Usage fee returning method and usage fee returning apparatus

Abstract

To offer a return suitable for a user who uses account opening of a financial service or an electronic settlement service as a set, in addition to a communication service.SOLUTION: A usage fee returning method includes: storing information on a user who subscribes to a communication service provided by a communication carrier (S801); storing information on a user related to account opening of a financial service (S803); storing information on a user who subscribes to an electronic settlement service (S804); determining whether or not the user who subscribes to the communication service has opened the account for the financial service, and offering, on condition that the user is determined to have opened the account for the financial service, a return for a usage fee for the communication service (S809, S810).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and device for refunding usage fees, and more particularly to a method and device for refunding usage fees for communication services. [Background technology]

[0002] Services that offer points at a variable return rate depending on the payment amount of a credit card or the like have been known for some time (for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the user's reaction information to the return rate is acquired using the credit card user's credit card usage history during the period covered by the return rate, and the return rate is set based on the reaction information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-163046 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, telecommunications carriers that provide communication services such as voice calls and data communications have been providing not only communication services but also financial services such as credit cards as exemplified in Patent Document 1, and electronic payment services such as QR code (registered trademark) payments.

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the system only provided rewards for credit card usage, and the rewards could only be used to redeem points, etc., which were limited in their intended use. In recent years, the number of users who use not only communication services but also financial services and electronic payment services as a set has been increasing, but the system did not provide appropriate rewards to users who use communication services, financial services, and electronic payment services as a set.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a method and device for providing a usage fee refund that can provide appropriate refunds to users who use not only communication services but also financial service account opening and electronic payment services as a set. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The method for refunding a usage fee of the present invention is a method for refunding a usage fee executed by a processor of a communication service server that manages users who subscribe to a communication service provided by a communication carrier, the method comprising: storing information of users who subscribe to a communication service provided by a communication carrier; receiving account opening status information indicating the opening status of an account for a financial service provided by the telecommunications carrier or a business having a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier; determining whether a user subscribing to the communication service has also opened the account based on the account opening status information; providing a refund to the user for the fee for the communication service on the condition that it is determined that the user has also opened the account; Includes.

[0008] The fee return device of the present invention also includes a storage unit that stores information about users who subscribe to a communication service provided by a telecommunications carrier, account opening status information indicating the account opening status of a financial service provided by the telecommunications carrier or a business that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier, and information indicating whether the user subscribes to an electronic payment service provided by the telecommunications carrier or a business that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier; and a control unit that determines whether or not a user subscribing to the communication service has also opened the account based on the account opening status information, and decides to give the user a refund for the usage fee for the communication service on the condition that it is determined that the user has also opened the account. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a return that is suitable for a user who uses not only a communication service but also a set of financial service account opening and electronic payment services. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a usage fee return system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a control unit 200 of the communication service server 10. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing communication service subscriber user information 300. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing credit card user information 400. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing bank account opening user information 500. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing electronic payment user information 600. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing securities account opening user information 700. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of refunding the usage fee for a communication service. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart of the cashback calculation (S809) in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 9 is a flowchart of the cashback execution (S810) in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing various screens displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal 60. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described here, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0012] <Usage Fee Rebate System 1> The overall configuration of a usage fee refund system 1 that refunds usage fees for communication services such as voice call services and data communication services provided by a communication carrier to users of the communication services will be described with reference to Figure 1. The usage fee refund system 1 includes a communication service server 10, a credit card server 20, a bank account server 30, an electronic payment server 40, and a securities server 50.

[0013] The communication service server 10 is a server of a telecommunications carrier that provides communication services. The communication service server 10 stores information on users who subscribe to the communication services provided by the telecommunications carrier. The communication service server 10 is an example of a usage fee refund device of the present invention.

[0014] Credit card server 20 is a server of a telecommunications carrier or a business that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier, and is a business (card business) that provides financial services such as credit cards and debit cards. Credit card server 20 stores information on users who subscribe to credit card or debit card services.

[0015] The bank account server 30 is a server of a telecommunications carrier or a business that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier and provides financial services such as banking (bank). The bank account server 30 stores information about users who open accounts at the bank.

[0016] The electronic payment server 40 is a server of a telecommunications carrier or a business that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier and provides electronic payment services (electronic payment business operators). Electronic payment services include electronic payment services that use near-field wireless communication (NFC or FeliCa) of communication terminals such as smartphones and tablets, or electronic payment services that use code information (e.g., barcodes or QR codes (registered trademark)) displayed on the display unit of a communication terminal or code information read by a communication terminal 60. The electronic payment server 40 stores information on users who subscribe to the electronic payment service.

[0017] The securities server 50 is a server of a telecommunications carrier or a business that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier and that handles securities (stock certificates, investment trusts, etc.) (securities company). The securities server 50 stores information on users who open accounts with the securities company.

[0018] The above-mentioned servers 10 to 50 are communicably connected to one another via a network such as a dedicated line. Furthermore, the communication service server 10 and the electronic payment server 40 are communicably connected to communication terminals 60 of users subscribing to the communication service and users subscribing to the electronic payment service via a network such as the Internet.

[0019] (Communication service server 10) The hardware configuration of the control unit 200 of the communication service server 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The control unit 200 includes a processor 201, a main memory 202, an auxiliary memory 203, a communication interface 204 (hereinafter, interface will be abbreviated as I / F), an input / output I / F 205, and a bus 206 that communicatively connects the above-mentioned modules. The processor 201 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of each unit of the communication service server 10. The processor 201 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 201 deploys a program stored in the auxiliary memory 203 in an executable manner in a working area of ​​the main memory 202. The main memory 202 stores programs executed by the processor 201, data processed by the processor, etc. The main memory unit 202 is a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or the like. The auxiliary memory unit 203 stores various programs such as an OS (Operating System) and various data. In this embodiment, the auxiliary memory unit 203 stores a user information management DB 210 that stores information on users subscribing to the communication service. The auxiliary memory unit 203 is, for example, a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. The communication I / F 204 is a device for connecting the communication service server 10 to a network such as a LAN, and is, for example, a network interface controller (NIC). The input / output I / F 205 is, for example, a device controller that inputs and outputs data to and from input / output devices such as a mouse, keyboard, and display connected to the communication service server 10.

[0020] The communication service server 10 functions as a web server and displays various information about the communication service to which a user subscribes (e.g., subscription plan name, monthly fee, data usage (or remaining data)) on the web browser of the user's communication terminal (e.g., smartphone, tablet) who subscribes to the communication service.

[0021] The hardware configurations of the credit card server 20, bank account server 30, electronic settlement server 40, and securities server 50 are substantially the same as that of the communication service server 10 described above, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0022] (Communication service subscriber information 300) With reference to FIG. 3, the information of users subscribing to the communication service (communication service subscribing user information 300) stored in the user information management DB 210 of the communication service server 10 will be described in detail.

[0023] The communication service user information 300 includes a user ID 301, user information 302, a telephone number 303, a subscription plan 304, a subscription date 305, a card subscription status 306, a bank account opening status 307, a Pay subscription status 308, and a payment method 309.

[0024] The user ID 301 is an identification number for uniquely identifying a user who subscribes to a communication service.

[0025] User information 302 is information about a user subscribing to a communication service, and includes, for example, name, age, sex, address, and the like.

[0026] The telephone number 303 is a telephone number to which a subscription plan, which will be described later, is applied.

[0027] Subscription plan 304 is the subscription plan to which telephone number 303 subscribes. Telecommunications carriers offer various rate plans with different data usage amounts, etc., but the plans eligible for the cashback in this embodiment are limited to a predetermined plan (e.g., "Plan XX"). For example, this predetermined plan is a plan with unlimited data capacity, and its monthly fee is a fixed amount. The monthly fee for the predetermined plan may be a variable amount that varies depending on data usage and call time. Furthermore, the predetermined plan may be a plan with a data usage limit, and the plans eligible for this cashback are not limited to that plan.

