Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for linking accounts corresponding to different products together to create a group so that group processing can be performed at the group level while independent processing of the accounts is performed at the account level. The method links the accounts into a group by linking a financial record for each account to group master data for the group. The group master data includes information about the group, including group control settings, aggregate data, and a group identifier. A group typically includes a key account and one or more dependent accounts. The relationship between a dependent account and the group is specified by a dependent strategy. A dependent strategy specifies group level processing options for the account. The relationships between the accounts and the group are flexible to accommodate changes in the status of the group cardholders.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for linking accounts corresponding to different products together to create a group so that group processing can be performed at the group level while independent processing of the accounts is performed at the account level. The method links the accounts into a group by linking a financial record for each account to group master data for the group. The group master data includes information about the group, including group control settings, aggregate data, and a group identifier. A group typically includes a key account and one or more dependent accounts. The relationship between a dependent account and the group is specified by a dependent strategy. A dependent strategy specifies group level processing options for the account. The relationships between the accounts and the group are flexible to accommodate changes in the status of the group cardholders.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention provides systems and methods for fulfilling reward redemptions. In some cases, the systems and methods receive redemption requests associated with an account. The redemption request can be satisfied from a reward associated with the account, or by accessing a reward associated with another account. Redeeming a reward from another account can involve transferring value from one account to another, or grouping the related accounts and allowing members of the group to perform the settlement function. Various of the systems and method further provide for performing automatic reward redemptions, either by an entity maintaining the account to which the reward is associated, or through use of a fulfillment entity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for directing communications related to financial accounts. Some embodiments include systems that access account information maintained in relation to an account group. One or more communication rules are received from a user, applied to the account information, and communications are formed based on the application of the communication rules. Various methods provide for receiving communication rules, and applying the communication rules to account information to provide one or more communication outputs.

Abstract: Defining a relationship between an account and a group. Accounts corresponding to different products are linked together to create a group so that group processing can be performed at the group level while independent processing of the accounts is performed at the account level. The relationship between a dependent account and the group is specified by a dependent strategy. A dependent strategy specified group level processing options for the account. The relationships between the accounts and the group are flexible to accommodate changes in the status of the group cardholders.

Abstract: Defining a relationship between an account and a group. Accounts corresponding to different products are linked together to create a group so that group processing can be performed at the group level while independent processing of the accounts is performed at the account level. The relationship between a dependent account and the group is specified by a dependent strategy. A dependent strategy specifies group level processing options for the account. The relationships between the accounts and the group are flexible to accommodate changes in the status of the group cardholders.

Abstract: Processing a group of accounts corresponding to different products. A group of accounts are linked together to create a group so that group processing can be performed at the group level while independent processing of the accounts is performed at the account level. Typically, a group includes a key account and one or more dependent accounts. The relationships between the accounts and the group are flexible to accommodate changes in the status of the group cardholders. Group level processing includes authorizing transactions, applying group payments, creating group statements, creating cardholder communications, and administering reward programs. Each dependent account has an associated dependent strategy that specifies group level processing options for the dependent account.

Abstract: An automated system for the confirmed efficient authentication of an anonymous subscriber's profile data. The system is comprised of software/hardware interface to facilitate centralized access and exchange to easily and inexpensively allow the confirmed authentication of subscriber profiles of customers wishing to blind their transactions, while maintaining current services. In one aspect the system allows a subscriber to anonymously accomplish credit card transactions without associating any aspect of the transaction with any information associated with the true identity of the subscriber.

Abstract: The anonymity of a consumer is protected in mailing and shipping transactions by utilizing an alias. A secure database is utilized to retrieve the true name and address for making mail delivery or shipment. The true name and address may be retrieved by the shipper during transit, by a disguised mailing center, or by a mail distributor. The anonymous mailing and shipping transactions may include anonymous payment transactions, such as payments made from an anonymous credit card account.

Abstract: Processing a group of accounts corresponding to different products. A group of accounts are linked together to create a group so that group processing can be performed at the group level while independent processing of the accounts is performed at the account level. Typically, a group includes a key account and one or more dependent accounts. The relationships between the accounts and the group are flexible to accommodate changes in the status of the group cardholders. Group level processing includes authorizing transactions, applying group payments, creating group statements, creating cardholder communications, and administering reward programs. Each dependent account has an associated dependent strategy that specifies group level processing options for the dependent account.

