Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110166920 | FINANCIAL CHARGE REBATE - Aspects of the disclosure relate to assisting credit account holders during economic hardship. More specifically, aspects of the disclosure relate to systems and methods for providing a rebate of at least a portion of a finance charge applied to a credit account. Unlike certain prior art systems and methods, embodiments disclosed herein may benefit both the credit account holder as well as the financial institution that extends the credit account. In one embodiment, it may be determined that several credit accounts meet a threshold of probability of having a charge-off. In certain embodiments, the number of accounts that receive a rebate may be limited to a certain percentage of credit accounts with a non-zero balance. | 07-07-2011 |
20110166989 | OFFSETTING LIABILITIES AND ATTRIBUTING REWARDS - Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for determining, recommending, and/or executing a payment strategy for offsetting liabilities and/or attributing rewards. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided for transferring offsetting funds from a first account to a second account. In such embodiments, the method includes: (1) determining that the second account has incurred a liability; and (2) transferring funds from the first account to the second account in an amount sufficient to offset the liability. In some embodiments, the determining step automatically triggers the transferring step, either immediately, nearly immediately, or sometime after the occurrence of the determining step. In some embodiments, the method further includes attributing rewards to the first account or the second account based at least partially on the transfer of offsetting funds from the first account to the second account and/or based at least partially on the second account incurring the liability. | 07-07-2011 |
20110166994 | DETERMINING A PAYMENT STRATEGY - Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for determining, recommending, and/or executing a payment strategy. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided for determining a payment strategy for using at least some funds from a first account to make two or more payments on a second account during a single pay period. In such embodiments, the method includes: (1) determining that the second account includes a payment due date and a minimum payment due; (2) determining a number of payments to make on the second account; (3) determining a payment amount for each payment, such that the total payment amount for all of the payments is sufficient to at least offset the minimum payment due; and (4) determining a triggering event for each payment, such that each of the payments is made on or before the payment due date. | 07-07-2011 |
20110184819 | AUDIBLE TRANSACTION PROCESS AND SYSTEM - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for assisting a consumer during a transaction with a vendor at a point of sale by providing transaction information to the consumer in an audible format. The system includes a consumer device and a payment terminal located proximate the point of sale. The consumer device, either a mobile device carried by the consumer or an immobile device also located proximate the point of sale, communicates with the payment terminal and receives transaction information such as product identity or amount information. The consumer device then produces sound waves audible to the consumer based on the communicated transaction information using one or more private and/or public listening devices. This audible transaction process can be performed automatically during a transaction or can be implemented based on consumer preference. | 07-28-2011 |
20110184820 | MOBILE DEVICE CONSUMER INTERFACE PROCESS AND SYSTEM - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for assisting a consumer during a transaction with a vendor at a point of sale by providing transaction information to the consumer via consumer-readable communications. In one embodiment, a payment terminal proximate the point of sale communicates a transaction information signal to the mobile device. The mobile device communicates the transaction information to the consumer in a consumer-readable format such as audible sound waves. In some embodiments, the consumer-readable communications include requests for consumer input. The consumer input is received by an input device proximate the mobile device and communicated to the payment terminal. In some embodiments consumer input is received by the payment terminal as well as the mobile device, and in some embodiments, the consumer chooses whether to use the mobile device as an interface or only to use the payment terminal. | 07-28-2011 |
20110184821 | PAYMENT DEVICE TRIGGERED MODIFIED TRANSACTION SESSION AT POINT OF SALE - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for providing a modified transaction process or session for a consumer at a point of sale of a vendor when triggered by a consumer's transaction or payment device. The transaction device either stores consumer preference data or stores pointer data pointing to the network location of the consumer preference data. The transaction device communicates with the vendor's point of sale or payment terminal, and the payment terminal processes the consumer preference data. If the payment terminal determines the consumer prefers a modified transaction session, the payment terminal initiates the modified transaction session, which in various embodiments, includes one or both of communicating transaction information via consumer-readable communications proximate the consumer's mobile device and receiving consumer input proximate the consumer's mobile device and communicating the consumer input to the payment terminal for processing or other modifications to a typical transaction session. | 07-28-2011 |
20110246387 | CONSUMER BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION TOOL - Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for implementing, in connection with a financial account, a consumer behavior modification tool. In some embodiments, the method includes: identifying a financial account that can be used by a consumer to make a purchase, recording in connection with the financial account a rule that additional liability in the form of a transaction fee or interest rate will be applied to the financial account when a purchase meeting predefined criteria is made using the financial account, wherein the predefined criteria is defined such that only a subset of the set of potential purchases that can be made using the financial account meet the predefined criteria, receiving an indication that a purchase has been made using the financial account, applying the rule to determine that the purchase that has been made meets the predefined criteria recorded in connection with the financial account, and investing the additional liability, in the form of a transaction fee or finance charge, into an investment vehicle. | 10-06-2011 |
20120030043 | WEARABLE FINANCIAL INDICATOR - A wearable article, such as but not limited to a watch, wristband, or ring, is configured for indicating financial information to a customer. The wearable article includes a communication device configured for receiving a financial indicator from a server. The financial indicator may be communicated by a financial institution's server in accordance with a financial indicator profile pre-established by the customer. A user output device, such as a display, is configured for communicating user output, such as a colored light, to the customer based at least in part on the financial indicator. The wearable article may be configured to communicate with the server through a mobile terminal, such as a mobile phone, an Internet hot spot, a mobile telephony system, a payment network, a point-of-sale terminal, or the like. The wearable article may be configured to communicate with a point-of-sale terminal so that the wearable article can also be used as a payment device. | 02-02-2012 |
20120030081 | PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF A CUSTOMER DURING FINANCIAL ACTIVITY - A server behavior modification system assists a customer during a financial activity, such as a transaction, and includes a current financial activity assistance system having a data collection system for collecting current physiological activity data, such as current electrodermal activity data, and a data manipulation system for assessing the likelihood of vulnerability to a predetermined undesired financial behavior, as defined by customer input received by a customer settings definition system. The assessment is based at least in part on the data manipulation system comparing a combined historical behavior pattern with the collected current data. The combined historical behavior pattern comprises a correlation between historical physiological activity data and historical financial activity data. An alerting system instructs a customer behavior modification system to produce an alert based at least in part on an assessment of likely vulnerability to a predetermined undesired financial behavior. | 02-02-2012 |
20120030109 | DEPENDENT PAYMENT DEVICE - The present invention provides embodiments of a dependent payment device, such as a credit card, for allowing a primary customer to control and monitor the transactions made by a dependent customer who is authorized to use the account of the primary customer. The primary customer can control the maximum limit that the dependent customer can spend on the dependent card up to the maximum amount that the financial institution has approved for the primary customer. The primary customer can also block/approve purchases that the dependent customer can make at store or on products by adding MCCs, store names, store types, UPCs, or other product or store identifiers to a list of blocked/approved transactions. The primary customer can set monetary and time limits on the amount and frequency of the transactions the dependent customer can make at stores or on products that have been blocked/approved. | 02-02-2012 |
20120066077 | OVERAGE SERVICE VIA MOBILE DEVICE - In general terms, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for providing an overage service via a mobile device. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving transaction information associated with a transaction, where the transaction involves an account, a transaction machine, and a holder of the account; (b) determining, based at least partially on the transaction information, that the account will incur an overage as a result of the transaction; (c) prompting the holder to consent to the overage via the mobile device, where the holder is associated with the mobile device; (d) receiving the holder's consent to the overage; and (e) authorizing the transaction based at least partially on the receiving the holder's consent. | 03-15-2012 |
20120066126 | OVERAGE SERVICE VIA TRANSACTION MACHINE - In general terms, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for providing an overage service via a transaction machine. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving transaction information associated with a transaction, where the transaction involves an account, a transaction machine, and a holder of the account; (b) determining, based at least partially on the transaction information, that the account will incur an overage as a result of the transaction; (c) prompting, via the transaction machine, the holder to consent to the overage; (d) receiving the holder's consent to the overage; and (e) authorizing the transaction based at least partially on the receiving the holder's consent. | 03-15-2012 |
20120066127 | OVERAGE SERVICE SUBJECT TO CONDITION - In general terms, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for providing an overage service subject to one or more predetermined conditions. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving, from a holder of an account, consent to a future overage, where the future overage is a result of a future overage transaction involving the account, and where the consent is valid only if a predetermined condition is met; (b) receiving transaction information associated with a transaction, where the transaction involves the account, and where the transaction was initiated after the receiving the consent; (c) determining, based at least partially on the transaction information, that the account will incur an overage as a result of the transaction; (d) determining that the predetermined condition is met and/or that the holder's consent is valid for the transaction; and (e) authorizing the transaction based at least partially on receiving the consent, determining that the holder's consent is valid for the transaction, and/or determining that the predetermined condition is met. | 03-15-2012 |
20120185389 | OFFSETTING FUTURE OVERAGE FEES - In general terms, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for prepaying, covering, avoiding, negating, and/or otherwise offsetting future overage fees. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving one or more payments for offsetting one or more future overage fees, where the one or more payments are associated with an account; (b) receiving transaction information associated with a transaction, where the transaction involves the account, and where the transaction is initiated after the receiving the one or more payments; (c) determining, based at least partially on the transaction information, that the account will incur an overage as a result of the transaction; (d) determining that the one or more payments are sufficient to offset an overage fee associated with the overage; and (e) authorizing the transaction based at least partially on the determining that the one or more payments are sufficient. | 07-19-2012 |
20120197800 | Hybrid Secured Credit Card - According to one or more aspects, financial transactions may be conducted using a financial card product, such as a hybrid secured credit card that permits transactions up to a predetermined total credit limit, and then allows transactions in excess using a security interest in assets. The asset may be the available balance in an interest-bearing checking account (e.g., a DDA account), a brokerage account, or other type of account that may hold funds/assets. The available balance of the asset(s) may be monitored in real-time (or near real-time) such that the available spending limit on the hybrid secured credit card may be floating (e.g., dynamic). In one example, backend systems may be configured to monitor in real-time an available balance in security accounts in order to prevent spending over the amount of secured funds. In addition, in some examples, more than one account may be associated with the card such that the total spending limit on the card is greater. The total spending limit may be calculated through arithmetic (e.g., sum) of the available balance of each of the associated accounts. | 08-02-2012 |
20120215597 | SYSTEM FOR ANALYZING SOCIAL MEDIA BEHAVIORAL INFLUENCE - Embodiments of the invention are directed to monitoring selected activity of a user of one or more social networks and providing offers to the user based on such selected activities. For example, selected activities could be the number of other users of the social network that are associated with the user, the number of posts entered by the user on the social network, the number of other users that respond to a post by the user, a type of product, service, or event that the user either selects or enters a posting for, and/or associations the user has with other selected users of the social network. In some embodiments, financial data associated with the user and other users of the social network may be analyzed to determine the user's influence on other users of the social network and provide offers to the user based on such influence. | 08-23-2012 |
20120215636 | FINANCIAL INSTITUTION BYPASS OF DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS - Embodiments of the invention are directed to facilitating a direct purchase of products between a provider and potential customer that bypasses the traditional product distribution channels for a customer purchase, and more particularly embodiments of the invention are directed to methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing a financial institution based bypass program that enables bypass of a traditional distribution channel for a customer's product purchase by linking customers of the financial institution with product providers. | 08-23-2012 |
20120215724 | INSTITUTIONAL PROVIDED DATA SHARE PLATFORM - Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for an institution provided data share platform. The institution provided data share platform allows customers and commercial partners to access data the institution may have. Specific platform data access may be limited and/or monitored by the institution to ensure customer safety and privacy compliance. Allowing access to the institution data provides a customer the means to create customized applications utilizing the data in combination with data provided by the customer. In return for access to the platform, the institution may recover fees based on the application the customer creates. | 08-23-2012 |
20120216175 | CUSTOMIZABLE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION APPLICATION INTERFACE - Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for a customizable financial application. This invention allows a user to customize an application, such as an application for a mobile smart phone, to display information or perform actions using data stored by a financial institution, including data about the customer and more general financial data. | 08-23-2012 |
20120221388 | VALUE EXCHANGE OF CUSTOMER DATA - Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and apparatuses for facilitating the value exchange of customer data. For example, one embodiment of the invention provides an online banking system that allows a customer to enter customer data, such as itemized transaction data or personal interest data, in return for incentives. | 08-30-2012 |
20120221420 | DYNAMIC DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE PAYMENT ACCOUNT - Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for dynamically determining an appropriate payment account for a transaction. Embodiments of the invention allow a user to receive a transaction request and subsequently the transaction is applied to the appropriate payment account. Applying the transaction to the appropriate payment account is based on the type of transaction, the payment accounts available to the user, financial institution considerations, financial plans of the user, customer plans of the user, etc. This invention allows a user to make a purchase at a point-of-sale and have confidence that the transaction will be implemented to the payment account that provides the best promotional benefits for the customer based on the customer's individual needs. | 08-30-2012 |
20120229624 | REAL-TIME IMAGE ANALYSIS FOR PROVIDING HEALTH RELATED INFORMATION - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for using real-time video analysis and AR or the like to assist the user of mobile devices with commerce activities. Through the use of real-time vision object recognition objects, logos, artwork, products, locations and other features that can be recognized in the real-time video stream can be matched to health related information regarding the object and/or the user. The health related information may be presenting to the user of the mobile device in conjunction with display of the associated object in a live video stream. | 09-13-2012 |
20120229625 | PROVIDING AFFINITY PROGRAM INFORMATION - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for using real-time video analysis and AR or the like to assist the user of mobile devices with commerce activities. Through the use of real-time vision object recognition objects, logos, artwork, products, locations and other features that can be recognized in the real-time video stream can be matched to affinity program information regarding the object and/or the user. The affinity program information may be presenting to the user of the mobile device in conjunction with display of the associated object in a live video stream. | 09-13-2012 |
20120229647 | REAL-TIME VIDEO IMAGE ANALYSIS FOR PROVIDING SECURITY - System, method, and computer program product are provided for using real-time video analysis to provide the user of mobile devices with security, no matter the user's location. Through the use of real-time vision object recognition objects, logos, artwork, products, locations, and other features that can be recognized in the real-time video stream and frequented locations of the user can be established. In this way, a baseline layout of the frequented location is determined, such that the objects and individuals typically in the frequented area are recognized. The system may continue to take real-time video images of the frequented location, such that if a variation in the baseline layout occurs, the change may be alerted. In this way, a security compromise, such as a break-in to a user's home may be detected by the system and thus the system may notify the user or the appropriate authorities. | 09-13-2012 |
20120229657 | PROVIDING DATA ASSOCIATED WITH RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS AND IMAGES - In general terms, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for providing information regarding relationships between individuals, who may be associated with a user of a mobile device, and objects (e.g., products, locations, businesses, etc.) identified in an image. In some embodiments, this image may be captured by a mobile device. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving first information associated with an image, where the image was captured by a mobile device operated by a user; (b) receiving second information regarding one or more individuals; (c) determining, based at least partially on the first and second information, one or more relationships between information regarding individuals and information associated with the image; and (d) presenting, via the mobile device of the user, information associated with the one or more relationships. | 09-13-2012 |
20120230538 | PROVIDING INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH AN IDENTIFIED REPRESENTATION OF AN OBJECT - Methods, apparatus systems and computer program products are described herein that provide for using video or still shot analysis, such as AR or the like, to assist the user of mobile devices with receiving information corresponding to an abstraction or representation of a subject. Some subjects are difficult to capture in a video or still shot. The method and devices described herein capture representations of difficult to capture or unavailable subjects and presents information related to the subject with the representation. In an embodiment, the representation is a screenshot and the information is provided related to the application that is represented by the screenshot. Various other types of representations including depictions, advertisements, portions of, and identifying marks can be identified by the system and method and information presented relating to the corresponding subjects. In some cases, the information is customized with financial information of the user. | 09-13-2012 |
20120230539 | PROVIDING LOCATION IDENTIFICATION OF ASSOCIATED INDIVIDUALS BASED ON IDENTIFYING THE INDIVIDUALS IN CONJUNCTION WITH A LIVE VIDEO STREAM - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for using real-time video analysis, such as AR or the like to assist the user of a mobile device with commerce activities. Through the use of real-time vision object recognition faces, physical features, objects, logos, artwork, products, locations and other features that can be recognized in the real-time video stream can be matched to data associated with such to assist the user with commerce activity. The commerce activity may include, but is not limited to: identifying individuals associated with the user, identifying locations associated with individuals who are associated with the user, identifying groups of individuals who share a trait, or the like. In specific embodiments, the data that is matched to the images in the real-time video stream is specific to financial institutions, such as customer financial behavior history, customer purchase power/transaction history and the like. | 09-13-2012 |
20120230540 | DYNAMICALLY INDENTIFYING INDIVIDUALS FROM A CAPTURED IMAGE - Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and apparatuses for capturing a real-time video stream using a mobile device, determining, using a processor, which images from the real-time video stream are associated with individuals meeting a user defined criteria, and presenting on a display of the real-time video stream, one or more indicators, each indicator being associated with an image determined to be a person meeting the predefined criteria. | 09-13-2012 |
20120230548 | VEHICLE RECOGNITION - System, method, and computer program product are provided for using real-time video analysis to provide information about vehicles to a user. Through the user of real-time vision object recognition an image of a vehicle VIN number or a portion of a vehicle may be captured using an image capture device. The VIN number or the portion the vehicle that was captured via the real-time video analysis may be analyzed to determine information about the vehicle. The information may include information about the vehicle, such as the make, model, year, price, vehicle history, and the like. Furthermore, information about the individual's finances, such that an individual may know budgeting of purchasing a vehicle. The information about the vehicle and financial information about purchasing the vehicle is presented to the user. | 09-13-2012 |
20120230557 | PROVIDING INFORMATION REGARDING MEDICAL CONDITIONS - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for using real-time video analysis and AR or the like to assist the user of mobile devices with commerce activities. Through the use of real-time vision object recognition medical conditions can be recognized in the real-time video stream and can be matched to medical condition related information regarding the medical condition and can also be matched to one or more targeted offers for products related to the medical condition. The medical condition related information may be presenting to the user of the mobile device in conjunction with display of the associated medical condition in a live video stream. Further, in some embodiments, a product can be recognized as products related to a previously recognized medical condition and indicators associated with the recognized products can be presented with the real-time video stream. | 09-13-2012 |
20120230577 | RECOGNIZING FINANCIAL DOCUMENT IMAGES - Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods, apparatus systems and computer program products that provide for using real-time video analysis for recognizing financial document images by capturing a real-time video stream using a mobile device, wherein the video stream features one or more financial documents, analyzing and correlating the images in the real-time video stream to the images necessary to process the financial document, providing notice to a user of additional images needed to process the financial document and communicating the information associated with the financial document to a financial institution to complete a transaction once sufficient images of the financial document have been captured to process the financial document. | 09-13-2012 |
20120231424 | REAL-TIME VIDEO IMAGE ANALYSIS FOR PROVIDING VIRTUAL INTERIOR DESIGN - System, method, and computer program product are provided for using real-time video analysis, such as augmented reality, to assist a user of a mobile device with interior design. Through the use of real-time object recognition features, logos, artwork, products, locations, etc. can be recognized in a real-time video stream and can subsequently be matched with data associated with such to assist the user with selecting the proper design elements for a space, such as a kitchen. The proper design elements may be based off of several factors regarding the design space, include the dimensions of the space, the location of windows, doors and outlets, geographic and positional data, other space features, current design elements, architectural features, décor, and style data of the space, etc. This invention provides a virtual area with design elements, such that a user may view the area and determine the proper décor for the area. | 09-13-2012 |
20120231425 | REAL-TIME VIDEO IMAGE ANALYSIS FOR PROVIDING VIRTUAL LANDSCAPING - System, method, and computer program product are provided for using real-time video analysis, such as AR or the like to assist the user of mobile devices with landscape design. Through the use of real-time vision object recognition objects, logos, artwork, products, locations, and other features that can be recognized in the real-time video stream can be matched to data associated with such to assist the user with selecting the proper landscape elements for the area the user wishes to landscape. The proper landscape elements may be based off of several factors regarding the landscape area. These factors include natural characteristics of the area, such as soil type, weather, sun/shade, natural terrain of the area, etc. This invention provides recommended landscape elements for an area, such that the recommended landscape elements have a high rate of success in the area. | 09-13-2012 |
20120231814 | REAL-TIME ANALYSIS INVOLVING REAL ESTATE LISTINGS - In general terms, embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for presenting information associated with a real estate listing in an augmented reality environment. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes (a) receiving positioning information from a mobile device; (b) identifying, based at least partially on the positioning information, a real estate property; (c) determining that the real estate property is subject to a real estate listing; and (d) presenting, via the mobile device, information that indicates that the real estate property is subject to a real estate listing. | 09-13-2012 |
20120231840 | PROVIDING INFORMATION REGARDING SPORTS MOVEMENTS - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for using real-time video analysis, such as AR or the like to assist the user of a mobile device with commerce activities. Through the use of real-time vision object recognition faces, physical features, objects, logos, artwork, products, locations and other features that can be recognized in the real-time video stream can be matched to data associated with such to assist the user with commerce activity. The commerce activity may include, but is not limited to: providing information regarding sports movements, analyzing movements associated with sports or exercises, providing information and recommendations regarding techniques and equipment, and supplying information about locations where equipment may be purchased. In specific embodiments, the data that is matched to the images in the real-time video stream is specific to financial institutions, such as customer financial behavior history, customer purchase power/transaction history and the like. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232937 | REAL-TIME IMAGE ANALYSIS FOR MEDICAL SAVINGS PLANS - In general terms, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing health or flexible spending account information in association with products identified in an augmented reality environment. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving information associated with an image, where the image was captured by a mobile device; (b) determining, based at least partially on the information associated with the image, that the image shows a product that qualifies for purchase under a medical savings plan; and (c) presenting, via the mobile device, information that indicates that the product qualifies for purchase under the medical savings plan. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232954 | PROVIDING SOCIAL IMPACT INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH IDENTIFIED PRODUCTS OR BUSINESSES - Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and apparatuses for capturing a real-time video stream using a mobile computing device, determining, using a computing device processor, which images from the real-time video stream are associated with goods and businesses consistent with a predetermined social impact, and presenting on a display of the real-time video stream, one or more indicators, each indicator being associated with an image determined to be consistent with a predetermined social impact. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232966 | IDENTIFYING PREDETERMINED OBJECTS IN A VIDEO STREAM CAPTURED BY A MOBILE DEVICE - A system for processing a video stream is disclosed. The system includes a processing device configured for analyzing the surrounding environment represented in the video stream for at least one predetermined object. At least one predetermined object is identified within the surrounding environment. The object(s) to be identified may be predetermined based on at least one user preference. The system alerts the user once a predetermined object is identified. Information associated with identified predetermined object is presented to the user. In one embodiment, the information is presented via augmented reality such that one or more virtual objects are superimposed over the video stream. The virtual objects may be interactive. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232968 | REAL-TIME VIDEO IMAGE ANALYSIS FOR AN APPROPRIATE PAYMENT ACCOUNT - System, method, and computer program product are provided for using real-time video analysis, such as augmented reality to assist the user of mobile devices with selecting an appropriate payment account for a transaction. Through the use of real-time vision object recognition objects, logos, artwork, products, locations, and other features that can be recognized in the real-time video stream can be matched to data associated with such to assist the user with selecting an appropriate payment account for a transaction. The recommended appropriate payment account is based on the type of transaction, the payment accounts available to the user, financial institution considerations, and financial plans of the user. This invention allows a user to make a purchase at a point-of-sale and have confidence that the transaction will be implemented to the payment account that provides the best promotional benefits for the user based on the user's individual needs. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232976 | REAL-TIME VIDEO ANALYSIS FOR REWARD OFFERS - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for using real-time video analysis, such as augmented reality or the like to assist the user of mobile devices with reward offers. Methods include recognizing one or more objects captured in a real-time video stream, where each object is associated with a marker; determining that the one or more objects are associated with a reward offer based on the marker; and presenting one or more indicators, each indicator being associated with the reward offer. In specific embodiments, the information associated with the object captured in the real-time video stream is analyzed based on financial data associated with a user. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232977 | REAL-TIME VIDEO IMAGE ANALYSIS FOR PROVIDING TARGETED OFFERS - System, method, and computer program product are provided for using real-time video analysis, such as augmented reality or the like to assist the user of mobile devices with selecting products or business through the use of targeted offers. Through the use of real-time vision object recognition objects, logos, artwork, products, locations, and other features that can be recognized in the real-time video stream can be matched to data associated with such to assist the user with selecting products and business. Targeted offers for product and business selection may be based on the financial behavior, pre-selected favorites, or recommendations of the user, individuals associated with the user, or other individuals. This invention allows a user to make a purchase at a point-of-sale and have confidence that the product or service purchased is the proper one to fit the user's needs. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232993 | REAL-TIME VIDEO IMAGE ANALYSIS FOR PROVIDING DEEPENING CUSTOMER VALUE - System, method, and computer program product are provided for using real-time video analysis to provide deepening value offers for products or services to the user. Through the use of real-time vision object recognition objects, logos, artwork, products, locations, and other features that can be recognized in the real-time video stream can be matched to a directory associated with products a financial institution may be able to provide to the user at a discounted rate. Deepening value offers for product/services may be based on a financial institution's unique position with commercial partners. Commercial partners may be business, retailers, merchants, and/or manufacturers. In return for the deepening value offer, the financial institution may request the user deepen his/her relationship with the financial institution. This invention allows a user to receive an offer through his/her mobile device, in the form of a discount, at the point-of-sale for the same or similar product. | 09-13-2012 |
20120233003 | PROVIDING RETAIL SHOPPING ASSISTANCE - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for using real-time video analysis and AR or the like to assist the user of mobile devices with commerce activities. Through the use of real-time vision object recognition products, points of sale or other retail shopping objects can be recognized in the real-time video stream and can be matched to shopping assistance related information regarding the retail shopping object. The shopping assistance related information may be presented to the user of the mobile device in conjunction with display of the associated retail shopping object in a live video stream or presented audibly or otherwise non-visually. In some embodiments, the mobile device functions as a transaction device. | 09-13-2012 |
20120233015 | POPULATING BUDGETS AND/OR WISH LISTS USING REAL-TIME VIDEO IMAGE ANALYSIS - System, method, and computer program product are provided for using real-time video analysis, such as augmented reality to provide the user of a mobile device with real-time budgeting and wish lists. Through the use of real-time vision object recognition objects, logos, artwork, products, locations, and other features that can be recognized in the real-time video stream can be matched to data associated with such to provide the user with real-time budget impact and wish list updates based on the products and budget data determined as being the object. In this way, the objects, which may be products and/or budget data in the real-time video stream, may be included into a user's budget and/or wish list, such that the user receives real-time budget and/or wish list updates incorporating product and/or budget data located in a real-time video stream. | 09-13-2012 |
20120233025 | RETRIEVING PRODUCT INFORMATION FROM EMBEDDED SENSORS VIA MOBILE DEVICE VIDEO ANALYSIS - A system for accessing product information from embedded sensors via mobile device video analysis is disclosed. The system includes a processing device configured for analyzing a video stream of the surrounding environment captured on a mobile device. At least one product that has one or more embedded sensors associated therewith is identified within the surrounding environment. The system retrieves information associated with the one or more products from the one or more embedded sensors. Information retrieved, or information derived from the information retrieved, from the embedded sensors is presented to the user via a display of the video stream on the mobile device. | 09-13-2012 |
