System and method for consumer control over card-based transactions

US7783569B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Luther C. Abel · San Jose, US
• Robert E. Cousins · Saratoga, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 24, 2008
• Grant date: Aug 24, 2010
• Expiry date: Mar 24, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q40/03
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A system and method for consumer control over card-based transactions and associated accounts. An interface is provided between a merchant or the merchant's bank and the bank or banks at which the consumer has accounts for card-based transactions. The interface acts as an intermediary which is accessible to the consumer so that the consumer may place a variety of controls on card-based transactions. For example, multiple transaction cards may be linked to a single credit account with each card having a different credit limit. As another example, each transaction card may be restricted to a particular merchant. As yet another example, a consumer may link several credit and/or debit accounts to a single transaction card; the consumer may pre-select criteria to be utilized for directing charges for a particular transaction to be applied the different accounts. The consumer may access the interface via a web site or a telephone for making changes and receiving account information. Flexibility and control over the use of transaction cards is, therefore, provided for card-based transactions and for debit and credit accounts used in connection with such card-based transactions.