Patents by Inventor Susan S. Thomas

Susan S. Thomas has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20150287137
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for providing a financial health indicator based on the user's credit report score and the user's budget indicator. Implemented in conjunction with a budget tracking system, the invention may provide financial health indicators indicating both short-term budget impact and long-term budget impact. In addition, certain embodiments provide for recognizing recurring expenditures and automatically providing the user with the budget impact of such recurring expenditures as a financial health indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazi M. Ariff, Carol A. Smith, Shane A. Johnson, Russell W. Tipper, Yicong Li, Sean M. O'Connor, Thomas D. Kelley, Susan S. Thomas, William F. Borowski, William J. Aheron, Judith M. Anderson, Steven K. Hayes, Neal G. Wolfson, Jeffrey P. Judd, James P. Kirkman, Jeffrey H. Bierer
  • Publication number: 20150221044
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for a financial health indicator. The financial health indicator provides a dynamic indication of a user's financial health in terms of their current credit and their current ability to save in relation to a budget. The systems, methods, and computer program products also provide for user-configured spending guardrails in a budget tracking system. The use of spending guardrails is instrumental in insuring that the user of the budget tracking system adheres to their assigned budget. By providing for dynamically configurable spending thresholds the user may define, change, suspend, or the like spending guardrails as dictated by current circumstances. The configurable nature of the guardrails insures that guardrails are tailored to the needs of the individual user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: KAZI M. ARIFF, CAROL A. SMITH, SHANE A. JOHNSON, RUSSELL W. TIPPER, YICONG LI, SEAN M. O'CONNOR, THOMAS D. KELLEY, SUSAN S. THOMAS, WILLIAM F. BOROWSKI, WILLIAM J. AHERON, JUDITH M. ANDERSON, STEVEN K. HAYES, NEAL G. WOLFSON, JEFFREY P. JUDD, JAMES P. KIRKMAN, JEFFREY H. BIERER
  • Publication number: 20150066688
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatus, methods, and computer program products for understanding past transactions based on purchase history. In some embodiments, an apparatus is configured to receive a request from a customer associated with a financial institution account; retrieve information associated with the request from a structured financial account database; and provide a recommendation to the customer based on the request and the information retrieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jason P. Blackhurst, Matthew a. Calman, Laura c. Bondesen, Katherine Dintenfass, Susan s. Thomas, Carrie A. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20150032521
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatus, methods, and computer program products for aggregation of savings data from e-receipts. In some embodiments, an apparatus is configured to receive a request from a customer associated with a financial institution account; retrieve an information based on the request from a structured database associated with a customer's financial institution account, wherein the information includes a product purchase associated with the customer's purchase transaction; identify a savings amount associated with the product purchase; and provide the savings amount to the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Calman, Carrie A. Hanson, Susan S. Thomas, Jason Blackhurst, Katherine Dintenfass, Laura C. Bondesen
  • Publication number: 20150032536
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatus, methods, and computer program products for offers based on a user's seasonality and gift giving schedule. The apparatus, methods, and computer program products comprise: a memory; a processor; and a module stored in memory, executable by a processor, and configured to: receive information associated with a purchase of an item, wherein the information includes a purchase date; increment a counter associated with the purchase date; determine, in response to incrementing the counter associated with the purchase date, if the counter equals or exceeds a predetermined threshold value; and transmit, in response to determining the counter equals or exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a message to a second apparatus, wherein the message is based on the purchase date.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Susan S. Thomas, Laura C. Bondesen, Katherine Dintenfass, Carrie A. Hanson, Matthew A. Calman, Jason P. Blackhurst
  • Publication number: 20150032602
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatus, methods, and computer program products for understanding past transactions based on purchase history. In some embodiments, an apparatus is configured to receive a request from a customer associated with a financial institution account; retrieve information associated with the request from a structured financial account database; and provide a recommendation to the customer based on the request and the information retrieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason P. Blackhurst, Matthew A. Calman, Laura C. Bondesen, Katherine Dintenfass, Susan S. Thomas, Carrie A. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20150032642
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for utilizing e-receipt data and other electronic communication data between a merchant and customer regarding a transaction to verify ownership information and maintenance/service information of a product. In one embodiment, a system is configured to: identify and retrieve electronic communications between a merchant and a customer associated with a transaction; determine ownership information and maintenance/service information of the product from the electronic communication; and generate a profile for the product based on the ownership information and maintenance and service information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason P. Blackhurst, Matthew A. Calman, Katherine Dintenfass, Carrie A. Hanson, Laura C. Bondesen, Susan S. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8447692
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a personal financial network service are provided. The method may use an electronic information processing platform. The method may include storing information relating to a first participant account. The method may also include storing information relating to a second participant account. The systems and methods of the invention may further include storing information relating to a group of accounts containing the first participant and the second participant account, wherein first said account and second said account are stored independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Susan S. Thomas, William F. Borowski, Kazi M. Ariff, Carol A. Smith, Judith M. Anderson, Steven K. Hayes, Thomas D. Kelley, Neal G. Wolfson, Sean M. O'Connor, Russell W. Tipper, Jeffrey P. Judd, William J. Aheron, Yicong Li, Shane A. Johnson, James P. Kirkman, Jeffrey H. Bierer
