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 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: 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 present invention discloses systems and methods for managing the transfer of value to a third party using short messaging Services (SMS) communications. Methods for using SMS to transfer value to a third party comprises providing the payment card to a user; activating the payment card; initiating a transaction associated with the payment card; receiving via SMS communications an identifier associated with the payment card; associating value with the payment card; determining an amount of value associated with the payment card; providing an indication of the amount of value associated with the bill payment card to the payment card user via SMS communications; associating at least one third party with the payment card; selecting a third party to be associated with the transaction; receiving from the user an amount of value to transfer to the third party; transferring to the third party the amount of value; and terminating the transaction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at systems and methods of inserting value into a customer account with a provider of goods or services. Methods may comprise distributing to a customer a bill pay card wherein the bill pay cards comprise information sufficient to identify the provider of goods or services, the customer, and the customer's account with the provider of goods or services; presenting the bill pay card at a point of sale (POS) location; reading or otherwise obtaining from the bill pay card the information thereon; receiving value from the customer; and crediting the value received from the customer to the customer's account with the provider of goods or services. Systems may comprise a bill pay card; a provider of goods or services; and a POS.

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: 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.