Abstract: A system and method that allows for near field communication between a mobile device and a remote or stationary device that does not include a NFC reader, and in a particular embodiment, for communication between a mobile device and a remote device via a third-party agent or broker in order to provide direct or indirect communication between the mobile and remote devices.

Abstract: A system and method that delays or eliminates the initial funding of cards having a stored or redemptive value. A database or other data storage device stores card identifying information until such time that an actual request for use of the card is made, or until the system otherwise determines that the card has expired. If the system determines that the card has expired prior to a redemption request, the card will not be funded, thereby allowing the merchant to avoid paying financing charges associated with the funding of the card. If the card is still valid, the applicable purchase value from the consumer's transaction will be subtracted from the card's value. In one embodiment, if the amount of the purchase exceeds the redemptive value of the card, the card may be used without having to fund the card. If there is value left on the card after the transaction, the card may be funded and the remaining value stored for future use.