Systems, methods, and devices for selling transaction instruments via web-based tool

US7431208B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Gennye Feldman · New York, US
• Elizabeth Anne Holt · Salt Lake City, US
• Marc Rubner · Scottsdale, US
• John R. Rose · San Jose, US
• Nicole Milne Vollmer · Murray, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 5, 2007
• Grant date: Oct 7, 2008
• Expiry date: Feb 5, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07F7/1008
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a system and method for distributing a transaction instrument. The system includes the steps of: offering for sale, in a retail environment, the transaction instrument; selling a selected transaction instrument; communicating with the issuer of the transaction instrument via an internet accessible web site, and enabling the use of the transaction instrument. The transaction instrument may be, for example, an open pre-paid card. The distribution of the transaction instrument may also include the step of sending a message, through the web site, in substantially real time, causing the pre-paid transaction instrument to be funded but not activated until later through an interactive voice response system, for example. In another example, an associated transaction account may be funded and activated at the time of distribution. Furthermore, an issuer system may be suitably configured to leverage existing Travelers Cheque infrastructure for inventory and related processes.