Abstract: A system and method for matching a savings opportunity using census data includes gathering transaction data from a user's financial account and analyzing the transaction data for a savings opportunity indication. Third party census data related to a geographic location of the user may be used in addition to the savings opportunity indication to match a savings opportunity from a database of savings opportunities to the user. The savings opportunity is displayed in association with a statement of the user's financial account.

Abstract: A billing statement according to one aspect of the invention includes a description of a transaction and an offer pointer associated with the transaction, wherein the offer pointer includes information that may be used to review an offer. In one example of this aspect, a telephone number or a hyperlink is provided adjacent to a total amount owed listed on a statement (e.g., an electronically-displayed billing statement). The offers reviewed may be customized, for example, based on details of the transaction such as the product purchased or the amount of the purchase, the identity of the consumer, and/or on other data.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a geo-enhanced savings opportunity in association with a financial account includes gathering transaction data from a user's financial account and analyzing the transaction data for a savings opportunity indication. A savings opportunity from a database of savings opportunities is matched to the user based on the savings opportunity indication. The savings opportunity is displayed in association with a statement of a user's financial account. A response to the savings opportunity is tracked in order to receive an indication of whether or not the savings opportunity has been accepted. If it was not accepted, an additional incentive to accept the savings opportunity may be made when the user is in a geographic location set by a merchant offering the savings opportunity.

Abstract: A system and method for providing socially enabled rewards through a user financial instrument includes gathering transaction data from a user's financial account and analyzing the transaction data for a savings opportunity indication. A savings opportunity from a database of savings opportunities is matched to the user based on the savings opportunity indication, wherein the savings opportunity can be shared with other users or a social network. The savings opportunity is displayed in association with a statement of a user's financial account and the user is allowed to share the savings opportunity, wherein sharing causes a shared savings opportunity to be generated. A second user, one who received the shared savings opportunity, can redeem the shared savings opportunity. The sharing and redemption of the shared savings opportunity is tracked, such as to improve targeting users who are influential based on the number of redemptions of the shared savings opportunity.

Abstract: A system and method for providing rewards through a user financial instrument includes gathering transaction data from a user's financial account, wherein the user's financial account is a financial institution account that is maintained on behalf of the user and analyzing the transaction data to determine a reward level. The savings opportunity from the merchant may be matched to the user based on the reward level. The user is enabled to redeem the savings opportunity during a subsequent transaction with the merchant.

Abstract: A system and method for user-driven savings opportunity matching includes gathering transaction data from a user's financial account, wherein the user's financial account is a financial institution account that is maintained on behalf of the user and analyzing the transaction data for a savings opportunity indication. A savings opportunity from a database of savings opportunities is matched to the user based on the savings opportunity indication. The savings opportunity is displayed in association with a statement of a user's financial account, and the user is allowed to interact with the savings opportunity. The interaction data may be used to drive a subsequent match of a savings opportunity.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a future reward through a user financial instrument includes gathering transaction data from a user's financial account, wherein the user's financial account is a financial institution account that is maintained on behalf of the user and analyzing the transaction data to determine a future savings opportunity accessible to the user after completion of a goal. Systems and methods track progress towards completing the goal. The user is enabled to obtain the future savings opportunity when the goal is completed.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a savings opportunity matched to a spend pattern in association with a financial account includes gathering transaction data from a user's financial account and analyzing the transaction data for a spend pattern. A savings opportunity from a database of savings opportunities is matched to the user based on the spend pattern. The savings opportunity is displayed in association with a statement of a user's financial account.

