Abstract: A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns reward points from a plurality of independent reward points issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned reward points in a user reward point account stored on a multi-function card (such as a frequent flyer account or a credit card loyalty account). The multi-function card is adapted to aggregate some or all of the user's earned reward points from the reward accounts and credit the aggregated points into a single reward exchange account on the multi-function card. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated reward points from the multi-function card. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the reward points from the multi-function card.

Abstract: An online reward exchange system and method, with an exchange computer that interoperates with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting via a user computer, merchant's point of sale device, or mobile device an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant. The exchange computer is the gateway to the system and manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points he has available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the merchant providing the product to the user.

Abstract: A method of operating a data collection and analysis system. An exchange computer receives customer identification data associated with a customer. A quantitative analysis algorithm determines whether the exchange computer has received an amount of customer identification data sufficient for the customer to be uniquely identified, and if so, then a linking service computer or a plurality of remote database computers perform a qualitative analysis algorithm with the customer identification data to determine if the customer identification data is sufficient for the customer to be uniquely identified. If the qualitative analysis algorithm passes, then customer information may be retrieved from the remote databases and collated and analyzed at the exchange computer. The customer may automatically register with reward programs using already-entered user information. A data analysis embodiment enables offers to be generated that are tailored towards specific users.

Abstract: A user selects a product to be liquidated from a product provider and then designates to the transacting entity that reward points are to be used towards the purchase of the liquidated product. The transacting entity acts to decrease the number of reward points in the user's reward account by the required number of points. The reward account holder conveys consideration to the transacting entity equivalent to the par value of the reward points consumer obtains the product in exchange for reward points having a retail value equivalent to what he would have otherwise paid for the product, while the reward account holder is required to convey only the par value of the points. The product provider is able to liquidate the product and obtain payment equivalent to what it would otherwise have obtained in a prior art liquidation process, auction or trading environment.

Abstract: The performance of obligations is facilitated with respect to a discount received via a loyalty program. For example, the performance of the obligations can be facilitated via: managing information regarding the obligation of a user of the loyalty program; determining a path to satisfaction of the obligation based on a location of a mobile device associated with the user; and producing a notification regarding fulfillment of the obligation based on the path.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for administering a rewards program in which points are earned by both shopping and social media activity. The rewards program preferably includes real-time earning of points and real-time price reductions. In certain aspects, the invention provides a method of influencing consumer behavior that includes using a computer system for giving consumers reward points for performing activities that include both online shopping and online brand promotion, offering the consumers a discount on a purchase, and—for each consumer that accepts the offer—depleting that consumer's reward points by an amount.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for administering a rewards program in which a discount is offered to participants, and in which individuals redeem earned points at a personalized redemption rate. Points are earned by both shopping and social media activity. The personalized redemption rate is determined according to the activity of a user. The rewards program preferably includes real-time earning of points and real-time price reductions. In certain aspects, the invention provides a method of influencing consumer behavior that includes using a computer system for giving consumers reward points for performing activities, determining a redemption rate for each consumer, offering the consumers a discount on a purchase, and—for each consumer that accepts the offer—depleting that consumer's reward points by an amount inversely proportional to that consumer's redemption rate.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for administering a rewards program in which points are earned by both shopping and online promotional activity. The rewards program preferably includes real-time earning of points and real-time price reductions. In certain aspects, the invention provides a method of influencing consumer behavior that includes using a computer system for giving consumers reward points for performing activities that include both online shopping and online brand promotion, offering the consumers a discount on a purchase, and—for each consumer that accepts the offer—depleting that consumer's reward points by an amount.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for administration of a customer loyalty program at a point of sale terminal. The system, in one embodiment, contains a database of customer records for the loyalty program where each customer record contains information about a customer's payment device and information about a customer's mobile device. The system may locate a customer record in a database based on payment device or mobile device information captured at the point of sale terminal and apply any applicable loyalty program discounts. The system may then forward the payment device information to a third-party payment processor for payment processing. The system may print out a receipt at the point of sale terminal indicating any discounts and containing a promotional message. The system may also send a promotional message to the customer's mobile device using the mobile device information stored in the customer's record.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for providing dynamic group-based retail events in an m commerce platform. The method includes registering merchant-users and consumer-users, receiving a merchant profile, defining a group of consumer-users, wherein the group is time-limited and geographically limited, obtaining consent from a merchant-user to market and advertise an item to the group, determining a offer price for said item, generating an advertisement to present said offer price to each consumer-user of the group, transmitting said advertisement over a network for a predetermined period of time for each consumer-user of the group to review, receiving an acceptance of the offer price for the item, generating a redeemable voucher having a unique transaction identification and a scannable code and accepting the redeemable voucher.

