Abstract: The present invention generally relates to presentation and transaction cards with graphic image display, which may generally be dynamically modified or personalized following manufacture of the presentation or transaction card body. By way of example, the graphic images may be, e.g., digital image or photo files that may be electronically displayed on a surface of the presentation or transaction instrument for, e.g., promotional, advertising, security, and/or entertainment purposes. Methods for modifying or personalizing the appearance of a presentation or transaction instrument of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Transaction card assemblies, systems and methods of making are provided. One such assembly includes a card carrier having a card integrally formed within. The card peripherally engages the card carrier and is adapted to be removed from the card carrier. An encodable strip is disposed on the card. The strip has first and second encodable tracks. The first encodable track is positioned to be read by a point-of-sale device when the card is engaged with the card carrier, and the second encodable track is positioned to be read by the point-of-sale device after the card is separated from the carrier. In this manner, the card can be read using the same point-of-sale device whether or not the card has been separated from the carrier.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining the value of a reward to a customer when converting the customer's promissory transaction to a direct debit transaction. The direct debit transaction does not have costs, such as guaranteeing the transaction, or collecting on a bad debt, typically associated with a promissory transaction. The value of the reward can be predefined, defined at the time of the transaction, or based, at least in part, on the savings associated with converting the promissory transaction into a direct debit transaction. In an embodiment, the reward is a stored value card.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing mileage value accounts are provided. One such method includes receiving a presentation instrument having an account identifier stored thereon, and transmitting the account identifier and a purchase item identifier from a point-of-sale device to a host computer system. Using the host computer system, a customer account is identified based on the account identifier. A mileage value is associated to the purchase item identifier. The customer account is debited by the mileage value associated to the purchase item identifier. In this manner, the customer uses their mileage value account for the purchase of desired items or services. For airline travelers, the items may include a meal, a beverage, or a movie.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for producing a customized presentation instrument comprises receiving at a production computer system production information needed to produce a customized presentation instrument. The production information may comprise customized design information from a purchaser of the presentation instrument, recipient information and a unique identifier. The design information is placed onto a piece of stock material to form the customized presentation instrument. The identifier is stored on the presentation instrument. Further, the completed presentation instrument is sent to the recipient.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for authorizing lottery transactions comprises receiving an account identifier for a stored value lottery account from a lottery system. The account identifier is authenticated at a host computer system and an authentication is transmitted to the lottery system. A cost associated with one or more lottery picks for a lottery transaction is received from the lottery system, a determination is made at the host computer system that the cost does not exceed an account balance associated with the account identifier, and an authorization for the lottery transaction is transmitted to the lottery system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for producing a customized presentation instrument comprises receiving at a production computer system production information needed to produce a customized presentation instrument. The production information may comprise customized design information from a purchaser of the presentation instrument, recipient information and a unique identifier. The design information is placed onto a piece of stock material to form the customized presentation instrument. The identifier is stored on the presentation instrument. Further, the completed presentation instrument is sent to the recipient.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computerized method for managing electronically stored value accounts comprises storing at a host computer system a plurality of stored value customer accounts that each comprise a unique identifier. At the host computer system, requests are received from a point of sale device to activate at least some of the accounts. The requests to activate comprise unique identifiers and values that are associated with the identifiers. Also received at the host computer system is a request to transfer value from one of the customer accounts to another one of the customer accounts. The requested value is electronically transferred between the accounts.