determined authorized amount. In another embodiment, a money transfer services utilizes reliability criteria to authorize a sender to transfer money with the money and service charge being collected after the transfer is completed.

Abstract: A computer system is operated to prevent fraud in a money transfer receive transaction. A send transaction request is received from a sender for a money transfer including a send amount. The sender is prompted to select one or more security inputs to be supplied by a receiver for redemption of the money transfer. A send transaction record is stored with the selected one or more security inputs in a server. A receive transaction request is then received from the receiver. The receiver is prompted for the one or more security inputs set for redemption of the money transfer, and the provided one or more security inputs from the receiver are received. The received one or more security inputs are authenticated, and release of funds in the send amount is authorized if the received one or more security inputs are authenticated.

Abstract: A system for third party bill payment services used by a payer to pay a biller with whom a payer has an account includes a third party computer system for accessing biller data, the biller data for the payer comprising at least one account identifier, an amount due, and a nominal bill due date; a payment option generator for developing at least one payment option wherein the payment specified is responsive to a difference between a proposed payment date and the nominal bill due date; a payer interface for presenting the at least one payment option to the payer and for accepting a payer option selection and a payment funding confirmation; and a payment execution controller responsive to the payer option selection and funding confirmation, for initiating payment to a biller account on behalf of the payer.

Abstract: A computer system in a money transfer transaction. A request is received from a sender on a send computer to send a money transfer having a send amount. The sender is prompted on the send computer to select one or more parameters associated with the money transfer, the one or more parameters comprising money transfer receiver information including a receiver location. Money transfer fees associated with the money transfer are analyzed for a plurality of receive locations proximate the receiver location based on the selected one or more parameters. A receive location offering a lowest money transfer fee is selected from the plurality of receive locations. The send amount and fee for the selected receive location are collected from the sender. Information related to the money transfer is then stored, including the selected one or more parameters and the receive location, in a money transfer server.

Abstract: A staged bill payment transaction method comprises receiving transaction information from a user terminal at a kiosk, building a staging record at a data center in communication with the kiosk, and providing a retrieval key to the sender. The transaction information includes sender and biller information, for example where the sender has an account with the biller. The staging record comprises the transaction information and the retrieval key, which identifies the staging record for finalizing the transaction. If the retrieval key leads to the staging record at the data center, the staged bill payment transaction proceeds to credit a send amount to biller. If not, the transaction is rejected.

Abstract: A method for performing transactions comprises receiving registration information and money transfer transaction specifications, generating a distribution profile based on the registration information, and storing the money transfer transaction specifications in the distribution profile. The distribution profile is identified based on an initiation instruction and associated user authentication data, and one of the money transfer transaction specifications in the distribution profile is identified based on the initiation instruction. Payment source status is verified according to the identified money transfer transaction specification, and a staged send transaction is initiated, based on the payment source status at the time the send transaction is initiated.

Abstract: Systems and methods which assist a parent entity in directing an agent entity toward a desired course of action are provided. Embodiments may include one or more data processing devices which compile data for the parent entity regarding the agent entity. Such data may include any number of metrics relating to the actions of an agent entity such as types of transactions processed by the agent, information corresponding to the specific details of the transactions, information pertaining to the agent entity itself (such as location information, transaction volume information and the like), data corresponding to the employee facilitating the transactions, etc. The compiled data may be used by the parent entity to create an incentive program in order to incentivize an agent entity to modify behaviors or to reward observed behaviors.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices which utilize near field communication-style technologies in conjunction with one or more of personal devices and communication networks in order to provide for improved customer interactions with a service establishment are provided. In one embodiment an application is configured to provide for various functionality upon the triggering of a near-field communication stimulus. For example, upon scanning a near field device, an application may launch that provides a user with pre-determined information. Such information may include information regarding the nearest locations of a service establishment and approximate wait times for transactions at the listed locations. In another embodiment, the pre-determined information may include information regarding promotions available to a customer such as special offers, coupons, advertisements, and the like.

Abstract: A money transfer system is promoted by providing a user access to a game or contest generated by a promotions engine computer. The user is directed to a customer relations portal accessible via an access device to participate in the game or contest. The customer relations portal comprising a server configured to manage the game or contest and associated with the promotions engine computer. A response is received from the user at the server related to the user's participation in the game or contest. The server determines whether the user is to receive a reward or prize based on the response from the user, and an output is provided to the user on the access device indicating whether the user is to receive the reward or prize.

Abstract: Methods and systems of processing a plurality of payments. One method can include receiving the plurality of payments from a plurality of customers, the plurality of payments payable to at least one receiver, determining a first set of payments included in the plurality of payments to automatically accept based on validation parameters, determining a second set of payments included in the plurality of payments to reject based on the validation parameters, determining a third set of payments included in the plurality of payments to conditionally accept based on the validation parameters, and electronically prompting at least one user to accept or reject payments included in the third set of payments.

Abstract: A method for performing transactions comprises receiving registration information and money transfer transaction specifications, generating a distribution profile based on the registration information, and storing the money transfer transaction specifications in the distribution profile. The distribution profile is identified based on an initiation instruction and associated user authentication data, and one of the money transfer transaction specifications in the distribution profile is identified based on the initiation instruction. Payment source status is verified according to the identified money transfer transaction specification, and a staged send transaction is initiated, based on the payment source status at the time the send transaction is initiated.

Abstract: Systems and methods which allow for a money transfer transaction to be funded without providing payment at the point in time when the transaction is originated and which also do not require a customer to undertake a separate transaction with a separate entity prior to initiating the money transfer transaction with a money transfer service are provided. Embodiments may therefore allow for money transfers, such as in emergency situations, when customers would not otherwise have payment readily available at the time of the transaction.

Abstract: An improved money transfer system. A rules database includes transaction rules that include an aggregation threshold. A customer database includes customers' transaction histories. A processing system receives transaction requests from points of entry and provides transaction responses. Based on information received in transaction requests, the processing system identifies customers and determines applicable transaction rules. An aggregation engine determines aggregation values as a function of customers' transaction histories. A transaction rules service determines whether information received in the transaction requests meets the applicable transaction rules and causes the aggregation engine to determine aggregation values if the applicable transaction rules include aggregation thresholds. Transaction responses are generated by the processing system in response to any aggregation values and other information.

Abstract: A method for performing transactions comprises receiving registration in formation and money transfer transaction specifications, generating a distribution profile based on the registration information, and storing the money transfer transaction specifications in the distribution profile. The distribution profile is identified based on an initiation instruction and associated user authentication data, and one of the money transfer transaction specifications in the distribution profile is identified based on the initiation instruction. Payment source status is verified according to the identified money transfer transaction specification, and a staged send transaction is initiated, based on the payment source status at the time the send transaction is initiated.

Abstract: A computer system in a money transfer transaction. A request is received from a sender on a send computer to send a money transfer having a send amount. The sender is prompted on the send computer to select one or more parameters associated with the money transfer, the one or more parameters comprising money transfer receiver information including a receiver location. Money transfer fees associated with the money transfer are analyzed for a plurality of receive locations proximate the receiver location based on the selected one or more parameters. A receive location offering a lowest money transfer fee is selected from the plurality of receive locations. The send amount and fee for the selected receive location are collected from the sender. Information related to the money transfer is then stored, including the selected one or more parameters and the receive location, in a money transfer server.

Abstract: A computer is configured to facilitate prefunding a number of money transfer transaction fees. Each prefunded money transfer transaction fee is usable to pay for a transaction fee associated with a future money transfer send transaction. The computer is further configured to charge an amount for each prefunded money transfer transaction fee based on the number of money transfer transaction fees prefunded. A server connected to the computer is configured to store information related to the prefunded money transfer transaction fees.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating cash payments for online transactions are provided. In some embodiments, a transaction is initiated online with a retailer where a user indicates that payment will be made for the transaction using cash. The user may then complete payment of the transaction with a cash payment service establishment using transaction identification information given to the user. Systems and methods for retrieving funds from an online/virtual account are also provided. In some embodiments, a user is able to initiate a funds transfer from an online/virtual account which are to be received in the form of cash at a money transfer service location.

Abstract: A method for performing transactions comprises receiving registration in formation and money transfer transaction specifications, generating a distribution profile based on the registration information, and storing the money transfer transaction specifications in the distribution profile. The distribution profile is identified based on an initiation instruction and associated user authentication data, and one of the money transfer transaction specifications in the distribution profile is identified based on the initiation instruction. Payment source status is verified according to the identified money transfer transaction specification, and a staged send transaction is initiated, based on the payment source status at the time the send transaction is initiated.

Abstract: A purchase computer is used to make a purchase request including purchasing customer identification information and a request for one or more virtual traveler's checks. Each of the one or more virtual traveler's checks has a denomination. A server receives the purchase request and issues a check number for each of the one or more virtual traveler's checks and associates the check numbers with the purchasing customer identification information. A redemption computer is used to make a redemption request. The redemption request includes redeeming customer identification information and a request to redeem at least one of the one or more virtual traveler's checks. The server approves release of funds at the redemption computer in an amount equal to the denominations of the requested virtual traveler's checks if the redeeming customer identification information matches the purchasing customer identification information.