Targeted Benefit Account
First Claim
1. A computer implemented method for conducting transactions using a targeted benefit account, comprising:
- receiving, by at least one computer processor, over a computer based network, data associated with a transaction, the data comprising at least a transaction type and an amount,wherein the transaction is initiated by a consumer through using a transaction card associated with an account,wherein the account comprises funds from a plurality of programs such that the use of the funds is governed by a plurality of predetermined rules;
processing, by the at least one computer processor, the data;
applying, by the at least one computer processor, the plurality of predetermined rules to the transaction data to determine availability of funds from the plurality of programs to apply to the transaction,wherein at least a portion of the plurality of predetermined rules determine availability of the funds based upon a hierarchy that applies the funds based on a usage category ranging from most restrictive usage to least restrictive usage; and
transmitting, over a computer based network, an authorization for the transaction upon completion of application of the plurality of predetermined rules and an indication of sufficient funds to complete the transaction.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Exemplary embodiments provide a single financial account that may contain funds in either an actual or a notional balance from one or more payment, benefit, and/or entitlement programs with the funds being made available to an account holder through the use of a multipurpose financial account card that may be used for transactions. The account may accept funds from various non-governmental sources and prevent comingling of funds where comingling is not permitted or enable comingling of funds where permitted or encouraged. The access to and use of the funds may be governed by one or more hierarchical rules based on the type of funds'"'"' that determine the funds application to the transaction.
40 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A computer implemented method for conducting transactions using a targeted benefit account, comprising:
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receiving, by at least one computer processor, over a computer based network, data associated with a transaction, the data comprising at least a transaction type and an amount, wherein the transaction is initiated by a consumer through using a transaction card associated with an account, wherein the account comprises funds from a plurality of programs such that the use of the funds is governed by a plurality of predetermined rules; processing, by the at least one computer processor, the data; applying, by the at least one computer processor, the plurality of predetermined rules to the transaction data to determine availability of funds from the plurality of programs to apply to the transaction, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of predetermined rules determine availability of the funds based upon a hierarchy that applies the funds based on a usage category ranging from most restrictive usage to least restrictive usage; and transmitting, over a computer based network, an authorization for the transaction upon completion of application of the plurality of predetermined rules and an indication of sufficient funds to complete the transaction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification