PAYMENT PROGRAM FOR USE IN POINT-OF-SALE TRANSACTIONS

• US 20070022046A1
• Filed: 07/25/2006
• Published: 01/25/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/25/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Safeway Incorporated (Albertsons Cos., Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Blackhawk Marketing Services Incorporated
• Inventors: Kingsborough, Donald, Roche, Talbott, Shaw, Julianna, Llach, Teri
• Application Number:
  US11/459,732
• Publication Number:
  US 20070022046A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/39
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/10 specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/102 Bill distribution or payments
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/20 Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/351 Virtual cards
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/382 insuring higher security of transaction
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/387 Payment using discounts or coupons relating to marketing G06Q30/02
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0209 Incentive being awarded or redeemed in connection with the playing of a video game
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0215 Including financial accounts
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0226 Incentive systems for frequent usage, e.g. frequent flyer miles programs or point systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0234 Rebates after completed purchase
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0236 Incentive or reward received by requiring registration or ID from user
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0238 at point-of-sale [POS]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0241 Advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/03 Credit; Loans; Processing thereof

Abstract

In some embodiments, the present application relates to card-free programs provided by a merchant to a customer, whereby the customer has access to functions such as payment options and/or loyalty program benefits without needing to present a physical card at a point of sale. For example, a customer may make a card-free purchase of goods or services from a merchant, whereby the customer need not present a card such as a debit card, credit card, loyalty card, or other physical tender to make a purchase. Further, the customer need not provide biometric data or otherwise use an electronic device or identifier to make a purchase. Alternatively or additionally, the customer may access a loyalty program without needing to provide a physical card or data associated with a card.

Claims

1. A method of paying a merchant for goods purchased by a customer, comprising:

(a) providing by the customer at a point of sale data comprising a card-free unique identification number and security code; and

(b) associating by the merchant the data with account information previously provided by the customer such that the customer may pay for goods purchased from the merchant via an ACH transaction from the account.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the data is generated by the customer.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the card-free unique identification number comprises the customer'"'"'s telephone number, date of birth, or both.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the point of sale is a check-out lane.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the data is provided via a pinpad.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising verifying by the merchant the identity of the customer.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising associating by the merchant the unique identification number with a savings program such that the customer may accumulate savings from the merchant in accordance with the savings program.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein at least a portion of the savings are earned on a per transaction basis.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the customer earns a product discount, a free product, or both upon conducting a predetermined number of transactions.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein at least a portion of the savings are earned on a combined per transaction and product basis.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the customer may purchase goods via the card-free unique identification number with a plurality of merchants.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the purchasing of goods by the customer with one or more of the plurality of merchants accumulates savings from the merchants in accordance with a respective savings program.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the merchant is a grocer.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the account information identifies two or more separate accounts such that the customer may select the account at time of payment.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the separate accounts comprise accounts from different financial institutions.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the separate accounts comprise a savings account, a checking account, a line of credit, a credit card account, or combinations thereof.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the line of credit or credit card account is from the merchant.