  • Patent number: 8412622
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for a financial health indicator. The financial health indicator provides a dynamic indication of a user's financial health in terms of their current credit worthiness and their current ability to save in relation to a budget. In this regard, the financial health indicator is based on a user's credit report score, such as one or more FICO type credit scores and the user's savings as indicated by a budget tracking system. In embodiments of the invention in which the financial health indicator is implemented in conjunction with a budget tracking system, the financial health indicator provides necessary feedback to the user that serves to inform the user as to how they are performing in terms of staying on track to their individual budget allocations. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the provider of the budget tracking system may provide for awards based on achieving a predefined financial health indicator level and/or score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Kazi M. Ariff, Carol A. Smith, Shane A. Johnson, Russell W. Tipper, Yicong Li, Sean M. O'Connor, Thomas D. Kelley, Susan S. Thomas, William F. Borowski, William J. Aheron, Judith M. Anderson, Steven K. Hayes, Neal G. Wolfson, Jeffrey P. Judd, James P. Kirkman, Jeffrey H. Bierer
  • Publication number: 20130060617
    Abstract: An enhanced rewards server may analyze the progress of an individual, group, and/or organization towards a financial goal and may reward the individual, group, and/or organization once the goal has been achieved. The enhanced rewards server may analyze various pieces of information, including transaction data related to credit cards and bank accounts, to determine whether the individual, group, and/or organization is making progress towards the financial goal. In addition, the rewards server may consider progress evaluations made by a social network associated with the individual, group, and/or organization in deciding whether or not a reward should be transmitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erik Stephen Ross, Leonard Marc Nathan, Dianne Agnes Fair, Alexander Azariy Shenkar, Darren Paul Stillwell, Ellen Howse Brannen, Mei-Ling In Johnson, Susan S. Thomas, Yolandis Rogers, Eric James Golla
  • Publication number: 20130054460
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a deposit system for allocating deposited funds among a plurality of account categories held for an account beneficiary comprises a management module, a contributor module, and an allocation module. The management module is operable to associate each account category of the plurality of account categories with a particular purpose, each purpose restricting use of funds in its associated account category. The contributor module is operable to receive, from a contributor, a deposit of funds, the deposit comprising a first set of funds associated by the contributor with a first purpose and a second set of funds associated by the contributor with a second purpose. The allocation module operable to deposit the first set of funds into the account category associated with the first purpose and deposit the second set of funds into the account category associated with the second purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Carrie Anne Hanson, Brad J. Kirchenbaum, Kimberly B. Summerrow, Christopher M. Adams, Jason Typrin, Erik S. Ross, Jacqueline A. Corr, Deshaun G. Hunter, Susan S. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20130054453
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a deposit system for receiving funds into an account held for an account beneficiary comprises a spending tracker, a reimbursement module, a contributor module, and an allocation module. The spending tracker is operable to determine an amount of a withdrawal from the account. The reimbursement module is operable to request an amount of funds from a contributor, the amount of the request associated with the amount of the withdrawal. The contributor module operable to receive the funds from the contributor. The allocation module operable to deposit the funds into the account held for the account beneficiary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Carrie Anne Hanson, Brad J. Kirchenbaum, Kimberly B. Summerrow, Christopher M. Adams, Jason Typrin, Erik S. Ross, Jacqueline A. Corr, Deshaun G. Hunter, Susan S. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20130054358
    Abstract: A computer system determines whether any green merchants are located within a predetermined range from a mobile device. The computer system receives location information about the mobile device and determines whether any green merchants are located within a predetermined range of the mobile device's location. If so, the computer system sends merchant information about the identified green merchants to the mobile device. When a merchant's location is not within a predetermined range but within a neighboring area, the computer system may include a recommendation about the green merchant within the merchant information. A customer may indicate a merchant category through the mobile device so that the computer system may restrict merchant information only to green merchants within the category. The customer may also include a description from the mobile device to the computer system in order to obtain merchant information about a green merchant offering the green item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Bank of America
    Inventors: Erik Stephen Ross, Susan S. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20130054455
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a deposit system for receiving funds into an account held for an account beneficiary, the account being identifiable by an account number, comprises a management module, a contributor module, and an allocation module. The management module is operable to register a plurality of contributors. The contributor module is operable to receive information identifying a first contributor, determine whether the first contributor is one of the plurality of registered contributors, and if the first contributor is a registered contributor, receive, from the first contributor, a deposit of funds, the deposit comprising a first set of funds associated by the first contributor for deposit into the account without identifying the account by the account number. The allocation module operable to deposit the first set of funds into the account without informing the first contributor of the account number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Carrie Anne Hanson, Brad J. Kirchenbaum, Kimberly B. Summerrow, Christopher M. Adams, Jason Typrin, Erik S. Ross, Jacqueline A. Corr, Deshaun G. Hunter, Susan S. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20130054456
