Abstract: A method and system for enabling use of loyalty program points as form of payment. In one preferred embodiment, the method may include the steps of receiving from an e-commerce agent, a request for a loyalty points price along with a transaction information package comprising a cash price and user identification information; sending the user identification information to a loyalty program and requesting user account authentication from the loyalty program; querying the loyalty program for a user information package comprising a cash-to-points conversion factor; calculating a loyalty points price based on the cash price and the cash-to-points conversion factor; sending to the e-commerce agent, the loyalty points price; receiving from the e-commerce agent, confirmation of transaction completion and a number of loyalty points utilized; and sending instructions to the loyalty program to debit from the updated loyalty program points balance the number of loyalty points utilized in the transaction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an interactive rewards computing system for facilitating usage of rewards points for obtaining rewards. The system may include a computer memory storing a digital rewards magazine, the digital rewards magazine comprising a personalized introductory account page providing access to a number of rewards points available and multiple rewards available for the number of rewards points and multiple interactive reward pages. The multiple interactive rewards pages include rewards for purchase with rewards points, a reward description and at least one additional link containing reward information specific to the reward displayed on the reward page. The system may additionally include computer processing components accessing the computer memory and executing stored instructions for performing multiple steps.

Abstract: A method and system for rewarding anonymous patrons of an anonymous loyalty program is disclosed herein. The anonymous loyalty program only uses an identification generated on a mobile communication device for all transactions by the member. The member does not need to disclose his or her phone number to participate in the anonymous loyalty program although the member's mobile communication device is used for all of the transactions.

Abstract: A reward program system is disclosed that comprises a server hosting a database of rewards, a user interface connected to the server, and an algorithm configured to present a reward purchase opportunity to a participant upon the participant's completion of a behavior objective, and the algorithm is configured to allow a participant to purchase one or more rewards from the database wherein the participant pays at least a first portion of the reward price and a sponsor pays at least a second portion of the price. The algorithm may be configured to allow the participant to select at least two rewards from the database prior to the completion of the objective and the algorithm may establish an expiration time by which the participant may purchase or forfeit the rewards from the database.

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: Systems and methods for management of financial and insurance products held by customers in a group and for administration of a loyalty and reward program for the group. Each customer in a group has an individual customer profile, which includes information about one or more insurance products held by a customer and a reward points total associated with the one or more products held by the customer. The profiles of various customers may be compiled in group data. The group attributes may include a group reward points total, which is based on the reward points total of the customers in the group. Either the individual customer reward points totals and/or the group reward points total can be applied to various transactions to receive a reward benefit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to discharge a liability owed to a buyer and stored in a first proprietary currency. The apparatus receives authorization from the buyer to tender the first proprietary currency to pay for an offering that is listed by a seller on a network-based marketplace. The apparatus transmits a national currency to the seller who receives the national currency as payment for the offering. The transmission at least partially discharges the liability owed to the buyer.

Abstract: A method and system for offering a loyalty program deal to a target customer and for enabling use of points from a loyalty program as payment. In one preferred embodiment, the method may include the steps receiving from the loyalty program, information related to a loyalty program deal; storing the received loyalty program deal information on a server; notifying at least one target customer from the target customer segment of the loyalty program deal; receiving from a merchant, a points price request for a product selected for a purchase transaction; determining an initial points price for the selected product based on a cash-to-points pricing factor; determining an updated points price for the selected product based on the loyalty program deal; debiting a number of points from a loyalty program account of the target customer; and notifying the loyalty program that the loyalty program deal has been claimed by the customer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a variety of loyalty points redemption programs offered by loyalty program providers (LPPs) for providing fulfillment of loyalty points redemption program rewards to customers who are members of the loyalty points redemption program. Customers are able to redeem loyalty points for eligible goods and services offered by various suppliers and merchants associated with particular loyalty programs, especially enabled for instore pickup. A loyalty points management system hosts a portal that provides a user interface, manages multiple redemption catalogs of eligible goods/services, and manages loyalty points redemption programs for multiple LPPs. Each loyalty points redemption program is subjected to predetermined rules and regulations (business rules) that determine conditions for transactions involving loyalty points.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing telecommunication services based on customer groups. A customer group is offered a service plan that provides an incentive to early subscribers in the form of a more attractive pricing plan (i.e., discounts). For example, a particular subscriber may be provided a discount for each customer in the group who becomes a subscriber after the particular subscriber. The discounts and pricing plan may also be based, at least in part, on the total number of customers in the group that become subscribers. Further, in order to reduce customer churn, customer discounts or other incentives may be applied toward the end of a subscription plan period. Further, subscriber discounts and/or credits may be banked in a subscriber account.

