Tokenless biometric electronic rewards system

Abstract

The method of the invention includes a tokenless authorization of a reward transaction between an issuer and a recipient using an electronic identicator and at least one recipient bid biometric sample, the method comprising the following steps. A recipient registration step, wherein a recipient registers with an electronic identicator at least one registration biometric sample. An issuer registration step, wherein the issuer registers identification data with the electronic identicator. During a transaction formation step, wherein an electronic reward transaction is formed between the issuer and the recipient, comprising issuer bid identification data, transaction data, and at least one recipient bid biometric sample, the bid biometric sample is obtained from the issuer's person. In at least one transmission step, the issuer bid identification data, the transaction data, and recipient bid biometric sample are electronically forwarded to the electronic identicator. In a recipient identification step, the electronic identicator compares the bid biometric sample with at least one registered biometric sample for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient. In an issuer identification step, the electronic identicator compares the issuer's bid identification data with an issuer's registered identification data for producing either a successful or failed identification of the issuer. Thereby, upon successful identification of the recipient and issuer, a reward transaction is authorized for debit or credit settlement of reward units from the recipient's rewards account, without the recipient presenting any personalized man-made tokens such as smartcards or magnetic swipe cards.