Abstract: A computer-implemented method to facilitate a purchase comprising: receiving, at a first host computer, a request from a provider for payment authorization for a charge to a purchaser; examining a database coupled to the first host computer for information concerning the purchaser; providing the information concerning the purchaser to a second host computer associated with the provider; receiving at the first host computer information from a third host computer concerning a negotiated amount of the charge to the purchaser; tendering payment of the negotiated charge to the provider; and withdrawing an amount no greater than the negotiated amount of the charge from an account of the purchaser.

Abstract: The invention is a computer-implemented method and system to facilitate a purchase utilizing a tax-advantaged account. A request for payment for an item is received from a requester. A determination is made whether the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment. If the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment at least a partial payment amount for the item is determined. The tax-advantaged account is debited for at least a portion of the purchasing amount of the item based on the payment authorization; and the at least partial payment amount for the item is transmitted to an account of the requestor.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method to facilitate a purchase utilizing a flexible spending account, comprising the steps of: receiving, at a host computer, a request for payment authorization for an item; determining whether the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment; and when the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment: determining at least partial payment authorization for the item, transmitting the at least partial payment authorization for the item to a point of sale device; causing the flexible spending account to be debited for at least a portion of the purchasing amount of the item based on the payment authorization; and debiting a non-flexible spending account for an item not qualifying for pre-tax treatment.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system to facilitate a purchase by at least first and second cardmembers using respective transaction instruments associated with a single tax-advantaged account. A request from a merchant to charge a purchase by the first cardmember against the tax-advantaged account for a transaction using the first transaction instrument is received at a host computer. A determination is made whether the first cardmember charge is for a covered tax-advantaged expense. The tax-advantaged account is credited with points associated with the value of the first cardmember charge only if the first cardmember charge is determined to be for a covered tax-advantaged expense. A request is received from a merchant to charge the second cardmember against the tax-advantaged account for a transaction using the second transaction instrument. A determination is made whether the second cardmember charge is for a covered tax-advantaged expense.

Abstract: A computer-implemented arrangement facilitates purchases by multiple cardmembers using respective transaction instruments, each transaction instrument being associated with a single tax-advantaged account. A merchant's requested payment from a point of sale device for a purchase by a cardmember against the tax-advantaged account is received by a host computer system, which determines whether the requested charge is associated with a tax-advantaged qualified expense. The tax-advantaged account is credited with points associated with the value of the charge only if the charge is determined to be for a covered tax-advantaged expense. This process occurs for all other cardmembers making transactions associated with the same tax-advantaged account.

Abstract: A method comprises the steps of: receiving, at a host computer, a request from a provider for payment for a charge incurred by a purchaser; identifying a plurality of funding sources of the purchaser from which to draw funds for payment of the charge; and causing at least one of the plurality of funding sources to be debited for at least a portion of the purchasing amount of the item based on the payment authorization.