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 invention includes an improved system and method for creating, distributing and storing vouchers. The method includes a loyalty system obtaining a loyalty card account having a unique identifier and loyalty points associated therewith, accessing a loyalty database utilizing the unique identifier, converting at least a portion of the loyalty points to a first value associated with a first merchant, saving the first value in a first database associated with the loyalty card, converting at least a portion of the loyalty points to a second value associated with a second merchant, saving the second value along with other voucher information as an electronic voucher in a second database associated with the loyalty card, redeeming the first value at a first merchant and redeeming the electronic voucher at a second merchant.

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 invention relates generally to systems and methods for the non-public creation, distribution and redemption of incentive offers. More particularly, the system and method generates incentives based on parameters selectable by merchants. The system and method constructs non-public incentive offers that are delivered to one or more program registrants satisfying a designated targeting profile and associated with one or more electronic payment instruments. Incentive offers may be redeemed confidentiality by the program registrant tendering an electronic payment instrument satisfying the parameters of the incentive offer. The invention further relates to systems and methods for participants to exert control over the volume and kind of incentives received through the system and by third party entities.

Abstract: The present invention involves spending loyalty points over a computerized network to facilitate a transaction. With this system, a loyalty program participant is able to use an existing transaction card to purchase an item over a computerized network, while at the same time offsetting the cost of that transaction by converting loyalty points to a currency value credit and having the credit applied to the participant's financial transaction account. Currency credit from converted loyalty points may also be applied to stored value cards, online digital wallet accounts and the like. Further, currency credit may also be applied to other accounts to effect a gift or donation.

Abstract: Techniques for location-based promotion evaluation are presented. A customer is identified and a current physical location of the customer is detected based on the customer's mobile device. Factors for promotion are obtained based on a predefined range surrounding the current physical location and a promotion is generated for a specific enterprise within the predefined range using the factors and then dynamically transmitted to the mobile device of the customer for redemption.

Abstract: A data processing system issuing electronic certificates through “online” networks. Each electronic certificate includes transaction data and identification data, and can be printed out on a printing device linked to a consumer's personal input device, or electronically stored in a designated data base until a specified expiration date. Consumers access the data processing system online, browse among their choices, and make their selections. Certificate issuers have online access to the data processing system and can create or revise offers, and provide various instructions pertaining to the certificates, including limitations as to the number of certificates to be issued in total and to each individual consumer.

Abstract: A customer registers a social networking identifier with a retail loyalty program. When a customer completes a transaction at a retail establishment and provides a customer loyalty account number for the customer, a determination is made as to whether the customer can use social networking awards as part of the retail transaction.

Abstract: In one aspect thereof the exemplary embodiments provide a computer-implemented method that includes, in response to a request to redeem customer award units, processing data representing at least one commercial fare in conjunction with data representing at least one conversion rule so as to generate at least one converted redemption fare. The method further includes operating on the at least one converted redemption fare with a faring engine to output at least one travel solution calculated in award units.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the capture of retail transaction data from a print data stream after it has been processed by a POS system. The data capture may take place before the data has been transmitted to a POS printer. The captured transaction data may be analyzed and encoded in a transaction-identifying, optically scannable image such as a QR code or other barcode. One or more NFC commands may transmit the captured transaction data via a NFC-transmitting device to a mobile device such as mobile phone, smart phone, mobile computer, tablet, or other device.

Abstract: The present invention involves spending loyalty points over a computerized network to facilitate a transaction. With this system, a loyalty program participant is able to use an existing transaction card to purchase an item over a computerized network, while at the same time offsetting the cost of that transaction by converting loyalty points to a currency value credit and having the credit applied to the participant's financial transaction account. Currency credit from converted loyalty points may also be applied to stored value cards, online digital wallet accounts and the like. Further, currency credit may also be applied to other accounts to effect a gift or donation.