[0028] The subscription date 305 is information indicating the date on which the user subscribed to the subscription plan.

[0029] Card enrollment status 306 is information indicating whether or not a specified credit card issued by a telecommunications carrier or a card carrier that has a specified relationship with the telecommunications carrier has been issued. This information is provided by credit card server 20.

[0030] Bank account opening status 307 is information indicating whether a bank account has been opened with a telecommunications carrier or a bank that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier. This information is provided by bank account server 30.

[0031] The Pay subscription status 308 is information indicating whether or not the user is subscribed to an electronic payment service provided by a telecommunications carrier or an electronic payment service provider that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier. This information is provided by the electronic payment server 40.

[0032] The payment method 309 is information indicating the method for paying the monthly fee (usage fee) required for the subscription plan to which the user has subscribed. The user can pay the usage fee by payment methods such as credit card or direct debit.

[0033] (Credit card user information 400) With reference to FIG. 4, the information of users who sign up for credit cards or the like (credit card sign-up user information 400) stored by credit card server 20 will be described in detail.

[0034] The credit card user information 400 includes a user ID 401 , user information 402 , card type 403 , issue date 404 , account number 405 , limit 406 , return rate 407 , owned points 408 , and transaction history 409 .

[0035] The user ID 401 is an identification number for uniquely identifying the user to whom the credit card is issued. This user ID 401 may be the same number as the user ID 301 described above, or may be a number linked to the user ID 301.

[0036] User information 402 is information about the user to whom the credit card is issued, and includes, for example, name, age, sex, address, and the like.

[0037] The card type 403 is information indicating the type (grade) of the credit card to be applied for.

[0038] The issue date 404 is information indicating the date the credit card was issued.

[0039] The account number 405 is information indicating the bank account number from which the payment amount paid by credit card will be debited. The account number 405 includes a bank code for identifying the bank, a fulcrum code for identifying the fulcrum, and the account number.

[0040] The limit 406 is information indicating the monthly payment limit set for each credit card.

[0041] The return rate 407 is information indicating the return rate of points awarded according to the amount of payment made with a credit card.

[0042] The retained points 408 is information indicating the remaining number of points awarded according to the amount of payment made with a credit card or points awarded as part of a campaign or the like.

[0043] The transaction history 409 is information showing the history of payments made using a credit card.

[0044] (Bank account opening user information 500) With reference to FIG. 5, the information of users who open bank accounts (bank account opening user information 500) stored by the bank account server 30 will be described in detail.

[0045] The bank account opening user information 500 includes a user ID 501 , user information 502 , account type 503 , account opening date 504 , balance 505 , and transaction history 506 .

[0046] The user ID 501 is an identification number for uniquely identifying a user who opens a bank account. This user ID 501 may be the same number as the user ID 301 or the like described above, or may be a number linked to the user ID 301 or the like.

[0047] User information 502 is information about the user who opens a bank account, and includes, for example, name, age, sex, address, and the like.

[0048] The account type 503 is information indicating the type of bank account to be opened (savings, current).

[0049] Account opening date 504 is information indicating the date on which the bank account was opened.

[0050] The balance 505 is information indicating the balance of an opened bank account.

[0051] Transaction history 506 is information showing the history of deposits and withdrawals in a bank account.

[0052] (Electronic payment user information 600) With reference to FIG. 6, the information of users subscribing to the electronic payment service (electronic payment user information 600) stored in the electronic payment server 40 will be described in detail.

[0053] The electronic payment user information 600 includes a user ID 601 , user information 602 , joining date 603 , balance 604 , owned points 605 , registered card 606 , and transaction history 607 .

[0054] The user ID 601 is an identification number for uniquely identifying a user who subscribes to the electronic payment service. This user ID 601 may be the same number as the user ID 301 or the like described above, or may be a number linked to the user ID 301 or the like.

[0055] User information 602 is information about the user subscribing to the electronic payment service, and includes, for example, name, age, sex, address, and the like.