Abstract: A method of and system for providing an incentive program for conserving a consumable resource such as electricity, natural gas, oil, air or water. The present invention monitors utilization of the resource at a location, and then determines a type and quantity of variable resource points to be provided to an account associated with the location or with a participant by analyzing the monitored resource utilization with respect to a plurality of varying conditions (time-variant, location-variant, cost-variant etc.). These conditions may be independent or interdependent; these relationships will be incorporated into the calculations resulting in the award of the type and quantity of resource points determined by the Program. The resource points are then stored in an account associated with the location or with a participant for future use.

Abstract: A system and method to provide a universal loyalty currency, facilitate exchange of loyalty benefits, and allow payments using loyalty benefits. A method includes: receiving registration information to associate account information of a payment account with at least one loyalty account to enable conversion of first loyalty benefits to second loyalty benefits; receiving, for a transaction, an authorization request identifying the account information and requesting the use of the second loyalty benefits to fund at least a portion of the transaction; and processing the transaction using the second benefits converted from the first loyalty benefits hosted in the loyalty account and funds from the payment account.

Abstract: A fuel-based consumer reward and loyalty space system and method in which a consumer can earn points towards a reward card with a predetermined dollar balance to be used to purchase fuel at the gasoline brand of their choice. The merchant can set up predetermined categories, or no categories at all, in which to allow a consumer frequenting the merchant to earn loyalty points. The consumer uses a loyalty token at the register to identify themselves and earn points upon purchasing products, with the point value set by the merchant. The points earned from each purchase are added to the consumer's account, stored in a database. Points are aggregated in the consumer's account across all participating merchants. Once the consumer's points reach a predetermined amount, such as 2,550 points, the consumer is automatically awarded a reward card with a predetermined reward amount added to the card.

Abstract: A system for a user making a donation to a third party by redeeming reward points, including an issuing bank computer storing a user credit/debit card account and a user reward point account, and a funds processor programmed to send a web page to a user device querying the user if a donation should be made to a third party, receive a donation request from the user device to be funded by redeeming reward points; process the donation request with the issuing bank computer by requesting it to redeem reward points in order to fund the donation by reducing the number of reward points in the user reward point account, and providing payment to the funds processor of a monetary value corresponding to the reward points reduced; and convey the monetary value to an account associated with the third party.

Abstract: Described herein are an automatic package delivery and retrieval apparatus, system and method. The automatic package delivery and retrieval includes a Package Delivery Kiosk (PDK), associated front end and back end package delivery management systems, portals for the consumer and the retailer, portals for the common carrier, sender, and recipient, a package inventory management system, integrated retailer access, a real and automated retailer bidding system and a kiosk for distribution. In one embodiment, a system for automated package retrieval and delivery includes a kiosk, package retrieval apparatus, and various computing systems for running the systems. A method for providing packages to customers includes providing a notification with a code to a user that a package is available for retrieval. The method includes storing a package in the kiosk. The method further includes receiving the code from a user at the kiosk and retrieving the package with the automatic retrieval mechanism.

