Abstract: A merchant account activation system that includes an Internet server that works in conjunction with a master account file operating on a mainframe computer and an expert computer system that is used to configure point-of-sale terminals. Many of the steps of the activation procedure are performed by a merchant activation routine running on the Internet server, which allows a merchant to apply for a merchant account during an on-line session conducted with the Internet server. The merchant activation routine obtains application information from the applicant during an on-line session, conducts a credit check and “scores” the application as a credit risk during the on-line session. If the application is approved, the merchant activation routine displays a fee schedule and associated terms and conditions to the applicant for acceptance.

Abstract: A Business to Business (B2B) online registration method to manage transactions over the Internet is disclosed. The B2B system implements the online registration method utilizing a web-enabled interactive database to automate the processing of online registrations of buyers and sellers, verifying credits of the buyers and sellers, generating online account numbers for transactions processing, finalizing the procedural details to manage the transactions between willing buyers and sellers over the Internet and tracking/reporting status of the transactional details as necessary to effectively manage the business.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a merchant to apply for a credit card processing account using the Internet includes a computer browser in communication with the Internet. An Internet information server is in communication with the computer browser over the Internet. The Internet information server provides HTML pages on the computer browser for a merchant to enter credit card processing account information. A processor is in communication with the Internet information server to process the credit card processing account information to determine whether to grant the merchant a credit card processing account.