[0056] The subscription date 603 is information indicating the date on which the user subscribed to the electronic payment service.

[0057] The balance 604 is the balance of electronic money that the user has charged to the electronic payment service and that can be used in the electronic payment service.

[0058] The owned points 605 are points that can be used in electronic payment services. These owned points 605 may be the type of points that are awarded in response to credit card payments, or may be a different type of point. If the owned points 605 are the type of points that are awarded in response to credit card payments, the electronic payment server 40 obtains information on the owned points 408 of the credit card linked to the user ID 601 from the credit card server 20 and sets these as the owned points 605.

[0059] Registered card 606 is information about a credit card registered with the electronic payment service. With the electronic payment service, payments can be made from a charged balance or a registered credit card. When making a payment from a credit card, the credit card information registered in registered card 606 is used for the payment.

[0060] The transaction history 607 is information indicating the history of payments made using electronic payment services and the history of charges made to electronic payment services.

[0061] (Securities account opening user information 700) With reference to FIG. 7, details of the information (securities account opening user information 700) stored by the securities server 50 for users who open accounts at securities companies will be described.

[0062] The securities account opening user information 700 includes a user ID 701 , user information 702 , account type 703 , account opening date 704 , held products 705 , balance 706 , and transaction history 707 .

[0063] The user ID 701 is an identification number for uniquely identifying a user who opens a securities account. This user ID 701 may be the same number as the above-mentioned user ID 301, or may be a number linked to the user ID 301.

[0064] User information 702 is information about the user who opens a securities account, and includes, for example, name, age, sex, address, and the like.

[0065] The account type 703 is information indicating the type of securities account to be opened (NISA, special, general, etc.).

[0066] The account opening date 704 is information indicating the date on which the securities account was opened.

[0067] The held product 705 is information about securities held by the user.

[0068] The balance 706 is information indicating the balance of the opened securities account.

[0069] The transaction history 707 is information showing the history of deposits and withdrawals in a securities account and the history of buying and selling securities.

[0070] <Method of refunding usage fees in the usage fee refund system 1> Referring to FIG. 8, the refund (cash back) for the usage fee of the communication service in the usage fee refund system 1 will be described.

[0071] (S801: Storing communication service subscriber information 300) The communication service server 10 stores information about users subscribing to communication services provided by a telecommunications carrier (communications service subscriber user information 300). For example, a person who wishes to subscribe to the communication service applies for subscription to the communication service at a counter operated by the telecommunications carrier or online. The communication service server 10 stores various pieces of information in the communication service subscriber user information 300 in accordance with the application for subscription to the communication service. The communication service server 10 also updates various pieces of information in the communication service subscriber user information 300 in accordance with an information update request. For example, when a new credit card is applied for, the communication service server 10 receives an update request from the credit card server 20 and updates the card application status 306 linked to the user ID 301 of the user who newly applied for the credit card. When a new bank account is opened, the communication service server 10 also receives an update request from the bank account server 30 and updates the bank account opening status 307 linked to the user ID 301 of the user who newly opened the bank account. In addition, when a new user signs up for the electronic payment service, the communication service server 10 receives an update request from the electronic payment server 40 and updates the pay subscription status 308 linked to the user ID 301 of the user who has newly signed up for the electronic payment service.

[0072] (S802: Storing credit card user information 400) The credit card server 20 stores information (credit card user information 400) about users who are issued credit cards provided by telecommunications carriers or carriers that have a predetermined relationship with telecommunications carriers. For example, a person who wishes to apply for a credit card applies for a credit card on the credit card carrier's website, at a store, or by mail. The credit card server 20 stores various pieces of information in the credit card user information 400 in accordance with the application for a credit card. The credit card server 20 also updates various pieces of information in the credit card user information 400 in accordance with a request to update the information.

[0073] (S803: Storing bank account opening user information 500) The bank account server 30 stores information (bank account opening user information 500) of users who open bank accounts with telecommunications carriers or businesses (banks) that have a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carriers. For example, a person who wishes to open a bank account applies for opening a bank account on the bank's website, at a branch, or by mail. The bank account server 30 stores various pieces of information in the bank account opening user information 500 in accordance with the account opening application. The bank account server 30 also updates various pieces of information in the bank account opening user information 500 in accordance with a request to update the information.

