WO2008036917A2

WO2008036917A2 - Merchant payment process for making deposits to customer financial accounts at a point-of-sale

Info

Publication number: WO2008036917A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/079189
Authority: WO
Inventors: Donald Kingsborough; Talbott Roche; Teri Llach; Julianna Shaw; Dave Newton
Original assignee: Blackhawk Network, Inc.
Priority date: 2006-09-21
Filing date: 2007-09-21
Publication date: 2008-03-27
Also published as: WO2008036917A3

Abstract

A method of rewarding a customer for patronizing a merchant comprising depositing money into a financial account designated by the customer as a reward for patronage of the merchant by the consumer.

Description

MERCHANT PAYMENT PROCESS FOR MAKING DEPOSITS TO CUSTOMER FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS AT A POINT-OF-SALE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/826,446, titled Merchant Payment Process For Making Deposits To Customer Financial Accounts At A Point-of-Sale, filed on September 21, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for enrolling customers into a merchant payment program linked to customer financial accounts, and for making cash deposits into customer financial accounts. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for rewarding customers by making cash deposits into customer financial accounts and accepting cash deposits at the Point-Of-Sale. Background of the Invention

[0003] In recent years, the retail industry has begun widely using loyalty programs as a competitive tool to attract and maintain a loyal customer base. Loyalty programs are designed to reward customers for patronizing a particular merchant by offering a wide variety of incentives and/or conveniences, and thereby encourage those customers to continue conducting business with one merchant over its competitors.

[0004] One incentive-type loyalty program comprises a loyalty card that customers present at the Point-Of-Sale to obtain special discounts on particular products, or on the total purchase price. Another incentive-type loyalty program offers reward points based upon the number of transactions, or the total dollar amount spent, with a designated number of reward points being exchangeable for goods and/or services. There are a wide variety of other ways a merchant may offer incentives to its customers, as well as certain conveniences, such as check cashing privileges. Thus, customers may decide which merchants to do business with based not only on the quality and price of the goods and/or services of the merchant, but also on the strength of the merchant's loyalty program. [0005] Therefore, to remain as competitive as possible, the retail industry generally recognizes that merchants are motivated to provide more sophisticated loyalty programs that provide additional incentives and conveniences to meet the needs of their customers. Consequently, there is an ongoing need for new methods by which a customer may be rewarded or offered conveniences when shopping with a particular merchant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A variety of methods and apparatus have been developed to address these and other needs in the art. Each of these is suitable for use alone or in combination with one or more of the other methods and apparatus disclosed herein. The disclosed methods and apparatus, each of which has been developed to enhance the conveniences and/or rewards offered to customers, are as follows;

A. A Single Session, Point-Of-Salc Method for Instantly Enrolling Customers In A Merchant Payment Process Linked To A Loyalty Program.

[0007] This method enables a customer to enroll in a merchant payment process by providing financial account information to the merchant at a Point-Of-Sale. A merchant payment process is the system by which a merchant receives and processes payments from customers. A Point-Of- SaIe may be any physical location where a product and/or service can be purchased, or non- physical locations such as web servers, automated voice processing systems, and the like, where customers conduct financial transactions without any physical interaction with the merchant. Once enrolled in the merchant payment process of the present disclosure, the customer and/or the merchant may make a deposit into the enrolled financial account at the Point-Of-Sale. Subsequently, the customer has access to the deposited funds. For example, the customer may withdraw such funds at the financial institution or at an automated teller machine. The merchant payment process may also be linked to the merchant's loyalty program, in which case, the customer also receives the other benefits of the loyalty program.

[0008] The enrollment process may be completed as part of a transaction, such as a purchase from the merchant, or may be completed in real time, independently from such a transaction with the merchant. The customer initiates enrollment in the linked merchant payment process by providing to the merchant at the Point-Of-Sale: (1) identification, (2) a completed application to enroll in the merchant payment process, and (3) financial account information. [0009] The identification is matched to the customer, such as by matching a photograph and name appearing on the identification to the customer. Then the application is processed by inputting the application information into an integrated merchant payment process/loyalty program database ("linked payment process database") that forms part of the linked merchant payment process. For a customer who has not previously enrolled in the merchant's loyalty program, the completed application seeks to enroll the customer in the linked merchant payment process. If the customer is already enrolled in the loyalty program, the customer may present a loyalty card or a loyalty program reference number along with, or instead of, the completed application, In this case, the customer information from the loyalty program is provided to the linked merchant payment process database. In particular, the customer information may be provided to this database by swiping the loyalty card, by inputting the loyalty card number into a keypad, or by the cashier directly typing the loyalty card number into the database. If the customer does not have the loyalty card, or the merchant uses a cardless loyalty program, the customer can provide their loyalty number or a reference number instead. The loyalty card number or reference number is then confirmed to ensure that the number matches a loyalty card member.

[0010] The customer also provides the financial account information that is input into the linked merchant payment process database. The financial account may include a checking account, a savings account, a line of credit, a mutual fund, a credit card, a retirement account, and the like. Preferably the financial account information identifies the arrangement by which the merchant can make a deposit to the financial institution. A check, debit card, or credit card may be used as the financial account information to identify the deposit arrangement between the merchant and the financial institution.

[0011] In some cases, the merchant may designate at least one financial institution associated with an enrolled account, and the customer must open an account with the designated financial institution. This financial institution may or may not be owned by the merchant, or affiliated with the merchant. In some cases, the designated financial institution provides favorable account terms to the customer, such as higher interest rates than standard rates and/or reduced transaction fees. [0012] The customer provides a unique identification code, such as the customer's date of birth and a number code, such as a ten digit number. Alternatively, the unique identification code is provided by the merchant or promotional material, which may also indicate a financial institution where at least some the customer's enrolled accounts are held. The unique identification code is verified and validated as being unique.

[0013] A loyalty card with payment system accessibility is activated. The old loyalty card may be activated, or a new activated loyalty card may be provided and the old loyalty card deactivated. The customer then selects a Personal Identification Number ("PIN" hereinafter) that is electronically tied to the activated loyalty card and the unique identification code. The PIN may or may not be verified as unique.

[0014] In some cases, the customer may be presented with terms and conditions for enrollment. If the customer accepts the terms and conditions, then enrollment is authorized. Enrollment authorization may include a number of functions, such as authorizing the financial account information, validating the customer's identification, activating a new card, updating data, checking government terrorist lists, criminal lists, and the like. If enrollment authorization is denied, enrollment is declined. If enrollment authorization is accepted, enrollment is approved, and a unique enrollment code is generated and associated with the unique identification code and/or activated loyalty card. Then the customer may make a deposit and/or make a purchase that includes a deposit at the Point-Of-Sale.

B. A Multiple Session Method For Enrolling Customers In A Merchant Payment Process Linked To A Loyalty Program.

[0015] If the customer initiates enrollment in the linked merchant payment process, but the customer does not have the financial account information on hand, or in some embodiments if the customer does not have a financial account with an enrolled financial institution approved by the merchant, the customer may complete enrollment in the linked payment process through a multiple session method.

[0016] As in the single session method described above, after providing identification and an application, the customer provides a unique identification code, such as date of birth and a number code, and the unique identification code is verified and validated as unique. Next, a loyalty card with payment system accessibility is activated. The old loyalty card may be activated with payment system accessibility, or a new activated loyalty card may be provided and the old loyalty card deactivated. The customer then selects a PIN that is electronically tied to the activated loyalty card and the unique identification code. The PIN may or may not be verified as unique. In some embodiments, the merchant may accept an initial deposit from the customer that is associated with the unique identification code and subsequently deposited by the merchant into the customer's financial account. This completes the Point-Of-Sale enrollment process at the Point-Of-Sale, and the customer is provided with a phone number or website to complete enrollment to the linked payment process at any suitable time subsequent to the Point-Of-Sale enrollment. A confirmation code may also be provided with the phone number and/or website.

[0017] In another session, the customer completes enrollment, which is initiated by accessing the phone system or the website, which may be at the merchant's retail location, a remote location, or another Point-Of-Sale. The phone system or website includes prompts to guide the customer through completion of the enrollment process. The customer provides the confirmation code and the code is verified and validated. If the confirmation code is validated, the customer provides the unique identification code and other requested information, which is also validated. The other requested information may be to verify the identity of the customer, such as a driver's license number, address, mother's maiden name, and the like. If the requested information does not match known information regarding the customer's identity, then enrollment is declined. Otherwise, the customer proceeds by providing the financial account information, which may comprise the routing number and account number for a bank account, or similar suitable information for another type of financial account.

[0018] The customer is then presented with terms and conditions for enrollment, which the customer may accept or decline. If the customer accepts the terms and conditions, enrollment is authorized as described above for the single session process. If enrollment authorization is accepted, then the customer is successfully enrolled in the linked merchant payment process. A unique enrollment code is generated and associated with the unique identification code and/or activated loyalty card.

C. A Method For Customers To Make Deposits To Financial Accounts At A Point-Of- Sale In Conjunction With A Purchase From The Merchant.

[0019] Once a customer is enrolled in the merchant payment process, the merchant can accept deposits at a Point-Of-Sale on behalf of the customer and direct such deposits to the enrolled financial account. In some cases, the customer makes such deposits in conjunction with the purchase of goods and/or services from the merchant. In particular, at the Point-Of-Sale, the merchant accepts payment for the goods and services that includes an overpayment (i.e., an overpayment beyond the amount due for the goods or services), and the merchant facilitates deposit of the overpayment to the enrolled financial account. The payment may be made by any suitable method including cash, check, credit card, and ACH debit. The deposit transaction may also be processed by any suitable method including ACH transaction, gift card processing system, and direct deposit into a financial account.

[0020] If the customer is enrolled in a linked merchant payment process, the customer may present the activated loyalty card and/or unique identification code at the Point-Of-Sale along with payment for the purchase of goods and/or services. Then the merchant can deposit a portion of the payment amount into a financial account associated with the linked merchant payment process. [0021] The deposits may be made on a per transaction basis, and the deposit amounts may be fixed or variable per transaction. A deposit may be made by transferring funds from one enrolled account to another enrolled account. For fixed deposit amounts, the customer may designate that a deposit amount equaling a percentage of the purchase be transferred from one enrolled account to another, for example.

[0022] When making a deposit by purchasing goods and/or services from the merchant, the customer may pay more than the purchase amount, and the overpayment may be deposited in the financial account. In one case, a portion of the purchase price of the goods and/or services may be reduced by a savings program associated with the loyalty program of the merchant. Under such circumstances, the customer may choose to pay the full non-reduced purchase price and deposit the difference in the financial account. Alternatively, the customer may choose to pay an amount greater than the non-reduced purchase price and deposit the overpayment in the financial account. In any of the embodiments for making a deposit to a financial account, the financial account may be a line of credit, and the deposit amount may be used to pay off debt of the customer. [0023] In more detail, when a customer enrolled in a merchant payment process pays for goods and/or services at a Point-Of-Sale, the customer may use a credit or debit card, and the customer also provides the unique identification code or presents the activated loyalty card to the merchant. The customer then makes a selection regarding the deposit, such as the amount of the deposit, and which financial account into which the deposit is made. The customer may also select more than one account into which deposits are made. [0024] The information regarding the transaction between the merchant and the customer may be transmitted by any suitable method, such as by a controller linked to a control center that includes a processor subsystem and a database, such as the linked merchant payment process database. The link between the controller and the control center may be a secure link. The control center may be remote from the Point-Of-Sale or at the Point-Of-Sale. The control center may receive information from more than one store and/or from more than one Point-Of-Sale in a single store. The processor subsystem in the control center may perform a number of functions, including enrollment authorization, check authorization, maintaining a customer database, operational data storage, transaction routing, and the like.

[0025] The transaction requested by the customer is transmitted to the control center, and the type of transaction is identified as a debit or a credit. The transaction type may be batched. By initiating the transaction, the customer is authorizing an Automated Clearing House ("ACH" hereinafter) transaction to debit or credit the customer's financial account. For a debit, the merchant transmits the payment information to the merchant's Originating Depository Financial Institution ("ODFI" hereinafter), which receives and processes the information. [0026] The ODFI may transmit the information and/or the funds to an ACH operator, which is a central clearing facility, such as the Federal Reserve Bank. The ACH operator may also identify the Receiving Depository Financial Institution ("RDFI" hereinafter) routing numbers, which include codes that electronically identify financial institutions and allow funds to be transferred to or from a financial institution. The ACH operator then transmits the information to the appropriate RDFI according to the routing number.

[0027] The RDFI is the financial institution where the customer has the financial account. The RDFI receives and processes the deposit information to identify the proper financial account at the RDFI. The RDFI then accepts the deposit and posts the amount to the customer's financial account. The RDFI communicates back to the ODFI that the deposit was posted. The ODFI processes that information from the RDFI and transmits it to the merchant where the deposit was made. In various embodiments, the merchant may maintain a payments database that is updated with such deposit information.

[0028] If the customer was also making a payment to the merchant, the RDFI determines if appropriate funds are available for such payment. If so, then settlement occurs, and the ODFI receives funds from the RDFI on the settlement date. If not, the RDFI communicates back to the ODFI that settlement may not occur. The merchant may maintain a database of non-paying customers, and that database may communicate with the ODFI. If the RDFI notifies the ODFI of non-paying customers, then the non-paying customer merchant database may be updated. [0029] A credit card that does not rely upon the ACH payment process may also be used to pay the merchant. The credit card may be linked to (he unique identification code and/or the activated loyalty card. In this case, the customer may present the activated loyalty card or unique identification code at the Point-Of-Sale when the purchase is made, and information related to the purchase is transmitted to the financial institution providing the credit card. This financial institution either authorizes or denies the transaction. If the transaction is authorized, the transaction is completed, and the merchant is reimbursed by the financial institution. D. A Method for Customers to Make Deposits to Financial Accounts at a Point-Of-Sale Separate from a Purchase from the Merchant.

[0030] In other circumstances, the customer does not purchase goods or services from the merchant, but still makes a deposit to a financial account enrolled in the merchant payment process. In this case, the customer makes a deposit payment to the merchant, and the full amount of the deposit payment is deposited into the financial account.

[0031] To initiate a deposit made directly to the customer's financial account without using an ACH payment process, the customer provides the unique identification code or the activated loyalty card at the Point-Of-Sale and selects the deposit amount and the financial account. The deposit amount information is transmitted to the control center where it is received and processed. The deposit is then authorized or denied.

[0032] If the transaction is authorized, and the customer's transferring account and receiving account are associated with the same financial institution, the authorization and deposit information are transmitted to the financial institution, and the appropriate transfer of funds is performed to accomplish the deposit. If the customer's accounts are at different financial institutions, each account must be enrolled in the merchant payment process. For accounts at different financial institutions, the authorization and deposit information are transmitted to the financial institution with the transferring account, which receives and processes the information and transmits the information with the appropriate funds to the receiving account. The financial institution with the receiving account receives and processes the funds and information and posts the funds to the appropriate financial account. Upon the transfer of funds, the linked merchant payment process database is updated with the transaction information.

[0033] In other circumstances, the customer may want to make a cash deposit into a financial account rather than transferring from one account to another. In this case, the merchant accepts the cash and the deposit information and transmits the deposit information to the control center. The control center processes and transmits the deposit information to the merchant's financial institution. The merchant's financial institution receives and processes the deposit information and transmits the funds to the customer's financial institution for deposit into the selected customer financial account.

[0034] The customer may also make a deposit to more than one enrolled financial account. In particular, the customer selects the desired portion of the deposit amount to be deposited in each selected account. The deposit information is then transmitted to the control center where the information is received and processed. The deposit is then authorized or denied. Upon authorization, the deposit information is transmitted to the financial institutions holding the selected financial accounts. The financial accounts may be associated with the same or different financial institutions. The financial institutions receive the deposit information and post funds to the customer's selected financial accounts. Upon completion of the transaction, the linked merchant payment process database is updated.

[0035] In other circumstances, the customer does not purchase goods or services from the merchant, but wants to make a deposit to a gift card processing system. In this case, the customer presents the unique identification code or activated loyalty card at the Point-Of-Sale. The customer selects the deposit amount, the number of gift cards desired, the type of gift cards desired, and the amount of the deposit that should be associated with each gift card. The gift cards purchased may be usable at the merchant's retail locations or at other retailers with whom the merchant has an association. Instead of a gift card, the customer may purchase gift certificate, gift coupons, etc.

[0036] Once the deposit information is provided by the customer, that information is transmitted to the control center where the information is received and processed. Then the deposit information is transferred to gift card processing. Upon deposit of the funds with the gift cards, the linked merchant payment process database is updated. The database may also maintain a record of the value remaining on the gift cards as they are used. Additional deposits may also be made to a gift card once issued.

E. A Method for Merchants to Make Deposits to Customer Financial Accounts as a Loyalty Program Reward.

[0037] In various embodiments, when the loyalty program of a merchant is linked to the merchant payment process, a deposit may be made by the merchant to the customer's financial account when the customer makes a purchase from the merchant using a loyalty card at the Point- Of-SaIe. For example, the deposit amount may be the savings amount awarded to the customer by the merchant through the loyalty program. These savings may be provided to the customer on a per transaction basis, on a number of transactions basis, on a purchased product basis, on a total purchase price basis, and the like. When the savings are provided on a number of transactions basis, the linked payment process database may maintain a record of the customer's transactions to determine when and how the savings are applied.

[0038] The value amount of the credits and discounts awarded to the customer through the loyalty program may be deposited by the merchant into the customer's financial account. The loyalty program savings may be fully or partially deposited into the customer's financial account. In one embodiment, a portion of the loyalty program savings may be deposited into the customer's account, and a portion of the loyalty program savings may be applied as credit or merchandise savings against the purchase price. In another embodiment, the financial account may be a line of credit, and the loyalty program savings are used to pay off debt of the customer. In another embodiment, the customer may also make a cash deposit to be applied to the financial account.

F. A Method for Enrolling Customers in a Linked Merchant Payment Process with a Number of Participating Merchants.

[0039] A customer who enrolls in a linked merchant payment process with one merchant may automatically, or selectively, be enrolled with other participating merchants as well. The customer may then use the linked merchant payment process to conduct transactions with any of the participating merchants. A database may maintain all such participating merchants, with each participating merchant being identified by a unique identifier, such as a business identification number. [0040] In operation, the customer presents an activated loyalty card or unique identification code at a Point-Of-Sale associated with any of the merchants. The deposit information, such as the type of transaction and the business identification number of the particular participating merchant, may be communicated to a transaction routing database. The deposit information is then batched and submitted to the linked merchant payment process database for settlement (i.e., the transfer of funds between a pay or bank and a collecting bank in order to complete transactions for customers). In an embodiment, the participating merchant handling the transaction with the customer may transmit the deposit information by secure link to the transaction routing database. [0041] In such a system, participating merchants may link at least one of their loyalty cards to the linked merchant payment process. The customer may enroll in the linked payment process with one merchant and automatically be enrolled with all participating merchants, and a database may be collectively maintained for all participating merchants. In another embodiment, the customer may be prompted upon enrollment regarding whether the customer desires to enroll with each or all of the participating merchants. The unique identification code assigned to the customer may be the same for all activated loyalty cards linked to the customer's financial account, and the loyalty cards for each merchant may be associated with the linked merchant payment process. The customer-provided PIN may be the same or different for each activated loyalty card. In another embodiment, any participating merchant may issue a separate loyalty card with a unique identification code tied to that card. In such circumstances, the enrollment code associated with that merchant's activated loyalty card would be different from the enrollment code associated with the other participating merchants' loyalty cards that share a unique identification code. G. A Method For Customers To Access A Linked Merchant Payment Process Account Enrolled With A Number Of Participating Merchants.

[0042] In a system where the customer has enrolled with one merchant ("the enrolled merchant") to establish a linked merchant payment process account, but also automatically or selectively enrolls with other participating merchants, the customer may access the linked merchant payment process account at the Point-Of-Sale of any participating merchant.

[0043] When the transaction occurs at a Point-Of-Sale of the enrolled merchant, the unique numbers assigned to the customer are the unique identification code, enrollment code, and activated loyalty card. At the Point-Of-Sale, any of these unique numbers would allow the customer to access the linked merchant payment process and enable the customer to conduct the transaction with the enrolled merchant. In other words, each of these unique numbers allows the customer access to the linked payment process account information stored at the control center, including the customer identification, financial account information, and other data, such as the customer's address, PIN number, and savings associated with the enrolled merchant's loyalty program.

[0044] If the customer accesses the linked merchant payment process account at a Point-Of-Sale associated with another participating merchant, the customer would use one of the unique numbers associated with that participating merchant, including the customer's unique identification code, enrollment code, and activated loyalty card for that merchant. Again, any of these unique numbers allows the customer to access the linked merchant payment process account information stored in the control center and to conduct a transaction with the participating merchant. [0045] The customer may also authorize one or more additional users on the customer's account with the linked merchant payment process. Such authority may be provided at the time of enrollment or at a subsequent time. The authorized additional users may be issued activated loyalty cards from the participating merchants and may also be provided with the customer's unique identification code to make a transaction. Each additional user may also be associated with a unique reference number. In an embodiment, the additional users may conduct any transactions, such as debits or credits, with the customer's linked merchant payment process account, and the additional users may conduct such transactions at any participating merchant. In an embodiment, savings are awarded to the customer's savings account with the loyalty program through purchases made by the additional user. The customer may also limit the additional users' activities, such as by limiting purchases to certain products, limiting maximum purchase amounts, etc. H. A Method For Participating Merchants To Provide Cross-Savings To Customers Enrolled In a Linked Merchant Payment Process.

[0046] When a customer is enrolled with a number of participating merchants in a linked merchant payment process, cross savings may be provided to the customer. Cross savings are savings provided to the customer's loyalty program account when the customer conducts transactions at a Point-Of-Sale for any participating merchant. The customer may use an activated loyalty card issued by one merchant to make a purchase and a deposit while at the Point-Of-Sale of any participating merchant. In one embodiment, the customer conducts a transaction with the merchant that issued the loyalty card, and both that merchant and another participating merchant post savings to the customer's savings account in the loyalty program. In this embodiment, the customer may also have a loyalty program savings account with the other participating merchant, and the participating merchant and/or the merchant where the transaction takes place may post savings to such account. In another embodiment, a common account may be maintained between the merchant and other participating merchants, and any savings provided by a transaction at any participating merchant are transmitted to the common account.

