Internet loading system using smart card

Abstract

An architecture and system loads and uses a smart card for payment of goods and/or services purchased on-line over the Internet. A client module on a client terminal controls the interaction with a consumer and interfaces to a card reader which accepts the consumer's smart card and allows loading and debiting of the card. Debiting works in conjunction with a merchant server and a payment server. Loading works in conjunction with a bank server and a load server. The Internet provides the routing functionality between the client terminal and the various servers. A payment server on the Internet includes a computer and a security module (or a security card in a terminal) to handle the transaction, data store and collection. A merchant server advertises the goods and/or services offered by a merchant for sale on a web site. The merchant contracts with an acquirer to accept smart card payments for goods and/or services purchased over the Internet. A consumer uses his smart card at the client terminal in order to purchase goods and/or services from the remote merchant server. The client terminal sends a draw request to the payment server. The payment server processes, confirms and replies to the merchant server (optionally by way of the client terminal). To load value, the client terminal requests a load from a user account at the bank server. A load request is sent from the card to the load server which processes, confirms and replies to the bank server (optionally by way of the client terminal). The bank transfers loaded funds to the card issuer for later settlement for a merchant from whom the user purchases goods with value on the card.