[0074] (S804: Storing electronic payment user information 600) The electronic payment server 40 stores information (electronic payment user information 600) about users who subscribe to an electronic payment service provided by a telecommunications carrier or a business (electronic payment business operator) that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier. For example, a person who wishes to subscribe to an electronic payment service downloads an app related to the electronic payment service (hereinafter referred to as the electronic payment app) to a communication terminal such as the user's smartphone, and applies for subscription to the electronic payment service on the electronic payment app. The electronic payment server 40 stores various pieces of information in the electronic payment user information 600 in accordance with the application for subscription to the electronic payment service. Furthermore, the electronic payment server 40 updates various pieces of information in the electronic payment user information 600 in accordance with a request to update the information.

[0075] (S805: Providing cardholder information) When a new credit card is applied for, the credit card server 20 sends an update request to the communication service server 10. The update request includes the user ID 401 as card application information. In accordance with the received update request, the communication service server 10 updates the card application status 306 of the user ID 301 that matches the user ID 401.

[0076] (S806: Providing account opening information) When a new bank account is opened, the bank account server 30 sends an update request to the communication service server 10. The update request includes the user ID 501 as account opening information. In accordance with the received update request, the communication service server 10 updates the bank account opening status 307 of the user ID 301 that matches the user ID 501.

[0077] (S807: Provision of electronic payment service subscription information) When a new user signs up for the electronic payment service, the electronic payment server 40 sends an update request to the communication service server 10. The update request includes the user ID 601 and information identifying the user's account registered in the electronic payment app as electronic payment service subscription information. In accordance with the received update request, the communication service server 10 updates the Pay subscription status 308 for the user ID 301 that matches the user ID 601.

[0078] (S808: Payment method settings) A subscriber to a communication service can set a payment method for the communication service fee. For example, a subscriber to a communication service can set a credit card or a bank account as a payment method for the communication service fee (monthly fee) online or at a counter. When a credit card provided by a telecommunications carrier or a business that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier is set as the payment method, the communication service server 10 provides information related to the credit card set in the credit card server 20. When a bank account provided by a telecommunications carrier or a business (bank) that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier is set as the payment method, the communication service server 10 provides information related to the bank account set in the bank account server 30.

[0079] (S809: Cashback calculation) The communication service server 10 calculates the amount of cashback for the communication service usage fee. Details of S809 will be described later. This cashback calculation (S809) may be performed, for example, at the end of each month or at other times.

[0080] (S810: Cashback execution) The communication service server 10 executes the cashback of the amount calculated in S809. The communication service server 10 notifies the amount calculated in S809 to the electronic settlement server 40. Details of S810 will be described later.

[0081] (S811: Cashback) The electronic payment server 40 performs a process of adding the amount of cashback notified in S810 to the balance 604 of the account registered in the electronic payment app. The electronic payment server 40 may also notify the user that the cashback has been executed to the account registered in the electronic payment app of the communication terminal 60. The electronic payment app can display the amount of cashback and the account balance to which the cashback amount has been added.

[0082] (S812: Point back calculation) The credit card server 20 calculates the number of points back for a payment made with a credit card. This point back calculation (S812) may be performed, for example, for each payment, or at other times. The credit card server 20 then adds the number of points back to the currently held points, and updates the held points 408. For example, the credit card server 20 calculates the number of points for a payment amount made with a credit card using a return rate set according to the type of credit card (see card type 403 and return rate 407 in FIG. 4). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the credit card server 20 may award points calculated by multiplying the payment amount of the communication service fee by a predetermined return rate to a user who is a subscriber to a predetermined communication service plan and has set the credit card as the payment method.