Abstract: A money transfer system provided in connection with a loyalty program where the loyalty program members are assigned a loyalty identifier. The system includes point of entry ports to communicate transaction information with points of entry; a promotion database, a customer database, a pricing database, an analytics port to communicate marketing information with a marketing analytics system and a transaction processing system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for recommending payment vehicles for a transaction on a product-by-product basis based on available rewards for each product. In this way, the customer may complete a transaction with a merchant using a temporary line of credit. The invention may then apply individual products of the transaction to different recommended payment vehicles based on the maximum rewards each product may receive if applied to that payment vehicle. Once each product of the transaction has been reassigned to a recommended payment vehicle, the temporary line of credit may be terminated.

Abstract: A system for facilitating reward selection and redemption for a loyalty program is disclosed. The system includes a point-of-sale (POS) device that is capable of monitoring and processing a reward redemption. The POS device informs a participant of the loyalty program as to what rewards are available for redemption. The participant is given an opportunity by the POS device to select the desired reward for redemption. Alternatively, the POS device allows the participant to defer redemption of the available rewards.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining charges for parcels requested by users for delivery to attended delivery/pickup locations. In various embodiments, the system is configured for determining a charge based at least in part on user information, which may include, for example, a frequency with which a user requests delivery to the attended delivery/pickup location, a loyalty of the user to a particular common carrier, purchases made by the user at a brick-and-mortar retail location associated with the attended delivery/pickup location, purchases made by the user at an online retail website that the user elects to have delivered to the attended delivery/pickup location, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for facilitating consistent application of price polices on every sales transaction supported through a customer relationship management system, in order to identify price exceptions in violation of stated corporate pricing objectives. Having such capabilities coupled with a customer relationship management system enables embodiments of the present invention to reduce the time to identify and evaluate price exceptions that impact revenue and margin. Agents responsible for sales interaction with customers can immediately identify violations of price policies. Those responsible for authorizing exceptions can easily determine the effect of those exceptions upon impacted markets.

Abstract: A transaction aggregator aggregates a plurality of transaction account charges for a user transaction account. The transaction charges are received from merchants for acquisitions made by a user. The user is offered an option to make at least a partial payment to the user transaction account by redeeming rewards from at least one user reward account associated with a rewards issuer. A reward redemption instruction is received from the user, the reward redemption instruction designating the redemption of rewards from at least one user reward account. The user reward account(s) designated by the user is caused to redeem the rewards by decreasing the rewards in the user reward account and conveying corresponding consideration to the transaction aggregator. A credit is provided on the user transaction account for an amount corresponding to the value of the rewards decreased in the user reward account(s).

Abstract: A campaign offers and rewards system includes an offer serving engine that provides offers or rewards. An analytics engine, with data intelligence, identifies receipt line items and ties the line items, including uniform price code (“UPC”), stock keeping unit (“SKU”) or product short name from different receipts to create a list of products and services not matched to advertisers. A redemption engine is in communication with a database that includes a reward budget. The redemption engine assists in controlling the redemption of rewards in view of the reward budget and in response to a communication from the analytics engine.

Abstract: A campaign offers and rewards system includes a receipt intelligence engine with receipt processing that extracts information from a receipt, including information about items purchased based on a receipt from at least one of a shopping trip and an electronic receipt from an online or offline transaction. An analytics engine includes data intelligence coupled to the receipt processing and performs analysis of the receipt. The system is configured to be coupled to a mobile device.

Abstract: A campaign offers and rewards system is provided. A receipt intelligence engine includes receipt processing that in operation extracts information about items purchased based on an image of a receipt from at least one of a shopping trip and an electronic receipt from an online or offline transaction. An analytics engine includes data intelligence coupled to the receipt processing and performs analysis of the receipt. In response to processing and analysis, an offer is then sold.