Abstract: A system and method for financial institution- and merchant-driven savings opportunity matching includes gathering transaction data from a user's financial account, wherein the user's financial account is a financial institution account that is maintained on behalf of the user and analyzing the transaction data for a savings opportunity indication. A filter may be applied to a database of savings opportunities prior to matching one to the user based on the savings opportunity indication. The savings opportunity is displayed in association with a statement of a user's financial account.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a redemption transaction at a point-of sale terminal. The cardholder initiates the transaction using a redemption card. The terminal obtains a transaction amount, a private currency, and an exchange rate. The transaction amount is converted into a transaction amount miles equivalent using the exchange rate, and the transaction amount miles equivalent is compared against the balance of the redemption account associated with the redemption card. The terminal transmits a clearing record for further processing. The clearing record is received by a clearing server, which identifies a lodged card associated with the transaction. The clearing server computes a periodic aggregate amount comprising the aggregate transaction amount for all transactions associated with the lodged card and a particular merchant during that period. The clearing server triggers a single transaction towards an acquirer associated with the merchant for the periodic aggregate amount.

Abstract: A method for managing information and rendering discounts in a billing system utilizes a rule-based engine. Customer records are processed with a rule-based accumulation engine to accumulate the data in a plurality of predetermined target accumulators. A plurality of target accumulators are processed with a rule-based discount engine to render discounts applicable to the customer.

Abstract: A system and method for redeeming coupons including a base station providing a user redeemable coupon account for a user and a redeemable coupon feeding provider server coupled to the base station for delivering a redeemable coupon to the base station and into the account of the user. When the user presents a redeemable coupon for purchase of a product or service at a point of sale, such as a retailer, wholesaler or on-line merchant after verification by said base station that said coupon is associated with said retailer, wholesaler or on-line merchant and after verification by said retailer, wholesaler or on-line merchant that said coupon is associated with said purchase, the redeemed coupon is sent from said retailer, wholesaler or on-line merchant to the base station. Any suitable mobile-type payment, such as a debit or credit card, a Google wallet, a Visa Mobile payment, etc. may be used. The debit or credit card may be a prepaid card, a co-branded card, etc.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computing apparatus is configured to generate trigger records for a transaction handler to identify authorization requests that satisfy the conditions specified in the trigger records, identify communication preferences of the users associated with the identified authorization requests, and use the communication preferences to target real-time messages at the users in parallel with the transaction handler providing responses to the respective authorization requests.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for providing incentivized benefits in a broadband gateway are provided. In this regard, credits may be added to a subscriber account associated with a broadband gateway based on input provided by a user of an electronic device in communication with the broadband gateway, and it may be determined whether to provide services and/or content via the broadband gateway based on a number of credits in the subscriber account. The input may comprise, for example, feedback regarding content consumed via the broadband gateway, and responses to surveys, polls, or questionnaires presented via the broadband gateway. The broadband gateway may be operable to handle a plurality of physical layer connections to a corresponding plurality of network access service providers. The broadband gateway may be operable to communicate the user input to a provider associated with the subscriber account via one or more of the physical layer connections.

Abstract: An automated system determines appropriate compliance information for documents pertaining to financial products or services. The compliance information can vary on each document depending on the particular financial product and/or financial service, and based on both company and jurisdictional requirements.

Abstract: Systems and methods allowing publishers to define relationships between their own content items (e.g., World Wide Web pages) and content items created or maintained by other publishers. Publishers insert referral labels into their content items to indicate a referral relationship between or among publishers. In one embodiment, advertisements to be displayed while the user is viewing a content item are selected based at least in part on matching a referral label included in the target content item to a referral label in the advertisement. The referral label can also be used to manage referral-based revenue sharing among publishers.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computing apparatus is configured to automate the redemption of offers, such as manufacturer coupons, which require the purchase of specific items identified in the offers for their redemption. The computing apparatus is to store offers in connection with accounts of users (e.g., credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards). When the accounts are used to make purchases, the authorization response messages from the transaction handler may include indicators to request purchase details, if the corresponding accounts have associated offers pending for redemption. When the purchase details show that the users have made the purchases required for the redemption of the offers, the benefits of the offers are provided to the accounts of the users via statement credits. Optional email or mobile alerts may be provided to the users to report the automated redemption of the offers.

