Systems, methods, and devices for selling transaction instruments via web-based tool
First Claim
1. A method, comprising:
- a computer system receiving, from a computing device, via a web page, a request to fund an open transaction account in association with purchase of an open transaction instrument by a consumer at a point of sale device associated with the computing device, wherein the request includes a payment amount, wherein the open transaction instrument is associated with the open transaction account;
the computer system receiving information identifying the open transaction instrument purchased by the consumer;
the computer system using the information identifying the open transaction instrument to access a database to verify that the open transaction instrument is eligible to be funded;
the computer system storing, in the database, physical tracking information for the open transaction instrument, wherein the physical tracking information for the open transaction instrument is accessible in the database using the information identifying the open transaction instrument, and wherein the physical tracking information is usable to determine a physical location of one or more other open transaction instruments;
the computer system processing the request, wherein said processing includes determining a funded amount based on the payment amount;
the computer system funding the open transaction account with the funded amount; and
the computer system transmitting to the computing device an authorization message indicating that the open transaction account was funded with the funded amount and specifying authorization to distribute the open transaction instrument to the consumer.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to a system and method for distributing a transaction instrument. The system includes the steps of: offering for sale, in a retail environment, the transaction instrument; selling a selected transaction instrument; communicating with the issuer of the transaction instrument via an internet accessible web site, and enabling the use of the transaction instrument. The transaction instrument may be, for example, an open pre-paid card. The distribution of the transaction instrument may also include the step of sending a message, through the web site, in substantially real time, causing the pre-paid transaction instrument to be funded but not activated until later through an interactive voice response system, for example. In another example, an associated transaction account may be funded and activated at the time of distribution. Furthermore, an issuer system may be suitably configured to leverage existing Travelers Cheque infrastructure for inventory and related processes.
120 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method, comprising:
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a computer system receiving, from a computing device, via a web page, a request to fund an open transaction account in association with purchase of an open transaction instrument by a consumer at a point of sale device associated with the computing device, wherein the request includes a payment amount, wherein the open transaction instrument is associated with the open transaction account; the computer system receiving information identifying the open transaction instrument purchased by the consumer; the computer system using the information identifying the open transaction instrument to access a database to verify that the open transaction instrument is eligible to be funded; the computer system storing, in the database, physical tracking information for the open transaction instrument, wherein the physical tracking information for the open transaction instrument is accessible in the database using the information identifying the open transaction instrument, and wherein the physical tracking information is usable to determine a physical location of one or more other open transaction instruments; the computer system processing the request, wherein said processing includes determining a funded amount based on the payment amount; the computer system funding the open transaction account with the funded amount; and the computer system transmitting to the computing device an authorization message indicating that the open transaction account was funded with the funded amount and specifying authorization to distribute the open transaction instrument to the consumer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions executable by one or more processors to cause a computer system to:
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receive, from a computing device, via a web page, a request to fund an open transaction account in association with purchase of an open transaction instrument by a consumer at a point of sale device associated with the computing device, wherein the request includes a payment amount, wherein the open transaction instrument is associated with the open transaction account; receive information identifying the open transaction instrument purchased by the consumer; use the information identifying the open transaction instrument to access a database to verify that the open transaction instrument is eligible to be funded; store, in the database, physical tracking information for the open transaction instrument, wherein the physical tracking information is accessible in the database using the information identifying the open transaction instrument, and wherein the physical tracking information is usable to determine a physical location of one or more other open transaction instruments; process the request, wherein said processing includes determining a funded amount based on the payment amount; fund the open transaction account with the funded amount; and transmit to the computing device an authorization message indicating that the open transaction account was funded with the funded amount and specifying authorization to distribute the open transaction instrument to the consumer. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. A system comprising:
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one or more processors; and memory storing program instructions, wherein the program instructions are executable by the one or more processors to; receive, from a computing device, via a web page, a request to fund an open transaction account in association with purchase of an open transaction instrument by a consumer at a point of sale device associated with the computing device, wherein the request includes a payment amount, wherein the open transaction instrument is associated with the open transaction account; receive information identifying the open transaction instrument purchased by the consumer; use the information identifying the open transaction instrument to access a database to verify that the open transaction instrument is eligible to be funded; store, in the database, physical tracking information for the open transaction instrument, wherein the physical tracking information is accessible in the database using the information identifying the open transaction instrument, and wherein the physical tracking information is usable to determine a physical location of one or more other open transaction instruments; process the request, wherein said processing includes determining a funded amount based on the payment amount; fund the open transaction account with the funded amount; and transmit to the computing device an authorization message indicating that the open transaction account was funded with the funded amount and specifying authorization to distribute the open transaction instrument to the consumer. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification