Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for protecting against bank card fraud and related crimes by providing a distress/fraud trigger at bank card machines, such as automated teller machines and point-of-sale terminals. The trigger initiates certain heightened-security processes designed to stop the crime, control damage, and help apprehend the criminal. For example, in one embodiment, the trigger involves the cardholder inputting a “panic” personal identification code into the bank card machine. The panic personal identification code indicates to a party involved in the bank card transaction that a fraudulent transaction may be taking place.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a card that has a stored value. The apparatus and methods may involve offering the card to a customer, applying branding information to the card, charging a customer account for the value, and dispensing the card. The stored value card may be provided by a machine to a customer. The machine may be a financial institution automated teller machine (ATM). The ATM may transmit instructions to transfer funds from the customer's to one or more of the financial institution's retail partners. The ATM may apply visual information to the card. The visual information may include branding information, a message or any other suitable information.