System and method for distributing stored-value cards
US7093761B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2215/54
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for supplying communication service value is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes distributing indicia of an identifier to a merchant for distribution to a customer having a customer account. The identifier has an associated service value that is redeemable with a plurality of carriers. The method further includes activating the identifier upon distribution of the indicia to the customer. A central processor may verify whether the merchant is authorized to distribute the indicia to the customer. During distribution to the customer, the merchant may transmit prior transaction information to the central processor, and the central processor may reconcile past billing records based on such prior transaction information. The method also includes receiving a request from the customer to add the associated service value to the customer account and adding the associated service value to the customer account is disclosed. The system and method may be used with any type of stored-value card account, including prepaid emergency road service cards.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.