352 results about "Gift card" patented technology

A method of providing a mobile wallet is disclosed and may include displaying a mobile wallet login screen and displaying a mobile wallet. The mobile wallet includes at least one of the following: an accounts option, a buy now option, an offers option, a receipts option, and a more option. The method further includes displaying one or more accounts when the accounts option is selected. The one or more accounts may include at least one of the following: a bank account, a credit account, a gift card account, and a rewards account.

Disclosed is a method and system for use of an image-based payment medium through images stored on the consumer's mobile phone in place of traditional plastic gift, credit or debit cards. Upon authentication, an image is sent to the consumer's mobile phone. The consumer displays the image at the retailer's point of sale when completing a transaction. The image is scanned with a barcode reader, a webcam or other scanning device and the consumer's account in a database is debited or credited based on the amount and type of transaction. An image-base payment medium provides for the ability to target specific ads to the consumer, directed to the registered mobile phone number and also to attach loyalty and coupon programs to the account, which the recipient may redeem upon scanning of the encoded image on the mobile phone at the point of sale. The system and method is suitable for “virtual” gift cards, credit and debit cards, loyalty payment programs and other methods of value exchange.

A method, system, and computer program product for implementing a marketing application using a store card as a Reward Card, Rebate Card, Pre-paid Script Program Card, Incentive Card, and / or Gift Card, as well as a Frequent Shopper Card. A card provided in association with an initial credit is also associated with an identification and account stored in a computer database memory, and the identification in the card enables the retailer to subsequently allow the consumer to use the card for additional computer based marketing, debit, and credit activity.

A method, system, and computer program product for implementing a marketing application using a store card as a Reward Card, Rebate Card, Pre-paid Script Program Card, Incentive Card, and / or Gift Card, as well as a Frequent Shopper Card. A card provided in association with an initial credit is also associated with an identification and account stored in a computer database memory, and the identification in the card enables the retailer to subsequently allow the consumer to use the card for additional computer based marketing, debit, and credit activity.

Embodiments of the invention relate to a system and method for real-time validation and redemption of paper and electronic coupons; electronic coupon distribution; electronic clearing and reporting of paper and electronic coupon redemptions; and an “Universal Club Card” that combines coupon scanning, coupon redemption, coupon distribution, loyalty cards, club cards, gift cards, frequent shopper programs, store credits and many other retail store promotions into one efficient and convenient portable scanning device.

A system and method for receiving a value on or associated with a consumer card in lieu of actually receiving coin change. In particular embodiments, and RFID device or other card reader / writer device is connected either in place of, or parallel to, an electric coin dispenser on a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal or cash register. Instead of receiving an odd amount of coin change after a purchase, the RFID device can augment a total value either stored on the card itself or in an account associated with the card. Alternatively a clerk can cause value to be added to a card equal to the amount that would have given as coin change. A consumer can redeem value up to the amount on the value card at participating stores as if it were a gift card. In one embodiment, a customer ID, total value and optionally a password or PIN can be stored on a smartcard usually in encrypted form. Alternatively, the card or telephone can simply present a barcode which relates to an account. The present invention can either be implemented to work with a particular merchant or merchant chain, or it can be implemented to work across a large number of participating merchants. The latter case usually requires a single remote value account accessible by all the participating merchants.

The present invention provides for exchanging a gift card. Data associated with a first gift card is provided. The data associated with the first gift card is validated. Either a money rebate associated with the first gift card, or a second gift card is selected. The first gift card is exchanged for either a money rebate or the second gift card. An exchange fee is generated by both the vendor associated with the gift card and the company performing the exchange.

A computer system and software enabling a method for assisting users who are members of a group in identifying trending items and making purchases using selected forms of payment over the Internet on web sites, mobile devices and in physical store locations from trusted vendors to locate and to take advantage of special rates and promotions that may be offered to certain users under specific circumstances. The system enables users, buyers and their social circle of friends of gift givers to identify, curate, manage and purchase gifts & services and take advantage of digital gift cards, credit cards & coupons to get the best price.

A combination greeting card and gift card with a coded information portion is provided to be sold and delivered to a recipient as a unit. The greeting card includes preprinted indicia preferably corresponding to a particular occasion such as a birthday, holiday, graduation or other celebretory event. The coded information portion of the gift card preferably includes a PIN number or a scannable portion which, when an account in a remote computer corresponding to the coded information and the gift card is activated, enables the holder of the gift card to obtain goods or services by access to credit corresponding to the card from a remote database. The gift card is initially temporarily coupled to the greeting card by adhesive, tabs and slits, or a mechanical fastener, and concealed when the front and rear panels of the greeting card are in a closed, substantially parallel orientation.

Stored value cards, such as gift cards, from different card issuers are displayed for sale and activation at retail locations. A distribution database system maintains records of cards sold at the retail locations. The system accounts to each retailer for commissions owed for cards sold by that retailer, and accounts to each card issuer for its cards that are sold at each retail location.

