Systems and methods for managing and using prepaid purchasing accounts
US7600692B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q30/00
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention extends to managing prepaid purchasing accounts and depositing funds therein. A kiosk and management system are connected over a network. The management system maintains purchasing accounts usable for multiple product or service purchases. To make a deposit, the consumer enters credentials at the kiosk, the credentials identifying a purchasing account. The consumer selects a payment method for making the deposit. For one or more payment methods (e.g., electronic check payment), the consumer selects a method to guarantee the deposit. The consumer also enters a deposit amount which is verified. Cash payments may be verified by an automated cash acceptor or a retail attendant. Credit card or debit card payments may be accepted by a card authorization network. Embodiments of the system also include debiting the purchasing account by a purchase amount. In addition, the purchasing account can be managed to view prior deposits and purchases.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.