Abstract: A method of providing rewards to a user by storing, in a portable computing device, user profile data which may be accessed by a merchant terminal. A merchant terminal interacts with the portable computing device by accessing the user profile data from the portable computing device, and providing the user with a reward in accordance with the user profile data accessed by the merchant terminal, wherein the merchant terminal provides a relatively greater reward to the user when relatively more user profile data is accessed by the merchant terminal and a relatively lesser reward to the user when relatively less data is accessed by the merchant terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a card-less reward system providing buyers with promotional offers and engendering buyers to be rewarded by submitting receipts obtained from sellers. A method for rewarding the buyers comprises providing to a buyer a list of promotional offers for a product or service of at least one seller, allowing the buyer to accept electronically at least one promotional offer, and allowing the buyer to submit a digital image of at least one receipt obtained from the seller, which offered the accepted promotional offer. The method further comprises processing received image to retrieve purchase data, and rewarding the buyer in response to the retrieved purchase data.

Abstract: A point of sale tax reporting system including a smart tax register located at a retailer location. The retailer smart register processes consumer transactions and calculates the amount of sales tax due the retailer by the consumer for each transaction. After the sales tax is paid to the retailer by the consumer, the register either immediately or periodically forwards the amount of the transaction and the amount of sales tax collected by the retailer to a computer and memory located at a remote location, such as a state government taxing authority.

Abstract: Methods and systems that record the location of a user and transmit targeted content to a user based upon their current and past location. A network is configured to include a server programmed with a database of targeted content, a database of location information, a database of user information, a database searching algorithm, and a wireless communication system capable of communicating with the user's mobile device. The location of the mobile device is ascertained and recorded. Targeted content may be sent to the mobile device of the user and whether the user visits the physical locations associated with the targeted content is monitored. Once it is verified that the user has visited the physical location, then any associated promotional offers may be authorized. Payment systems, phone exchange systems, and other features may also be integrated to provide detailed conversion tracking to producers of targeted content and business owners.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for providing a price match loyalty program at a retail location. For example, the price match loyalty program can be provided by a fuel station chain as an incentive to its customers by ensuring that the fuel at each station of the chain is at least as inexpensive as at other competitors in the area. The price match loyalty program can be offered for gasoline, diesel, natural gas, biofuels, or any other type of fuel. The price match loyalty program can also be offered for goods other than fuel.

Abstract: A graphical user interface includes a conversion option to convert quantities of loyalty points of a loyalty program of an entity into different loyalty points of a different loyalty program of a commerce partner. The different loyalty points are accepted by a commerce partner as at least partial payment for commerce partner services provided by the commerce partner as part of the different loyalty program. The commerce partner does not accept the loyalty points as payment for commerce partner services, at least without requiring the loyalty points be first converted to different loyalty points. Responsive to a received selection of the conversion option, a computer presents within a user interface a quantity of available different loyalty points for use as payment for the commerce partner services. The quantity of available different loyalty points results from converting the subset of loyalty points into the quantity of available different loyalty points.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for alternative means for rewards distribution in a purchase offer and rewards program, such as a cash-back merchant offer program implemented by a financial institution. In present embodiments of the invention, rewards distribution is not limited to accounts held at the entity implementing the purchase offer and rewards program, but rather, rewards may be applied to accounts that are external from the entity implementing the purchase offer and rewards program. Further, rewards distribution is not limited to accounts held by the customer, but rather, rewards may be applied to accounts, both internal and/or external, held by individuals or entities other than the customer. In addition, rewards distribution may provide for the rewards to be applied to an account associated with a pre-paid credit card or the like.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a system, method and computer program for enabling local or regional merchants to participate in an automated cause marketing (ACM) program. The ACM program that may provide benefits to several parties involved in fundraising for one or more supported organizations, including one or more supported organizations, advertising providers, merchants, and individuals. Merchants are able to access enhanced analytics regarding their transactions with members and non-members of the ACM program and can use these registration enhanced analytics to realize an increased number of or revenue from transactions with members. The present invention also teaches a system and method for enabling advertising providers to acquire and analyze data associated with consumers-merchant transactions. The present invention provides the above advantages optimally using a mobile device.

Abstract: Method for a cheating-proof user experience based loyalty program and a computer program product for assigning loyalty points to users.

