Abstract: Methods and systems according to one or more embodiments are provided for establishing and managing a virtual shared account. According to an embodiment, a method for a virtual shared account comprises setting up an n-member virtual shared account for achieving a goal over a network; adding members to the virtual shared account and contributing funds to the virtual shared account. The method may also comprise achieving the goal of the virtual shared account, and once the goal of the virtual account is achieved, the virtual shared account may be closed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a user logs into a bank account and access a bill payment service through the bank. The user enters a recipient's email address and an amount to be transferred from the user's account to the recipient. The bill payment service transfers the amount to a payment provider, who then transfers the amount to the recipient if the recipient has an account with the payment provider. As a result, recipients who are not part of a bill payment service can quickly receive payments, and users can make quickly and easily payments to recipients who are not part of a bill payment service by simply entering an email address and payment amount.