Abstract: A transaction card includes an audio circuit, housing and an account identifier. The audio circuit includes memory configured to store an audio file having audio properties. The audio circuit is configured to transform at least one audio property of the audio file such that upon playback of the audio file, the audio file sounds different than when the audio file was initially stored to the memory. The housing substantially encloses the audio circuit, and the account identifier links the transaction card to an account or record. The account identifier is machine readable. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanically convertible transaction product includes a body, two or more appendages, and an account identifier. Each of the two or more appendages is rotatably coupled with the body and configured to selectively rotate relative to the body between a compact position and an expanded position. Each appendage extends further away from the body when in the expanded position such that an overall form of the transaction product is altered when any of the appendages are in the expanded position as compared to when all of the appendages are in the compact position. The account identifier links the transaction product to an account or record. Stored-value products, combinations, methods of providing a transaction card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes an electrical assembly and a housing. The electrical assembly is configured to store an audio file and includes a light and a speaker. The housing encloses the electrical assembly and includes an account identifier signifying an account or record linked to the stored-value card and an activation area. The activation area and the electrical assembly are adapted such that user interaction with the activation area causes the electrical assembly to both play the audio file via the speaker and illuminate the light to collectively provide an audio and visual presentation to a user. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods, of using a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a substrate, a plurality of adhesive dots, and a plurality of beads. The substrate includes an account identifier linking the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record, and the account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The plurality of adhesive dots is applied to a surface of the substrate. The plurality of beads are each individually secured to the surface of the substrate with a separate one of the plurality of adhesive dots. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes an aromatic item, a housing, and an activation area. The housing substantially encloses the aromatic item, and the housing is configured to be selectively closed and opened to provide access to the aromatic item. The activation area links the housing to at least one of a stored-value account and a stored-value record such that value can be added to or deducted from the at least one of the stored-value account and the stored-value record using the activation area. Financial transaction cards, methods of encouraging purchase, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A financial transaction card assembly comprises a financial transaction card, a package, and at least one article. The financial transaction card includes an account identifier linking the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account or a financial record. The package is separate from the financial transaction card and defines an internal cavity. The at least one article is enclosed within the internal cavity. The financial transaction card is maintained outside of the internal cavity and is removably coupled to the package. Methods of assembling a financial transaction card assembly, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction card assembly, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A financial transaction card includes an enclosure, a step detector, and a processing device. The enclosure includes an account identifier linked to a financial account or record such that the financial transaction card can be used toward the purchase or use of at least one of goods and services. The step detector is positioned within the enclosure and configured to perceive movement caused each time a person carrying the financial transaction card takes a step. The processing device is positioned within the enclosure and in communication with the step detector, the processing device being configured to identify movement perceived by the step detector and to determine a cumulative number of steps taken by the person while carrying the financial transaction card. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods of using a stored-value card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes a housing, an audio circuit storing an audio file, and a speaker coupled to the audio circuit. The housing includes a first panel, a second panel spaced from and positioned opposite the first panel, and a side wall extending between the first panel and the second panel. The side wall extends substantially perpendicular to each of the first panel and the second panel such that an open cavity is formed between the first panel and the second panel. The housing further includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. The audio circuit and the speaker are substantially enclosed within the open cavity of the housing. Stored-value card assemblies and methods of using a stored-value card are also disclosed.