Abstract: Linking accounts corresponding to different products together to create a group so that group processing can be performed at the group level while independent processing of the accounts is performed at the account level. The method links the accounts into a group by linking a financial record for each account to group master data for the group. The group master data includes information about the group, including group parameters and a group identifier. A group typically includes a key account and one or more dependent accounts. The relationship between a dependent account and the group is specified by a dependent strategy. A dependent strategy specifies group level processing options for the account. The relationships between the accounts and the group are flexible to accommodate changes in the status of the group cardholders.

Abstract: Processing a group of accounts corresponding to different products. A group of accounts are linked together to create a group so that group processing can be performed at the group level while independent processing of the accounts is performed at the account level. Typically, a group includes a key account and one or more dependent accounts. The relationships between the accounts and the group are flexible to accommodate changes in the status of the group cardholders. Group level processing includes authorizing transactions, applying group payments, creating group statements, creating cardholder communications, and administering reward programs. Each dependent account has an associated dependent strategy that specifies group level processing options for the dependent account.

Abstract: Systems and methods for directing communications related to financial accounts. Some embodiments include systems that access account information maintained in relation to an account group. One or more communication rules are received from a user, applied to the account information, and communications are formed based on the application of the communication rules. Various methods provide for receiving communication rules, and applying the communication rules to account information to provide one or more communication outputs.

Abstract: An anonymous transaction by a first party is accommodated without revealing the real identity of the first party by utilizing an alias. The alias is transmitted by a second party to the transaction to a secure database for authentication. Data is retrieved from the database based on the transmitted alias and analyzed, and an indication of authorization is returned to the second party. The alias may be a name, an alphanumeric identifier, or the like. The first party may be a child under the age of majority, and the transaction may include the use of a credit, debit, or prepaid card.

Abstract: An automated system for the confirmed efficient authentication of an anonymous subscriber's profile data. The system is comprised of software/hardware interface to facilitate centralized access and exchange to easily and inexpensively allow the confirmed authentication of subscriber profiles of customers wishing to blind their transactions, while maintaining current services. In one aspect the system allows a subscriber to anonymously accomplish credit card transactions without associating any aspect of the transaction with any information associated with the true identity of the subscriber.

Abstract: The anonymity of a consumer is protected in mailing and shipping transactions by utilizing an alias. A secure database is utilized to retrieve the true name and address for making mail delivery or shipment. The true name and address may be retrieved by the shipper during transit, by a disguised mailing center, or by a mail distributor. The anonymous mailing and shipping transactions may include anonymous payment transactions, such as payments made from an anonymous credit card account.

Abstract: An anonymous transaction including payment with a card by a first party is accommodated without revealing the real identity of the first party by utilizing an alias. The alias is transmitted by a second party to the transaction to a secure database for authentication. Data is retrieved from the database based on the transmitted alias and analyzed, and an indication of authorization is returned to the second party. The alias may be a name, an alphanumeric identifier, or the like. For credit card transactions, an alias account for a credit cardholder is associated with a first credit card and identifies the cardholder with an alias identity; a primary account for the credit cardholder is associated with a second credit card and identifies the cardholder with the cardholder's real identity; and a secure database links the two accounts for carrying out credit card processing functions.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for consummating transactions realized using credit cards and other types of presentation instruments. The methods can include, inter alia, identifying a presentation instrument associated with a transaction request. Such a presentation instrument is associated with at least two underlying accounts, and it is determined the proportion in which to apply the amount of the transaction request to the underlying accounts. The systems can include various hardware and software used to implement this and other methods.

Abstract: A methodology for access, control and management of credit product usage parameters by an account holder. The methodology includes the steps of creating a credit/debit account and issuing a credit/debit card product for same. A group or family of accounts can optionally be created including a key account and one or more dependent accounts. An initially set of product usage parameters is established. The account holder access the product usage parameters through one of a number of alternative points of access. The account holder then modifies one or more of the product usage parameters and submits the same, optionally in real time. The submitted parameters are tested against allowable usage criteria implemented by the card processing and service provider or the card issuer, which can be based on applicable laws, rules and regulations. If the submitted usage parameter modifications are acceptable, same are implemented and control the product usage until further modified.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods that provide liability and risk exposure information to a reporting entity, while limiting access to account level usage information. Such methods can include maintaining account information associated with a plurality of accounts. A reporting combination is formed from the plurality of accounts, and at least a portion of the information associated with the individual accounts is abstracted. The abstracted information is provided to a reporting entity such that the reporting entity is prevented from extracting account level information therefrom. Systems can include a computer with a communication device and a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium includes instructions executable by the computer to implement the aforementioned method.