[0083] (S813: Point back calculation) The communication service server 10 calculates the number of points to be returned for payment of the communication service usage fee with a credit card. In this embodiment, the communication service server 10 calculates the number of points according to the payment amount of the communication service usage fee (for example, points equal to 10% of the usage fee). The calculated number of points to be returned is notified to the credit card server 20. This 10% is an example, and other return rates may be used, or the return rate may vary for a limited period of time. Furthermore, this point return calculation (S813) may be performed by the credit card server 20 based on the communication service usage fee.

[0084] (S814: Providing points) The credit card server 20 provides the updated held points 408 to the electronic payment server 40. The electronic payment server 40 may display the held points 408 in the electronic payment application of the communication terminal 60.

[0085] (Cashback calculation (S809) details) The cashback calculation (S809) in Fig. 8 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 9. Each process in the flowchart in Fig. 9 is executed by, for example, the processor 201 of the communication service server 10 reading and executing a cashback calculation program. This flowchart is executed for each user ID subscribing to a plan eligible for this cashback.

[0086] The communication service server 10 determines whether it is time to calculate the cashback (S901). The time to calculate the cashback is, for example, the end of the month, but may be any other timing.

[0087] When the communication service server 10 determines that it is time to calculate the cashback (S901: Yes), it determines whether the user has issued a predetermined credit card (subscribed to a financial service) (S902). Specifically, the communication service server 10 refers to the communication service subscriber user information 300 and determines whether the user has issued a predetermined credit card from the card subscription status 306 of the user ID 301 of the user. The predetermined credit card is, for example, a credit card issued by a telecommunications carrier or a business that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier, and is a credit card that is eligible for this cashback.

[0088] If the communication service server 10 determines that the user has issued a predetermined credit card (S902: Yes), it sets the variable CB1 to 300 (S903), and if it determines that the user has not issued a predetermined credit card (S902: No), it sets the variable CB1 to 0 (S904). The variable CB1 indicates a cashback for signing up for the predetermined credit card, and its value indicates the cashback amount. Note that this cashback amount is not limited to 300, and may be a predetermined amount for the communication service usage fee (or a predetermined number in the case of point back) or a variable amount.

[0089] Next, the communication service server 10 determines whether the user has opened a predetermined bank account (subscribed to financial services) (S905). Specifically, the communication service server 10 refers to the communication service subscriber user information 300 and determines whether the user has opened a predetermined bank account from the bank account opening status 307 of the user ID 301 of the user. The predetermined bank account is, for example, a bank account opened by a telecommunications carrier or a business (bank) that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier, and is a bank account that is eligible for this cashback.

[0090] If the communication service server 10 determines that the user has opened a specified bank account (S905: Yes), it sets the variable CB2 to 300 (S906), and if it determines that the user has not opened a specified bank account (S905: No), it sets the variable CB2 to 0 (S907). The variable CB2 indicates the cashback for opening a specified bank account, and its value indicates the cashback amount. Note that this cashback amount is not limited to 300, and may be a predetermined amount for the communication service usage fee (or a predetermined number in the case of point back) or a variable amount.

[0091] Next, the communication service server 10 determines whether the user has set a predetermined payment method (set a financial service) as the payment method for the usage fee (S908). Specifically, the communication service server 10 refers to the communication service subscriber user information 300 and determines whether the user has set a predetermined credit card or a predetermined bank account as the payment method from the payment method 309 of the user ID 301 of the user.

[0092] If the communication service server 10 determines that the user has set a predetermined payment method (S908: Yes), it sets the variable CB3 to 200 (S909), and if it determines that the user has not set a predetermined payment method (S908: No), it sets the variable CB3 to 0 (S910). The variable CB3 indicates the cashback for setting the predetermined payment method, and its value indicates the cashback amount. Note that this cashback amount is not limited to 200, and may be a predetermined amount for the communication service usage fee (or a predetermined number in the case of point cashback) or a variable amount.

[0093] Then, the communication service server 10 calculates CB by adding up the above C1, C2, and C3 (S911). The communication service server 10 decides to provide the calculated cashback amount as a refund for the usage fee of the communication service. CB indicates the total cashback amount for the usage fee of the communication service provided by the communication carrier. The above cashback amount is set appropriately within the range not exceeding the upper limit permitted by laws such as the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations.

