Abstract: A computer implemented method of obtaining account data and merchant data, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a first request message from a user device at a third party, the first request message containing proposed transaction amount data, location data and payment card data; sending a second request message to a card issuer from the third party, the second request message containing a balance inquiry and payment card data; receiving a first response message from the card issuer at the third party, the first response message containing balance data related to the balance inquiry and payment card data; interrogating a database to obtain merchant data based on the location data; and sending a second response message to the user device from the third party, the second response message containing response data, related to the balance data, and the merchant data.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of obtaining account data and merchant data, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a first request message from a user device at a third party, the first request message containing proposed transaction amount data, location data and payment card data; sending a second request message to a card issuer from the third party, the second request message containing a balance inquiry and payment card data; receiving a first response message from the card issuer at the third party, the first response message containing balance data related to the balance inquiry and payment card data; interrogating a database to obtain merchant data based on the location data; and sending a second response message to the user device from the third party, the second response message containing response data, related to the balance data, and the merchant data.