Abstract: A method of rewarding loyalty of a user may include providing a personal terminal to the user, detecting whether the personal terminal is within proximity of an interaction terminal, and based at least in part on the proximity of the personal terminal to the interaction terminal, providing a benefit to the user.

Abstract: A communication system with client devices in communication with at least one communication network. User data stores are also in communication with the communications network and store user data of users using respective ones of the client devices. Offer data stores also in communication with the communications network store offers from merchants. A narrowcasting engine includes an active data gathering module to collect the user data, and an active learning module to generate a user profile based on the user data. The communication engine selects dynamically offers from the offer data store based on the profile, and communicates the selected offers in the offer data store to the users.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for issuing and settling electronic coupons. A financial service host may receive authorization and settlement information, wherein the authorization and settlement information comprises an account number of the consumer. The account number may be linked to an account of the consumer enrolled in an electronic coupon program. The methods and system may also include transmitting a notification to the consumer that indicates the electronic coupon has been redeemed. A monetary value associated with the electronic coupon may be debited from an account linked to the merchant, and the account of the consumer may be credited with the monetary value associated with the electronic coupon.

Abstract: In particular, systems and methods are provided for delivering a discount using a partner-issued currency or a combination of virtual currency and partner-issued currency. Inventive systems and methods offer a high-perceived savings value to an end-user while maintaining the perception of product value. Further, systems and methods for providing a discount are described which impose little or no cost on the service or product provider. An embodiment of an inventive method includes presenting a display of a price paid by a consumer without access to the virtual currency along with a display of an amount payable by the end-user in actual currency in combination with an amount payable in a combination of actual partner-issued currency, a combination of virtual currency and partner-issued currency or a combination of actual currency, virtual currency and partner-issued currency by an end-user of an inventive system.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for facilitating the redemption of affinity reward points as political contributions are disclosed. In an aspect, “points” or “miles” created through various existing affinity programs prevalent in the credit card and airline industries can be redeemed as political donations. Typically, such reward, award or bonus “points” or “miles” have been redeemed for free or discounted rewards such as airline tickets, hotel room stays, restaurant vouchers or other goods and services. However, millions of vested affinity points or miles are left unused (i.e., unredeemed). The present invention allows a consumer who holds such points or miles to link to a political campaign, political party or political action committee allowing excess points to be converted into cash donations to such political campaigns, political parties or political action committees.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to methods, apparatuses, and articles associated with mutually supportive social networking and online advertising. In embodiments, a method may include facilitating a user of a social network in interacting with social media contributed by other users. The user's interaction may be monitored, and the user may be credited with participation credits. The method may further include facilitating setting up a product sample offering program on the social network, by an online advertiser, to offer samples of a product for redemption by users of the social network, using participation credits, and administering the product sample offering program accordingly. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for processing and display content. Web page data for a first web page is received from a remote system, wherein the web page is to be displayed on a terminal associated with a user. An automatic identification is performed of a first content in the first web page data. A user-defined profile is accessed. A second content is automatically selected based at least in part on the user profile. The first content is replaced with the second content so that if the first web page is displayed on the terminal associated with the user, the second content is displayed and the first content is not displayed.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computing apparatus includes: a transaction handler configured to process payment transactions between issuer processors on behalf of account holders and acquirer processors on behalf of merchants; a data warehouse configured to store transaction data recording the payment transactions; a gateway to register structured personal financial assessments of account holders; and a matching engine configured to identify, based at least in part on the transaction data and the structured personal financial assessments, users who are in need of tax credits from a plurality of suppliers.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for redeeming virtual coupons by associating the coupons with consumers' credit cards for redemption. In disclosed methods, coupon databases are associated with consumers and associated with the consumers' credit cards. Coupon offers are stored in the coupon databases and are redeemed by consumers by the use of the credit cards that are associated with the consumers' coupon databases.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing community rewards. For example, systems and methods are provided for: (1) accessing transaction data associated with a particular financial institution; (2) determining a threshold; (3) identifying from the transaction data a group of transactions associated with a predefined community and time period; (4) aggregating a particular aspect of the group of transactions associated with the predefined community to determine a community total; and (5) determining that a reward should be provided to the community based on a comparison of the community total and the threshold. In some embodiments, the predefined community is defined at least in part by a particular one or more merchants.

