Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for managing service provider loyalty programs. Loyalty program information associated with a service provider is generated. The loyalty program information defines a loyalty program. An electronic loyalty card based on the loyalty program is stored at the mobile device after enrollment of the mobile device. The loyalty program information associated with the loyalty card is enabled to be redeemed at a transaction location, and the loyalty program information is reconciled between the service provider and the mobile device.

Abstract: A network communications system is provided for operating a loyalty points or pre-paid value program. The system may include, but is not limited to, a retail device that provides machine-readable encoded information representing a uniform resource identifier and transaction information, and that receives redemption information from a customer device. The system may also include a remote server, that supports the loyalty points/pre-paid value program for many retailers. The server may be associated with the uniform resource identifier, and be configured to receive the transaction information from the customer device, and to transmit the redemption information to the customer device. The customer does not need to download any specific customer application to participate in the program.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media are provided for inducing customer loyalty that are configured to: identify a loyalty account associated with a consumer, wherein the loyalty account is part of as loyalty program established by a retailer, create a monetary account linked to the consumer's loyalty account, designate an amount of change from a cash transaction at the retailer to be deposited into the monetary account, deposit the amount of change into the monetary account by adding the designated amount of change to an existing balance of the monetary account to create a new balance, determine if the consumer is entitled to a reward based on the depositing of the designated amount of change into the monetary account and at least one threshold; and display to the consumer the outcome of the determining.

Abstract: Methods and systems for paying with loyalty currency at a merchant website by a user using a browser app are provided. The user is presented with the loyalty currency balance information based on the loyalty currency units available in the loyalty currency account. Thereafter, the user is presented with an option to pay for the purchase transaction using the loyalty currency. The user may select the option of paying for the purchase transaction using the loyalty currency, thereby redeeming the loyalty points.

Abstract: An online reward exchange system and method of operation, which includes an exchange computer that interoperates via a computer network with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant for the product. 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 mediate or 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, performed by a server, for incentivizing school performance includes receiving score information corresponding to a student from a first user terminal and adding score information to a student profile corresponding to the student in a database. A credit adjustment value is calculated based on the received score information and a new total number of credits stored in the student profile is set to a sum of the credit adjustment value and a total number of credits previously stored in the student profile. A request for merchant offer information corresponding to the student profile is received from a second user terminal. For at least one merchant, a respective merchant offer is generated according to at least a portion of the total number of credits set in the student profile and information corresponding to the merchant.

Abstract: A system loads, authenticates and uses a virtual smart card for payment of goods and/or services purchased on-line over the Internet. An online purchase and load (OPAL) server includes a virtual smart card data base that has a record of information for each smart card that it represents for a user at the behest of an issuer. The server includes a smart card emulator that emulates a smart card by using the card data base and a hardware security module. The emulator interacts with a pseudo card reader module in the server that imitates a physical card reader. The server also includes a client code module that interacts with the pseudo card reader and a remote payment or load server. A pass-through client terminal presents a user interface and passes information between the OPAL server and a merchant server, and between the OPAL server and a bank server.

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: Methods and systems for paying with loyalty currency at a store merchant by a user using a mobile app are provided. The user is presented with the loyalty currency balance information and one or more store merchants located in proximity of the user. The user may select a store merchant from the one or more store merchants. Thereafter, user is presented with one or more transaction rules associated with the selected store and an activation button for activating pay with points. The user may opt for activating pay with points for upcoming purchase transaction at the selected store based on the one or more transaction rules, thereby redeeming the loyalty currency.

Abstract: A computerized system and method that enables identifying the best payment currency for a product or service is disclosed. Payment currencies include cash, reward programs and the unit or currency in which reward programs are denominated, and combinations thereof. A single product search request initiates searches of multiple payment currencies. Availability, discounts, prices, comparable costs, net values and relative values are determined and/or calculated per each payment currency. Comparable cost, relative value, or other criteria, may be used to determine the best payment method, that is, the lowest cost in a common currency, such as cash. Determination of the best payment currency is accomplished in “real-time” and has an advantage of leveraging quantitative and qualitative analysis in its determination. In addition, the search may be personalized by adding information unique to each user.