Abstract: Digital media content is delivered while providing security and solution interoperability. A method for delivering digital content comprises receiving information relating to a user of a loyalty program, the information including a non-monetary balance of the user and a loyalty program status of the user, computing non-monetary prices for a plurality of digital content items based on a monetary value of each digital content item, the loyalty program, and the loyalty program status of the user, and transmitting for display on a user device information representing a digital marketplace, wherein the digital marketplace has been configured to match a look and feel of a loyalty program, and wherein the information representing the digital marketplace includes information relating to at least one digital content item and the information relating to at least one digital content item includes a non-monetary price of the digital content item.

Abstract: A method to promote use of one communication service by associating it with another service and offering incentives to use the first service in return for use of the second service. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system, including a computer system, for managing travel points. In one embodiment, the system includes a single graphical user interface provided by a website, the single graphical user interface configured with a plurality of different rewards programs. The system includes a query tool configured to allow searching for award instance based on one of miles and points. The system includes a booking tool configured to facilitate online booking for at least one of regular fares and award redemptions. The system also includes software that determines relevant loyalty program bonus details, credit card offers, or program membership offers to feature in the search results. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

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 customer whose conditional purchase offer (CPO) has been accepted may receive a bounce back offer from a vendor (supplier-partner) of other services or products. The bounce back process determines whether a supplier-partner can participate in a bounce back transaction. If a bounce back transaction is effectuated between the customer and supplier-partner, the partner notifies the principal of the transaction. In the case of automobile rentals, the bounce back process permits a traveler to recognize reduced automobile rental rates while enabling a rental agency to more effectively manage its excess capacity. The CPO management system employing bounce back capability can be utilized to acquire any underlying product and/or service and bounce back product and/or service.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for a loyalty rewards program that provides differentiated earn rate rewards based on participant/customer segmentation. In specific embodiments the segmentation is based on the value of the participant/customer as determined by the rewards program provider. Additionally further details are described below for methods, apparatus and computer-program products that provide for a rewards program that implements reverse auction type reward procurement. Such embodiments of the invention, offer differentiated rewards redemption based on the value of the participant to the program provider and the value that the participant/customer places on the reward.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a purchase discount to a consumer. The system includes an exchange computer, a merchant computer associated with a merchant and interconnected with the exchange computer via a computer network, and an issuer computer associated with an issuer and interconnected with the exchange computer via the computer network. A consumer presents to the merchant computer an item for purchase at a regular purchase price. The merchant computer applies a discount to the regular purchase price to generate a discounted purchase price, the discount obtained by a computer-implemented process of simultaneous awarding and redeeming instant reward points with the issuer computer via an exchange computer. The merchant computer then completes the purchase transaction for the item with the consumer by using the discounted purchase price.

Abstract: Techniques for temporary access to enterprise networks are provided. Devices of customers are detected and authenticated for temporary enterprise network access to a facility of an enterprise when the customers are in a configurable geographic distance to that facility. Temporary access credentials for accessing select resources of the facility or enterprise network are pushed to the processing device upon successful authentication. When one or more terminating actions are detected, the temporary access credentials are revoked and access to the enterprise network ceases.

Abstract: A holistic and integrated system that utilizes smart phone and similar technology to enhance the experience of a consumer of goods, services, and/or entertainment as it relates to sporting, music, dining, and gambling activities. This solution is the combination of a smart phone device and similar mobile computing device with a connection that facilitates activities digitally that have commonly been executed using other means. Once a consumer enters into the ecosystem, they can participate in a virtual social media playground that allows them to order goods or services as well as participate in a competitive game atmosphere. The consumer will gain recognition and awards based on their frequency of visits, the amount of money spent, their participation in games, as well as other activities. The awards can be traded for virtual or actual goods, merchandise, or services at a later date.