[0094] (Details of Cashback Execution (S810)) Fig. 10 explains the details of the cashback execution (S810) in Fig. 8. Each process in the flowchart in Fig. 10 is executed by, for example, the processor 201 of the communication service server 10 reading and executing a cashback execution program. This flowchart is executed for each user ID that subscribes to a plan that is eligible for this cashback.

[0095] The communication service server 10 determines whether it is time to issue a cashback (S1001). The cashback is issued after the calculation of the cashback described above, for example, during the month, but may be issued at other times. For example, (1) after the usage fee (monthly fee) for the communication service for the current month is determined at the end of the month and an account receivable / obligable is generated for the payment of the usage fee, (2) it is determined whether the above-mentioned cashback conditions are met on the condition determination date (for example, the middle of the next month), and (3) when the usage fee (monthly fee) for the communication service is paid (debited from the account), (4) the cashback is issued in response to the fulfillment of the cashback conditions. Note that the cashback may be issued even if the usage fee (monthly fee) in (3) has not been paid. The cashback issued without payment of the usage fee (monthly fee) need not be returned, or may be returned if no payment is made after a certain period of time has passed.

[0096] When the communication service server 10 determines that it is time to issue a cashback (S1001: Yes), it determines whether the user has completed registration for a predetermined electronic payment service (S1002). Specifically, the communication service server 10 references the communication service subscriber user information 300 and determines whether the user has completed registration for a predetermined electronic payment service based on the Pay subscription status 308 of the user's user ID 301. The predetermined electronic payment service is, for example, an electronic payment service provided by a telecommunications carrier or a business that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier, and is an electronic payment service that is eligible for this cashback.

[0097] When the communication service server 10 determines that the user has completed subscription registration for the predetermined electronic payment service (S1002: Yes), it notifies the electronic payment server 40 of the cashback amount (S1003). The cashback amount is the value of CB calculated in S911 of FIG. 9.

[0098] If the communication service server 10 determines that the user has not completed the subscription registration for the predetermined electronic payment service (S1002: No), the flow ends. Note that the communication service server 10 may notify the electronic payment server 40 of the cashback amount when the subscription registration for the electronic payment service is completed.

[0099] (Display screen of communication terminal 60) Various screens displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal 60 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0100] FIG. 11(a) shows a screen (electronic payment usage screen 1110) for using an electronic payment service. The electronic payment usage screen 1110 is displayed by an electronic payment app installed on the communication terminal 60. The electronic payment usage screen 1110 displays a one-dimensional code 1111 and a two-dimensional code 1112 that are read by a barcode reader at the store when making an electronic payment, a balance 1113 of electronic money that can be used for electronic payment, points 1114 that can be used for electronic payment, and a benefit status check button 1115. The benefit status check button 1115 is a button for displaying a screen (FIGS. 11(b) and (c)) for checking the status of rebates on communication service usage fees.

[0101] 11(b) and (c) are screens (cashback status confirmation screen 1120) for checking the status of cashback on communication service usage fees. The cashback status confirmation screen 1120 displays the status of cashback for subscribers of a specified communication service plan. Subscribers of a specified plan can receive benefits for signing up for a specified credit card, opening a specified bank account, and setting up a specified payment method. The cashback status confirmation screen 1120 displays an item 1121 indicating the achievement status of the benefit for signing up for a specified credit card, an item 1122 indicating the achievement status of the benefit for opening a specified bank account, and an item 1123 indicating the achievement status of the benefit for setting up a specified payment method.

[0102] When the joining privilege, opening privilege, or setting privilege has been achieved, the items related to the achieved privileges are displayed separately from the items related to the unachieved privileges, as shown in Fig. 11(c). In the example of Fig. 11(c), the items 1121 and 1122 related to the achieved privileges are grayed out and the message "Achieved" is displayed.

