Process for issuing coupons for goods or services to purchasers at

Abstract

A method for automated issuance of a coupon redeemable for goods or services purchased in a transaction involving a purchaser at a non-secure terminal on a public network is provided. The method includes receiving purchaser login data from the public network at a processing system, where the login data positively identifies the purchaser. The system provides through the public network to the identified purchaser a gateway to tools for selecting goods or services for purchase. The purchaser selects goods or services using these tools and provides payment information through the public network for the selected goods or services. The processing system verifies payment for goods or services. Next, the processing system generates coupon data, such as a clear text transcript of the transaction, and an encrypted transcript of the transaction. The coupon data is sent to the purchaser across the public network, enabling the purchaser to a coupon at a non-secure terminal. The coupon may be redeemed for the selected goods or services at a later date. The invention may be applied to the issuance of airline tickets, redeemable for travel. Coupon verification may be provided at the point of travel, where computer systems may be connected directly to a verification function.