Abstract: A gift card processing system which includes a database storing interval information representing a required interval between transactions using the gift card. The database also stores data representing the maximum amount of each transaction. The gift card processing system is part of a network that includes POS terminals at merchant locations, where the gift card may be presented. A card ID is read from the card at a POS terminal and used to access the interval data and the maximum transaction amount data.

Abstract: A gift card processing system which includes a database storing interval information representing a required interval between transactions using the gift card. The database also stores data representing the maximum amount of each transaction. The gift card processing system is part of a network that includes POS terminals at merchant locations, where the gift card may be presented. A card ID is read from the card at a POS terminal and used to access the interval data and the maximum transaction amount data.

Abstract: A gift card processing system which includes a database storing interval information representing a required interval between transactions using the gift card. The database also stores data representing the maximum amount of each transaction. The gift card processing system is part of a network that includes POS terminals at merchant locations, where the gift card may be presented. A card ID is read from the card at a POS terminal and used to access the interval data and the maximum transaction amount data.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of activating a plurality of gift cards utilizes a package of multiple presentation instruments. Each presentation instrument includes a unique presentation instrument identifier used to associate funds with the presentation instrument. Also, the package includes a package identifier. In one step, the package identifier is read from the package and is transmitted over an electronic network to a host computer system which evaluates the package identifier to determine whether the package identifier is valid. If so, each of the presentation instruments in the package is activated for a certain activation amount.

Abstract: A gift card uses a fraud code stored on a magnetic stripe of the card to prevent fraudulent transactions. When the gift card is purchased at a POS terminal at a merchant location, a gift card account number stored on the magnetic stripe is read, and sent to a gift card system. The gift card system activates the card and generates the fraud code and returns it to the POS terminal, where a card encoder writes the fraud code onto the magnetic stripe. When the gift card is used to conduct a transaction, the transaction is permitted only if a valid fraud code is stored on the magnetic stripe.

Abstract: A gift card processing system which includes a database storing interval information representing a required interval between transactions using the gift card. The database also stores data representing the maximum amount of each transaction. The gift card processing system is part of a network that includes POS terminals at merchant locations, where the gift card may be presented. A card ID is read from the card at a POS terminal and used to access the interval data and the maximum transaction amount data.