Abstract: A system for combining a payment mechanism with an offer to a consumer is described. The system includes a virtual payment account number generation engine to generate virtual payment account numbers that can be used by a consumer in a payment transaction at a merchant, the virtual payment account number generation service also operable to take a portion of the virtual payment account number and send it as a checkout code to a consumer using the consumer's mobile device, and an offer generation engine used to set rules for an offer to be sent to consumers, create a fund for the offer, and determine individual consumer's eligibility for the offer. The offer is associated with the checkout code such that the offer is processed as part of the payment during the payment transaction using the virtual payment account number.

Abstract: A method and system for generating, collecting and redeeming reward points. The reward points are redeemable for local transportation services such as taxi transportation. Generation comprises providing a reward code in conjunction with a receipt or bill associated with a qualifying transaction. Reward points are collected by entering the reward code into a mobile device application. A remote server tracks the collection of reward points. Reward points are shareable between users via the mobile device application. Reward points are redeemable via the application.

Abstract: A system and method for converting a rebate sponsor's offer into an instant credit or price reduction against a follow-on purchase. Rebate requests are obtained at a site on the Internet. The rebate request is tested to confirm that the at least one predetermined criterion has been satisfied. The person making the rebate request is enabled to make the follow-on purchase, with the rebate being converted into the instant credit or price reduction against the total price of the follow-on purchase. The follow-on purchase transaction is completed by charging that person for the purchase. The credit or price reduction can be conditioned on at least one predetermined criterion such as amount being spent on the follow-on purchase, the vendor from which the follow-on purchase is being made, and other criteria. The credit or price reduction can be redeemed in parts across a series of follow-on purchase transactions. In another aspect of the invention, consumers are advised of rebate offers.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for distributing and redeeming manufacturer coupons for a product purchase in a retail environment. The data processing system of a retailer (hereinafter the loyalty coupon system) receives an electronic coupon from a manufacturer. The loyalty coupon system links the product to the inventory control system of the retail environment. The loyalty coupon system then targets the electronic coupon to customers that have subscribed to the loyalty coupon system. The coupon system provides for the communication of the product coupon directly to each subscribed customer on the list. Upon a customer selecting the coupon, the loyalty coupon system configures a customer reward. Upon the customer purchasing the product using their loyalty card, the loyalty coupon system disburses the customer reward at the point of sale. The manufacturer is billed for the redeemed coupon.

Abstract: The invention facilitates a loyalty system which is associated with pre-determined geographic locations and/or services and goods offered in a specific geographic area. The system is configured with one product platform with a modularized approach to facilitate the development of market specific rewards and communication materials. The loyalty points may be earned within a specific geographic location, then redeemed in one geographic location, a subset of locations or without restrictions. Similarly, the loyalty points may be earned in one geographic location, a subset of locations or without restrictions, then redeemed only in a specific geographic location. The geographic features of the system may be implemented using existing data that is associated with geographic areas such as, for example, zip codes, retailer identification codes, service establishment codes and/or the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products for providing an expedited presentment, registration, processing, and using offers and/or loyalty accounts at a point-of-transaction. The system may determine when a user is initiating a transaction at a point-of-transaction associated with a merchant. After the user has initiated the transaction, he/she may be presented with a detectable indicia at the point-of-transaction. An image of the indicia may be captured or scanned by the user via his/her user device. The captured indicia may provide the user with available offers and/or loyalty account or a communication link to receive available offers and/or loyalty accounts. Upon user selection, the available offers and/or loyalty accounts may be applied to the user's current transaction.

Abstract: Techniques are described for using loyalty program points and other non-monetary loyalty rewards from a first organization in a monetary manner at a distinct second organization, such as to acquire an item from a merchant at a cost that is reduced by a monetary amount based on the loyalty reward used. In some situations, the first organization programmatically interacts with a merchant to cause a gift certificate to be dynamically created for the merchant in an appropriate monetary amount, and later applies the gift certificate to reduce the cost of the item acquisition. In addition, in some situations such acquiring of items by a user from a merchant is performed based on interactions between the user and the merchant that are performed so as to appear to the user to be with the first organization and such that subsequent interactions continue between the user and the first organization.

