Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, aspects may include systems and methods of using a membership card to obtain benefits in a purchase transaction for goods or services. The method may include steps such as receiving at a central processor a communication from a point of sale including one or more identifiers of goods or services selected in the purchase transaction and information identifying the membership card, including at least a portion of the indicia; determining by the central processor potential benefits, if any, associated with the membership card; determining by the central processor if any potential benefits are applicable to the merchant, the point of sale, or the one or more goods or services identified by the received identifiers; determining a transaction benefit amount applicable to the transaction; and sending to the point of sale a partial authorization in the amount of the transaction benefit amount.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, aspects may include systems and methods of using a membership card to obtain, benefits in a purchase transaction for goods or services. The method may include steps such as receiving at a central processor a communication from a point of sale including one or more identifiers of goods or services selected in the purchase transaction and information identifying the membership card, including at least a portion of the indicia; determining by the central processor potential benefits, if any, associated with, the membership card; determining by the central processor if any potential benefits are applicable to the merchant, the point of sale, or the one or more goods or services identified by the received identifiers; determining a transaction benefit amount applicable to the transaction; and sending to the point of sale a partial authorization in the amount of the transaction benefit amount.

Abstract: A method and system for using a rebate card are disclosed. The method may comprise initiating a purchase transaction for one or more products at a point of sale, determining whether the purchase transaction qualifies for a rebate, determining a rebate value based on the purchase transaction and the rebate, activating a rebate value in a rebate card account associated with a rebate card based on the determining action, and delivering the rebate card to a customer of the one or more products during the purchase transaction.

Abstract: Methods for using a rebate card and preventing the retention of rebate value when the product that prompted the rebate is returned are disclosed. Methods for using the rebate card may be limited for use at a particular retailer and/or for a particular manufacturer's goods or services. Methods for preventing the improper retention of rebate value may comprise: determining the amount the customer paid for the product; determining if a rebate value was provided for the product being returned; deducting the amount of the rebate from the amount the customer paid for the product; and providing the remaining amount the customer paid for the product being returned to the customer. In some embodiments of the present invention, the amount of the rebate value that was provided based on the purchase of the product being returned may be deducted from the customer's rebate account. Additionally, rebate cards may be RFID enabled.

Abstract: A method and system for using a rebate card are disclosed. The method may comprise initiating a purchase transaction for one or more products at a point of sale, determining whether the purchase transaction qualifies for a rebate, determining a rebate value based on the purchase transaction and the rebate, activating a rebate value in a rebate card account associated with a rebate card based on the determining action, and delivering the rebate card to a customer of the one or more products during the purchase transaction.

Abstract: A closed loop payment system, such as those leveraged to activate or process gift cards, is employed to enable consumers to make payments for multiple payees at a plurality of retail locations. The systems, methods and techniques also enable financial settlement of the consumer payments across multiple parties, and the systems, methods and techniques enable consumers to manage an individual payment profile using an Internet connected device or mobile phone.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method, computer program and system that support purchase transactions at merchants via a Payment ID generated on-demand and funded with a specific consumer-requested amount. The Payment ID, which could include but is not limited to a gift card ID, is then leveraged to complete a transaction at a merchant's point of sale (POS) system via the existing methods and processes inherent in the POS system. Also disclosed are related mechanisms to manage a secure database of Payment IDs and dynamically adjust the value tied to Payment IDs to account for any value due the customer from the merchant or other involved party.

Abstract: A method and system for using a rebate card are disclosed. The method may comprise initiating a purchase transaction for one or more products at a point of sale, determining whether the purchase transaction qualifies for a rebate, determining a rebate value based on the purchase transaction and the rebate, activating a rebate value in a rebate card account associated with a rebate card based on the determining action, and delivering the rebate card to a customer of the one or more products during the purchase transaction.

Abstract: A cause gift card system allows for redemption of a gift card with one or more unaffiliated organizations—including both for-profit and not for-profit entities. The system automatically distributes any unredeemed funds to participating entities associated with the particular cause gift card type per defined business rules. The system provides for purchase of cause gift cards through retail merchants, websites, or other authorized sellers for either fixed denominations or variable amounts. The recipient can elect to direct the funds, in whole or in part, to one of a basket of pre-determined organizations that are specific to each cause gift card type, for example, environmental services, health and wellness, political actions, and more.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for managing a payment system. The method generally comprises activating a payment card, associating a value with the payment card, associating at least one third party with the bill payment card, receiving a request from a bill payment card user to transfer at least some of the value to a selected third party, the request comprising receiving an identifier associated with the payment card and receiving an indication of an amount of value to transfer, and transferring at least some of the value to the selected third party. Systems of the invention may generally comprise one or more payment cards, a database storing a plurality of records comprising information related to the payment card; one or more communication devices; and a processor in communication with the database and in selective communication with the communication device.

Abstract: A method for using a temporary value card is provided. A first value is determined base upon a selection of goods or services from a provider. The temporary value card is sold at a POS. The first value is associated with the temporary value card.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for managing a payment system. The method generally comprises activating a payment card, associating a value with the payment card, associating at least one third party with the bill payment card, receiving a request from a bill payment card user to transfer at least some of the value to a selected third party, the request comprising receiving an identifier associated with the payment card and receiving an indication of an amount of value to transfer, and transferring at least some of the value to the selected third party. Systems of the invention may generally comprise one or more payment cards, a database storing a plurality of records comprising information related to the payment card; one or more communication devices; and a processor in communication with the database and in selective communication with the communication device.

Abstract: A method and system for using a rebate card are disclosed. The method may comprise initiating a purchase transaction for one or more products at a point of sale, determining whether the purchase transaction qualifies for a rebate, determining a rebate value based on the purchase transaction and the rebate, activating a rebate value in a rebate card account associated with a rebate card based on the determining action, and delivering the rebate card to a customer of the one or more products during the purchase transaction.

Abstract: Methods for using a rebate card and preventing the retention of rebate value when the product that prompted the rebate is returned are disclosed. Methods for using the rebate card may be limited for use at a particular retailer and/or for a particular manufacturer's goods or services. Methods for preventing the improper retention of rebate value may comprise: determining the amount the customer paid for the product; determining if a rebate value was provided for the product being returned; deducting the amount of the rebate from the amount the customer paid for the product; and providing the remaining amount the customer paid for the product being returned to the customer. In some embodiments of the present invention, the amount of the rebate value that was provided based on the purchase of the product being returned may be deducted from the customer's rebate account. Additionally, rebate cards may be RFID enabled.

Abstract: A method for using a temporary value card is provided. A first value is determined base upon a selection of goods or services from a provider. The temporary value card is sold at a POS. The first value is associated with the temporary value card.

Abstract: A database system manages digital service plans and related promotions across a plurality of service providers. The system includes a service provider interface that receives data from service providers and incorporates this data into the service plan/promotion database. A client interface enables clients to retrieve and display data from the service plan/promotion database relating to digital service plans and related promotions that are available for the client's geographic location.