A self-service gift card terminal for the purchase or activation of a gift card, the gift card terminal including a housing having a computer processor disposed in the housing. A user interface coupled to the computer processor provides for self-service interaction between a customer and the gift card terminal. A modem coupled to the computer processor and connectable to a network transmits data to and from the gift card terminal. The gift card terminal also includes means for accepting payment for a gift card purchase. The computer processor is configured to activate a gift card in accordance with a customer request for and purchase of a gift card. A receipt for the transaction is then printed. The self-service gift card terminal provides a convenient terminal from which a customer can purchase and activate a gift card from a plurality of retailers or service providers.

A system and method enable a consumer to redeem loyalty points and coupons. The consumer is presented with a choice of electronic loyalty point redemption options and coupons, specific to the consumer and based on a behavioral purchasing rating system. The consumer's selections are transmitted to the participating vendor so the consumer can immediately pick up the consumer's selection from the vendor or utilize the desired coupons. The vendor can initiate new loyalty point redemption options dynamically. The vendor can accurately identify whether or not a promotion drove the consumer to the vendor's store through time and membership identification correlation.

A system and method for collecting and managing information taken from tokens, like credit cards and gift cards, includes a portable computing device (PCD). The PCD may support a token recognizer that may comprise hardware and / or software that may reside in memory of the PCD. The token recognizer may work in combination with a camera. The token recognizer may comprise a broad recognizer module and an optical character recognition (“OCR”) module. The camera of the PCD may capture images of one or more physical tokens. These captured images of the physical tokens may be processed by the token recognizer so that digital images as well as data provided by the physical tokens may be maintained in memory of the PCD for later presentation to the user. These later presentations on the PCD may be used for account management and for conducting transactions, such as making payment at a point-of-sale (POS) terminal.

Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to allowing a recipient of a closed-loop gift card to select one of a plurality of merchants toward which to apply the value. A consumer buys a variable gift card from a service provider for a set amount. The consumer pays the service provider that amount, but the service provider holds that amount in escrow. The consumer sends the gift card to a recipient with a predetermined merchant. The recipient receives the gift card and decides not to use the gift card for the predetermined merchant, but for a desired merchant. The recipient requests the service provider to change the merchant. The service provider requests a final confirmation before delivering the amount from escrow to the desired merchant, and the gift card is ready for use. If the recipient does desire to use the predetermined merchant, the recipient simply contacts the service provider for activation, where the service provider transfers the amount to the predetermined merchant.

A kiosk machine vends stored value cards (i.e., pre-paid and gift cards). The kiosk is self-service and will allow a user to select, purchase and pay for a stored value card without requiring the presence or assistance of a sales clerk. The kiosk can vend one or more cards in a single transaction. The kiosk is a computer-based vending machine having a touch-sensitive video screen and a card reader. The touch screen provides a user interface for a user to receive information and provide input selections. The card reader can be used to read a transaction card (e.g., an American Express card or credit card) to facilitate payment for the stored value card(s) being purchased. The vending method comprises: providing a kiosk having a user interface; receiving, via the user interface, a request to purchase a stored value card, receiving payment for the purchase; determining a card number associated with a selected card; activating the selected card to produce an activated stored value card in the card denomination; and dispensing the activated stored value card. A user purchasing a stored value card can select a type of stored value card, wherein the type is selected from the group consisting of an open card and a closed card. The closed card can be of the type usable only in a shopping center where the kiosk is physically located. The user can further select a card denomination. The method further allows a user to check a card balance for a stored value card.

Disclosed herein is a method and system for standardizing a plurality of digital wallet credits into one digital wallet system. Expenditures of merchant-issued credit stored in digital wallets are supported by tokenization of assets. Assets are encoded and represented by currencies tracked on public ledgers. Data is mined from the public ledger, decoded, and presented to users with a unified interface which allows users to view balances at any time of all digital wallets in their possession.

A system and method for displaying a presentation instrument such as a gift card, and for establishing and maintaining an account associated with the gift card. The gift card is packaged with a card carrier for display at a retail establishment, with both the card and the card carrier each having an account identifying element, such as a magnetic stripe or bar code. The identifying element on the card may be electronically read in order to conduct transactions against the account. The identifying element on the card carrier may be electronically read to activate the account, but not conduct transactions, thereby reducing the opportunity for fraudulent transactions against the account.

Disclosed is a novel method of sending electronic gift cards. The cards enable people when they are in a hurry and they want to do last minute shopping for special occasions, the holidays, including those special events such as anniversaries, birthdays and special event days. The invention allows anyone with a mobile device to send a personalize “gift card” to anyone else who also has a mobile device anywhere. Through secure personal accounts, the consumer may tell the transaction server, about whom to send the gift to, how much, and select the occasion or customized message. The electronic “gift card” can be in one of the alternative forms, such as just text, image, or video message. The delivery of the “gift card” can be scheduled instantly or anytime in the future. It can also be periodic. The delivery of the card is secured and guaranteed as is the redemption and transaction process. The innovation also allows setup of recurring delivery of gifts as well as reminder alerts of upcoming special events or occasions.

Methods and systems for printing gift cards are provided. Gift cards may be customized and may be printed remotely from the point of customization. Customized gift card designs can be reviewed by the issuer for content prior to printing the customized gift card.

A transaction router and corresponding process that enables the point-of-sale activation (POSA) of POSA type devices, such as POSA pre-paid gift cards, debit cards, telephone cards and cellular replenishment cards, while utilizing a standard credit card swipe terminal (reader). The transaction router, during use, receives the output of the reader and allows standard credit and debit card transactions to pass to the financial transaction processing entity that is called by the reader, to allow the financial transaction to be carried out. If the card or device being read by the reader is a POSA type device to be activated, then the router routes the communication initiated by the reader to another processing entity capable of activating the POSA device. The reader is unaware of the existence of the router and operates in its ordinary manner, whether standard credit and debit cards are being processed, or whether a POSA card or other POSA device is being activated. Increasing the value of a previously activated POSA card also may be carried out.

The present invention provides for exchanging a gift card. Data associated with a first gift card is provided. The data associated with the first gift card is validated. Either a money rebate associated with the first gift card, or a second gift card is selected. The first gift card is exchanged for either a money rebate or the second gift card. An exchange fee is generated by both the vendor associated with the gift card and the company performing the exchange.

An automated fulfillment system enables gift cards to be embedded or sent along with personalized greeting cards. The present invention, a method, system and apparatus enables a person to 1) purchase a gift card from either a Internet Website, Catalog, and / or retail kiosk, 2) choose a retail quality greeting card, 3) personalize the greeting card, and 4) send the personalized greeting cards as a gift with a gift card embedded inside the greeting card. The reverse is also possible, i.e. a user can purchase a greeting card, personalize the greeting card, and then assign that greeting card to have a gift card inserted inside therein.

A method and a system convert the value of a gift card for use with a mobile device. A gift card converter module associates a value of the gift card with a digital wallet of the mobile device. A digital wallet module enables a financial transaction with the digital wallet of the mobile device. A storage device stores the value of the gift card associated with the digital wallet and the corresponding financial transaction.

An apparatus and method for selecting and processing text or images and applying the text or images to a variety of plastic cards. This system allows a user to select or upload images, select or type text and apply the image to either a dispensed plastic card similar in size to a standard credit or gift card. The system can restrict placement of images and text to pre-specified areas of a card based upon the card selected. The method can be used on the Internet to select images and text to apply to card products being purchased. The system can restrict fonts, size and colors based upon the card selected.

Virtual mobile rewards, gift cards, and / or physical world retailers' loyalty and reward programs are aggregated into a common account accessible and transactional from an Internet capable mobile radio device. Subscribers gain access to discounted codes, coupons, rebates, gift cards, and / or limited time offers, on their mobile device for food, travel, lifestyle, electronics, and entertainment products that fit their lifestyle spending habits, enabling users to edit participating retailers, manage separate account balances, and present preferred discounted offers at retailers and apply discount towards purchase of goods.

Virtual mobile rewards, gift cards, and / or physical world retailers' loyalty and reward programs are aggregated into a common account accessible and transactional from an Internet capable mobile radio device. Subscribers gain access to discounted codes, coupons, rebates, gift cards, and / or limited time offers, on their mobile device for food, travel, lifestyle, electronics, and entertainment products that fit their lifestyle spending habits, enabling users to edit participating retailers, manage separate account balances, and present preferred discounted offers at retailers and apply discount towards purchase of goods.

A system and a method is provided for secure storage of consumers' credentials, financial accounts such as credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, checking accounts, savings accounts, proprietary gift cards, line of credit accounts, brokerage accounts, loyalty accounts, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, or the like, and storage of consumers' financial, legal or other important documents in an integrative vault providing payment processing access, protection, management, control and auditability over all of the consumers' payment instruments, other instruments, and important documents in a cloud based payment transaction processing environment.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of activating a plurality of gift cards utilizes a package of multiple presentation instruments. Each presentation instrument includes a unique presentation instrument identifier used to associate funds with the presentation instrument. Also, the package includes a package identifier. In one step, the package identifier is read from the package and is transmitted over an electronic network to a host computer system which evaluates the package identifier to determine whether the package identifier is valid. If so, each of the presentation instruments in the package is activated for a certain activation amount.

Systems and methods for creating gift messages for sending to individuals via an existing messaging infrastructure are described. A gift provider system may receive a request for a gift catalog from a first user device. The gift provider system may provide an interactive gift catalog to the first user device that includes one or more gift cards available for purchase. The user of the first user device may select the amount of the gift card, create a personalized message for the gift card, select a recipient, and select graphics that may accompany the gift card. The gift provider system may create a gift message based on the purchased gift card and send the gift message to the recipient. The gift message may be sent as an MMS message and may include one or more codes that the recipient can use to redeem the gift card with a providing merchant.