First Data Corporation

Keith Newbrough

Christopher R McGee

Peter Robbins

David Baumgartner

Kenneth Algiene

Ken Algiene

Kevin James

Kevin Harte

Kenneth E Jennings, Jr

Steven E Arthur

Theodore VanDeburg

Peter A Pridgeon

Chris McGee

John K McDonough

Systems and methods for determining a least cost transaction scheme for a merchant is provided according to one embodiment of the invention. The least cost transaction scheme may be determined at a point of sale device or at a host computer system that communicates with a point of sale device. The least cost transaction scheme may depend on a standard industrial classification (SIC) code associated with the merchant and a transaction amount. In one embodiment the transaction amount and merchant ID is sent to a host computer system. Based on the merchant ID and the transaction amount the host computer system determines a fees for a plurality of transaction schemes. From the plurality of transaction schemes, a least cost transaction scheme is selected and a user is prompted to use the least cost transaction scheme to tender the transaction.

Data element specific transaction routing

Methods and systems provide and utilize a transceiver-based electronic payment device to consumers in an arrangement which allows for convenient carrying of the device and payment using the device.

Electronic payment instrument and packaging

System and methods for facilitating the settlement of financial accounts across different entities utilize a host computer system that tracks financial transactions made at each merchant location or store and uses this information to reconcile accounts across different entities. In one embodiment, for redemption transactions that occurred within one of the entities other than where the associated account was activated, the host computer system is configured to prepare a request to transfer a redemption amount to a central account from an entity account associated with where the account was activated, and to prepare a request to transfer less than the redemption amount from the central account to an entity account associated with where the redemption transaction occurred.

Decentralized guaranteed stored value transfer system and method

Systems and methods are provided for activating a payment account. The payment account is associated with two identifiers. A payment instrument is provided as having the two identifiers. A first identifier is read at a first point of sale device to activate the payment account. A second identifier is read by a radio frequency identification reader at a second point of sale device to access funds in the payment account. The first point of sale device may not be capable of reading the second identifier.

Systems and methods of payment account activation

System and methods for facilitating the settlement of financial accounts across different entities utilize a host computer system that tracks financial transactions made at each merchant location or store and uses this information to reconcile accounts across different entities. In one embodiment, the host computer periodically performs a net settlement analysis of the transactional data received from each entity's stores. A request is prepared to transfer funds from each entity's bank account having a positive net settlement amount into a central entity bank account. A request is also prepared to transfer funds into each entity's bank account having a negative net settlement amount from the central entity bank account.

Financial settlement systems and methods

The invention provides improved security for stored-value instruments. For example, a point-of-sale device may receive a request to process a transaction (such as an activation, redemption, funds recharge, etc.) with a presentation instrument. The point-of-sale device may receive a first identifier associated with the instrument. Merely by way of example, the first identifier may be encoded on a magnetic stripe disposed on the instrument, and receiving the first identifier may comprise swiping the magnetic stripe through a reader in communication with the point-of-sale device. The point-of-sale device may also receive a second identifier associated with the instrument. In some embodiments, the first and second identifiers may be correlated, e.g., to determine whether they are consistent. Merely by way of example, the second identifier may be derived from the first identifier in a specified manner, and the correlation of the first and second identifiers may comprise determining that the second identifier comprises the properly derived information. If the first and second identifiers are successfully correlated, the transaction may be performed.

Anti-fraud presentation instruments, systems and methods

Systems and methods provide multi-use electronic payment arrangements to consumers for executing electronic payment transactions. Embodiments of these payment arrangements may offer added convenience and security for consumers and merchants by integrating payment devices with more useful presentation instruments.

Presentation instrument with non-financial functionality

The present invention provides improved apparatus, methods, and systems for displaying and packaging financial presentation instruments, particularly stored value, gift, or other pre-paid debit cards. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for displaying a financial presentation instrument with an integrated holder is provided. The method comprises providing a data card having an information storage medium and an aperture therethrough. The data card is then suspended from a display hook through the at least one aperture. Hence, the present invention advantageously allows for convenient displaying and easy access to the data card for activation at the time the card is purchased by a consumer. Further, the integrated holder on the data card decreases the operating costs and increases the efficiency for selling such debit cards as no additional materials, packaging, or carriers other than the data card itself are needed for the presentation and display of such debit cards.

Financial presentation instruments with integrated holder and methods for use

The present invention generally relates to transaction instruments with enhanced expiration date and/or security personal identification number (PIN) generation. The enhanced security PIN generation may be usefully in connection with account information associated with the transaction instrument to verify and/or authenticate the transaction instrument. In certain aspects, the security PIN may be used in connection with account information associated with the transaction information to authenticate the transaction instrument via a synchronization-based authentication process or similar process. By way of example, the account information may be used as a static identifier to indicate identity of the transaction instrument, and the security PIN may be used to authenticate the identity of the transaction instrument.

Transaction instruments with enhanced security PIN and expiration date generation

In one embodiment, a presentation instrument comprises a card body having machine readable information stored thereon. A protective device is coupled to the card body so as to be disposed over at least a portion of the machine readable information such that the machine readable information is incapable of being read by a machine when the protective device is in place and the machine readable information is readable by a machine when the protective device is removed.

Tamper resistant presentation instruments and methods

The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for detecting unauthorized or fraudulent use of stored-value instruments. A stored-value instrument can be any instrument (tangible or intangible) that may be associated with a debit account and/or may otherwise be presented for payment for goods and/or services, used to transfer money, etc. The systems and methods of the invention generally involve processing request activity through a predetermined rule set to ascertain whether the activity is potentially unauthorized or fraudulent. The systems and methods of the invention allow for real-time monitoring of request activity for potentially unauthorized or fraudulent use of stored-value instruments.

System and method for detecting fraudulent use of stored value instruments

A method of providing telephone response unit (TRU)-based services includes receiving from a point-of-sale (POS) device a request at a host computer system to activate TRU-based services. The request includes an identifier that indicates the specific TRU-based services to be activated. The method also includes confirming the availability of the specific TRU-based services to be activated and storing at the host computer system information that indicates the services are activated. The method also includes returning a message to the POS that indicates that the TRU-based services have been activated.

Activating telephone-based services using a POS device

A method for issuing tickets proceeds by selecting an inactive ticket that includes an identifier. Payment is provided for the ticket, and the identifier and a payment amount is entered into a payment processing device. The identifier is transmitted to a host computer system having a record of the identifier and a status of the ticket. The status of the ticket is then changed to an active status in the host computer system.

Growing community of inventors

Parker, CO, United States of America

Keith Newbrough