[0103] The above-mentioned items 1121 to 1123 may be buttons linked to web pages for applying to achieve each benefit. For example, item 1121 may be a button linked to a web page for applying for a specific credit card, item 1122 may be a button linked to a web page for opening a specific bank account, and item 1123 may be a web page for setting up payment for communication service charges.

[0104] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, it is possible to provide a return that is suitable for a user who uses not only communication services but also financial services (credit cards, bank accounts) and electronic payment services as a set.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a user who subscribes to a predetermined communication service plan can receive a rebate simply by subscribing to a financial service (by issuing a credit card or opening a bank account). In other words, in this embodiment, a user can receive a rebate even if they subscribe to a financial service and do not set the financial service as the payment method for the communication service fee. Therefore, even if a user subscribes to a financial service but is unable to set the financial service as the payment method for the communication service for some reason, a rebate appropriate for the user can be provided. Furthermore, if the user sets the financial service as the payment method for the communication service, the user can receive an even greater rebate.

[0106] In this embodiment, the rebate conditional on subscription to the financial service is given in the form of electronic money, and the rebate for payments made using the financial service (credit card) is given in the form of points. This allows users to enjoy two types of rebates (cash back and point back) with different scopes of use.

[0107] In addition, in this embodiment, a predetermined amount of rebate can be received on the condition that the user subscribes to the financial service, and rebates for payment of the usage fee for the communication service using the financial service (credit card) can be received in the form of pay-as-you-go points.

[0108] (Variation) Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the embodiments are merely illustrative of specific examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0109] For example, in the above-described embodiment, electronic money is returned as a refund for the communication service fee on the condition that the user subscribes to the financial service (issues a credit card, opens a bank account), but points may also be returned. Also, in the above-described embodiment, a predetermined amount (fixed amount) of electronic money is returned (cash back), but electronic money or points may be returned in an amount multiplied by a predetermined return rate.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the signing-up privileges and setting privileges of a credit card are described, but the credit card may be a debit card.

[0111] Furthermore, the business operator having a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier in the above-described embodiment may be an operator that has a business partnership with the telecommunications carrier, or an operator that has a capital relationship with the telecommunications carrier.

[0112] Furthermore, the credit card server 20 of the above-described embodiment may award points when a predetermined credit card is used to charge the balance of an electronic payment service. Furthermore, the bank account server 30 of the above-described embodiment may raise the interest rate on a regular savings account and / or a fixed term deposit on the condition that a predetermined communication service plan is subscribed to, or may raise the interest rate on a regular savings account and / or a fixed term deposit on the condition that a predetermined credit card is subscribed to.

[0113] In addition, the credit card server 20 of the above-described embodiment may award points calculated by multiplying the purchase amount (savings amount) by a predetermined return rate when a user subscribes to a predetermined communication service plan, is issued a predetermined credit card, and purchases securities (e.g., investment trust savings) using the predetermined credit card as payment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1: Usage fee return system, 10: Communication service server, 20: Credit card server, 30: Bank account server, 40: Electronic settlement server, 50: Securities server, 60: Communication terminal, 200: Control unit, 201: Processor, 202: Main memory unit, 203: Auxiliary memory unit, 204: Communication I / F, 205: Input / output I / F, 206: Bus, 210: User information management DB, 300: Communication service subscriber user information, 400: Credit card subscriber user information, 500: Bank account opening user information, 600: Electronic settlement user information, 700: Securities account opening user information, 1110: Electronic settlement usage screen, 1120: Return status confirmation screen

Claims

[Claim 1] A method for reducing a usage fee, which is executed by a processor of a communication service server that manages users who subscribe to a communication service provided by a communication carrier, comprising: storing information of users who subscribe to a communication service provided by a communication carrier; receiving account opening status information indicating the opening status of an account for a financial service provided by the telecommunications carrier or a business having a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier; determining whether a user subscribing to the communication service has also opened the account based on the account opening status information; providing a refund to the user for the fee for the communication service on the condition that it is determined that the user has also opened the account; A method of refunding usage fees, including:

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