Abstract: Methods and systems for benefits tracking and allocation are disclosed. One system includes a benefits server comprising a database including stored customer accounts associated with at least one member having at least one member server. The benefits server is configured to communicate with the at least one member server via a network, and retrieve customer transaction data from the at least one member server, the customer transaction data indicative of interactions between the at least one member and customers of the at least one member. The benefits server is further configured to extract customer information from the customer transaction data, search the database for the customer transaction data, and, when the customer information is found in the database, update a customer account in the database with the customer transaction.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring gift points to a recipient. An exchange computer redeems reward points designated by a user from a user reward point account stored on an associated reward server computer. The exchange computer requests a stored value issuer computer to fund a stored value account on behalf of the recipient in an amount equal to the gift points, the stored value account identified by a stored value account number. The exchange computer generates a bar code symbol encoded with a designation of the gift points and the stored value account number. The exchange computer sends to the recipient an online link to the bar code so that the recipient operating a computing device can use the online link to retrieve the bar code from the exchange computer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for paying with loyalty currency at a merchant website by a user using a browser app are provided. The user is presented with the loyalty currency balance information based on the loyalty currency units available in the loyalty currency account. Thereafter, the user is presented with an option to pay for the purchase transaction using the loyalty currency. The user may select the option of paying for the purchase transaction using the loyalty currency, thereby redeeming the loyalty points.

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: The present invention is directed to a method for linking accounts corresponding to different products together to create a group so that group processing can be performed at the group level while independent processing of the accounts is performed at the account level. The method links the accounts into a group by linking a financial record for each account to group master data for the group. The group master data includes information about the group, including group control settings, aggregate data, and a group identifier. A group typically includes a key account and one or more dependent accounts. The relationship between a dependent account and the group is specified by a dependent strategy. A dependent strategy specifies group level processing options for the account. The relationships between the accounts and the group are flexible to accommodate changes in the status of the group cardholders.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling redemption of offers are provided. A checkout process is detected having multiple offers associated with an item or items being purchased. Each offer is evaluated based on custom rules and some, all, or portions of the offers are selectively applied to a retail price for the item to arrive at a final price for the item during the checkout process.

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: A method and system include a server module that provides reward as a service to customers via an electronics communications network. The customers then use separate and customized reward system software authorizations to generate, manage and issue reward account information to recipients. The deployment of the invented software may be accomplished by means of a plurality of client software operating on separately addressable client machines. The server module may be adapted to offer distinguishable groups of reward choices via different software interfaces. The invented method optionally offers an application program interface that enables communication between each configurable and configured client software and a rewards application server. The optional rewards application server is adapted to directly or indirectly fulfill reward issuance requests.

Abstract: Techniques, for automatically determining frequent traveler award redemptions by rule are disclosed. The frequent travel award redemption program is encoded in rules using predefined data structures based on fare by rule data structures. The techniques automatically determine a travel itinerary based on a query and the rules. Also included is a graphical user interface that displays a plurality of possible travel options for redemption using a frequent travel award. The rules include fields to determine co-pay options and for calculating mileage purchase options.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a loyalty and rewards system that implements a user incentive program using smart card technology are provided. A loyalty system allows a user to systematically search, identify, store, and redeem electronic coupons and rebates associated with products from a large number of providers and manufactures. The loyalty system also integrates the activities associated with the user incentive program (e.g., coupon collection, storage, and redemption, etc.), with existing payment methods (e.g., charging a credit card, etc.) using smart card technology. Thus, the loyalty system allows the user to obtain savings and otherwise participate in the user incentive program without adding time consuming and tedious processing that is normally associated with coupon and rebate programs.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices and computer program products are disclosed for conducting transactions using a portable electronic device. A method of executing a software application on a portable electronic device includes: determining, via the portable electronic device, a location of the device; displaying, via the portable electronic device's display, a plurality of merchants within a predetermined proximity of the device's location; receiving, via a user input device, a selection corresponding to at least one of the merchants; displaying, via the display device, a balance of virtual rewards points available for redemption by the user of the device; displaying, via the display device, an exchange value of the virtual rewards points for making a purchase associated with the selected merchant; and, responsive to a purchase request received via the user input device, authorizing deduction of the exchange value from the balance of the virtual rewards points and providing confirmation of the purchase.

Abstract: An online reward exchange system and method of operation, which includes an exchange computer that interoperates via a computer network with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant for the product. 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 mediate or 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 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: An online reward exchange system including 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 mediate or 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: Systems and methods for transaction-based recordation of a new payment identifier. A payment identifier and a first user account associated with the payment identifier are received, the payment identifier and the first user account associated with a transaction. A user status associated with a user of the first user account is determined. A record is generated that includes the payment identifier, the first user account, and the user status. The record is recorded for use with subsequent transactions by the user.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to multi-tier and real-time product loyalty incentive marketing. Specifically, this invention relates to systems and methods for enabling real-time (or near real-time) product loyalty marketing (e.g., Business to Consumer, Business to Business and Consumer to Consumer) with various marketing channels (such as e-Commerce channel(s), Mobile, Social Network channel(s), Web Site channel(s) and Point of Sales (POS) channel(s)) in one or more multi-tier product loyalty campaigns. All marketing channels are fully integrated via real-time (or near real-time) incentive processing using a backend engine (web services and loyalty data servers) provided by the system.