Abstract: In particular, systems and methods are provided for delivering a discount using a virtual currency. Inventive systems and methods offer a high perceived savings value to an end-user while maintaining the perception of product value. Further, systems and methods for providing a discount are described which impose little or no cost on the service or product provider. An embodiment of an inventive method includes presenting a display of a price paid by a consumer without access to the virtual currency along with a display of an amount payable by the end-user in actual currency in combination with an amount payable in virtual currency by an end-user of an inventive system. The end-user perceives a benefit to using the virtual currency since the price paid in actual currency is less than the displayed price to be paid by a consumer without access to the virtual currency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically providing digital incentives post-settlement or post-transaction for electronic payment card accounts at the financial institution level.

Abstract: An advertised incentive system receives advertised incentive configuration information provided by a merchant. The advertised incentive configuration information defines the content of advertised incentive banners. The advertised incentive banners are provided as needed to merchants to display on the merchant's website. Advertised incentive registration information is received from an account holder after the account holder interacts with the advertised incentive banner. Transaction information is received that contains a qualified purchase made by the account holder. The advertised incentive registration and the qualified purchase are matched. A statement credit is issued against the account holder's account and a debit is issued against the merchant's account in the amount of the statement credit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically preparing a client communication pertaining to a financial product for a client, wherein the client communication is for combined use with a corresponding host vehicle. The method comprises providing a format for the client communication wherein the communication format includes a variable portion; inputting into a computer-accessible storage medium variable information other than a client identification; inputting into the storage medium decision information; and using the decision information to select a subset of the variable information for inclusion in a variable portion of the client communication corresponding to the variable portion of the client communication format.

Abstract: An electronic fund transfer system that provides vital marketing information to participating merchants and purchasing records to customers while offering the most efficient and effective system to deliver the best terms and conditions for the products and services requested by customers. The system includes an electronic funds transfer card that can be used as a debit or charge card to purchase goods and services. At checkout, the system operates invisibly to the consumer and the cashier. Approval of the transaction operates similarly to a conventional debit card or credit card. All discounts are managed by the data clearinghouse which receives consumer data and merchant data. The clearinghouse communicates with the financial institution and forwards a statement which displays the accumulated discounts to the consumer.

Abstract: In particular, systems and methods are provided for delivering a discount using a virtual currency. Inventive systems and methods offer a high perceived savings value to an end-user while maintaining the perception of product value. Further, systems and methods for providing a discount are described which impose little or no cost on the service or product provider. An embodiment of an inventive method includes presenting a display of a price paid by a consumer without access to the virtual currency along with a display of an amount payable by the end-user in actual currency in combination with an amount payable in virtual currency by an end-user of an inventive system. The end-user perceives a benefit to using the virtual currency since the price paid in actual currency is less than the displayed price to be paid by a consumer without access to the virtual currency.

Abstract: In particular, systems and methods are provided for delivering a discount using a combination of virtual currency and partner-issued currency. Inventive systems and methods offer a high-perceived savings value to an end-user while maintaining the perception of product value. Further, systems and methods for providing a discount are described which impose little or no cost on the service or product provider. An embodiment of an inventive method includes presenting a display of a price paid by a consumer without access to the virtual currency along with a display of an amount payable by the end-user in actual currency in combination with an amount payable in a combination of virtual currency and partner-issued currency.

