Abstract: A method for enabling a transfer of funds through a computer network between a first party registered with a computer server of the computer network and a second party not previously registered with the computer server. The transfer of funds includes payments or requests for money initiated by the first party. In one aspect, the method includes receiving payment instructions from the first party; sending an email to a second party with directions for receiving the payment amount; and, if the directions are followed, transferring the payment amount to the second party. In another aspect, the method includes receiving a request for money from the first party; sending a notification to the second party with directions for providing the requested amount to the first party; and, if the directions are followed, transferring the requested amount from the second party to the first party.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for creating an electronic greeting card enclosing an electronic gift is disclosed. In one step, the electronic greeting card selection is received from a sender along with a selection of at least one of a type of electronic gift, an amount for the electronic gift, and an identifier for a receiver of the electronic gift. Payment for the electronic gift is received from a money handler chosen by the sender. A code indicative of the electronic gift is received, whereby the code facilitates redemption of the electronic gift. The code is embedded in the electronic greeting card.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for automatically processing a recurring transfer request from a stored value fund with an online system is disclosed. A handler associated with a payor is determined and money is transferred from that handler to the stored value fund. In one step, the payor is informed that a payee accepts payment from the online system. Subscription type information is received, which includes at least two of a per-request payment cap, a fixed payment amount, a limit on payment per time period, a limit on the number of payments in the time period, and a time period. Pay-out instructions are also received and include at least two of a payor identifier, a payee identifier, a transfer amount, a payment description. The transfer amount is automatically sent from the stored value fund to the payee.

Abstract: According to the invention, transferring money using a computer network is disclosed. In one step, information is saved on credit received for a first user (110) in a stored value account on a server computer system (170). At the server computer system (170), a request from the first user (110) to send money to a second user (130) based on the stored value account is received. An electronic notification is sent from the server computer (170) to the second user (130) to notify the second user (130) of the request. A debit in the stored value account of the first user (110) is created. The requested money is sent to the second user (130) upon a receipt of a request at the server computer (170) from the second user (130).

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for transferring a credit amount out of an online system using a money order is disclosed. In one step, pay-out instructions are received at a server computer system from a wide-area computer network coupled to a payor. The pay-out instructions include at least two of a payee, a delivery location, and the credit amount. A first handler associated with the payor and a second handler for preparation of the money order according to the pay-out instructions are determined. The credit amount is transferred from the first handler to the online system. The pay-out instructions are sent to the second handler.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for automatically transferring credit between a stored value fund and a handler using a wide-area computer network is disclosed. In one step, automated transfer information is received at a server computer system from the wide-area computer network that is coupled to a user associated with the stored value fund. The handler chosen by a user for an automated transfer, the direction of the automated transfer with respect to the stored value fund and an amount for the automated transfer are determined. The amount is automatically transferred between the stored value fund and the handler.

Abstract: According to the invention, a process for transferring credit from a sender to a number of recipients using a wide-area computer network is disclosed. In one step, a server computer system receives information from the sender to transfer credit to the number of recipients. The information includes a unique identifier for each of the number of recipients and a credit amount. A first handler chosen by the sender and a second handler chosen by one of the number of recipients are determined. A credit transfer from the first handler is requested. The credit amount from the first handler is received at the server computer system. The credit amount is sent to the second handler associated with the one of the number of recipients.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for creating an electronic greeting card enclosing an electronic gift is disclosed. In one step, the electronic greeting card selection is received from a sender along with a selection of at least one of a type of electronic gift, an amount for the electronic gift, and an identifier for a receiver of the electronic gift. Payment for the electronic gift is received from a money handler chosen by the sender. A code indicative of the electronic gift is received, whereby the code facilitates redemption of the electronic gift. The code is embedded in the electronic greeting card.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for automatically processing a recurring transfer request from a stored value fund with an online system is disclosed. A handler associated with a payor is determined and money is transferred from that handler to the stored value fund. In one step, the payor is informed that a payee accepts payment from the online system. Subscription type information is received, which includes at least two of a per-request payment cap, a fixed payment amount, a limit on payment per time period, a limit on the number of payments in the time period, and a time period. Pay-out instructions are also received and include at least two of a payor identifier, a payee identifier, a transfer amount, a payment description. The transfer amount is automatically sent from the stored value fund to the payee.