Host-Based Purchase Restriction Override for Fleet Cards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fleet chip cards require significant effort and cost to update purchase restrictions, as these restrictions are embedded in the chip data and can only be changed by issuing new cards, which is inefficient and not dynamically manageable.
Innovation Solution
Implementing host-based purchase restrictions that allow for dynamic override of chip-based purchase restrictions through a computer-implemented method, where a processor receives an authorization request from a merchant system, determines if host-based purchase restrictions are supported, and transmits an authorization response with a host-based purchase restriction to override the chip-based restrictions, enabling dynamic management of purchase restrictions without issuing new cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chip-based purchase restrictions are used to control fleet card transactions, then purchase restrictions are securely enforced at the card level, but updating restrictions requires issuing new cards which increases effort, cost, and processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates purchase restriction functionality into two independent components: chip-based restrictions embedded in the payment device and host-based restrictions stored in a database accessible by the payment network. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently, enabling updates to host-based restrictions without requiring new card issuance, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable restriction enforcement and rapid update capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a payment network host system as an intermediary between the chip card and the merchant system. This host receives authorization requests, retrieves both chip-based and host-based purchase restrictions, applies them to determine transaction approval, and communicates the decision back. The intermediary enables dynamic restriction updates without card replacement while maintaining the security of chip-based enforcement
2Manufacturing precision
If new chip cards are issued to update purchase restrictions, then restriction accuracy is improved, but the process becomes complex and costly for issuers and user companies to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of purchase restrictions in the host system that mirrors the chip-based restrictions. This host-based copy can be updated independently and retrieved during authorization processing. The copying mechanism maintains restriction accuracy by replicating the authoritative restrictions while eliminating the complexity of physical card reissuance for updates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, immutable chip-based restriction system into a dynamic system where restrictions can be updated in real-time through the host database. The host-based purchase restrictions can be modified, added, or removed without physical card changes, enabling flexible and responsive restriction management that adapts to changing business requirements
3Reliability
If closed loop fleet cards with embedded restrictions are used, then purchase control is enforced, but the payment acceptance network is limited in scope and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the purchase restriction system universal by implementing host-based restrictions that can be applied across multiple merchants and transaction types through the payment network host. The host can retrieve and apply restrictions for any merchant in the network, not just specific closed-loop merchants, thereby expanding the payment acceptance network while maintaining reliable purchase control through the combined chip and host restriction evaluation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer program products that receive, from a merchant system, an authorization request associated with a transaction at the merchant system using a chip-based payment device storing a chip-based purchase restriction in a chip-card format, the authorization request including a purchase restrictions flag indicating whether the merchant system supports host-based purchase restrictions; determine, based on the purchase restrictions flag, that the merchant system supports host-based purchase restrictions; and transmit, to the merchant system, an authorization response associated with the transaction, wherein the authorization response includes a field including a host-based purchase restriction in the same chip-card format that the chip-based purchase restriction is stored on the chip-based payment device, and wherein the host-based purchase restriction is configured to cause the merchant system to override the chip-based purchase restriction with the host-based purchase restriction for processing the transaction