[0047] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention, It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] For a more detailed description of the present invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0049] FIGURE 1 illustrates a flowchart for single session, Point-Of-Sale enrollment in a merchant payment process linked to a loyalty program using financial account information;

[0050] FIGURE 2 illustrates a flowchart for multiple session enrollment in a merchant payment process linked to a loyalty program without using financial account information;

[0051] FIGURE 3 illustrates a flowchart of a process for providing financial account information to finalize the enrollment in the merchant payment process illustrated in FIGURE 2;

[0052] FIGURE 4 illustrates a flowchart of a process by which the customer may make a deposit into a financial account using an ACH payment process;

[0053] FIGURE 5 illustrates a flowchart of a Point-Of-Sale deposit by the customer;

[0054] FIGURE 6 illustrates a flowchart of a Point-Of-Sale deposit by the customer into a gift card program of the merchant; [0055] FIGURE 7 illustrates a flowchart of a process by which a customer may access a linked merchant payment process account;

[0056] FIGURE 8 shows an illustrative general purpose computer suitable for implementing, at least in part, the several embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

I. ENROLLMENT PROCESSES, GENERALLY

[0057] In an embodiment, a consumer enrolls in a merchant payment process by providing customer financial account information while at a Point-Of-Sale. The merchant associates a unique identification code with the financial account information, which allows the customer to make a deposit into the financial account at the Point-Of-Sale. The customer may access the deposited funds with the financial institution. For instance, the customer may withdraw funds from the financial account at the financial institution or at a remote banking location such as an ATM. [0058] A merchant payment process is the system by which a merchant receives and processes payments from customers. As used herein, a Point-Of-Sale refers to a physical location at which a product and/or service may be purchased. Without limitation, examples of points-of-sale include a check-out lane in a grocery store or other retail establishment, a gasoline pump, a kiosk and the like. A Point-Of-Sale also encompasses non-physical locations such as web servers, automated voice processing systems and other devices and/or systems that enable consumers to make purchases, deposits, or conduct other financial transactions without any direct physical interaction with the merchant and/or devices maintained by the merchant. It is contemplated that a merchant may be any retail institution involved in the sale of goods and/or services. Without limitation, examples of merchants include supermarkets, clothing stores, gas stations and the like. [0059] In another embodiment, a customer of goods or services initiates enrollment in the merchant payment process that is linked to a loyalty program maintained by the merchant (which shall be hereafter referred to as a "linked merchant payment process" for ease of description) by providing information (e.g., account information) at a Point-Of-Sale. Prior to enrollment in the linked payment process, the customer may or may not be a member of the merchant's loyalty program.

[0060] The merchant associates a unique code with the provided information. Such an association allows the customer to employ the linked merchant payment process to make a deposit to a financial account at the Point-Of-Sale. Such an association may further allow the customer to purchase goods and/or services from the merchant at the Point-Of-Sale while generally simultaneously receiving the benefits offered through the merchant's loyalty program. Enrollment is subsequently completed while the customer is at the Point-Of-Sale or when the customer provides additional information in a second session. In some embodiments, the customer's enrollment is not complete until the customer accepts terms and conditions for enrollment presented by the merchant. The terms and conditions may be presented in any suitable manner, for example, by electronic presentation or a printed receipt. The terms and conditions may be accepted by any suitable method such as by a keypad or other data input device, which enables the customer to transmit their affirmation of the terms and conditions to the merchant.

II. ENROLLMENT PROCESSES, SPECIFICALLY

A. A Single session, Point-Of-Sale Method for Instantly Enrolling Customers in a Merchant Payment Process Linked to a Loyalty Program.

[0061] FIGURE 1 illustrates an embodiment in which a customer uses a financial account to enroll, at a Point-Of-Sale, in a merchant payment process that is linked to the loyalty program of a merchant. If desired, the enrollment may be completed in real time and/or as part of a deposit, purchase, other transaction, or combination thereof between the merchant and the customer. To enroll, the customer may be required to provide: (1) a form of identification; (2) financial account information, preferably documented information, identifying the arrangement to be used to allow the merchant to make a deposit into the customer's financial account and/or to compensate the merchant for the goods and/or services to be purchased by the customer; and (3) a completed application, an existing loyalty card issued by the merchant, a phone number or any combination of these or other enrollment requirements. The form of identification may be an identification generally recognized as being suitable for providing evidence of the identity of the customer. Without limitation, examples of suitable forms of identification include a driver's license, a state issued identification card, a military identification, a passport, and the like.

[0062] In an embodiment, the financial account may be any financial account in which the customer may make a payment and/or deposit. The payment and deposit may be accomplished from the same or different financial accounts. Without limitation, examples of suitable financial accounts include a checking account, a savings account, a line of credit, a mutual fund, a credit card, a retirement account, any other suitable type of retirement account, and the like. In an embodiment, a line of credit and/or credit card may be issued by the merchant. In some embodiments, a check is used by the customer to identify the arrangement to be used to make a deposit and/or compensate the merchant. The check may be any check that is issued by a bank, credit union or other financial institution and used to draw on a checking account, savings account, credit card, line of credit or other type of asset used by the customer to draw funds on request. In various embodiments, the check may be issued in the name of the customer, one or more other responsible parties, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the check is voided to provide security to the customer.

[0063] Other types of information that may be used to identify the arrangement to be used to compensate the merchant include, without limitation, a debit card that identifies a financial institution and an account from which the funds are drawn in accordance with a pre-existing agreement with the customer or other responsible party and a credit card that identifies a financial institution advances funds to the customer in accordance with a pre-existing loan agreement with the customer.

[00641 The application is any application which enrolls the customer in the merchant payment process or simultaneously enrolls the customer in the loyalty program and the merchant payment process. The application may be any suitable application such as a paper application, an electronic application which employs a user interface to present the application to the customer and a storage medium such as a hard drive to store the completed application, and the like. The application may be processed by the merchant or by an outside party. An outside party refers to a party other than the customer and the merchant. Processing the paper application typically involves inputting information from the application into a storage medium, for example, using a keyboard, optical scanner or other data input device. The information from the application to be processed may include any desired information related to the customer, such as name, address, and the like, provided by the customer while filling out the application. The loyalty card is a card issued and recognized by the merchant that may be associated with information related to the customer (e.g., name, address, and the like). The loyalty card may be associated with all aspects of the loyalty program offered by the merchant, may be associated with selected aspects of the merchant's loyalty program, may simply be used as a Point-Of-Sale identification card or used for other purposes not specifically recited herein. In an embodiment in which the customer had not been previously enrolled in the merchant's loyalty program, the application may also enroll the customer in such a loyalty program. A merchant's loyalty program refers to a program in which customers enrolled in the program receive rewards for frequenting the merchant's establishment such as, without limitation, discounts, cash rebates, frequent flyer miles, free products, cash discounts which may be applied towards future purchases of any items, coupons which may be applied towards a future purchase of a specified item (or items) and advertisements. The loyalty program may also include acceptance of the loyalty card as sufficient proof of identification when paying by check. The loyalty card may be associated with a single merchant or, if desired, with a plurality of merchants. If associated with a plurality of merchants, the loyalty card may provide savings from one or more of the participating merchants.

[0065] As shown in FIGURE 1, an embodiment commences at 5 with a customer presenting 1) a completed application for enrollment in a linked merchant payment process and 2) a form of identification to a cashier or other employee of a merchant. At 7, the customer confirms whether he or she is already enrolled in the merchant's loyalty program. If the customer is not already enrolled in the merchant's loyalty program, then at 10, the customer's identification is matched to the customer. For example, the cashier matches a photograph and name appearing on the presented identification to the customer. If the presented identification matches the customer, the presented identification is accepted. Processing of the application is commenced at 13 by inputting the application information into an integrated payment process/loyalty program database forming part of the linked merchant payment process. The enrollment process then continues at 30 for further processing in a manner to be more fully described below.

[0066] If, however, the presented identification does not match the customer at 10, the customer may be declined enrollment Point-Of-Sale at 15, and thereafter declined enrollment in the linked merchant payment process at 17. For instance, at 17, the merchant may notify the customer that enrollment has been denied, such as by generating a written letter to the customer, which advises the customer that enrollment in the linked merchant payment process has been denied. [0067] If the customer is already enrolled in the merchant's loyalty program at 7, the customer presents an existing loyalty card or provides a reference number at 9. For example, for the reference number, the customer may provide the customer's telephone number, previously associated with the account number for the customer's loyalty card, together with, or in place of, the application. The process proceeds to 20 where information related to the customer associated with the loyalty card is provided to the linked merchant payment process application. While the amount of information related to the customer transferred to the integrated merchant payment process/loyalty program database may vary, at an absolute minimum, the account number for the loyalty card possessed by the customer should be transferred to the integrated merchant payment process/loyalty program database. It is contemplated that the information related to the customer may be transferred to the linked merchant payment process using a variety of techniques. For example, the presented loyalty card may be scanned using a handheld optical reader or swiped through a magnetic reader. If the loyalty card is not available for presentation or if the loyalty card is a relatively unsophisticated card on which the reference number is manually printed or otherwise transcribed, the account number may be input into a keypad or other suitable data input device deployed at the Point-Of-Sale by the merchant. Either the customer or the cashier may directly input the account number into the integrated merchant payment process/loyalty program database. [0068] ^m embodiments where the customer is not carrying their loyalty card or where the merchant employs a "cardless" loyalty program (such as that disclosed in related U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 11/459,732, 11/459,733, 11/459,736, and 11/459,738, filed July 25, 2006, entitled "Payment Program for Use in Point-of-Sale Transactions," at 9 the customer may provide the cashier with their account number for input into the integrated merchant payment process/loyalty program database or, if desired, input their account number into the integrated merchant payment process/loyalty program database themselves. As many people find it difficult to remember their account number for a loyalty program, the account information for a customer participating in the loyalty program may be associated with a reference number that is relatively easy for a customer to remember. By way of example, many loyalty programs associate the account information for a participant with their telephone number. Further by way of example, the customer may have previously been allowed to select a reference number, such as a birthday of a loved one, which they can easily recall.

[0069] Upon reading or otherwise receiving the loyalty account number of the customer enrolling in the linked merchant payment process, a check is initiated, also as part of 20. If the account number or other reference number read or manually input at 9 is identified as being associated with a customer participating in the loyalty program, the enrollment process continues at 30 for further processing in a manner to be more fully described below. If, however, the check at 20 indicates that the account number or other reference number was not successfully read (e.g., the magnetic bar code is not operable), was successfully read but subsequently denied (e.g., the received account number or other reference number does not correspond to a valid loyalty card or cardless loyalty program participant), was improperly input manually (e.g., the customer or cashier input an incorrect number) or was properly input but subsequently denied (e.g., the received account number or other reference number failed to correspond to a valid loyalty card or cardless loyalty program participant), the account number or other reference number may be manually input. If, however, the account number or other reference number had been input manually at 9, the account number or other reference number may be manually input a second time. If the account number or other reference number manually input for either the first or second time is identified as being associated with a customer participating in the loyalty program, the enrollment process continues at 30 for further processing in a manner to be more fully described below. If, however, the account number or other identifier is not accepted by the manual input, the customer may be denied enrollment Point-Of-Sale at 15, and thereafter declined enrollment in the merchant payment enrollment process at 17.