Abstract: The present invention involves spending loyalty points over a computerized network to facilitate a transaction. With this system, a loyalty program participant is able to use an existing transaction card to purchase an item over a computerized network, while at the same time offsetting the cost of that transaction by converting loyalty points to a currency value credit and having the credit applied to the participant's financial transaction account. Currency credit from converted loyalty points may also be applied to stored value cards, online digital wallet accounts and the like. Further, currency credit may also be applied to other accounts to effect a gift or donation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for paying a transaction amount at a point of sale (e.g. a physical point of sale or a virtual point of sale) are disclosed. The systems and methods are configured to monitor transaction information to identify eligible transactions at the point of sale. Where the transaction information conforms to predetermined rules, an indicator of an alternative funding source is provided to a user through a web browser, portable electronic device, or other suitable medium. Moreover, the alternative funding options are presented at substantially the same time as a transaction is being processed at a point of sale. Based on the user's selection, a credit may be applied to the transaction account corresponding with at least a portion of the transaction amount from the alternative funding source.

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: A communications system for financial transactions, such as payment transactions made via credit accounts, debit accounts, prepaid accounts, bank accounts, stored value accounts and the like, is enhanced and/or used to support reward transactions. Thus, the reward communications can be processed as transactions over the communications system in a way similar to and/or together with credit/debit transactions.

Abstract: Purchase rewards account holders accumulate rewards currency. A network-based investment management system allows account holders to purchase shares in investments using reward currency. When all the shares for a particular investment have been purchased, the underlying investment is acquired. Account holders owning shares in an investment may sell shares to other account holders through system. Account holders are thereby able to invest their rewards dollars in investments typically requiring cash or cash equivalents and to grow their rewards currency.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method comprising detecting, by one or more banking servers, selection of an investment product, wherein the investment product pays interest according to terms of the investment product. The method can also include selling the investment product, wherein the selling includes: 1) receiving personal information about a purchaser of the investment product, wherein the personal information identifies a loyalty program account receiving, by the one or more banking servers, payment information indicating payment was received for the investment product, and 2) determining, by the one or more banking servers, an interest value for the investment product based on the terms of the investment product. The method can also include requesting transfer of loyalty currency into the loyalty program account, wherein the loyalty currency is valued at the interest value, and wherein the requesting transfer is performed by the one or more banking servers.

Abstract: System and methods for transaction processing using a rewards account are described. The method may include: receiving a transaction containing a transaction type, formatting a message based on the transaction type and sending the message. The method may alternately include, receiving a transaction message and processing a transaction based on a transaction type contained within the transaction message. The system may include one or more software modules performing the following functions: receiving module to receive transactions, transaction processing module to parse the transaction and determine a transaction type, message processing module to format a transaction message based on the transaction type, and a user interface module to provide a user interface to a customer.

Abstract: Users may save coupon offers in association with account identifiers tied to user accounts, such as identifiers for customer loyalty cards, phones, or personal computing devices. Users may present the account identifiers, or physical items associated with the account identifier, while completing transactions. Retailers may utilize the account identifiers to determine which coupon offers have been saved in association with the corresponding user accounts. The saved coupon offers may then be applied against the transactions. Coupon offers saved in this manner may be counted as distributed for the purposes of producing a distribution count for reports or for applying distribution limits. For example, a user's request to print a coupon for a coupon offer may be denied if the coupon offer is saved in association with an account identifier associated with the user.

Abstract: A system and method for providing consumer, vendors, manufacturers, reward program providers, and reward program beneficiaries with mechanisms for managing and participating in a reward program. By associating consumer identifiers with reward programs, a reward program manager mechanism may administer a reward program on the behalf of all participants.

Abstract: A method and system for mobile commerce, communication, and transaction processing to real-world POS. web, e-commerce, virtual terminal, mobile personal digital assistant, mobile phone, mobile device, or other computer based transactions involving either one or both financial and non-financial such as loyalty based transactions as a mobile payment system is described. One embodiment comprises using a mobile phone via a consumer mobile software application (CMA) in lieu of a consumer card (examples include physical, virtual, or chips) to conduct payment transactions in the Real or Virtual World of commerce. An embodiment is related to making payments to real-world stores via having the CMA on a mobile device on behalf of the consumer present to conduct transactions and no physical card required.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a rewards program may provide users with rewards for transacting with a merchant. In various embodiments, the transactions are validated before a user is allowed to receive a reward. In various embodiments, a mobile device is used to validate a transaction. In various embodiments, a mobile device may store an indication of a user's progress towards earning a reward.