Abstract: Methods and associated systems related to generating, managing, and accessing data related to contractual obligations of a consumer and a plurality of different merchants in a universal consumer card redemption system are disclosed. A universal consumer card redemption system may comprises a universal software platform including a network of linked databases configured to store data associated with contractual relationships between at least one consumer and a plurality of different merchants, and at least one web-based interface configured to communicate with at least one universal consumer card associated with a consumer and at least one web-enabled device associated with a merchant. The at least one web-enabled device may include a single-button redemption capability, wherein a plurality of offers and redemption options are presented via a single interface.

Abstract: An incentives points-based on-line auction method is presented that is based upon an on-line system including a catalog of potential auction items and a database of participants that are eligible to take part in the auction and the participants' associated eligible points. The method includes designating a set of auction items from the catalog of potential auction items. Thereafter, participants submit bids via on-line access for the set of auction items. The auction facilities initially prompt a participant to logon to gain access to the auction. Authorized, logged on participants are then provided access to a database describing the auction items and current bid information. A participant may bid upon an auction item. In response, to receiving a bid from a participant, the auction facilities determine whether the participant has sufficient points in a point bank to submit the bid. Proper new high bids are registered by the auction facilities.

Abstract: A method and system for administering rewards is disclosed. Administering rewards comprises processing transaction data received from a transaction processor, the transaction data identifying a payment amount to be made from an account holder to a merchant; determining, at an administration processor, a reward amount of the payment amount based on an account holder profile, designee profile and a merchant profile; initiating a debit of the reward amount from an account associated with the payment to be made to the merchant; and initiating a credit of at least a portion of the reward amount to at least one different account designated by the account holder (or billing/debiting the merchant in a separate transaction).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for attaching loyalty program data to an electronic payment in a payment processing network. In an embodiment, a method transmits, from a merchant to a bank network (BankNet), an authorization request comprising a primary account number (PAN) of a customer and routes the request to a payment card issuer. The method then identifies a loyalty program associated with the PAN and receives, at the BankNet, an authorization response comprising an indicator of the loyalty program. The method forwards the authorization response to an acquirer and sends the authorization response to the merchant. In another embodiment, a system transmits an authorization request and routes the authorization request to a BankNet in response to determining that a merchant is a member of a loyalty program. The system receives an authorization response comprising an indicator of the loyalty program, forwards the response to an acquirer and the merchant.

Abstract: To execute an ecommerce purchase transaction between a customer and merchant using rewards points made available to the customer through a rewards program provider, a system executes a transaction with the merchant and the rewards program provider. The system receives a customer request to execute the purchase using rewards points. Additionally, the system retrieves customer reward points information responsive to a customer authorization and determines a redemption rate for redeeming the rewards points to transaction currency. The system executes a redemption transaction with the rewards program provider, thereby receiving transaction currency in exchange for released points. The system also executes a transaction with the merchant, purchasing one or more customer selected item on behalf of the customer using transaction currency. Finally, the system provides the user with updated reward points account information.

Abstract: A computerized system and method that enables identifying the best payment currency for a product or service is disclosed. Payment currencies include cash, reward programs and the unit or currency in which reward programs are denominated, and combinations thereof. A single product search request initiates searches of multiple payment currencies. Availability, discounts, prices, comparable costs, net values and relative values are determined and/or calculated per each payment currency. Comparable cost, relative value, or other criteria, may be used to determine the best payment method, that is, the lowest cost in a common currency, such as cash. Determination of the best payment currency is accomplished in “real-time” and has an advantage of leveraging quantitative and qualitative analysis in its determination. In addition, the search may be personalized by adding information unique to each user.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for improved commodity pricing and sales. An intermediary system may contract with a plurality of providers to provide a fungible commodity to consumers at a first predetermined price. The intermediary system may also contract with a plurality of consumers to provide the fungible commodity at a second predetermined price. The intermediary system may determine the second predetermined price responsive to a customer point balance, points earned by the consumer performing one or more actions, including social networking functions, grassroots advertising, or purchasing predetermined amounts with third-party affiliated retailers.