Abstract: The systems are generally configured to provide rewards. The systems are capable of syncing transaction accounts with one or more reward programs and one or more channels. Moreover, the systems are capable dynamically provisioning rewards in one or more subsets to a rewards program to distribute high, medium and low value rewards to a reward program throughout the duration of the program.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns rewards from a plurality of independent reward issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned rewards. A trading server accumulates some or all of the user's earned rewards from the reward servers and credits the accumulated points rewards into a single reward exchange account associated with the user. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated rewards. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the rewards. Reward points may also be redeemed in exchange for services, such as the playing of a video game or Internet access.

Abstract: Systems and methods configured with a user interface to allow a user to request automated periodic offers that provide benefits to the consumer account of the user in exchange for a loyalty currency (e.g., loyalty points) the user has earned.

Abstract: A technique for administering a rebate program includes logic for generating rebate information based the purchase of goods and/or services using a card instrument. The technique further includes logic for applying a rebate, based on the rebate information, to fund at least part of a transaction performed by an brokerage service. In one embodiment, the brokerage service charges a fee to perform the transaction. In this case, the rebate is used to fund at least part of the transaction fee. The rebate therefore entitles the cardholder to perform a transaction free of charge. The rebate thus is converted to one or more “free transactions,” and in a more specific application, one or more “free trades.

Abstract: A method of comparing reward programs is provided. The method comprises retrieving reward program benefit rules of use for a least one card from a first computing device, creating a user profile at a second computing device, calculating a cash value for each credit card of the at least one credit card, according to the user profile and the reward program benefit rules of each credit card, and displaying the cash value. The user profile comprises a user's card information and a user's desired usage of the user's at least one credit card.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable media are described for facilitating management of vendor offers. In one embodiment, a loyalty card, or portion thereof, is presented, the loyalty card having a plurality of loyalty portions associated with a vendor that indicate loyalty of a user based on interaction with the vendor. Subsequently, an indication to fulfill one of the loyalty portions provided on the loyalty card is received. Upon fulfilling one of the loyalty portions, an indication that one of the loyalty portions is completed is provided. In one embodiment, the vendor is a school or a non-profit organization.

Abstract: A system and method for implementation of product searches via a search engine over a networked computer system such as the Internet. In particular, a user may execute a search for product offers that are accompanied with reward components (e.g. reward points, rebates, coupons, etc.) and/or those that allow payment in whole or in part with payment components (e.g. reward points, rebates, coupons, etc.).

Abstract: A check verification system and method that (a) uses a customer's check ID as a unique identification code, (b) stores customer information in a local customer database for that store. Each customer is assigned one of three check verification statuses: POSITIVE, NEGATIVE, and CAUTION. The CAUTION status is assigned to first time customers, and the customer is automatically converted to a POSITIVE status if the customer's initial check(s) clears—those customers who achieve a POSITIVE status, but stop frequenting the store can be reset to the CAUTION status. In addition, a CALL MANAGER conditional check verification response may be returned for those customers with a POSITIVE status but who attempt a check transaction that meets certain predetermined transactional criteria (such as check frequency or dollar amount). A multiple-store architecture can be used in which each store has a local customer database, and in which global customer information is communicated between the stores as preselected intervals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selling a combination of travel tickets and consumer items to customers and, in particular, for selling international travel tickets and duty free items to international travelers. By acquiring surplus international travel tickets in bulk at discounted prices and by selling the duty free items in a way which avoids the overhead typically associated with such sales, the selling merchant is able to offer the combination of an international travel ticket and a duty free item to a consumer at a price below what the consumer would pay if the consumer separately acquired the ticket and duty free item from third parties. In one implementation, the selling merchant offers the consumer a free duty free item upon purchase of an international travel ticket, or vice versa. In a preferred embodiment, both the consumer and the selling merchant employ computers communicating over a computer network to carry out the inventive method.