Abstract: A method of processing data on a server computer is disclosed. The method includes receiving data at the server computer, the data including a first data string including one or more wildcard values. The first data string is specifically associated with a customer, and the one or more wildcard values are associated with the purchase transaction. The method also includes comparing the first data string to a second data string by the server computer, and providing an output to the consumer based on the comparison.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sharing advertisement payment revenues with users of a search engine, as well as other user content recipients are disclosed. A user's general profile is established by tracking usage of the system by the user. The user general profiles are used to better target advertisements and enhance suitability of search results. User participation in establishing a comprehensive profile is encouraged by providing monetary or other types of incentives based upon a user's search engine usage and responses to served advertisements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that is wholly compatible with money and is usable for providing liquidity in a marketplace. The management system of the present invention uses standardized value claims in an administrative process to provide a source for settlement of obligations between parties and to extend the period in which cash is needed as a tool for commerce. This means of exchange can be established and used to introduce tools to have the circulation inside the management system or region optimized.

Abstract: This invention relates to advertising in a mobile handheld devices with voice telephony capabilities by partly transferring the control over certain functions in the device, such as the selection of wallpaper, screensaver or gadgets, from the user to another party for example the phone network operator, advertisers and companies reselling advertising space, with a possible direct interaction with the billing system of the phone operator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for determining, recommending, and/or executing a payment strategy for offsetting liabilities and/or attributing rewards. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided for transferring offsetting funds from a first account to a second account. In such embodiments, the method includes: (1) determining that the second account has incurred a liability; and (2) transferring funds from the first account to the second account in an amount sufficient to offset the liability. In some embodiments, the determining step automatically triggers the transferring step, either immediately, nearly immediately, or sometime after the occurrence of the determining step.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to assisting credit account holders during economic hardship. More specifically, aspects of the disclosure relate to systems and methods for providing a rebate of at least a portion of a finance charge applied to a credit account. Unlike certain prior art systems and methods, embodiments disclosed herein may benefit both the credit account holder as well as the financial institution that extends the credit account. In one embodiment, it may be determined that several credit accounts meet a threshold of probability of having a charge-off. In certain embodiments, the number of accounts that receive a rebate may be limited to a certain percentage of credit accounts with a non-zero balance.

Abstract: A system and method for managing, distributing, and processing promotional offers is provided. The system includes at least one consumer interface that enables communication between the promotional offer processing system and a plurality of consumers; a consumer information database for storing consumer data for a plurality of consumer profiles; an offer catalog having a plurality of offers; a product catalog having product codes corresponding to products associated with each of the accepted offers; and an offer management module.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an electronic device is adapted to receive and upload digital credits for later application as part of payment for purchases at particular retailer. The electronic device comprises a memory to store an incoming credit email message, and a processor that, in response to receipt of the credit email message and selection of a link contained on the credit email message, establishes communication with a storage area remote from the electronic device in order to upload a digital credit into an account of a registered user using the electronic device. The storage area is accessible by a plurality of retailers to allow the retailers, when the registered user of the electronic device is present at the retailer, to fetch and apply the digital credit to purchases at the retailer.

Abstract: An advertiser distributes advertisements to a consumer. Subsequently, a computing system associated with the advertiser receives reward requests from the consumers when the consumers have consumed the advertisements and from participating merchants when the consumers perform transactions with the participating merchants. In response to receiving the reward requests, monetary rewards are credited to rewards accounts. The rewards accounts exclusively contain money from monetary rewards credited to the rewards accounts by the advertiser. The consumers are able to use money in the rewards accounts for purchases from participating merchants and non-participating merchants. By providing monetary rewards for consuming advertisements, the consumer is incentivized to consume the advertisements. In other words, the consumer is able to build a balance in the rewards account by consuming advertisements.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that includes receiving a request for a transaction from a customer at a seller server system via an electronic-commerce website and identifying a customer account stored at the seller server system based on an identity of the customer. A plurality of financial instruments is associated with the customer account. The plurality of financial instruments has a customer-specific sequence including at least a first financial instrument pre-selected by the customer and a second financial instrument. The method includes automatically attempting to collect a particular payment associated with the transaction from a first financial service provider corresponding to the first financial instrument and automatically attempting to collect the particular payment from a second financial service provider corresponding to the second financial instrument in response to data received at the seller server system indicating a denial of the payment.