[0070] Upon commencement of the input of application information at 13 for a customer for whom the presented identification was accepted at 10, successful electronic reading of the loyalty card at 20 or successful manual input of the account number or other identifier, at 30 the customer is prompted as to whether he or she can provide financial account information. In some embodiments, the application presented at 5 is processed and the information contained therein input to the integrated merchant payment process/loyalty program database prior to presentation of the financial account information at 40. In others, processing of the application and input of the information contained therein may be deferred to a later point in the disclosed process or even omitted entirely, particularly if the existing loyalty card program already maintains the desired information. If the existing loyalty card program maintains the information, transfer of the information from a database associated with the loyalty program to the integrated merchant payment process/loyalty program database may be desired. [0071] In an embodiment wherein at 30 the customer does not have the financial account information (e.g., the customer does not know his or her routing and account numbers and does not have a check on hand), the process proceeds to 35 where the customer's enrollment proceeds by an enrollment process without using financial account information in a manner to be more fully described below in connection with FIGURE 2. In some instances, the customer may not have the account information because the customer may not have a financial account with a financial institution enrolled with the merchant payment process.

[0072] Returning to 30, if the customer is able to provide the financial account information, the financial account information is obtained from the customer at 40. The information may be input by any suitable method such as typed in by the cashier, typed in by the customer, scanned in from a credit card, and the like. In an embodiment in which the financial account information is provided by a blank or voided check, the presented check is scanned or otherwise read at 40, for example, using an optical scanner, and the routing number and account number imprinted on the presented check is input into the integrated merchant payment process/loyalty program database. [0073] The financial account information may be verified at 43. Verification may include, for example, that the financial account information a confirmation that the routing number corresponds to a financial institution; a confirmation that the account number corresponds to an account maintained by the financial institution in the name of the customer; an investigation to determine whether the customer has either outstanding checks that the financial institution has refused payment and/or the customer has "bounced" a pre-determined number of checks within in a predetermined time period; or combinations thereof.

[0074] After the financial account information is obtained and verified, the customer's unique identification code is obtained at 45. In an embodiment, the unique identification code comprises the customer's date of birth and a number code selected by the customer, thereby rendering the code unique. The number code may be any combination of a pre-selected number of alphanumeric characters and/or symbols. In an embodiment, the number code comprises a ten digit number. The unique identification code may be provided by any suitable methods such as by the customer using a keypad or other data input device deployed by the merchant at the Point-Of-Sale. The customer's unique identification code is verified and validated at 55. The verification and validation may be accomplished by any suitable method to ensure that the code is unique to the customer. For example, verification and validation may be accomplished by electronically checking a database, typically, the integrated merchant payment process/loyalty program database, having all existing number codes and birth dates of enrolled customers. In an alternative embodiment, the merchant provides the unique identification code to the customer. In another alternative embodiment, the customer obtains the unique identification code from promotional material. The promotional material may be obtained at the Point-Of-Sale or prior to the customer being located at the Point- Of-SaIe. In other alternative embodiments, the promotional material indicates the financial institution as to which at least a portion of the customer's enrolled accounts are to be associated. [0075] A payment system accessible loyalty card is then activated at 60. In one embodiment, a deactivated payment system accessible loyalty card may accompany the application originally submitted by the customer for later activation at 60, either by adding the unique identification code to a list of active codes or by the cashier physically activating the card, for example, by swiping the card to either add a code indicating that the card is active or remove a code indicating that the card is inactive. In an alternate embodiment, the cashier may present an activated loyalty card to the customer. In some embodiments, the old loyalty card for a customer is deactivated at the same time that a new payment system accessible loyalty card is activated for that customer. In an alternate embodiment, a new payment system accessible loyalty card is not activated. Instead, the old loyalty card is updated and provided with access to the merchant payment process to enable it to operate, in effect, as a new payment system accessible loyalty card. For example, the account number or reference number associated with the old loyalty card may be associated with information that enables access to the merchant payment process.

[0076] After activation of the payment system accessible loyalty card at 60, the customer is enabled to select a personal identification number (PIN) that is electronically tied to the payment system accessible loyalty card and the unique identification code at 65. The PIN may be any number of alpha-numeric characters or other symbols. For example, a PIN number may be comprised of a four to six digit number. In some embodiments, the PIN may be re-entered by the customer to verify that no mistakes (e.g., one or more mistyped alphanumeric characters) occurred. In an embodiment, the PIN is verified as unique. For instance, a database of PINs may be maintained by the integrated merchant payment process/loyalty program database, and each PIN selected by a customer is checked against the database. In this embodiment, if the selected PIN is not unique, the customer may be prompted to select a new PIN. In another embodiment, there is no requirement that the PIN be unique.

[0077] The customer may be presented with the terms and conditions for enrollment in the merchant payment process with the merchant. Such terms and conditions may include rules by which the customer may follow to remain enrolled in the merchant payment process, rules by which the customer may agree prior to being enrolled in the merchant payment process, and the like. The customer may accept or decline the terms and conditions at 78. If the customer does not accept the terms and conditions at 78, the customer is declined enrollment at the Point-Of-Sale at 15, and enrollment of the customer is denied at 17.

[0078] In an embodiment in which the customer accepts the terms and conditions at 78, the process proceeds to authorization of enrollment at 70, which may be dependent on various factors. Enrollment authorization may include a plurality of functions. Without limitation, examples of such functions include authorization of financial account information, identification validation, Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC" hereinafter) processing, new card activation, and/or data updates. In an embodiment, the authorization functions occur in real time. In another embodiment, authorization of financial account information, identification validation, and/or OFAC processing may be accomplished by the merchant and/or may be outsourced to at least one outside party. OFAC processing refers to checking government terrorist lists, criminal lists, and the like. Data updates refer to any updates of information related to the customer, updates to databases having information related to the customer and the loyalty cards, and the like. For example, in an embodiment in which the customer has an existing loyalty card with the merchant, the existing data related to the customer may be rolled over and updated in a customer database associated with the new payment system accessible loyalty card such as the aforementioned integrated merchant payment process/loyalty program database. In an embodiment in which enrollment authorization is denied at 70, the customer is denied enrollment at the Point-Of-Sale at 15, and enrollment is declined at 17. Without limitation, an example of an instance in which the customer may be denied enrollment includes when authorization of the financial account is negative (e.g., a non-existent routing number, etc.).

[0079] In an embodiment, a proxy BIN reference is assigned to the customer's unique identification code. The same proxy BIN reference is also assigned to the payment process accessible loyalty card. The proxy BIN reference may comprise any combination of letters, numbers, and/or characters. The proxy BIN reference allows the customer's transaction and related information to be tracked and accessed in enrollment authorization at 70.

[0080] If enrollment can be authorized at 70, the customer's enrollment in the merchant payment process is approved at 75. Upon approval of enrollment, a unique enrollment code is generated for association with the unique identification code and/or the card number for the payment system accessible loyalty card. In embodiments in which the old loyalty card is updated to operate as the payment system accessible loyalty card, the unique enrollment code is associated with such card. In an embodiment, the unique enrollment code is magnetically or optically embedded on the payment system accessible loyalty card, In the alternative, the unique enrollment code is maintained in the integrated merchant payment process/loyalty card database where it is associated with the unique identification code. The unique enrollment code may be any combination of numbers, letters, and/or symbols. In an embodiment, the unique enrollment code is the highest level of customer identification in the merchant payment process. In some embodiments, the merchant payment process has unique numbers comprising the account number for the payment system accessible loyalty card, the unique identification code, and/or the unique enrollment code. As enrollment in the merchant payment process is accomplished in real time, the customer may then make a deposit and/or purchase using one of the unique numbers at the Point-Of-Sale. In some embodiments, the customer may complete the transaction prior to leaving the Point-Of-Sale. In an alternative embodiment, the customer does not present an existing loyalty card at 5. Instead, the customer provides a unique identification code, which may be verified for uniqueness. In such an alternative embodiment, the actions executed at 45 and 55 would instead be executed at 5. [0081] The enrollment process illustrated in FIGURE 1 may be accomplished in real time. In one embodiment, the enrollment process at the Point-Of-Sale is completed in a duration that does not adversely affect the quality of service provided to the customer and/or other customers. For instance, the customer and/or other customers may not have an undesirable waiting period such as when waiting in a check-out lane to make a purchase. In an embodiment, the enrollment process may be accomplished in less than about 1 minute, alternatively less than about 45 seconds, further alternatively less than about 30 seconds, and alternatively less than about 15 seconds. For instance, the time that may elapse from initiating the enrollment process at 5 to approval of the enrollment process at 75 may be accomplished in less than about 30 seconds.

[0082] In some embodiments, the customer's unique identification code and payment system accessible loyalty card may have the same functionality. For instance, the customer's unique identification code may allow the customer to access account information and complete transactions (e.g., make deposits) with the merchant without presenting the payment process accessible loyalty card. In such instances, presentation of the payment process accessible loyalty card may also allow similar access to such account information and transactions, hi alternative embodiments, all unique references may provide access to account information and to complete purchases in the merchant payment process.

[0083] In an embodiment, the customer does not have financial account information available in a first enrollment session when enrolling in the merchant payment process. For instance, the customer may have a financial account with a financial institution but may not have sufficient account information (e.g., a blank check) available at the time of enrollment in the merchant payment process, or the customer may not have a financial account with an enrolled financial institution approved by the merchant. If the customer does not have such a financial account, the customer may set up a financial account and resume previously initiated enrollment in the merchant payment process. In such an embodiment, the customer provides the unique identification code (e.g., customer's date of birth and number code) at the Point-Of-Sale. The unique identification code is verified as unique, and the customer may then complete the enrollment process at a subsequent time. If the customer desires, the customer may complete the enrollment process at the Point-Of-Sale. Completing the enrollment process includes the customer providing financial account information in another session at a time subsequent to providing the unique identification code. The account information may include the routing number and account number of the check and the like. The merchant associates the unique identification code with the account information, which allows the customer to make deposits into the financial account from the Point-Of-Sale. In addition, such an association may also allow the customer to employ the linked merchant payment process to purchase goods and/or services from the merchant and also to receive the benefits offered through the merchant's loyalty program. In some embodiments, the customer is presented terms and conditions for enrollment and accepts the terms and conditions prior to completion of the enrollment process.

[0084] FIGURE 2 illustrates an embodiment of subsequent enrollment 35 (e.g., the customer does not have financial account information at the time of initiating enrollment) in the merchant payment process by the customer, which is accomplished at the Point-Of-Sale. The customer provides the unique identification code at 45. The unique identification code (e.g., date of birth and number code) are verified and validated as unique at 55. The payment process accessible loyalty card is activated at 60, and at 65 the customer selects the PIN that is electronically tied to the payment process accessible loyalty card and the unique identification code. In some embodiments, the merchant may optionally accept an initial deposit from the customer at 67 that is associated with the unique identification code and subsequently deposited by the merchant into the customer's financial account when the customer provides the financial account information, or when the customer first sets up the financial account and then provides the financial account information.

(0085] The customer's enrollment at the Point-Of-Sale is complete, and the customer is notified at 68 of a phone number, and/or web site by which enrollment in the merchant payment process can be completed in another session or sessions. In an embodiment, the customer is provided a confirmation code to be used when completing enrollment by phone and/or by the web site. In some embodiments, the customer may be provided a receipt at 68 that contains the phone number and/or web site. In such embodiments, the receipt may also include the confirmation code. The confirmation code may be any combination of numbers, letters, and/or symbols. Without limitation, an example of a suitable confirmation code includes a ten digit number. [0086] The Point-Of-Sale enrollment process illustrated in FIGURE 2 may be accomplished in real time. In one embodiment, the Point-Of-Sale enrollment process is completed in a duration that does not adversely affect the quality of service provided to the customer and/or other customers. For instance, the customer and/or other customers may not have an undesirable waiting period such as when waiting in a check-out lane to make a purchase. In an embodiment, the Point-Of-Sale enrollment process may be accomplished in less than about 1 minute, alternatively less than about 45 seconds, further alternatively less than about 30 seconds, and alternatively less than about 15 seconds.