20120233032 | COLLECTIVE NETWORK OF AUGMENTED REALITY USERS - Embodiments of the invention provide for using video analysis, such as augmented reality or the like to assist a group of users to utilize mobile devices for creating a collective network environment of users that identifies objects in which one or more users in a group of users may be interested, and notifies the one or more users of information associated with the object. A collective network comprises a group of users that each have a mobile device that contains or is otherwise operatively coupled to a data capture device. For example, the mobile device may be a mobile phone that is capable of taking video with a camera device. A user in the collective network may capture video on his mobile device, and an application can identify the object in the video and provide interested users in the collective network with information about the object. | 09-13-2012 |
20120233033 | ASSESSING ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS IN A VIDEO STREAM CAPTURED BY A MOBILE DEVICE - A system for processing a video stream is disclosed. The system includes a processing device configured for analyzing the surrounding environment represented in the video stream for at least one marker that is indicative of an environmental characteristic. At least one marker is identified within the surrounding environment. Once identified, information associated with the environmental characteristic is presented to the user. In one embodiment, the information is presented via AR such that one or more virtual objects are superimposed over the video stream. The virtual objects may be interactive. | 09-13-2012 |
20120233070 | PRESENTING OFFERS ON A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Systems, methods, and computer program products provide for presentation of product offers in conjunction with a live video stream that includes images of the product or images associated with the product. The invention identifies products located proximate to a mobile communication, for example using real-time object recognition techniques, product codes, wireless communication or the like to identify products. Once the products are identified, related offers are determined and offer indicators are presented proximate to the location of the image in the live video stream. | 09-13-2012 |
20120233072 | CONDUCTING FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS BASED ON IDENTIFICATION OF INDIVIDUALS IN AN AUGMENTED REALITY ENVIRONMENT - Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and apparatuses for conducting financial transactions based on identification of individuals in an augmented reality environment. The method includes capturing a video stream using a mobile computing device; analyzing, using a computing device processor, the video stream to distinguish between individuals and objects; identifying an individual in the video stream; authenticating the identity of the individual; and conducting the transaction after the individual is authenticated. The method may also include presenting indicators associated with the user, the identified individual, or the financial transaction. | 09-13-2012 |
20120233089 | PRESENTING INVESTMENT-RELATED INFORMATION ON A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Methods, systems, computer programs are described that provide for presenting investment-related information in conjunction with display of a live video stream that includes the related publicly traded or privately held business entity or an object associated with the business entity. Business entities or the objects associated with the business entities that are proximate to a mobile communication device may be identified via object recognition techniques, product codes, wireless communication, location determination or the like. Once the business entities or objects have been identified, the related investment information is retrieved and indicators are displayed in the live video stream proximate to the display of the business entity or an object associated with the business entity. The user can activate the indicator to receive further investment-related information or be connected to an online investment broker for the purpose of purchase stock or some other form of investment instrument associated with the business entity. | 09-13-2012 |
20120262112 | ATM CHARGING STATION - Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system or method for an electric station. Embodiments of the invention provide an electric station which allow a customer to charge an electric vehicle, to access a Wi-Fi hot-spot, receive location based promotions, and allows access to the customer's financial data via an ATM. The combination of an ATM and electric car charger provides additional identification means, payment means, and convenience for a customer of either the ATM or the electric vehicle charger. | 10-18-2012 |
20120265678 | SOCIAL NETWORK PAYMENT SETTLEMENT SYSTEM - A method for effecting transfer of a payment amount to a merchant during a transaction between a customer and the merchant includes determining, using a processing device, a funds shortfall, accessing a funds sharing network comprising a plurality of users, identifying one or more of the users of the funds sharing network, requesting funds from the identified one or more users, and applying funds received from the one or more users to the funds shortfall. In some embodiments, identifying one or more of the users includes determining whether one or more of the users are indebted to the customer, determining levels of connection between two or more of the users and the customer, and developing a hierarchy of users based on the indebted users and the levels of connection. | 10-18-2012 |
20120265681 | DYNAMIC CREDIT LIMIT INCREASE - In general terms, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for dynamically increasing a credit limit associated with a credit account. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving transaction information associated with a transaction, where the transaction involves a credit account, and where the credit account has a credit limit; (b) determining, based at least partially on the transaction information, that at least a predetermined portion of the credit limit (e.g., 90% of the credit limit, the total credit limit, etc.) will be used as a result of the transaction; and/or (c) increasing the credit limit based at least partially on the determining that at least a predetermined portion of the credit limit will be used. In some embodiments, the method further includes: (a) determining, after increasing the credit limit, that the credit account has available credit sufficient to cover the transaction; and (b) authorizing the transaction based at least partially on the determining that the credit account has available credit sufficient to cover the transaction. | 10-18-2012 |
20120271699 | PROVIDING ADVANCED REWARDS IN A LOYALTY PROGRAM BASED ON HISTORICAL PURCHASING PERFORMANCE - Embodiments of the invention provide for allocating loyalty rewards to a customer in advance of the customer earning the reward based at least in part on historical purchasing performance. For example, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, the customer/participant is rewarded (e.g., provided rewards points or bestowed another reward) at the onset of a year based on the previous year's purchasing behavior/program participation, and as the customer/participant transacts throughout the ensuing year the purchases/transactions are decremented against the reward. | 10-25-2012 |
20120271704 | PROVIDING DIFFERENTIATED EARN RATE REWARDS IN A LOYALTY PROGRAM BASED ON THE VALUE OF THE PROGRAM PARTICIPANT - Embodiments of the invention provide for a loyalty rewards program that provides differentiated earn rate rewards based on participant/customer segmentation. In specific embodiments the segmentation is based on the value of the participant/customer as determined by the rewards program provider. Additionally further details are described below for methods, apparatus and computer-program products that provide for a rewards program that implements reverse auction type reward procurement. Such embodiments of the invention, offer differentiated rewards redemption based on the value of the participant to the program provider and the value that the participant/customer places on the reward. | 10-25-2012 |
20120290467 | NETWORKING PLATFORM FOR LENDING - A networking platform for lending is disclosed. The platform may facilitate communication of potential borrowers and potential lenders where such lenders are not traditional financial institutional lenders. Generally, the platform is configured in a manner in which the loan is facilitated between the borrower and a lender such that the platform service is sufficiently distanced from the actual lending such that the platform provider is not required to comply with various lending statutes and regulations. The platform may additionally be configured to poll a potential borrower's social network to identify acquaintances that may wish to fund at least a portion of the requested loan. | 11-15-2012 |
20120296731 | CREATING AN AFFINITY RELATIONSHIP - Embodiments of the invention receive an expression of interest for a benefactor from a user, propose creation of an affinity program associated with the benefactor to the user, and create an affinity program associated with the benefactor. Creating includes determining at least one triggering action for triggering a donation to the benefactor, determining at least one potential participant for the affinity program, and inviting the at least one potential participant to join the affinity program. Creating the affinity may also include proposing the affinity program to the benefactor and negotiating contractual terms on behalf of a program administrator, such as, by using an artificial intelligence engine. In some embodiments, creating the affinity also includes, in response to determining the number of expressions of interest from unique users surpasses a predetermined threshold, initiating the affinity program by inviting at least one of the unique users to join the program. | 11-22-2012 |
20120296786 | ACCOUNT RESERVE - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for managing an account. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving information associated with an account. The method further includes determining, based at least partially on the information, a selected amount of currency from the account to hold in a reserve associated with the account and indicating the selected amount of currency to hold in the reserve. In some embodiments, the selected amount of currency is determined based at least partially on determining one or more eligible transactions from a transaction history associated with the account. In some embodiments, an eligible transaction may be a recurring transaction such as a rent payment transaction, a utilities payment transaction, etc. | 11-22-2012 |
20120296809 | TRACKING DONATED PORTION OF TRANSACTION - A method for tracking use of an affinity account owned by a customer and organized in accordance with one or more account rules includes receiving information regarding a transaction conducted using an affinity account, the information comprising a transaction amount, determining, using a processing device, whether the transaction amount justifies making a donation according to the account rules, determining that the transaction amount justifies a donation according to the account rules, initiating a donation according to the account rules and tracking the transaction amount and the donation resulting from the use of the affinity account. In some embodiments, tracking includes storing information regarding the transaction including an amount of the transaction and storing information regarding the donation including an amount of the donation. The method also includes communicating some or all the stored information regarding the donation to the customer. | 11-22-2012 |
20130013511 | DEPENDENT PAYMENT DEVICE - The present invention provides embodiments of a dependent payment device, such as a credit card, for allowing a primary customer to control and monitor the transactions made by a dependent customer who is authorized to use the account of the primary customer. The primary customer can control the maximum limit that the dependent customer can spend on the dependent card up to the maximum amount that the financial institution has approved for the primary customer. The primary customer can also block/approve purchases that the dependent customer can make at store or on products by adding MCCs, store names, store types, UPCs, or other product or store identifiers to a list of blocked/approved transactions. The primary customer can set monetary and time limits on the amount and frequency of the transactions the dependent customer can make at stores or on products that have been blocked/approved. | 01-10-2013 |
20130030887 | CUSTOMER REWARD AND LOYALTY SYSTEM - Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for implementing a customer loyalty rewards program by assigning point values to a customer's completion of certain activities, monitoring the customer's activities to determine when the customer has completed an activity, crediting the customer the assigned value of points for the completed activities, correlating points to one or more rewards and facilitating the exchange of rewards. | 01-31-2013 |
20130030888 | SYSTEM FOR ALLOWING CUSTOMERS TO CHOOSE REWARDS - Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for allowing a customer to choose rewards as part of a customer incentive program by receiving a first customer input, wherein the first customer input is a characteristic of the customer, receiving a second customer input, wherein the second customer input is a category of reward in which the customer is interested, correlating the first customer input to a plurality of activities to be completed by the customer, correlating the second customer input to rewards to be provided to the customer for completing an activity, monitoring the customer's activities to determine when the customer has completed an activity and providing a reward to the customer corresponding to the completed activity. | 01-31-2013 |
