초록 ▼

A centralized system of accumulating cash value for consumers based upon point-of-sale transactions with multiple merchants is disclosed wherein for each transaction, the consumer\s account number (such as the Social Security number) and birthdate are transmitted to a central system along with data

A centralized system of accumulating cash value for consumers based upon point-of-sale transactions with multiple merchants is disclosed wherein for each transaction, the consumer\s account number (such as the Social Security number) and birthdate are transmitted to a central system along with data identifying the merchant and a credit value determined by the merchant. At the central location, a cash value for that consumer is incremented by the credit value and a bill value for that merchant is similarly incremented. Periodically, the merchants are billed for the accumulated bill value. Also, at selected intervals, consumers are given access to their respective accumulated cash values by either a check in that amount or through a funds dispensing electronic terminal access or the like. Preferably, the intervals are selected to correspond to birthdates of the consumers.

대표청구항 ▼

A centralized consumer cash value system for transactions between consumers and multiple merchants comprising: at each merchant location at least: consumer data input means at the point-of-sale for inputting an account number unique to the customer and the consumer\s birthdate; transaction data inpu

A centralized consumer cash value system for transactions between consumers and multiple merchants comprising: at each merchant location at least: consumer data input means at the point-of-sale for inputting an account number unique to the customer and the consumer\s birthdate; transaction data input means for inputting the dollar amount of the point of-sale transaction; memory means for storing a credit rate selected by the merchant; processor means for determining a credit value based upon the dollar amount of the point-of-sale transaction and the selected credit rate; and first communication means for transmitting to the central system the consumer\s account number and birthdate, and the credit value related to each transaction; and at a central location, a central system having at least: second communication means for receiving the consumer\s account number and birthdate, and the credit value related to each transaction; consumer account memory means for storing cash values for a plurality of consumer accounts, each consumer account being associated with a respective, unique account number and one of a plurality of birthdates; processor means for incrementing the cash value in a consumer account associated with a received consumer account number and birthdate by an amount corresponding to the received credit value; and unit means for providing to each consumer having a selected birthdate access to funds in an amount based upon the cash value in the consumer account associated with that consumer.