Abstract: A method for activating and funding a stored value, prepaid card account includes acquiring, with a point of sale (POS) device, a first data set associated with the card and purchase thereof, and a second data set associated with the card and activation, deactivation, funding, loading, and reloading thereof. The method also includes transmitting a specific transaction trigger amount for card account activation and transmitting the second data set across a universal payment network to an authorization system associated with the second data set. The method further includes transmitting, from the authorization system, a transaction approval message to the POS including data relating to a funded value of the account, an electronic settlement message causing payment to the merchant for selling the card, an electronic message in the amount of the funded value of the account plus the specific transaction trigger amount, and an electronic message to debit the account.

Abstract: Methods are described for accounting, administration and processing of transactions utilizing a stored value card utilizing an EFT service gateway and providing balances for the cards across a plurality of point of sale devices. One method includes receiving a message generated by the point of sale system of a merchant and parsing the message into data elements. The method also includes routing the message through a switch controller to an account holder database based on an institution ID and a branch ID, accessing an account within the database utilizing the account key, and determining if an account holder's monetary balance in the account is greater than or equal to the transaction amount. A message is formatted and one of an authorization approval or a denial based upon the determination is transmitted within the message.

Abstract: Methods are described for accounting, administration and processing of transactions utilizing a stored value card utilizing an EFT service gateway and providing balances for the cards across a plurality of point of sale devices. One method includes receiving a message generated by the point of sale system of a merchant and parsing the message into data elements. The method also includes routing the message through a switch controller to an account holder database based on an institution ID and a branch ID, accessing an account within the database utilizing the account key, and determining if an account holder's monetary balance in the account is greater than or equal to the transaction amount. A message is formatted and one of an authorization approval or a denial based upon the determination is transmitted within the message.