Abstract: Machines, computer program products, and computer-implemented methods to manage and control a loyalty rewards network and to provide customer loyalty rewards to a customer for purchasing goods or services. Computer program product can determine if a customer is one of the plurality of member customers enrolled in the loyalty rewards network. If the customer is not a member, the computer program product can enroll the customer in the loyalty rewards network. As a purchase are made by member customers thereafter, the member customer swipes or otherwise enters a loyalty reward card number and the computer accumulates and stores loyalty rewards network data representative of the member customer's purchasing behavior. Upon accumulating sufficient loyalty rewards pursuant to collection parameters, the member customers can select one or more of the available loyalty reward actions and the computer program product can implement the selected one or more loyalty rewards action.

Abstract: An online point redemption and distribution system and method. The online point redemption and distribution system is used in combination with a cloud computing operating system to allow consumers and stores to do transaction online, every transaction between the consumers and the stores will be recorded as points, and then the points can be redeemed into virtual money and deposited in consumer's account. Therefore, it will enhance consumers' loyalty. The online point redemption and distribution system comprises a website operation platform and an application programming interface module.

Abstract: A method and system for insuring a reward of an individual are disclosed. The method may include processing information associated with an account of the individual having an associated reward, the reward being redeemable for a good or service. Insurance coverage may be provided for the reward based upon the information, the insurance coverage operable for reissuing at least a portion of the reward after the reward is redeemed for the good or service and after a qualified loss occurs in relation to the good or service.

Abstract: When a management apparatus receives a purchase request REQ, the management apparatus obtains a rank corresponding to a member ID, and obtains member IDs of friends corresponding to the member ID. A CPU accesses a member database to obtain a rank corresponding to the member ID of each friend to specify the highest rank out of the obtained ranks. The CPU obtains a discount ratio corresponding to the highest rank. The CPU calculates an amount of payment by applying the discount ratio to an amount of money for goods or services as a purchased subject, and sends a purchase response including the amount of the payment to a communication device.

Abstract: A system and method that allows a group of organizations, e.g. a group of transit agencies, to provide their users with a stored value smart card payment method that rewards them for actual use. The system and method include a card interface device and a smart card for storing respective reward applications, wherein the card interface device reward application retrieves transaction and reward data from the smart card and processes the data within the card interface device in order to determine a transaction reward.

Abstract: A broadcast signal having reward and broadcast (programming and/or advertising) content is broadcast, and viewers provide reward responses in response to queries in the broadcast content. Viewers also provide consumer data associated with the reward response provided. Rewards may then be awarded based on the accuracy of the reward response as well as the utilization of the associated consumer data provided.

Abstract: A system and methods to mutually satisfy a consumer with a discount and a vendor with a minimum number of sales by establishing a tipping point associated with an offer for a good or service. If the tipping point is met, the sale of the good or service is executed and the consumer is charged and receives an indication of the discounted sale, such as a certificate. If the tipping point is not met, the discount offer is abandoned and the consumer is not charged. Once the tipping point is established, the vendor receives a payment, even before the consumer uses the certificate. The system and methods also include a reward or loyalty program, an exchange or secondary market for the purchased deals, and a matching algorithm that matches customers to relevant goods or services.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed for rewarding mortgage customers of a financial institution with a reward payment amount. The method includes providing enrollment in a mortgage matching system to eligible mortgage customers, wherein eligibility requirements include the requirement that eligible mortgage customers hold both a mortgage account and a checking account with the financial institution. The method additionally includes enabling the customer to make periodic mortgage payments from the checking account to the mortgage account and monitoring continued compliance with the eligibility requirements and submission of the periodic payments using a monitoring engine implemented by at least one computer processor.

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 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: A method and system for generating and distributing incentives. An incentive server computer (ISC) receives a user identification from a mobile device that identifies an associated user. The ISC determines the location of the mobile device, and uses the user identification to determine one or more reward programs with which the user has a reward account. For each such reward program, the ISC determines if the location of the mobile device is within a predefined distance of a merchant affiliated with the reward program, and if so then generates a purchase incentive for the user to redeem at the merchant and transmits the purchase incentive to the mobile device. As a result, incentives are provided to those purchasers who are within a predefined proximity to the merchant, and who are more likely to use the incentive since they are already a member of an affiliated reward program.