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a deposit system for allocating deposited funds among a plurality of account categories held for an account beneficiary comprises a management module, a contributor module, and an achievement manager. The management module is operable to associate each account category of the plurality of account categories associated with a particular purpose, each purpose restricting use of funds in its associated account category. The contributor module is operable to receive a confirmation to deposit funds in at least one of the account categories upon accomplishment of an achievement by the account beneficiary. The achievement manager is operable to receive notification of the accomplishment of the achievement and instruct the contributor module to transfer the confirmed funds to the at least one of the account categories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Carrie Anne Hanson, Brad J. Kirchenbaum, Kimberly B. Summerrow, Christopher M. Adams, Jason Typrin, Erik S. Ross, Jacqueline A. Corr, Deshaun G. Hunter, Susan S. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20130054333
    Abstract: Methods, computer readable media, and apparatuses for providing customer rewards programs are presented. According to one or more aspects, it may be determined, based on transaction history information, that a group of accountholders is associated with a common interest. Subsequently, it may be determined that one or more entities provide offerings relevant to the common interest. Thereafter, at least one new rewards program may be automatically created with the one or more entities, and the at least one new rewards program may allow the group of accountholders to earn rewards associated with the common interest. According to one or more additional aspects, it may be determined, for a particular accountholder, based on transaction history information associated with the accountholder, that a first rewards program in which the accountholder is not currently enrolled is more advantageous to the accountholder than a second rewards program in which the customer is currently enrolled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erik Stephen Ross, Susan S. Thomas, Xixi Yin
  • Publication number: 20130054345
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, computer-readable medium and system are disclosed for acquiring data with respect to a user. In some embodiments, a computational algorithm may determine whether to provide one or more products and/or services to a user. The products and/or services may be related to banking. In some embodiments, a device may receive a request for products/services. After an initial examination of the request, the device may make a determination that more information is needed. A request for the additional information may be transmitted, and the transmitted request may include one or more incentives for voluntarily disclosing the information. In some embodiments, the requested additional information may include verified income and/or expenses. A response to the request for additional information may be received at the device. The device may analyze the response and may extend an offer for products/services.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erik Stephen Ross, Mei-Ling In Johnson, Bhupendra Rathore, Alexander Azariy Shenkar, Susan S. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120078780
    Abstract: A method of transactional savings is described. First and second portions of a total amount associated with a transaction may be identified. The first portion and the second portion may be different monetary funds of the total amount of monetary funds. A first account of a customer associated with an entity may be determined, and an amount of debt of monetary funds of the first account may be determined. The first portion of the total amount of monetary funds may be applied against the amount of debt of the first account, and the second portion may be maintained in a second account of the customer. Occurrence data representative of an occurrence of a triggering event associated with a transactional savings program of the entity may be received, and an amount of the second account to permit access to by the customer may be determined based upon the occurrence data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erik S. Ross, Alexander Azariy Shenkar, Yolandis Speed, Darren Paul Stillwell, Mei-Ling In Johnson, Susan S. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120078716
    Abstract: An organization may identify target groups of consumers based on credit data meeting one or more pre-defined criteria and offer the identified individuals products and/or services that include favorable rates, benefits and/or incentives related to activities regularly engaged in by the individuals. Credit data may be mined from, for example, a credit bureau to identify individuals with credit scores in various percentiles as compared to all other consumers in a particular market or geographic region. Various types of transaction data associated with these individuals may then be obtained and analyzed to determine activities (e.g., tasks, chores, errands, activities, etc.) repeatedly engaged in by at least some percentage of the identified individuals, which may then be used as bases for offering certain products and/or services that include incentives or benefits more-specifically tailored to potential interests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erik S. Ross, Susan S. Thomas, Ekaterina A. Homyakova
  • Publication number: 20120078764
    Abstract: A system and method of automatically identifying bill-pay clients eligible for an electronic bill-pay transaction with a customer of a financial institution is presented. The system and method may include identifying, by a bill-pay identification system associated with the financial institution, one or more customers eligible for electronic bill-pay and data associated with the one or more customers, such as a location of the customer, demographic information, home address of the customer, and the like. One or more bill-pay clients may be automatically identified based on bill-pay client being within a predefined distance of the location or address of the customer, a bill-pay relationship with another customer of the financial institution within the predefined distance, received demographic information, etc. In some arrangements, automatic setup of bill-pay transactions between the customer and the identified bill-pay client may be offered to the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Erik S. Ross, Susan S. Thomas