Abstract: Systems for providing digital incentives or financial offsets including a financial platform operable on web-based platform including a server computer and at least one database in electronic, digital communication over a network, the financial platform operable for financial services transactions; providing a database of profile data for the at least one user; a digital incentive program for stimulating financial transactions by at least one user, the digital incentive program including profile factors from the profile data of the at least one user; at least one electronic digital incentive being automatically offered to at least one user, the at least one digital incentive available for a redemption by each of the users, wherein the digital incentive has an electronic financial transaction value available for the redemption on any electronic financial transaction media, and wherein the redemption of the electronic financial transaction value of the digital incentive does not occur at a merchant level of the

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing digital incentives or financial offsets including the steps of: providing a financial platform operable on a server computer and at least one database in electronic, digital communication over a network, the financial platform operable for financial services transactions; providing a database of profile data for the at least one user; developing a digital incentive program for stimulating financial transactions by at least one user, the digital incentive program including profile factors from the profile data of the at least one user; automatically providing at least one digital incentive to corresponding of the at least one user, the at least one digital incentive available for a redemption by each of the users, wherein the digital incentive has an electronic financial transaction value available for the redemption on any electronic financial transaction media, and wherein the redemption of the electronic financial transaction value of the digital incentive does not occur at

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a financial account. The disclosed systems and methods may include providing a financial account offer to a customer. The disclosed systems and methods may also include receiving en acceptance of the offer, providing the financial account, setting an account variable equal to a first account value, and monitoring the financial account. The monitoring may further comprise resetting the account variable equal to a second account value when a number of purchase transactions corresponding to a currently monitored time period are less than a threshold value. Furthermore, the account variable may be reset equal to a third account value when the number of purchase transactions corresponding to the currently monitored time period are greater than or equal to the threshold value and a number of purchase transactions corresponding to the previous time period were less than the threshold value.

Abstract: Methods, computer readable media, and apparatuses for measuring, calculating, analyzing, and using account level profitability metrics are presented. Various statistics may be collected and compiled into a table, and profitability of one or more financial accounts may be determined at the account level. A prediction model may be created and used to determine the probability of an early balance payoff. An account-level liquidity surcharge may be imposed in anticipation of or as a result of an early balance payoff. Financial accounts may be classified on a variety of bases, and the results may be presented in a report.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system includes a transaction handler, a data warehouse to store transaction data recording transactions processed at the transaction handler and to store account data identifying an account of the user, and a portal to receive a user selection of a first portion of an advertisement and, in response, to present a user interface. The advertisement provides an offer and includes a second portion which when selected directs the user to a website of an advertiser. The data warehouse is to store data associating the offer with the account data of the user in response to a request made in the user interface. The system is to monitor transactions processed at the transaction handler to identify a purchase paid via the account and eligible for the redemption of the offer. The transaction handler is to provide statement credits to the user, if the payment transaction is identified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the balance of a consumer or educational loan obligation using a loyalty reward program is disclosed. Loan obligors can reduce the balances of their loan obligations by purchasing consumer goods and services that they would normally purchase. The method essentially comprises the steps of (a) establishing a site on a global computer network; (b) recognizing at least certain users of the site; (c) directing the recognized users to merchants; (d) enabling accumulation of loyalty points by the recognized users based upon purchases from the merchants; (e) monitoring the purchases by the recognized users from the merchants; (f) tracking the accumulated loyalty points; and (g) permitting selective redemption of the accumulated loyalty points. Users of the site are recognized by requiring them to provide initial registration information. Accumulated loyalty points may be categorized with a status of “pending” or a status of “earned.