[0087] As shown in FIGURE 3, the customer may complete enrollment in the merchant payment process in another session after Point-Of-Sale portion of the enrollment is complete at 68 by accessing the phone system or web site at 72. In some embodiments, enrollment in the merchant payment process may be completed at any suitable time subsequent to completing the initial Point- Of-Sale enrollment session. In addition, the phone system or web site may be accessed at any suitable location. For instance, the phone system or web site may be accessed in the merchant's retail location or at a remote location such as at the customer's place of business or residence. In an alternative embodiment, the phone system or web site may be accessed at the Point-Of-Sale (i.e., in a return trip to the store). The customer may access the phone system by the provided telephone number or access the provided web site (e.g., from the receipt) at 72. The phone system and web site may include a series of prompts by which the customer may be guided through completion of the enrollment process. In an embodiment, a prompt may ask the customer whether the customer wants to complete enrollment in the merchant payment process. The customer provides the confirmation code at 75, and the confirmation code is verified and validated. If the confirmation code cannot be verified and validated, the customer is denied enrollment at 80. In some embodiments, the customer may be prompted at 80 to contact a service center for processing to complete the enrollment. Instances in which the confirmation code may not be accepted include, for example, the customer making an error in providing the confirmation code, the confirmation code is no longer active, and the like. The verification and confirmation may be accomplished by any suitable method such as electronically checking a database (e.g., the integrated merchant payment process/loyalty program database). Upon confirmation and validation of the confirmation code, the customer provides the unique identification code and any other requested information at 85. In some embodiments, the unique identification code and at least a portion of the requested information may be electronically validated, which may be accomplished for confirmation purposes.

[0088] The information requested is validated by comparison to known similar information about the customer. Such known information may be contained in a database or any other suitable medium. For instance, the requested information may be matched at 86 to known information to verify the identity of the customer. The requested information may be any suitable information such as a driver's license number, address, mother's maiden name, and the like. If the requested information does not match known information at86, enrollment is declined to the customer at 105. Upon a successful match of the requested information to known information at 86, the customer provides financial account information (e.g., bank account information) at 90. The financial information may comprise the routing number and account number for a bank account or suitable information from another financial account. At 93, the customer is presented with the terms and conditions for enrollment in the merchant payment process with the merchant. The customer may accept or decline the terms and conditions at 95. If the customer does not accept the terms and conditions, enrollment is declined to the customer at 105.

[0089] As further illustrated in FIGURE 3, if the customer accepts the terms and conditions at 95, enrollment is authorized at 100. Enrollment authorization at 100 is similar to enrollment authorization at 70 as embodied in FIGURE 1. For instance, enrollment authorization may include a plurality of functions. Without limitation, enrollment authorization includes authorization of financial account information, identification validation, OFAC processing, new card activation, and/or data updates. In an embodiment, the authorization functions occur in real time. Authorization of financial account information, identification validation, and/or OFAC processing may be accomplished by the merchant and/or may be outsourced to at least one outside party. In an embodiment in which enrollment authorization is denied, the customer is denied enrollment at 105. In an embodiment in which enrollment is authorized at 100, the customer's enrollment in the merchant payment process is approved at 75. The unique enrollment code is then associated with the unique identification code and/or the payment process accessible loyalty card. [0090] In an embodiment, a proxy BIN reference is assigned to the customer's unique identification code. The same proxy BIN reference is also assigned to the payment process accessible loyalty card. The proxy BIN reference may comprise any combination of letters, numbers, and/or characters. The proxy BIN reference allows the customer's transaction and related information to be tracked and accessed in enrollment authorization at 100.

[0091] In some embodiments, the customer's unique identification code and payment system accessible loyalty card may have the same functionality. For instance, the customer's unique identification code may allow the customer to access account information and complete transactions (e.g., make deposits) with the merchant without presenting the payment process accessible loyalty card. In such instances, presentation of the payment process accessible loyalty card may also allow similar access to such account information and transactions, hi alternative embodiments, all unique references may provide access to account information and to complete purchases in the merchant payment process.

[0092] Some embodiments include the merchant designating at least one of the financial institutions associated with an enrolled account. In such embodiments, the customer opens an account with the designated financial institution. The account may be opened by any suitable method such as by the customer opening an account at a designated bank. In some instances, the designated financial institution is not owned by the merchant and is not affiliated with the merchant. In other instances, the designated financial institution may be owned (e.g., wholly or partially owned) by the merchant or in some manner affiliated with the merchant. In an embodiment, the designated financial institution provides favorable account terms to the customer. Without limitation, examples of favorable terms include higher interest rates than standard rates, reduced transaction fees, and the like. The favorable terms may be a result of negotiations by the merchant with the financial institution. For instance, the merchant may have leveraged negotiations with the financial institution in which the financial institution agrees to provide favorable terms to enrolled customers, and the merchant agrees to provide a plurality of customers that open new financial accounts with the financial institution.

[0093] In some embodiments, the merchant, the financial institution or financial institutions, and/or both may provide incentives to the customer for enrolling in the merchant payment process and/or setting up an account with the financial institution. For instance, the merchant may make an initial deposit to the customer's accounts, discount the purchase price of goods and/or services, and the like. The financial institution may provide an initial deposit, reduced fees, favorable interest rates, and the like to the customer.

III. DEPOSITS AT POINT-OF-SALE, GENERALLY

[0094] In some embodiments, the merchant payment process allows the merchant to accept deposits at the Point-Of-Sale on behalf of the customer and direct the deposits to the appropriate financial account indicated by the customer. In one embodiment, the customer purchases goods and/or services from the merchant. At the Point-Of-Sale, the merchant accepts payment by the customer for the goods and/or services that includes an overpayment that equals the deposit amount. The merchant facilitates deposit of the overpayment into a financial account designated by the customer. The payment from the customer to the merchant may be made by any suitable method. Without limitation, examples of suitable payment methods include payments by cash, check, credit card, ACH debit, any suitable combination thereof, and the like. The deposit transaction may also be processed by any suitable method. For instance, the deposit may be processed by an ACH transaction, a gift card processing system, a direct deposit into a financial account, a deposit into a financial account by one or more intermediary transfers, and the like. In various embodiments, the deposit may be processed by any combination of such methods. [0095] In another embodiment, the customer presents a payment process accessible loyalty card and/or a unique identification code at the Point-Of-Sale along with payment to the merchant for the purchase of goods and/or services. The merchant facilitates a deposit of all or a portion of the payment into a financial account that is associated with the payment process accessible loyalty card and the unique identification code. The deposit may be processed by any of the above noted methods.

[0096] In an embodiment, the deposit amounts are made based on a per transaction basis. In such an embodiment, the deposit amount may be fixed per transaction or variable per transaction. For instance, the customer may have more than one account enrolled in the merchant payment system, and the deposit is a transfer from one enrolled account to another enrolled account. For a deposit amount fixed per transaction, the customer may designate that a percentage of the purchase or a set amount be transferred from one enrolled account to another enrolled account. Designating a percentage of the purchase may include an amount equal to a desired percentage of each purchase made using the merchant payment process to be transferred from one account enrolled in the linked merchant payment process (e.g., a checking account) to another account enrolled in the linked merchant payment process (e.g., a savings account). Examples of deposit amounts that are variable per transaction include the customer at each purchase designating the deposit amount; a varying amount deposited on each transaction; and varying amounts deposited for different products or services purchased. In other embodiments, the customer may pay more than the purchase amount of the goods and/or services. The overpayment may be made by cash, check, bank card, another account enrolled in the merchant payment process, and the like. In such other embodiments, the amount of the overpayment may be deposited by the merchant payment process in the selected financial account.

[0097] In another embodiment, all or a portion of the purchase cost of the goods and/or services are reduced by a savings program of the merchant. For instance, the purchase price of a good and/or service may be reduced by a store credit earned by the customer. The customer may choose to pay an amount greater than the reduced purchase price with the difference being deposited in the customer's financial account. In some instances, the customer may choose to pay an amount greater than the non-reduced purchase price, with the difference being deposited in the customer's financial account.

[0098] In one embodiment, the customer does not purchase goods or services but instead makes a deposit into a financial account enrolled in the merchant payment system. In such an embodiment, the customer makes a payment to the merchant, and the full amount of the payment is deposited into the customer's financial account by the merchant payment system. In any of the embodiments for making a deposit to a financial account, the financial account may be a line of credit, and the deposit amount may be used to pay off debt of the customer. [00991 In alternative embodiments, the merchant payment system includes providing deposit amount totals to the customer. For instance, the customer may be provided total deposit amounts for each financial account and/or all financial accounts, period deposit totals (e.g., year-to-date), and the like. In some instances, the totals are provided at the Point-Of-Sale. The totals may be provided in real time at the Point-Of-Sale. In addition, similar totals in regards to savings amounts may also be provided to the customer. The totals may be provided by any suitable methods such as electronically, a printed receipt at the Point-Of-Sale, mailed to the customer, and the like.

IV. DEPOSITS AT POINT-OF-SALE, SPECIFICALLY

A. A Method For Customers To Make Deposits To Financial Accounts At A Point-Of- Sale In Conjunction With A Purchase From The Merchant.

[00100] FIGURE 4 illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment in which a customer enrolled in the merchant payment process that is linked to a loyalty program of the merchant uses the payment process accessible loyalty card or unique identification code to complete an ACH-based transaction with the merchant. In various embodiments, the customer does not use the payment process accessible loyalty card to complete a transaction but instead uses the unique identification code to complete the transaction in a cardless manner. The financial account linked to the customer's payment process accessible loyalty card and unique identification code is used to make a deposit to a financial account and to pay for the purchase via the merchant payment process. [00101] As FIGURE 4 shows, the customer initiates a transaction with the merchant at 230. The transaction may be a purchase in conjunction with a deposit, or a deposit without a purchase. When paying for a transaction by a debit or credit, the customer may provide the unique identification code or scan the payment process accessible loyalty card at any suitable Point-Of- SaIe with the merchant at 250. The unique identification code and payment process accessible loyalty card may be provided by any suitable method. For instance, the customer may input the unique identification code into a keypad or other suitable device. In addition, the payment process accessible loyalty card may be scanned using a handheld optical reader or swiped through a magnetic reader.

[00102] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the customer is enabled to make selections at 251 regarding the deposit, such as the financial account in which the deposit is to be made and the amount to be deposited. In embodiments wherein more than one account is enrolled in the merchant payment process, the customer is enabled to select at 251 more than one account to which deposits are to be made. The selections may be made by any suitable method. For instance, the customer may be prompted on the keypad to make such selections. In another instance, a representative of the merchant (e.g., a cashier) may ask the customer to make such selections.

[00103] Information related to the transaction (e.g., the identification of the customer, selection information, and the like) may be transmitted by any suitable method. In an embodiment, the keypad and reader may communicate with a controller. The controller may be in or near the Point- Of-SaIe, coupled to the Point-Of-Sale, or remote from the Point-Of-Sale. In some embodiments, the controller is located in or near the Point-Of-Sale. The controller can comprise any controller suitable for communicating data to and from a keypad, register, optical or magnetic reader, and/or like device.

[00104] The controller is linked to a control center that includes a processor subsystem and a database such as the aforementioned integrated merchant payment process/loyalty program database. The control center is operable for a number of functionalities. The link between the controller at the Point-Of-Sale and the control center may be any link suitable for transmitting data. In an embodiment, the link is a secure link. Without limitation, an example of a suitable link is a Fractional Tl link. The control center may be remote from the Point-Of-Sale or at the Point-Of- SaIe. More than one location for a merchant (e.g., more than one store), each with one or more Point-Of-Sale, may be linked to the control center. Without limitation, examples of functionalities that may be executed by the processor subsystem residing at the control center using information provided by the controllers residing at respective points of sales and/or maintained by the integrated merchant payment process/loyalty program database include enrollment authorization, check authorization, maintaining a customer database, operational data storage, transaction routing, and the like.

[00105] Enrollment authorization functionality is a decision making process in which the control center issues decisions as to whether applicants are to be enrolled in the linked merchant payment process system and typically encompasses the enrollment authorization processes 70, 100 previously described with respect to FIGURES 1 and 3. Check authorization functionality is a decision making process in which the control center accesses a database that comprises payor information such as historical data on bad payors, historical data on good payors, risk analysis on bad payors, and the like, comparing of that information to information provided by Point-Of-Sales whenever a check authorization is requested and deciding whether a check, presented at the Point- Of-Sale, should be accepted. Check authorization functionality by the control center can also include a real time connection with enrollment authorization functionality to provide authorization of financial account information, identification validation, and/or OFAC processing. In one embodiment (not illustrated), the control center may be linked (e.g., by Fractional Tl link) with an outside party that authorizes and confirms financial account information, provides identification validation, and/or OFAC processing in real time with the customer's activity (e.g., enrollment) at the Point-Of-Sale. The customer database includes personal information related to the customer such as name, address, purchase information, and the like. In addition, transaction routing includes processing the type of payment being made by the customer. Without limitation, the types of payment may include credits and debits. For instance, a credit can be made to the customer (e.g., by returning previously purchased merchandise). [00106] Referring again to FIGURE 4, the transaction initiated by the customer at 230 is transmitted from the merchant to the control center at 252. The control center batches the transaction type and notes whether the transaction was a debit or credit at 253. By presenting the payment process accessible loyalty card or entering the unique identification code at 250, the customer has authorized an ACH transaction to debit or credit the customer's financial account. The customer in such a transaction may be referred to as the Originator of the transaction. The control center transmits the transaction information to the merchant's ODFI at 254. The control center may format the information according to Electronic Payments Association Operating Rules), or the information may be formatted by the ODFL The ODFI receives the deposit information from the control center and processes the information at 255. The ODFI may process the information and transmit the information and/or funds to the ACH Operator at 255. The term "ACH Operator" refers to a central clearing facility. For instance, the ACH Operator may be operated by a federal reserve bank.

[00107] The ACH operator may also process the information and identify the RDFI routing numbers at 256. ODFI and RDFI institutions may be electronically identified by respective ODFI and RDFI routing numbers. Routing numbers typically include codes that electronically identify financial institutions and allow the funds to be transferred to or from a financial institution by designating the transfer with the proper routing number. The ACH operator further transmits the transaction information to the appropriate RDFI according to the routing number at 256. In this embodiment, the RDFI is a financial institution with which the customer has a financial account. The RDFI receives the deposit information and processes the deposit information to identify the proper financial account at the RDFI at 257, and accepts the deposit and pots the amount to the customer's financial account. The RDFI then communicates back to the ODFI that the deposit was posted at 258. The ODFI processes this information and transmits to the merchant at 259 that the deposit was made. The merchant may maintain a payments database that includes customer information, purchase information, bank returns, and the like. The customer database may be updated with such deposit information. For instance, the customer database may store the number of transactions.

[00108] In an embodiment in which the customer was also making a payment to the merchant for a purchase, the RDFI also processes the information at 257 to determine if appropriate funds for the payment are available. If appropriate funds are available, settlement occurs, and the ODFI receives the funds from the RDFI on the settlement date (not shown, but carried out as is well known in the art). If appropriate funds are not available or settlement may not be made for other reasons, the RDFI communicates back to the ODFI that settlement may not occur. In some embodiments (not illustrated), the merchant may maintain a database of non paying customers. The payments database may be in communication with the ODFI. In an instance when the RDFI notifies the ODFI of non paying customers (e.g., a customer writes a bad check), the nonpaying customer database may be updated with the transaction history, unique identification code, and the like of the non paying customer. The customer database may be updated with such nonpaying customer information by the control center.

[00109] In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), an instrument such as a credit card that does not rely upon the ACH payment process may be used to reimburse the merchant. In such an alternative embodiment, the credit card is linked to the payment process accessible loyalty card and the unique identification code. Additionally, the credit card may be linked to the payment process accessible loyalty card and unique identification code during enrollment as shown in the embodiments and alternative embodiments of FIGURES 1-3. In such an alternative embodiment, the customer presents the payment process accessible loyalty card or provides the unique identification code at a Point-Of-Sale. When purchasing merchandise and/or services, the information related to the purchase is transmitted to the financial institution providing the credit card. Information related to the purchase includes the credit card number, the customer's name, customer identification information such as residence zip code, and the like. The financial institution authorizes the transaction or denies the transaction. If the transaction is authorized, the transaction is completed, and the merchant is reimbursed by the financial institution in due course as is well known in the art. If the transaction is not authorized, the transaction is not completed. For instance, the transaction may not be authorized if the customer's credit limit on the credit card is surpassed by the proposed purchase.

B. A Method for Customers to Make Deposits to Financial Accounts at a Point-Of-Sale Separate from a Purchase from the Merchant. Bl. A Method of Transferring Funds from One Account to Another [00110] FIGURE 5 illustrates an embodiment in which a transfer is made directly into the customer's account from another account of the customer without the use of an ACH payment process. When initiating a transfer between accounts at 330, the customer may provide the unique identification code or present the payment system accessible loyalty card at any suitable Point-Of- SaIe associated with the merchant at 350. The customer may select the deposit amount at 353. The customer has authorized a deposit and/or debit to the customer's financial account by presenting the payment system accessible loyalty card or entering the unique identification code. The transaction information is transmitted to the control center at 354 where the deposit information is received and processed 355. The deposit is then authorized or denied at 356. If the transaction is not authorized at 356, no transfer is made (at 357). The transaction may not be authorized for any sufficient reason such as an inactive account. The financial database is then updated with the transaction information at 358.

[00111] In an embodiment in which the customer's designated accounts (e.g., the transferring account and the receiving account) are associated with the same financial institution, the authorization and transfer transaction information are transmitted to the financial institution at 354, and the appropriate transfer of funds is made to accomplish the deposit at 359. In some embodiments, the customer's selected accounts may be at different financial institutions. The customer's selected accounts are enrolled in the merchant payment process. For instance, the transferring account and the receiving account are associated with different financial institutions. The authorization and deposit information is transmitted to the first financial institution associated with the transferring account. The first financial institution receives and processes the information and transmits the information with the appropriate funds to the second financial institution associated with the receiving account. The second financial institution associated with the receiving account receives and processes the funds and information and posts the funds to the appropriate account.

[00112] In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the funds may be transferred via one or more intermediary transfers with enrolled financial institutions prior to being deposited into the selected financial account. For instance, the selected account may be a mutual fund associated with a financial institution at which the customer has an enrolled financial account. In such an instance, the funds may be transferred from the transferring financial account to the enrolled account at the financial institution associated with the mutual fund. The funds may then be transferred from such a financial account and deposited in the mutual fund. Upon the transfer of funds, the financial database is updated with the transaction information 185. B2. A Method of Making a Cash Deposit at a Point-Of-Sale

[00113] Referring again to FIGURE 5, in other embodiments, the customer may not be transferring funds from one enrolled account to another enrolled account. Instead, the customer may be making a cash deposit into a financial account. For instance, the customer selects a deposit amount and an account to receive the deposit, and presents a cash amount to the merchant at 353. The merchant accepts the cash amount, and the deposit information is transmitted to the control center at 354. The control center processes the deposit information and transmits the deposit information to the merchant's financial institution (not illustrated). The merchant's financial institution receives and processes the deposit information and transmits the funds along with the deposit information to the customer's financial institution for deposit into the selected account at 359.

[00114] In further regards to FIGURE 5, some embodiments include the customer depositing amounts to more than one enrolled financial account. For instance, the customer may select a desired portion of the deposit amount to be deposited in each selected account. The deposit information is transmitted to the control center at 354 at which the deposit information is received and processed. The deposit is then authorized or denied at 356. Upon authorization, the deposit information is transmitted to the financial institution associated with a selected financial account at 359. The financial institution receives the deposit information and posts the funds to the customer's selected financial accounts. Upon the completion or decline of any transaction, the financial database is updated with the transaction information at 358. In such embodiments, the financial accounts are not limited to be associated with the same financial institutions. Instead, the financial accounts can be associated with one or more than one financial institution. B3. A Method of Making a Deposit to a Gift Card System

[00115] FIGURE 6 illustrates an embodiment in which a deposit is made via the merchant payment system to a gift card processing system. When initiating a deposit to a gift card at 430, the customer may provide the unique identification code or present the payment system accessible loyalty card at any suitable Point-Of-Sale with the merchant at 450. The customer may make various selections, such as the deposit amount, at 453. The customer also selects at 453 the number of gift cards desired, the type of gift cards desired, the amount of deposit associated with each card, and the like. The deposit information is transmitted to the control center at 454 at which the deposit information is received and processed at 455. The deposit information is transferred to gift card processing at 456. Gift card processing involves assigning a gift card with the deposited amount. The gift card may have a gift card code associated with the gift card. The gift card code may be any combination of numbers, letters, and/or symbols. The amount associated with the gift card code may be stored in a gift card database. The gift card may be used at retail locations of the merchant to purchase goods and/or services. In some embodiments, the merchant may be affiliated with other retailers, such that the gift card may also be used at the other retailer's establishments. The gift card is not limited to a card but may also include a gift certificate, gift coupon, and the like. The customer may receive the gift cards with the assigned amounts at the Point-Of-Sale or at a subsequent time. The gift cards may be used by the customer, others designated by the customer, or any other user designation selected by the customer. Upon the deposit of the funds with the gift cards, the financial database is updated with the transaction information at 457. The financial database may also maintain a record of how much value is remaining on each gift card as they are used to purchase goods and/or services. In various embodiments, additional deposits may be made to a gift card once the gift card is issued.

C. A Method for Merchants to Make Deposits to Customer Financial Accounts as a Loyalty Program Reward.

[00116] In an embodiment, a loyalty program (or programs) of the merchant is linked to the merchant payment process, which is noted above as the linked merchant payment process. The merchant may maintain a loyalty program database that has information related to customers enrolled in the program. In an embodiment, the loyalty program database may be linked to the merchant payment process. A loyalty program may comprise rewards such as cash savings, merchandise savings, store credit, and the like. In an embodiment, all or a portion of the rewards may be deposited. The rewards are provided to the customer based upon the purchased product, the amount of the purchase, on a per transaction basis, on a number of transactions, and the like. In another embodiment, the customer may enroll in a loyalty program of the merchant by accepting terms and conditions of the merchant's program, which are presented to the customer at the merchant's Point-Of-Sale. In one embodiment, the customer may enroll in the merchant's loyalty program by any suitable means. For instance, the customer may enroll in the loyalty program when enrolling in the merchant payment process (e.g., as illustrated in FIGURES 1-3). [00117] In an embodiment, the rewards associated with the loyalty program are provided based upon a per transaction basis. Other embodiments include the rewards being provided on a per transaction and per product basis. Providing rewards based upon the purchased product may include associating the rewards with an identified product or products. In addition, providing rewards based on the amount of the purchase refers to an amount of the purchase settled. For instance, a reward may be provided for purchases of $250 or more. For a per transaction rewards, the rewards may be provided for each transaction. Providing rewards based upon a number of transactions refers to providing rewards upon completion of a desired number of transactions. In some embodiments, the customer database may maintain a record of the customer's transactions. For instance, each transaction (e.g., purchase) by the customer is settled, and the customer database stores the number of transactions, items purchased, amount of each purchase, and the like. As an example, after six transactions (e.g., purchases) of an item, the customer's seventh purchase of the item is discounted or free as a reward.

[00118] In some embodiments, all or a portion of the reward may be deposited into a financial account designated by the customer. For instance, a deposit in the amount of reward credits and discounts may be deposited by the merchant into the financial account of a customer. In alternative embodiments, a portion of the rewards is deposited in a financial account, and a portion is applied as a credit or merchandise reward. As an example, a customer has accumulated $100 in store discounts as a reward. The customer selects at a Point-Of-Sale (e.g., at 353 of FIGURE 5) to have $50 of the discounts deposited in an account and to use the remaining $50 for a purchase. In one embodiment, the customer may also make a cash deposit to be applied to the financial account. In one embodiment, the financial account may be a line of credit, and the deposited amount is used to pay off debt of the customer.

[00119] The financial accounts may be set up during the enrollment process (e.g., as illustrated in FIGURES 1-3) or may be set up after such enrollment processes. In other words, additional accounts may be added after enrollment. The customer may select the desired account at the Point- Of-Sale. For instance, a prompt may list the available accounts and provide an option for the customer to select the desired account or accounts. In some embodiments, the prompt may also provide an option by which the available funds in each account can be viewed by the customer.

V. MERCHANT PAYMENT PROCESSES FOR PARTICIPATING MERCHANTS A. A Method for Enrolling Customers in a Linked Merchant Payment Process with a Number of Participating Merchants.

[00120] In an embodiment, the customer may be enrolled in the linked merchant payment process with a plurality of merchants, which may be referred to as the participating merchants. The customer may use the linked merchant payment process to conduct transactions with any of the participating merchants. The merchant payment process may maintain a database of the participating merchants at the control center discussed previously. In the linked merchant payment process, each participating merchant may be identified by a unique identifier such as a business identification number. For instance, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 4, the customer may present the payment process accessible loyalty card or the unique identification code at a Point-Of- SaIe with more than one merchant at 250. The deposit information (e.g., type of transaction and business identification number of the participating merchant) may be communicated to the transaction routing database and identified by the control center. The information is batched at 253 and submitted to the merchant payment process at 254, 256, and 257 for settlement. In an embodiment, the participating merchant may transmit the transaction information by a secure link to the transaction routing function of the control center.

[00121] In some embodiments, the participating merchants may link at least one of their loyalty card programs to the linked merchant payment process. The customer may be enrolled in the linked merchant payment process with the participating merchants by any suitable method. In one embodiment, the customer may enroll in the merchant payment process with one merchant, and the customer may then be automatically enrolled with all participating merchants. For instance, a database may be collectively maintained for all of the participating merchants. Upon authorization of the enrollment with the merchant at which the customer initiates enrollment at the Point-Of- SaIe, the database may automatically enroll the customer in the linked merchant payment process with all participating merchants.

[00122] In another embodiment, the customer may be prompted upon enrollment as to whether the customer desires to enroll with each or all of the participating merchants. The customer may select to be enrolled with none of the other participating merchants, a portion of the participating merchants, or all of the participating merchants. In such other embodiments, the unique identification code of the customer is the same for all cards linked to the customer's account (e.g., the loyalty card of the other participating merchant or merchants and the payment process accessible loyalty card), and the cards are all associated with the linked merchant payment process. The PIN may be the same or different for each card.

[00123] An additional embodiment may include at least one of the other participating merchants issuing a loyalty card with a unique identification code tied to the card. Enrollment by the other merchant of a customer in a merchant payment process with such loyalty cards and unique identification code may proceed as described in the embodiments of FIGURES 1, 2, and 3. In such an additional embodiment, the enrollment code associated with the other merchant's card is different than the enrollment code associated with another participating merchant's loyalty card. B. A Method For Customers To Access A Linked Merchant Payment Process Account Enrolled With A Number Of Participating Merchants.

[00124] FIGURE 7 illustrates a flow chart exemplifying ways to access an account enrolled with a linked merchant payment process by a customer 700 with a first participating merchant 702 and with a participating merchant 748. In regards to the account with the first participating merchant 702, various unique numbers 735 are assigned including the enrollment code 705, unique identification code 737, and payment process accessible loyalty card 730. At a Point-Of-Sale, presentation of any of unique enrollment code 705, unique identification code 737, and payment process accessible loyalty card 730 allows the customer access to the linked merchant payment process and allows the customer to conduct a transaction (e.g., deposit and/or purchase) at the Point-Of-Sale with the first participating merchant 702 using the merchant payment process. The payment process accessible loyalty card 730 is for illustration purposes only, and the customer's linked merchant payment process may have more than one loyalty card. For instance, the customer may have a payment process accessible loyalty card with the first participating merchant 702 with which the customer is making a deposit at the Point-Of-Sale, and the customer may also have one or more loyalty cards with one or more participating merchants 748. Each unique number 735 allows the customer 700 access to account information that may be stored at the control center. Such stored information may include customer identification information 710, bank account information 715, and other data 725. Such information and data 710, 715, and 725 may not be used to access the customer's account or conduct a transaction (e.g., make a deposit or purchase in conjunction with a deposit). The customer identification information 710 may include such information as the customer's driver's license number and name. In addition, other data 725 may include such information as the customer's address, PIN number, and savings associated with the loyalty program. The customer identification number 710, bank account information 715, and other data 725 may be the same or different from other cards enrolled in the linked merchant payment process.

[00125] As further illustrated in FIGURE 7, customer 700 may access the linked merchant payment process at a Point-Of-Sale with another participating merchant 748. In such an embodiment, the customer 700 may access the linked merchant payment process at a Point-Of-Sale with the participating merchant 748 by using one of the unique numbers 780 associated with the participating merchant 748, which include unique enrollment code 750, unique identification code 765, and payment process accessible loyalty card 775. Use of any of enrollment code 750, unique identification code 765, and payment process accessible loyalty card 775 allows the customer 700 access to the account information stored in control center 175 and to conduct a transaction. The payment process accessible loyalty card 775 is a card issued by the participating merchant 748. In some embodiments, unique numbers 780 may be used to make a deposit at a Point-Of-Sale with any other participating merchant 748.

[00126] In an embodiment, the customer 700 may authorize one or more additional users on the customer's account with the linked merchant payment process. The authority may be provided at the time of enrollment or at a subsequent time. Such one or more additional users may be issued a payment process accessible loyalty card and/or be provided the unique identification code to make a transaction. Each additional user may be associated with a unique reference number that identifies the additional user. The unique reference number may be any combination of numbers, letters, and/or symbols. The additional user may conduct any transactions such as debits or credits with the customer's account using the linked merchant payment process. In an embodiment, the additional user may conduct transactions on the customer's account at any participating merchant. In another embodiment, savings are awarded to the customer's savings account with the loyalty program by purchases made by the additional user. In one embodiment, the customer may limit the additional user's activities. For instance, the additional user may only purchase certain products, may be limited to maximum purchase amounts, may be limited to desired accounts, may not transfer funds between accounts, and the like.

C. A Method For Participating Merchants To Provide Cross-Savings To Customers Enrolled In a Linked Merchant Payment Process.

[00127] In an embodiment in which the customer is enrolled with more than one merchant in the linked merchant payment process, cross-savings may be provided to the customer. Cross-savings refer to savings that are provided to the customer's loyalty program account by conducting transactions at a Point-Of-Sale of any of the participating merchants. For example, the customer may use a payment process accessible loyalty card issued by a merchant to make a deposit while at a Point-Of-Sale of a participating merchant.

[00128] In such an example, the customer has a savings account tied to the loyalty program with the merchant. Upon accessing the customer's account and conducting the transaction, savings provided by the participating merchant may be transferred to the customer's loyalty program savings account. Information related to the purchase (e.g., amount, savings involved, and the like) are transmitted to the control center and recorded. In one embodiment, the customer conducts a transaction with the merchant payment process with the merchant, and the merchant and a participating merchant each post savings to the customer's savings account in the loyalty program. [00129] In another embodiment, the customer may also have a savings program with the participating merchant, and the participating merchant and/or the merchant may post savings to such account. In another embodiment, a common account may be maintained between the merchant and any other participating merchants, hi such another embodiment, any savings provided by a transaction at any participating merchant are transmitted to the common account.

D. General Purpose Computer Implementation

[00130] The present disclosure may be implemented, at least partially, on a server or on any general-purpose computer(s) with sufficient processing power, memory resources, and network throughput capability to handle the necessary workload placed upon it, including a server. Figure 8 illustrates a typical, general-purpose computer system suitable for implementing one or more embodiments disclosed herein. The computer system 880 includes a processor 882 (which may be referred to as a central processor unit or CPU) that is in communication with memory devices including secondary storage 884, reads only memory (ROM) 886, random access memory (RAM) 888, input/output (I/O) 890 devices, and network connectivity devices 892. The processor may be implemented as one or more CPU chips.

[00131] The secondary storage 884 is typically comprised of one or more disk drives or tape drives and is used for non-volatile storage of data and as an over-flow data storage device if RAM 888 is not large enough to hold all working data. Secondary storage 884 may be used to store programs which are loaded into RAM 888 when such programs are selected for execution. The ROM 886 is used to store instructions and perhaps data which are reads during program execution. ROM 886 is a non- volatile memory device which typically has a small memory capacity relative to the larger memory capacity of secondary storage. The RAM 888 is used to store volatile data and perhaps to store instructions. Access to both ROM 886 and RAM 888 is typically faster than to secondary storage 884.

[00132] I/O 890 devices may include printers, video monitors, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), touch screen displays, keyboards, keypads, switches, dials, mice, track balls, voice recognizers, card readers, paper tape readers, or other well-known input devices. The network connectivity devices 892 may take the form of modems, modem banks, ethernet cards, universal serial bus (USB) interface cards, serial interfaces, token ring cards, fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) cards, wireless local area network (WLAN) cards, radio transceiver cards such as code division multiple access (CDMA) and/or global system for mobile communications (GSM) radio transceiver cards, and other well-known network devices. These network connectivity 892 devices may enable the processor 882 to communicate with an Internet or one or more intranets. With such a network connection, it is contemplated that the processor 882 might receive information from the network, or might output information to the network in the course of performing the above-described method steps. Such information, which is often represented as a sequence of instructions to be executed using processor 882, may be received from and outputted to the network, for example, in the form of a computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave [00133] Such information, which may include data or instructions to be executed using processor 882 for example, may be received from and outputted to the network, for example, in the form of a computer data baseband signal or signal embodied in a carrier wave. The baseband signal or signal embodied in the carrier wave generated by the network connectivity 892 devices may propagate in or on the surface of electrical conductors, in coaxial cables, in waveguides, in optical media, for example optical fiber, or in the air or free space. The information contained in the baseband signal or signal embedded in the carrier wave may be ordered according to different sequences, as may be desirable for either processing or generating the information or transmitting or receiving the information. The baseband signal or signal embedded in the carrier wave, or other types of signals currently used or hereafter developed, referred to herein as the transmission medium, may be generated according to several methods well known to one skilled in the art. [00134] The processor 882 executes instructions, codes, computer programs, scripts which it accesses from hard disk, floppy disk, optical disk (these various disk based systems may all be considered secondary storage 884), ROM 886, RAM 888, or the network connectivity devices 892. [00135] While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted, or not implemented.

[00136] Also, techniques, systems, subsystems and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating with each other may be coupled through some interface or device, such that the items may no longer be considered directly coupled to each other but may still be indirectly coupled and in communication, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise with one another. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

[00137] Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of rewarding a customer for patronizing a merchant comprising depositing money into a financial account designated by the customer as a reward for patronage of the merchant by the consumer.

2. A method of rewarding a customer for patronizing a merchant comprising rewarding the customer with a credit amount for patronage of the merchant by the customer and facilitating deposit of all or a portion of the credit amount into a financial account designated by a customer.

3. A method of rewarding a customer for patronizing a merchant comprising associating a financial account of the customer with a reward program of the merchant such that money earned by the customer according to the reward program may be deposited into the account.

4. A method of rewarding a customer for patronizing a merchant, comprising: calculating a credit amount due the customer per a reward program of the merchant; and facilitating by the merchant on behalf of the customer a deposit of all or a portion of the credit amount in a financial account associated with the customer.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein a portion of the credit amount is deposited and another portion is applied as a discount to a purchase of goods by the customer from the merchant.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the deposit further comprises an amount of money provided by the customer to the merchant in addition to the all or a portion of the credit amount due per the reward program.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the credit amount is calculated at a point of sale.

8. The method of claim 4, wherein the deposit is made via an ACH transaction.

9. The method of claim 4, wherein the deposit is processed via a gift card processing system.

10. The method of claim 4, wherein the merchant deposits the credit amount directly into the financial account.

11. The method of claim 4, wherein the merchant deposits the credit amount into the financial account via one or more intermediary transfers.

12. The method of claim 4, wherein the financial account is held with a third party financial institution.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the third party financial institution is designated by the merchant.

14. The method of claim 4, wherein the financial account is held by a financial institution owned by or affiliated with the merchant.

15. The method of claim 4, wherein the financial account is a savings account at a bank or credit union.

16. The method of claim 4, wherein the financial account is a line of credit, such that the deposit is applied toward paying off a debt of the customer.

17. The method of claim 4, wherein the customer has access to the account and may remove funds there from.

18. The method of claim 4, further comprising providing to the customer a period-to-date total of the deposits.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the period-to-date total is provided at a point of sale of the merchant.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the period-to-date total is calculated in real time such that the period-to-date total includes any reward earned in the present purchase at the point of sale.

21. The method of claim 13, further comprising leveraging negotiations by the merchant on behalf of a plurality of customers to achieve favorable account terms with the financial institution.

22. A method of transaction with a customer at a merchant point of sale, comprising: providing one or more financial services to the customer according to financial regulations, wherein the financial services comprise fund deposits, withdrawals, transfers, or combinations thereof.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the financial services are linked to a reward program of the merchant.

24. A method of processing a payment received from a customer for purchase of goods from a merchant, comprising: accepting by the merchant the payment from the customer, wherein a portion of the payment is to be deposited in a financial account designated by the customer; and facilitating by the merchant the deposit into the customer's account.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein all or a portion of the amount to be deposited corresponds to a credit amount earned by the customer as a reward for patronage of the merchant.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein at least a portion of the rewards are earned on a per transaction basis.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein at least a portion of the rewards are earned on a combined per transaction and product basis.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein accepting the payment from the customer is carried out at a point of sale of the merchant.

29. The method of claim 24, wherein the amount to be deposited is fixed per transaction.

30. The method of claim 24, wherein the amount to be deposited is variable per transaction.

31. The method of claim 24, wherein the amount to be deposited is the difference between the payment received and the total price of the goods.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein all or a portion of the total price of the goods is discounted according to a reward program of the merchant.

33. The method of claim 31 , wherein the payment received is greater than the total price of the goods prior to any reward discount being applied to the total price of the goods.

34. The method of claim 24, wherein the payment is made via cash, check, credit card, an ACH debit, or combinations thereof.

35. The method of claim 24, wherein the deposit is made via an ACH transfer of funds from a checking account to a savings account of the customer.

36. The method of claim 24, wherein the deposit is made via an ACH transaction.

37. The method of claim 24, wherein the deposit is facilitated via a gift card processing system.

38. The method of claim 24, wherein the deposit is made directly into the financial account.

39. The method of claim 24, wherein the deposit is made into the financial account via one or more intermediary transfers.

40. The method of claim 24, wherein the financial account is held with a third party financial institution.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the third party financial institution is designated by the merchant.

42. The method of claim 24, wherein the financial account is held by a financial institution owned by or affiliated with the merchant.

43. The method of claim 24, wherein the financial account is a savings account at a bank or credit union.

44. The method of claim 24, wherein the financial account is a line of credit, such that the deposit is applied toward paying off a debt of the customer.

45. The method of claim 24, wherein the customer has access to the account and may remove funds there from.

46. The method of claim 24, further comprising providing to the customer a period-to-date total of the deposits.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the period-to-date total is provided at a point of sale of the merchant.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the period-to-date total is real time calculated in real time such that the period-to-date total includes any reward earned in the present purchase at the point of sale.

49. The method of claim 24, further comprising providing by the customer a security code for authorization of the deposit.

50. The method of claim 24, further comprising verifying by the merchant the identity of the customer.

51. A method of processing a payment received from a customer for purchase of goods from a merchant, comprising: presenting by the customer at a point of sale of the merchant a unique identification number and an amount of money; and facilitating by the merchant a deposit of all or a portion of the money into an account associated with the unique identification number.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the unique identification number is a cardless identification number provided by the customer at a point of sale of the merchant.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the unique identification number comprises the customer's phone number, date of birth, or both.

54. The method of claim 51, wherein the unique identification number is a unique card number provided by the merchant.

55. A method for processing a payment received from a customer for purchase of goods from a merchant comprising: calculating by the merchant an amount of the payment to be credited to an account designated by the customer; and processing the credit amount via an existing gift card system.

56. The method of claim 55 further comprising presenting by the customer at a point of sale of the merchant a unique identification number associated with the account.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein data comprising the amount to be credited, the unique identification number, or both is prepended with a routing number associated with the existing gift card system to facilitate processing thereby.

58. A method of enrolling a customer in a merchant payment program, comprising: providing by the customer financial account information while at a point of sale; and associating by the merchant a unique identification number with the financial account information such that the customer may make deposits into the financial account from the point of sale.

59. The method of claim 58, further comprising associating the financial account of the customer with a reward program of the merchant such that money earned by the customer according to the reward program may be deposited into the account.

60. A method of enrolling a customer in a merchant payment program, comprising: providing by the customer while at the merchant's premises a unique identification number; providing by the customer financial account information in a session subsequent to providing the unique identification number; and associating by the merchant the unique identification number with the financial account information such that the customer may make deposits into the financial account from the merchant's point of sale.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein the unique identification number is generated by the customer.

62. The method of claim 60, further comprising associating the financial account of the customer with a reward program of the merchant such that money earned by the customer according to the reward program may be deposited into the account.

63. A method for enrolling a customer in a merchant reward program comprising: providing by the customer at the merchant's point of sale a unique identification number; opening by the customer a financial account at a financial institution at a time subsequent to providing the unique identification number; and associating the unique identification number with the financial account such that the customer may make a deposit into the financial account from the merchant's point of sale.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein providing the unique identification number further comprises providing by the merchant to the customer an enrollment number associated with the unique identification number.

65. The method of claim 63, further comprising providing by the customer to the merchant the account information from financial account opened by the customer at the financial institution.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein the providing of the account information is via phone, the Internet, or both.

67. The method of claim 64, further comprising providing by the customer to the merchant the account information, the unique identification number, or both,

68. The method of claim 67, wherein the providing of the account information or the enrollment number is via phone, the Internet, or both.

69. The method of claim 63, further comprising providing by the customer an amount of money to be deposited.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein the amount of money is an initial deposit for opening the financial account.

71. The method of claim 63, wherein the unique identification number is generated by the customer.

72. The method of claim 63, wherein the unique identification number is a reward program identification number.

73. The method of claim 63, wherein the customer obtains the unique identification number from a promotional material.

74. The method of claim 73, wherein the customer receives the promotional material prior to providing the unique identification number.

75. The method of claim 73, wherein the promotional material designates the financial institution.

76. The method of claim 63, wherein the financial institution is designated by the merchant.

77. The method of claim 63, wherein the financial institution owned by or affiliated with the merchant.

78. The method of claim 63, wherein the customer receives an incentive reward from the financial institution, the merchant, or both for opening the account.

79. The method of claim 63, further comprising associating a PIN provided by the customer with authorization for the deposit.

80. The method of claim 63, further comprising verifying by the merchant the identity of the customer.

81. The method of claim 65, further comprising verifying by the merchant the validity of the account information provided by the customer.

82. The method of claim 63, wherein the deposit is processed via an ACH transaction.

83. The method of claim 63, wherein the deposit is processed via a gift card processing system.

84. The method of claim 63, wherein the deposit is made directly into the financial account.

85. The method of claim 63, wherein the deposit is made into the financial account via one or more intermediary transfers.

86. The method of claim 63, further comprising associating the financial account of the customer with a reward program of the merchant such that money earned by the customer according to the reward program may be deposited into the account.

87. The method of claim 86, wherein the unique identification number is associated with the financial account and the reward program.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein the unique identification number is a number generated by the customer, such that the unique identification number may be used to initiated transactions in a cardless manner.

89. The method of claim 86, further comprising providing the customer with a reward card having a unique card number and associating by the merchant the unique card number with the account information such that the customer may make deposits by using the unique identification number, the unique card number, or both.

90. The method of claim 60, wherein the customer may make deposits via the unique identification number with one or more merchants in addition to the enrolling merchant.

91. The method of claim 89, wherein the customer may make deposits via the unique identification number, the unique card number, or both with one or more merchants in addition to the enrolling merchant.

92. The method of claim 91, wherein at least one of the other merchants provide the customer with an additional unique card number associated with a reward program of the other merchant and the additional unique card number is associated with the account information such that the customer may make deposits by using at least one of the unique identification number, the unique card number, the additional unique card number, or any combination thereof.

93. The method of claim 92, wherein the purchasing of goods by the customer with the enrolling merchant or one or more other merchants accumulate rewards from one or both of such merchants in accordance with the respective reward program and all or a portion of the rewards are deposited into the financial account.

94. The method of claim 60, wherein the account information identifies two or more separate accounts such that the customer may select the account at time of deposit.

95. The method of claim 94, wherein the separate accounts comprise accounts from different financial institutions.

96. The method of claim 94, wherein the separate accounts comprise a savings account, a checking account, a line of credit, a credit card account, or combinations thereof.

97. The method of claim 96, wherein the line of credit or credit card account is from the merchant.

98. The method of claim 60, further comprising providing one or more additional unique identification numbers corresponding to one or more additional users authorized by the customer and associating the one or more additional unique identification numbers with the account information such that the additional authorized users may likewise make deposits with the merchant.