Abstract: A financial transaction card includes a substrate and a visual distortion member. The substrate defines an aperture and includes an account identifier. The account identifier links the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account and a financial record. The visual distortion member is positioned at least partially within the aperture and coupled with the substrate, and the visual distortion member is configured to distort images viewed therethrough. Methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card, and other financial transaction card embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A financial transaction card includes an account identifier, a panel, and a plurality of pop-up members. The account identifier links the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account or a financial record and is readily readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The plurality of pop-up members are each coupled with one of the panel and another one of the plurality of pop-up members. Each of the plurality of pop-up members is configured to transition between a collapsed position and an extended position. The financial transaction card is substantially flat when the plurality of pop-up members are each in the collapsed position, and the plurality of pop-up members each extend outwardly from the panel in the extended position. Stored-value cards, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A financial transaction card including an account identifier, a cover, and a pop-up member. The account identifier links the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account or a financial record. The cover is configured to fold about a fold line between an open and a closed position. The pop-up member is coupled with the cover on both sides of the fold line and is configured to transition between a relatively flat position when the cover is in the closed position and an extended position when cover is in the open position. The pop-up member is stored between at least two portions of the cover when the cover is in the closed position. Methods of assembling a financial transaction card, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A financial transaction product includes a media player, a housing, and an account identifier. The media player is configured to receive and store compressed digital media files and to convert the compressed digital media files into sound waves. The housing at least partially encloses the media player. The account identifier links the housing to at least one of a financial account or a financial record. Methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction card assembly and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes an audio circuit, a speaker, a housing, decorative indicia, and a button. The audio circuit stores an audio file, and the speaker is coupled to the audio circuit. The housing generally encloses the audio circuit and the speaker and includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. The decorative indicia corresponds with the audio file. The button and the audio circuit are adapted such that depressing the button activates the audio circuit to play the audio file via the speaker. Stored-value card assemblies and methods of using a stored-value card are also disclosed.

Abstract: A financial transaction product includes a housing and an account identifier. The housing includes a bladder configured to be selectively inflated and deflated. The account identifier is on the housing and links the housing to at least one of a financial account or a financial record such that the housing can be used toward the purchase of one or more of goods and services. Methods of assembling a financial transaction product, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction product, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A financial transaction card includes a housing and an account identifier. The housing includes a soft and pliable material and defines a chamber configured to maintain at least one item. The account identifier is disposed on an exterior surface of the housing. The account identifier is configured to link the housing to a financial account or a financial record. Other embodiments of financial transaction cards, financial transaction card assemblies, and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes an electrical assembly, a housing, and decorative indicia. The electrical assembly stores an audio file and includes at least one light and a speaker. The housing generally encloses the electrical assembly and includes an account identifier and an activation area. The account identifier signifies a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. Decorative indicia correspond with the audio file and the at least one light. The activation area and the electrical assembly are adapted such that depressing the activation area activates the electrical assembly to play the audio file via the speaker and to illuminate the at least one light to provide an audio and visual presentation. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods, of using a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes a housing and a light circuit. The housing defines a first primary panel and a second primary panel spaced from the first primary panel. The first primary panel defines an account identifier signifying a financial account linked to the stored-value card. A side is defined between the first primary panel and the second primary panel. The light circuit includes a light and a switch and is generally enclosed within the housing but for the light. The light extends from the side of the housing and is configured to be illuminated upon application of a force to the switch. Stored-value card assemblies and methods of using a stored-value card are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes a housing and at least one internal wall substantially enclosed within the housing. The housing includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. The at least one internal wall is configured to define an airflow chamber within the housing. The housing defines an opening leading into the airflow chamber. The stored-value card is configured to produce a whistle sound when air enters the airflow chamber from the opening and moves within the airflow chamber.

Abstract: A sound emitting device is disclosed having a container shell, preferably in the shape of a simulated spray can, a sound generator located in the container shell and a trigger button that activates the sound generator. The sound generator is preferably configured to emit a spraying sound and a plurality of messages. Upon activation of the trigger button, the sound generator preferably generates a spraying sound followed by one of the plurality of messages. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sound generator is located in the cap of the container shell and the body of the container shell provides a receptacle for housing brochures, pamphlets and other marketing material.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an item accompanied by special effects such as sound is described. The delivery system includes a tube having a cap. Connected to the cap is a sound emitting device, a light sensor and a clip for holding, for example, a card. The sound emitting device and clip are connected to the cap so that when the cap is on the container, the sound emitting device, light sensor and clip are disposed within the container. The card can be attached to the clip. When the cap is removed, the light sensor triggers the sound emitting device to emit a sound such as musical notes or applause, and the card can then be viewed by the recipient of the container simultaneously with listening of the sound.