System and method for using a prepaid card
US7252226B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2215/54
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system for using a prepaid card permits a card user to purchase a card, issued by an issuer such as a bank, through an agent at a retail establishment via a terminal, select a PIN, have the card activated at the point of purchase, use the card to purchase goods and services, and reload the card for future use. The system uses a communications network for issuance, activation, and accounting, and activation is accomplished on a real-time basis, either one account at a time or in a batch mode. The card can be used to purchase a wide range of goods and services including telephone services. The card can also be used to make cash withdrawals at an ATM or a point-of-sale terminal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.