20130030925 | CONTEXT-AWARE MOBILE BANKING SOLUTION - A context-aware mobile banking system determines a location of a user of the mobile device, identifies at least one product of interest to the user based at least in part on the determined location of the user, determines based on the determined product of interest, information corresponding to the product of interest, and presents the information corresponding to the product of interest to the user. In some embodiments, the system retrieves user budgeting information including a plurality of budget categories each having an associated budget amount and an associated remaining amount indicating an amount remaining in from the budget amount, determines a budget category from the plurality of budget categories associated with the product of interest, and determines the budget amount and remaining amount associated with the determined budget category. The system then may present information corresponding to the remaining amount and the budget amount to the user. | 01-31-2013 |
20130030994 | BUDGET MONITOR, ALERT, AND BILL PAYMENT FACILITATION SYSTEM - A budget monitoring, alerting and bill payment facilitation system retrieves macro-budgeting information associated with a user, where the macro-budgeting information includes a plurality of budget categories each having an associated budget amount corresponding to a macro time period, divides the budget amount corresponding to the macro time period into a plurality of micro budget amounts corresponding to a plurality of micro time periods, and presents, to the user by a mobile device, micro-budgeting information corresponding to at least one of the plurality of micro budget amounts or its corresponding micro time period. In some embodiments, the system retrieves user data, determines the user may be experiencing a life event based on the user data, where the micro-budgeting information is based on the determination that the user may be experiencing a life event, and confirms that the user is experiencing a life event. | 01-31-2013 |
20130033522 | PREPOPULATING APPLICATION FORMS USING REAL-TIME VIDEO ANALYSIS OF IDENTIFIED OBJECTS - Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and apparatuses for populating documents based on identification of objects in an augmented reality environment. The method includes capturing a video stream using a mobile computing device; determining, using a computing device processor, the object; identifying a document associated with the object; populating at least a portion of the document; and submitting the document. The method may also include presenting indicators associated with the user, the identified document, or a financial transaction associated with the document. The method may also include providing recommendations or suggestions to the user related to alternative offers associated with the document. Systems and computer program products for populating forms using video analysis of identified objects are also provided. | 02-07-2013 |
20130046589 | VARYING OFFERS BASED ON PROXIMITY TO CUSTOMER'S CURRENT LOCATION - Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods, systems, apparatus and computer program products are described herein for communicating offers to customers based in part on the distance from the customer to the merchant's location after receiving an indication of a point of transaction event by receiving an indication of a point-of-transaction event, collecting positioning information related to the customer, determining the distance between the customer and the merchant, correlating the distance between the customer and the merchant to offers to entice the customer to travel to the merchant's location and communicating the offers to the customer. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046602 | METHOD OF PROVIDING AN OFFER BASED ON PROXIMITY TO A POINT OF SALE TRANSACTION - Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products that provide for a unique offer system, wherein the offer is generated based on proximity to a point-of-transaction device. In one embodiment of the invention, the computer-implemented method receives data associated with a financial transaction at a point-of-transaction device. The computer-implemented method then identifies the identity of the user conducting the transaction and the location of the transaction. Using the location of transaction, the computer-implemented method determines offers located in proximity to the user and provides those offers to the user. In some embodiments, the offers are customized for the user based on some characteristic of the transaction or the user. In further embodiments, the user is guided to a business associated with the offer by directions provided by the computer-implemented method. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046603 | METHOD OF PROVIDING AN OFFER BASED ON A PROJECTED PATH TRIGGERED BY A POINT OF SALE TRANSACTION - Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products that provide for a unique offer determination system. In one embodiment of the invention, offers are provided based on a projected path of a user triggered by a transaction at a point-of-transaction device. The system receives data associated with a transaction at a point-of-transaction device, determines the identity of the user conducting the transaction, predicts a projected path or future action of the user based on the transaction, and provides an offer to the user based on the projected path. In an embodiment, the system predicts the projected path based on pattern recognition analysis of the user's transaction history. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046624 | OPTIMIZING ROUTING BASED ON OFFERS - Embodiments of the invention comprise optimizing travel routes for purchasing the products in which a user is interested. In some embodiments the system may provide the user with an optimized route based on the best offers available from various businesses. The best offers may be based on products with the lowest prices, highest quantities, highest user ratings, most convenient locations, etc. The offers may also be based on the user's current location, past location, future location, etc. Optimization of the route may also take into account user transaction history, user profile data, the time a user spends in a location, discounts, etc. In some embodiments of the invention the optimized route may be split between two or more people, over one or more trips, that may occur over one or more days, in order to maximize the best available offers with minimal expenditures of time, money, etc. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046625 | PROVIDING FINANCIAL INSTITUTION INFORMATION OR OFFERS TO USER THAT ARE DETERMINED TO BE OR WILL BE TRAVELLING - Methods, apparatus and computer-program products are described for providing travel- location merchant offers to users who are determined to be travelling based on Point-Of-Sale (POS) transaction data. Embodiments of the invention compare the location of the POS transaction to the user's domicile location and if the transaction occurs a predetermined distance or greater from the domicile location, the user is determined to be travelling. Once the travelling determination is made, travel-location merchant offers are identified and communicated to the user. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046626 | OPTIMIZING OFFERS BASED ON USER TRANSACTION HISTORY - Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for providing offers to purchase products or services to a user, the offers being tailored to the user. Embodiments of the invention allow a user to receive offers to purchase products based on the user's transaction history, offer acceptance history, demographic, or offers for products that the user wishes. In this way, the user receives offers for products that he/she may be interested in instead of having to find offers he/she is interested in by searching all the offers available to him/her. A financial institution may receive information regarding the user's transaction history, offer acceptance history, demographic, or watch list. This information may provide parameters for a filter to which offers may be provided to the user, such that the offers that are provided to the user may be of interest to him/her. Thus, the system may optimize the offers provided to the user to ensure that the offers the user receives are ones that he/she may have an interest in using to purchase a product or service. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046631 | PROVIDING OFFERS TO USERS DETERMINED TO BE TRAVELLING BASED ON POINT-OF-SALE TRANSACTION DATA - Methods, apparatus and computer-program products are described for providing travel-location merchant information, such as offers or the like, to users who are determined to be at a travel location based on Point-Of-Transaction (POT) data. Embodiments of the invention compare the location of the transaction as indicated by the POT data to the user's domicile location and if the transaction occurs a predetermined distance or greater from the domicile location, the user is determined to be at a travel location. Once the travel location is determined, travel location merchant information, such as offers or the like are identified and communicated to the user. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046632 | POINT OF SALE TRIGGERING OF OFFERS ALONG A PROJECTED TRAVEL ROUTE - Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods, systems, apparatus and computer program products are described herein for communicating offers to customers along a projected travel route after receiving an indication of a point of transaction event by collecting positioning information related to the customer, analyzing the positioning information to project the customer's likely route of travel, identifying one or more offers in which the customer may be interested, based in part on the customer's projected likely route of travel and communicating the offers to the customer. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046633 | DETERMINING MERCHANTS IN A TRAVEL LOCATION THAT ARE THE SAME OR SIMILAR TO MERCHANTS USED BY A USER AND PROVIDING MERCHANT INFORMATION TO THE USER - Methods, apparatus and computer-program products are described for determining that a user is at or will be at a travel location based on financial institution transaction data and identifying merchants at the travel location that are the same or similar to merchants previously used by the user. Once the same or similar merchants have been identified, information, such as merchant offers, associated with the same or similar merchants is communicated to the user via a chosen communication mechanism. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046648 | SHOPPING LIST SYSTEM AND PROCESS - Embodiments of the invention allow a user to create a virtual shopping list that is used to identify offers for products in which the user is interested. The shopping list may be one single list or may be broken down into categories, in order to group like products together or group products together that can be purchased at one or more locations near each other. The shopping list may be transmitted to one or more businesses, such that the businesses may submit bid requests, in a reverse bid auction, for the one or more products on the shopping list. The best bids of the one or more businesses may be returned to the user. The bids may be identified as the best bids based on the lowest prices for the product, the best quality products, the proper quantities of the products, the locations at which the products are located, etc. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046678 | MINIMUM PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR A REVOLVING ACCOUNT - The minimum payment requirement for a customer may be a higher amount than conventional or industry-standard credit cards. In one exemplary embodiment, at least one memory storing computer executable instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus at least to: provide a minimum payment requirement towards a balance associated with a revolving account, wherein the minimum payment requirement is approximately 15-25% of the balance, provide an interest rate for the revolving account that is a function of the minimum payment requirement, and initiate the execution of an assessment if the minimum payment requirement is not met. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046690 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREDENTIAL LENDING - Embodiments of the invention provide a method for allowing a first user to authorize a second user to perform a financial transaction using the first user's financial account information. In some embodiments, the second user conducts the transaction through the use of a mobile computing device that communicates with a point of transaction device. In some embodiments, the first user authorizes a second user to perform a financial transaction using the first user's account through the use of the personal computing device. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (1) receiving a request from the first user to authorize the second user to perform a financial transaction; (2) receiving a parameters from the first user restricting a scope of the financial transaction that the second user is authorized to perform; (3) transmitting information associated with the request to a mobile computing device associated with the second user. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046717 | PREDICTING FUTURE TRAVEL BASED ON A USER'S HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TRANSACTION DATA AND PROVIDING OFFERS BASED ON THE PREDICTED FUTURE TRAVEL - Methods, apparatus and computer-program products are described for providing travel-location merchant offers to users who are determined to be travelling based on Point-Of-Sale (POS) transaction data. Embodiments of the invention compare the location of the POS transaction to the user's domicile location and if the transaction occurs a predetermined distance or greater from the domicile location, the user is determined to be travelling. Once the travelling determination is made, travel-location merchant offers are identified and communicated to the user. | 02-21-2013 |
20130054313 | Computer System for Generating Purchase Recommendations with Corresponding Loan Offers - A computer system receives specification information about a future purchase by a customer and subsequently determines a candidate purchase from the specification information. The computer system may also generate and send a loan offer for the candidate purchase based on the degree of greenness of the candidate purchase. If the computer receives a response that is indicative of selecting the candidate purchase by the customer, the computer system may initiate a loan procedure for the candidate purchase and/or a reward for the candidate purchase. The loan offer for purchasing an item may be at least partially structured according to the degree of greenness of the item. For example, the interest rate for the loan may be reduced with the increased degree of greenness. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054314 | FINANCIAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND INCENTIVE SYSTEM FOR FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIORS - Embodiments of the invention provide financial health assessment and incentive systems for financially responsible behaviors. The methods, apparatus and computer program products provide for receiving a financial behavior set associated with a customer, identifying a difference between the financial behavior set associated with the customer and a second financial behavior set, and providing to the customer an incentive to make an alteration to a financial behavior. In some example implementations, financial behaviors exhibited by or otherwise attributable to individuals who are socially affiliated with the customer via a social network are observed and associated with the customer. In some example implementations, advertisements for goods and/or services that are potentially attractive to the customer are directed to the customer in response to identifying a difference between the financial behavior set associated with the customer and the second financial behavior set. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054326 | Relationship Rewards - An enhanced relationship server may analyze the relationship of an individual, group, and/or organization with respect to an entity. Based on this analysis, the enhanced relationship server may determine a relationship level of the individual, group, and/or organization with respect to the entity. The determined relationship level may be used to provide an appropriate incentive to maintain a relationship with the entity and/or strengthen an existing relationship with the entity. In addition, the enhanced relationship server may determine a social network of the individual, group, and/or organization and may use the social network as an aid in determining the appropriate reward/incentive. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054327 | REDEMPTION OF REWARDS POINTS FOR USE WITH PRODUCTS AND SERVICES - Apparatuses, computer readable media, methods, and systems are described for determining a first amount of points associated with an account, providing an offer comprising a financial term and a second amount of points required to adjust the financial term, and causing execution of a transaction to execute the offer for the adjusted financial term in response to determining that the first amount of points equals or exceeds the second amount of points. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054332 | Computer System Supporting Green Incentive Program - A computer system processes transaction data about a customer's purchase. The computer system may access green index data that includes information about environmentally green purchases for green purchases. Based on comparing the green index data and the transaction data, an award may be provided to the customer in accordance with at least one purchase criterion, such as the purchase price and/or the degree of greenness of the purchased item. The account data for the customer is consequently updated for the award. The green index data may be derived by obtaining a list of candidate merchants and by comparing characteristics of a candidate merchant with at least one green factor. The candidate merchant may then be included in the green index data when a merchant score is greater than a predetermined score, where the merchant score may be based on the green characteristics of the candidate merchant. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054333 | PROVIDING CUSTOMER REWARDS PROGRAMS - Methods, computer readable media, and apparatuses for providing customer rewards programs are presented. According to one or more aspects, it may be determined, based on transaction history information, that a group of accountholders is associated with a common interest. Subsequently, it may be determined that one or more entities provide offerings relevant to the common interest. Thereafter, at least one new rewards program may be automatically created with the one or more entities, and the at least one new rewards program may allow the group of accountholders to earn rewards associated with the common interest. According to one or more additional aspects, it may be determined, for a particular accountholder, based on transaction history information associated with the accountholder, that a first rewards program in which the accountholder is not currently enrolled is more advantageous to the accountholder than a second rewards program in which the customer is currently enrolled. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054334 | MONITORING OF ACTIVITY TO MITIGATE ACCOUNT ATTRITION - Apparatuses, computer readable media, methods, and systems are described for identifying a change or an increased likelihood of a change in a usage pattern of an account, generating an offer in response to the identifying, the offer comprising an incentive for use of the account in future transactions, and causing transmission of the offer. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054345 | DATA MINING - A method, apparatus, computer-readable medium and system are disclosed for acquiring data with respect to a user. In some embodiments, a computational algorithm may determine whether to provide one or more products and/or services to a user. The products and/or services may be related to banking. In some embodiments, a device may receive a request for products/services. After an initial examination of the request, the device may make a determination that more information is needed. A request for the additional information may be transmitted, and the transmitted request may include one or more incentives for voluntarily disclosing the information. In some embodiments, the requested additional information may include verified income and/or expenses. A response to the request for additional information may be received at the device. The device may analyze the response and may extend an offer for products/services. The device may further include in the offer at least one incentive as a function of information included in the response. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054358 | Computer System for Identifying Green Merchants Within a Range of a Mobile Device - A computer system determines whether any green merchants are located within a predetermined range from a mobile device. The computer system receives location information about the mobile device and determines whether any green merchants are located within a predetermined range of the mobile device's location. If so, the computer system sends merchant information about the identified green merchants to the mobile device. When a merchant's location is not within a predetermined range but within a neighboring area, the computer system may include a recommendation about the green merchant within the merchant information. A customer may indicate a merchant category through the mobile device so that the computer system may restrict merchant information only to green merchants within the category. The customer may also include a description from the mobile device to the computer system in order to obtain merchant information about a green merchant offering the green item. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054359 | Computer System for Generating Recommendations to a Customer About Being Greener - A computer system obtains purchase history data about past purchases from merchants by a customer. Based on location information about the merchants, the computer system determines a bundled travel plan so that the customer may travel to the merchants in a single trip to reduce a trip characteristic such as travel time, mileage, gasoline usage, or a combination thereof. The computer system may further send map information to a terminal device to display the bundled travel plan to facilitate navigation by the customer. The computer system may also provide a suggested purchase alternative for one of the past purchases by a customer. For example, the computer system may consider different factors including the relative degree of greenness between the past purchase and the suggested purchase alternative based on carbon footprints. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054360 | Computer System for Supporting an Aggregate Green Goal for a Customer Group - A computer system receives information that specifies members of a group and obtains a green goal for the group, where the green goal may comprise of at least one criterion. The green goal may be determined by a business offering a reward and/or by the group members. For example, the computer system may send a list of possible green criteria to specify the group's green goal. Group members may select one or more criteria from the list so that the group's green goal may be determined by a predetermined voting procedure. Based on information about purchases by members of the group, the computer system determines whether the green goal has been attained. If so, a reward may be presented to the group members and/or green organization. The computer system may also generate a recommendation to the group members about attaining the green goal. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054362 | COMPUTER CUSTOMIZATION OF PROVIDED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES - A method, apparatus, computer-readable medium and system are disclosed for providing a computerized algorithm for customizing products and/or services provided to a user. The products and/or services may be related to banking and/or accounts. In some embodiments, a device may access and analyze historical information associated with a user. Based at least in part on the analysis, the device may determine whether the user has an option to customize a product or service, such as terms or conditions associated with a product or service offering. When the user has the option to customize the product/service, the device may transmit a recommendation to the user, where the recommendation comprises a suggested value to be associated with the product/service. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054367 | MOBILE DOOR BUSTER OFFER TRANSMISSION BASED ON HISTORICAL TRANSACTION DATA - A method communicates one or more offers to a customer by determining a distance between each of the plurality of users and one or more merchants, based at least in part on a first set of data, wherein the first set of data comprises information related to a plurality of users and a plurality of locations, each of the plurality of locations corresponding to one or more of the plurality of users. The method then correlates the distance between each of the users and the one or more merchants to one or more offers, wherein the offers are intended to entice one or more users to travel to one or more locations corresponding with the one or more merchants, collects a second set of data, wherein the second set of data comprises information related to historical transaction data corresponding to one or more of the plurality of users, determines to which of the plurality of users to make offers based at least in part on historical transaction data, and communicates one or more offers to the determined users based at least in part on the correlated distance between each of the users and the one or more merchants. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054368 | MOBILE DOOR BUSTER OFFER TRANSMISSION WITH VARYING OFFER VALUES - A method for communicating one or more offers to users determines a distance between each of the users and one or more merchants, based at least in part on a first set of data including information related to users and locations, each corresponding to one or more of the users, correlates the distance between each of the users and the merchants to one or more offers, wherein the offers are intended to entice one or more users to travel to one or more locations corresponding with the merchants, determines to which of the users to make offers, communicates the offers to the determined users based on the correlated distance between each of the users and the merchants, monitors acceptance rate of the offers, and communicates one or more modified offers to one or more users based on the monitored acceptance rate of the offers. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054369 | MOBILE DOOR BUSTER OFFER TRANSMISSION WITH MOBILE USER OFFER ACCEPTANCE OR REDEMPTION - A method for communicating one or more offers to one or more users determines a distance between each of the plurality of users and one or more merchants, based at least in part on a first set of data, wherein the first set of data comprises information related to a plurality of users and a plurality of locations, each of the plurality of locations corresponding to one or more of the plurality of users, correlates the distance between each of the users and the one or more merchants to one or more offers, wherein the offers are intended to entice one or more users to travel to one or more locations corresponding with the one or more merchants, determines to which of the plurality of users to make offers, communicates one or more offers to the determined users based at least in part on the correlated distance between each of the users and the one or more merchants, and receives, communicated from a mobile device of a user, acceptance or redemption of one or more of the offers. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054376 | SYSTEM FOR EXPANDING CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS - Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for offering products or services to existing customers of a merchant based on the likelihood that the customer will purchase additional products or services of the merchant, wherein a computing device monitors data that is indicative of a customer's personal circumstances and a processor analyzes changes in the data and correlates the changes to opportunities for the merchant to offer products or services to the customer. A computing device then receives an indication that the customer is proximate in time to a change in data that correlates to an opportunity for the merchant to offer products or services to the customer and communicates the offers for the correlated products or services to the customer. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054436 | System for Allocating and Managing Contributions to Account Categories - According to some embodiments, an account management system comprises a processor coupled to a memory. The memory is operable to store account information associated with a first type of account held by an account holder; and one or more event triggers linked to the account. The processor is operable to receive event information associated with the account, the event information indicating that an event associated with the account has occurred. The processor determines that the event that occurred comprises one or more of the event triggers linked to the account. The processor initiates the activation of a second type of account held by the account holder in response to determining that the event that occurred comprises one or more of the event triggers linked to the account and based at least in part upon the account information associated with the first type of account held by the account holder. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054447 | SYSTEM TO IDENTIFY RISK BASED ON NETWORK POSITION - Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for determining a customer's risk profile by collecting data, via a computing processor, relating to the customer's risk tendencies from social networks which the customer is a member and from customer data available to a merchant based on prior dealings with the customer, analyzing the two sets of customer data with the computing processor to correlate the data to indicators of increased risk and determining a customer risk profile based on the indicators of increased risk. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054449 | System for Allocating and Managing Contributions to Account Categories - According to some embodiments, an account management system comprises a processor coupled to a memory. The memory is operable to store account information associated with an account. The processor is operable to communicate to a potential contributor a link to a webpage, wherein the webpage comprises account information identifying the account and request information identifying an amount of a funds request, the beneficiary of the account, and a purpose for the funds request. The processor is operable to receive a response to the funds request indicating an outcome of the funds request and manage the account based on the outcome of the funds request. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054479 | DETERMINING LIKELIHOOD OF CUSTOMER ATTRITION OR RETENTION - A method identifies one or more customers likely of attriting. The method includes collecting a first set of customer data from one or more social networks in which the customer is a member, where the first set of customer data is indicative of a degree of connection of each of a plurality of connections within the one or more social networks. The method then collects a second set of customer data, where the second set of customer data comprises data available to an entity based on prior interactions between the entity and the customer. Next, the second set of customer data is analyzed to identify any negative interactions between the entity and the customer. Finally, information regarding the identified negative interactions is correlated with the first set of customer data to identify one or more connections as customers of the entity at risk of attriting. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054480 | DETERMINING NETWORK VALUE OF CUSTOMER - A method determines a network value of a customer by collecting a first set of customer data from one or more social networks in which the customer is a member, where the first set of customer data is indicative of a number and quality of each of a plurality of connections within the one or more social networks. The method then collects a second set of customer data, where the second set of customer data includes data available to an entity based on prior interactions between the entity and the customer and analyzes, using a processing device, the first set of customer data and the second set of customer data. Then the method determines, using a processing device, the network value of the customer based at least in part on the analysis of the first set of customer data and the second set of customer data. | 02-28-2013 |
20130060617 | Rewarding Fiscal Responsibility - An enhanced rewards server may analyze the progress of an individual, group, and/or organization towards a financial goal and may reward the individual, group, and/or organization once the goal has been achieved. The enhanced rewards server may analyze various pieces of information, including transaction data related to credit cards and bank accounts, to determine whether the individual, group, and/or organization is making progress towards the financial goal. In addition, the rewards server may consider progress evaluations made by a social network associated with the individual, group, and/or organization in deciding whether or not a reward should be transmitted. | 03-07-2013 |
20130060691 | Location-Based Rules for a Financial Account - According to some embodiments, a system comprises an interface and one or more processors. The interface receives a request for a transaction from a primary user of a financial account. The processor(s) determine rules associated with the primary user. The rules indicate whether an administrator has authorized the primary user to make the transaction, and at least one of the rules includes comparing a location associated with the request to one or more approved locations from which the primary user is authorized to make the transaction. The processor(s) process the transaction according to the rules. | 03-07-2013 |
20130090982 | INSTITUTIONAL PROVIDED DATA SHARE PLATFORM - Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for an institution provided data share platform. The institution provided data share platform allows customers and commercial partners to access data the institution may have. Specific platform data access may be limited and/or monitored by the institution to ensure customer safety and privacy compliance. Allowing access to the institution data provides a customer the means to create customized applications utilizing the data in combination with data provided by the customer. In return for access to the platform, the institution may recover assessments based on the application the customer creates. | 04-11-2013 |
20130173393 | CUSTOMIZING OFFERS BASED ON THE OPPORTUNITY COST OF THE USER - Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products for providing users customized offers that reflect the user's opportunity cost associated with accepting the offer. In this regard, the customized offers may include additional savings, in terms of an additional discount, percentage-off or other incentive, to account for the user's specific transportation costs, time costs and the like. In additional embodiments the customization accounts for the user's propensity for accepting offers and adjusts the offer discount, percentage-off or other incentive based on their historical acceptance rates. By customizing the offers to account for opportunity costs, and in some embodiments historical offer acceptance rates, the present invention serves to increase offer acceptance, thereby benefiting the program provider and/or the merchants offering the offers/deals. | 07-04-2013 |
20130173468 | FINANCIAL SERVICE INVOLVING COVERAGE NETWORK - Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for providing a financial service that involves a coverage network. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving transaction information, where the transaction involves an account and a holder of the account; (b) determining, based at least partially on the transaction information, that the account does not have sufficient funds or credit to cover the transaction amount; (c) prompting a member of a coverage network to consent to covering at least part of the transaction amount, where the coverage network is associated with the account or the holder, and where the prompting occurs after the determining that the account does not have sufficient funds or credit; (d) receiving the member's consent to covering at least part of the transaction amount; and (e) authorizing the transaction based at least partially on the member's consent. | 07-04-2013 |
20130179219 | COLLECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF FEEDS FOR PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS PLATFORM - Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for a predictive analytics platform. First, the platform may be populated by individuals or entities with data. The data may then be categorized into a searchable format. The data may be analyzed to create feed category data and patterns that may provide indications of future trends. The future trends may be in the financial, risk, or product development fields. In this way, the invention may combine data from multiple sources into a single platform for predictive analytics, thus using current data to attempt to predict future trends. Individuals and entities may have access to the platform to analyze the data on the platform or receive patterns previously provided by the system, in order to further predict future trends. | 07-11-2013 |
20130179246 | PROVIDING TARGETED OFFERS BASED ON AGGREGATE DEMAND AND AGGREGATE SUPPLY - Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods, systems, apparatus and computer program products for collecting location data, wherein the location data comprises information related to a physical location of a user, retrieving, based at least in part on the collected location data, aggregate data related to the product, the aggregate data comprising at least one of aggregate demand data or aggregate supply data, identifying at least one offer related to the product based at least in part on the collected location data and the retrieved aggregate data; and communicating the offer to the user. | 07-11-2013 |
20130179316 | Automatic Savings Plan Generation - Aspects of the disclosure relate to a provisioning of a savings plan for one or more users. In some embodiments, a plan may be generated based on an analysis of information associated with a user. The plan may be adapted or modified over time, optionally in response to the occurrence of one or more events. In some embodiments, a user may have an opportunity to modify a term, value, or condition associated with the plan or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, a user may be provided an incentive for participating in the plan. For example, a user may receive a contribution or be enrolled in a lottery. | 07-11-2013 |
