Methods and systems for exchanging/transferring gift cards
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method for exchanging gift cards, the method comprising:
- positioning a first kiosk in a first publicly accessible area of a first commercial establishment;
positioning a second kiosk in a second publicly accessible area of a second commercial establishment;
receiving a first gift card from a first user at the first kiosk;
crediting a first monetary amount associated with the first gift card to an account;
dispensing at least one of cash and a redeemable voucher to the first user from the first kiosk in exchange for the first gift card;
voiding the first gift card;
receiving funds from a second user at the second kiosk;
dispensing a second gift card to the second user from the second kiosk in exchange for the funds; and
debiting a second monetary amount associated with the second gift card from the account.
17 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and systems for exchanging various forms of value, including coins, currency, credit, debit, and/or bank account funds, for prepaid cash cards, credit cards, phone cards, and the like. In one embodiment, a value exchange machine includes a coin input region, a coin sorting/counting apparatus, a card reader, and a communications facility configured to communicate with a remote computer network. In another embodiment, a value exchange system includes one or more of the value exchange machines connected to one or more remote computers via a communications link. A user wishing to purchase, for example, a prepaid cash card can visit one of the value exchange machines, select the desired transaction, and pay for the card with coins, currency, a credit card, a debit card, and/or bank account funds. After confirming payment, the value exchange machine dispenses the card to the user.
497 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method for exchanging gift cards, the method comprising:
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positioning a first kiosk in a first publicly accessible area of a first commercial establishment; positioning a second kiosk in a second publicly accessible area of a second commercial establishment; receiving a first gift card from a first user at the first kiosk; crediting a first monetary amount associated with the first gift card to an account; dispensing at least one of cash and a redeemable voucher to the first user from the first kiosk in exchange for the first gift card; voiding the first gift card; receiving funds from a second user at the second kiosk; dispensing a second gift card to the second user from the second kiosk in exchange for the funds; and debiting a second monetary amount associated with the second gift card from the account. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A computer-implemented method for exchanging prepaid cards, the method comprising:
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receiving a first prepaid card from a first user at a consumer operated kiosk, wherein receiving the first card includes receiving at least one of a physical card, a card number, a card balance, or a bar code associated with the first prepaid card; crediting a first monetary amount associated with the first prepaid card to an account; dispensing at least one of cash and a redeemable voucher to the first user from the first kiosk in exchange for the first card; receiving funds from a second user at the consumer operated kiosk; debiting a second monetary amount associated with the second prepaid card from the account; and dispensing a second prepaid card to the second user from the consumer operated kiosk in exchange for the funds, wherein the second card is at least one of the first prepaid card or a new prepaid card associated with the first card. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification