Abstract: A closed loop payment system, such as those leveraged to activate or process gift cards, is employed to enable consumers to make payments for multiple payees at a plurality of retail locations. The systems, methods and techniques also enable financial settlement of the consumer payments across multiple parties, and the systems, methods and techniques enable consumers to manage an individual payment profile using an Internet connected device or mobile phone.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method, computer program and system that support purchase transactions at merchants via a Payment ID generated on-demand and funded with a specific consumer-requested amount. The Payment ID, which could include but is not limited to a gift card ID, is then leveraged to complete a transaction at a merchant's point of sale (POS) system via the existing methods and processes inherent in the POS system. Also disclosed are related mechanisms to manage a secure database of Payment IDs and dynamically adjust the value tied to Payment IDs to account for any value due the customer from the merchant or other involved party.

Abstract: A cause gift card system allows for redemption of a gift card with one or more unaffiliated organizations—including both for-profit and not for-profit entities. The system automatically distributes any unredeemed funds to participating entities associated with the particular cause gift card type per defined business rules. The system provides for purchase of cause gift cards through retail merchants, websites, or other authorized sellers for either fixed denominations or variable amounts. The recipient can elect to direct the funds, in whole or in part, to one of a basket of pre-determined organizations that are specific to each cause gift card type, for example, environmental services, health and wellness, political actions, and more.