20130191193 | SHOPPING PLAN MANAGEMENT - Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-program products that provide shopping plan optimization. In one embodiment of the invention, information associated with a shopping plan is retrieved by the system; the shopping plan may include a grocery or other shopping list. The system compares the information associated with the shopping plan to a database. The database may include information associated with a plurality of merchants and businesses. The system optimizes the shopping plan based at least partially on the comparison of the information associated with the shopping plan to the database. In an embodiment, the system optimizes the shopping by determining an efficient travel route based on the products and/or items in the shopping plan. | 07-25-2013 |
20130191232 | ENHANCED MOBILE APPLICATION FOR ASSISTING USERS AT A POINT OF TRANSACTION - Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products that provide for an enhanced mobile application for assisting users at a point-of-transaction (POT). In one embodiment of the invention the POT assistance application program may determines that a user is conducting a transaction with a merchant. The user may utilize a user device to assist in the transaction. First, the user device may be paired with a POT system, such as a cash register. Once the devices are paired a communication link is created that allows the user to audibly and/or visually monitor the transaction using the user device. Furthermore, the user may flag an item for review during the transaction, silence the transaction, receive a subtotal for the transaction, select a payment method, or complete the transaction using the POT assistance application program. | 07-25-2013 |
20130191246 | DIRECTIONAL WAYFINDING - Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products that provide for a unique directional wayfinding system. In one embodiment of the invention, products are received from the user, such as a shopping list or wish list. The system determines the location of the user, determines the location of the product in the business, determines a route from the user to the product, and provides instructions to the user along the route. In an embodiment, the system identifies and/or confirms the product when the user reaches the product. In at least one embodiment, the systems, methods, and computer-program products provide functionality for the visually-impaired to assist in everyday shopping for products in businesses. | 07-25-2013 |
20130191279 | MOBILE DEVICE WITH REWRITABLE GENERAL PURPOSE CARD - A mobile device with a rewritable general purpose card is disclosed. The mobile device includes a mobile wallet accessible to the user such that the user may select a payment vehicle (e.g., debit card, credit card, gift card, etc.) or other vehicle (e.g., merchant loyalty cards, membership cards, rewards cards, medical cards, insurance cards, identification cards, etc.) and encode data related to that vehicle to the rewritable general purpose card. The user may then utilize the encoded general purpose card to make a transaction. Generally, the general purpose card includes one or more displays which may be configured to display information, graphics, data, etc. (e.g. account number, expiration date, user identification such as name and/or photograph, card brand logo, bar codes or other codes readable to an electronic device, etc.). | 07-25-2013 |
20130191789 | CONTROLLING A TRANSACTION WITH COMMAND GESTURES - Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products that provide for a unique system for controlling transactions based on command gestures. In one embodiment of the invention, a computer-implemented method determines that a user is conducting a transaction with a mobile device. The mobile device senses a gesture performed by the user with the mobile device and alters at least one aspect of the transaction based on the gesture. The gestures can control a wide variety of aspects of the transaction. For example, the user may flag an item for review during the transaction, silence the transaction, receive a subtotal for the transaction, select a payment method, or complete the transaction. In an embodiment, the user is able to customize the gestures to control the transaction according to the user's preferences. | 07-25-2013 |
20130204774 | NETWORKING PLATFORM FOR LENDING - A networking platform for lending is disclosed. The platform may facilitate communication of potential borrowers and potential lenders where such lenders are not traditional financial institutional lenders. The platform may be configured to poll a potential borrower's social network to identify acquaintances that may wish to fund at least a portion of the requested loan. | 08-08-2013 |
20130211913 | SYSTEM FOR ANALYZING SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE ON FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS - Embodiments of the invention are directed to monitoring selected activity of a user of one or more social networks and providing offers to the user based on such selected criteria. For example, selected parameter could be the number of other users of the social network that are associated with the user, the number of posts entered by the user on the social network, the number of other users that respond to a post by the user, a type of product, service, or event that the user either selects or enters a posting for, and/or associations the user has with other selected users of the social network. In some embodiments, financial data associated with the user and other users of the social network may be analyzed to determine the user's influence on other users of the social network and provide offers to the user based on such influence. | 08-15-2013 |
20130212021 | AMOUNT-EXCEEDING-CREDIT-THRESHOLD SERVICE SUBJECT TO CONDITION - In general terms, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for providing an amount-exceeding-credit-threshold service subject to one or more predetermined conditions. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: determining that an account will exceed a credit threshold associated with the account as a result of a transaction, determining that a predetermined condition is met and/or that the consent of the holder of the account is valid for the transaction, and authorizing the transaction based at least partially on receiving the consent, determining that the holder's consent is valid for the transaction, and/or determining that the predetermined condition is met. | 08-15-2013 |
20130212023 | OFFSETTING FUTURE EXCEEDED ACCOUNT THRESHOLD PAYMENTS - In general terms, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for offsetting future exceeded account threshold payments. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving one or more payments for offsetting one or more future exceeded account threshold payments associated with an account; (b) receiving transaction information associated with a transaction, where the transaction involves the account, and where the transaction is initiated after the receiving the one or more payments; (c) determining, based at least partially on the transaction information, that the account will incur an exceeded account threshold as a result of the transaction; (d) determining that the one or more payments are sufficient to offset an exceeded account threshold payment associated with the exceeded account threshold; and (e) authorizing the transaction based at least partially on the determining that the one or more payments are sufficient. | 08-15-2013 |
20130218694 | SERVICE FOR EXCEEDING ACCOUNT THRESHOLDS VIA TRANSACTION MACHINE - In general terms, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for providing a service for exceeding account thresholds via a transaction machine. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving transaction information associated with a transaction, where the transaction involves an account, a transaction machine, and a holder of the account; (b) determining, based at least partially on the transaction information, that the account will incur an exceeded threshold as a result of the transaction; (c) prompting, via the transaction machine, the holder to consent to the exceeded threshold; (d) receiving the holder's consent to the exceeded threshold; and (e) authorizing the transaction based at least partially on the receiving the holder's consent. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218697 | SERVICE FOR EXCEEDING ACCOUNT THRESHOLDS VIA MOBILE DEVICE - In general terms, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for providing a service for exceeding account thresholds via a mobile device. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving transaction information associated with a transaction, where the transaction involves an account, a transaction machine, and a holder of the account; (b) determining, based at least partially on the transaction information, that the account will incur an excess threshold amount as a result of the transaction; (c) prompting the holder to consent to the excess threshold amount via the mobile device, where the holder is associated with the mobile device; (d) receiving the holder's consent to the excess threshold amount; and (e) authorizing the transaction based at least partially on the receiving the holder's consent. | 08-22-2013 |
20140058930 | Financial Charge Rebate - Aspects of the disclosure relate to assisting credit account holders during economic hardship. More specifically, aspects of the disclosure relate to systems and methods for providing a rebate of at least a portion of a finance charge applied to a credit account. Unlike certain prior art systems and methods, embodiments disclosed herein may benefit both the credit account holder as well as the financial institution that extends the credit account. In one embodiment, it may be determined that several credit accounts meet a threshold of probability of having a charge-off. In certain embodiments, the number of accounts that receive a rebate may be limited to a certain percentage of credit accounts with a non-zero balance. | 02-27-2014 |
20150058197 | NETWORKING PLATFORM FOR LENDING - A networking platform for lending is disclosed. The platform may facilitate communication of potential borrowers and potential lenders where such lenders are not traditional financial institutional lenders. The platform may be configured to poll a potential borrower's social network to identify acquaintances that may wish to fund at least a portion of the requested loan. | 02-26-2015 |
20150081405 | FINANCIAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND INCENTIVE SYSTEM FOR FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIORS - Embodiments of the invention provide financial health assessment and incentive systems for financially responsible behaviors. The methods, apparatus and computer program products provide for receiving a financial behavior set associated with a customer, identifying a difference between the financial behavior set associated with the customer and a second financial behavior set, and providing to the customer an incentive to make an alteration to a financial behavior. In some example implementations, financial behaviors exhibited by or otherwise attributable to individuals who are socially affiliated with the customer via a social network are observed and associated with the customer. In some example implementations, advertisements for goods and/or services that are potentially attractive to the customer are directed to the customer in response to identifying a difference between the financial behavior set associated with the customer and the second financial behavior set. | 03-19-2015 |
20150081410 | CREATING AN AFFINITY RELATIONSHIP - Embodiments of the invention receive an expression of interest for a benefactor from a user, propose creation of an affinity program associated with the benefactor to the user, and create an affinity program associated with the benefactor. Creating includes determining at least one triggering action for triggering a donation to the benefactor, determining at least one potential participant for the affinity program, and inviting the at least one potential participant to join the affinity program. Creating the affinity may also include proposing the affinity program to the benefactor and negotiating contractual terms on behalf of a program administrator, such as, by using an artificial intelligence engine. In some embodiments, creating the affinity also includes, in response to determining the number of expressions of interest from unique users surpasses a predetermined threshold, initiating the affinity program by inviting at least one of the unique users to join the program. | 03-19-2015 |
20150081439 | SYSTEM FOR EXPANDING CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS - Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for offering products or services to existing customers of a merchant based on the likelihood that the customer will purchase additional products or services of the merchant, wherein a computing device monitors data that is indicative of a customer's personal circumstances and a processor analyzes changes in the data and correlates the changes to opportunities for the merchant to offer products or services to the customer. A computing device then receives an indication that the customer is proximate in time to a change in data that correlates to an opportunity for the merchant to offer products or services to the customer and communicates the offers for the correlated products or services to the customer. | 03-19-2015 |