Abstract: An item may be purchased using a combination of rewards and monetary consideration, wherein a maximum allowable reward payment portion (or correspondingly a minimum monetary consideration amount) is established by the merchant, the reward issuer, or an online reward exchange operator. The user may select, using for example a user interface slider control, the desired number of rewards to redeem (up to the maximum allowable amount) and the corresponding monetary consideration portion is displayed. The transaction may then be executed wherein the selected rewards are redeemed and the balance is paid for with the corresponding monetary consideration.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus and methods for collecting and manipulating transaction data. For example, presented herein is an apparatus including: a first I/O port; a second I/O port of a same type as the first I/O port, wherein the second I/O port is connected to the first I/O port such that data passed into the first I/O port is allowed to pass through the apparatus to the second I/O port unimpeded in at least a first operating mode; a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to: collect information passed from a first computing device connected to the first I/O port to a second computing device connected to the second I/O port, identify, from the information, transaction data; and provide, to a third computing device, the transaction data.

Abstract: A method comprises: (a) receiving from a mobile device (MD) a first list identifying an item and a store list identifying a store. The first list of items at each store represents a basket; (b) for each store, performing in a computer remote from the MD a comparison calculation among baskets. The calculation is performed at the category or lower level, identifying a combination of commercial substitutes or at least SKU's, corresponding to items in the basket, that best satisfies the comparison calculation for each basket; (c) after step (b), receiving from a computer implemented direct marketing campaign management system, a retail incentive offer; and (d) after step (c), transmitting to the MD identification of a recommended store, or a second list containing a set of respective SKU level descriptors that best satisfy the comparison calculation for the basket, and results corresponding to the baskets for the other store.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic transaction system that facilitates electronic transactions where one or more initial transactions and one or more subsequent transactions are carried out. The subsequent transactor accrues a certain amount of credit based on the value and/or nature of the subsequent transaction. The subsequent transactor must then allocate the accrued credit to an initial transactor or initial transaction, or this may be carried out automatically for them to random initial transactors. In return, the initial transactor may accrue further credit in an even more subsequent transaction, and allocate it to the subsequent transactor, thereby repaying the favour.

Abstract: A system for managing coupon redemption and prioritization is provided. According to one aspect of the system, the system allows an electronic coupon or reward to be redeemed a specific number of times. The specific number of times may range from one to infinity. According to another aspect of the system, the system automatically resolves any redemption conflict associated with the concurrent redemption of electronic coupon(s) and paper-based coupon(s) by using certain predefined rules and logic.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for associating a gift card with a financial account and converting the gift card to rewards points. An exemplary apparatus is configured to: receive information associated with a gift card, the gift card being associated with a merchant; associate the gift card with an account; enable selection of an option to an option to convert the gift card to rewards points; and convert the gift card to the rewards points based at least partially on the user selecting the option to convert the gift card to the rewards points.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated reservations system for use with a frequent flyer account or other similar awards account. The automated reservations system initially authenticates customers utilizing one or more forms of identification. The customer is then prompted to provide travel itinerary information to the reservations system by a series of voice prompt menus. Utilizing the customer-entered itinerary information, the automated reservations system queries a flight information database to determine if the requested itinerary is available. The automated reservations system then determines if the customer has the required amount of frequent flyer miles to book the requested itinerary. If the customer has the required amount of frequent flyer miles, the automated reservations system allows the customer to either ticket or hold the requested itinerary. The automated reservations system is also capable of assigning seats for each passenger in the customer's itinerary.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for facilitating loyalty and reward functionality in mobile commerce. In one embodiment, a method for providing a loyalty/reward program can include receiving an indication that a consumer has entered a predefined merchant location; transmitting a notification to a mobile device associated with the consumer; providing one or more payment tools on a mobile device for the consumer to facilitate a purchase from a merchant associated with the predefined merchant location; generating a loyalty/reward credit for an account associated with the consumer; and receiving an instruction from the consumer to redeem loyalty/reward credit for goods and/or service from the merchant.