Abstract: A customer whose conditional purchase offer (CPO) has been accepted may receive a bounce back offer from a vendor (supplier-partner) of other services or products. The bounce back process determines whether a supplier-partner can participate in a bounce back transaction. If a bounce back transaction is effectuated between the customer and supplier-partner, the partner notifies the principal of the transaction. In the case of automobile rentals, the bounce back process permits a traveler to recognize reduced automobile rental rates while enabling a rental agency to more effectively manage its excess capacity. The CPO management system employing bounce back capability can be utilized to acquire any underlying product and/or service and bounce back product and/or service.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related providing city services, such as parking, are described. Methods and apparatus for providing parking rewards programs are described. The methods and apparatus can include maintaining accounts for participants in the rewards program, tracking purchases of parking and other participant activities and determining parking awards based upon the activities. The parking rewards programs can be used to incentivize behaviors that balance the use of the parking space commodity according to the needs of different stakeholders, such as the city, residents, merchants and visitors. For example, parking awards and the criteria used for earning awards can be used to encourage particular behaviors while a parking space is being utilized, such as shopping, the use of public transportation or efficient trip planning.

Abstract: A system and method of providing incentives for users to use computer applications. Application use by a user is tracked and participation credits are provided to the user based on the tracked use. Credits can be provided based on time of use and/or application based incentives, such as achievements in a game. A limit may be placed on the amount of credits a user may have at any time, inducing the user to redeem the tokens. Credit redemption is provided by redemption system which rewards users with prizes directly or based on a random generation of prize rewards under the guise of game play based on chance.

Abstract: A loyalty network enables customers to use their mobile devices to participate in a merchant's customer loyalty program. When a customer conducts a transaction, the merchant's point-of-sale (POS) system generates a code image containing transaction information. The POS system may print the code image on a transaction record (such as a bill or receipt) provided to the customer, and/or may display the code image on a display screen. The customer can then photograph/scan the code image with their mobile device, which sends the transaction information and authentication information to a loyalty program server. The loyalty program server may use this information to credit the customer's loyalty program account, and may, in some cases, interact with the POS system to enable loyalty program credits to be redeemed. In some embodiments, the transaction information may alternatively be conveyed to the mobile device using Near Field Communications.

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 electrical digital computer machine and a data processing system, methods of making and for using the machine, products produced thereby, as well as data structures and articles of manufacture pertaining thereto, and all necessary intermediates of that which is discussed herein, all in the field of computerized aspects of card crediting to mortgages and the like. More particularly, there is a method for card activity-based residential expense crediting, such as that for points, an external mortgage, or the like. The method includes the steps of: associating card activity with an external residential expense; crediting an amount to the residential expense responsive to the card activity; and generating output including the card activity-based residential expense crediting; wherein at least some of the steps are carried out by computer.

Abstract: A system and method for maximizing airline award program participant's use of the accumulated award miles even in light of mileage shortfalls for the redemption of mileage awards is described. The system and method not only a benefit to the award program participant, but also provides financial benefits to the airline offering the award program, and these financial benefits are ones that the airline would not ordinarily obtain.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a loyalty program by utilizing a pre-existing association network. When a consumer is registered with the program, the consumer's personal information is stored in a database and associated with a token ID. The token is capable of initiating a transaction message request over an association network when used in conjunction with a merchant transaction system. A program manager is provided that includes an association network interface for receiving over the association network the transaction request message initiated by the token at a merchant, where the transaction request message includes a first set of transaction information regarding a consumer-initiated product purchase transaction.

Abstract: An on-line frequency award program is disclosed. A user may access the program on-line and may browse a product catalog for shopping. The user may electronically place an order, upon which the program automatically checks the user's credit and electronically issues a purchase order to the supplying company. The program also calculates award points, updates the award account of enrolled users, and communicates that number of awarded points to the user. Enrolled users may browse through an award catalog and electronically redeem an amount of awarded points towards an award. The program then electronically places an award redeeming order with the fulfillment house and updates the user's award account.