U.S. patent application number 15/788538 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-15 for limited use temporary credit account.
This patent application is currently assigned to Comenity LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Comenity LLC. Invention is credited to Timothy D. PONTIOUS, Celeste RECHNER.
Application Number | 20180330383 15/788538 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64097848 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180330383 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PONTIOUS; Timothy D. ; et
al. |
November 15, 2018 |
LIMITED USE TEMPORARY CREDIT ACCOUNT
Abstract
A limited use temporary credit account is disclosed. The method
includes displaying, on a display of a mobile device, a temporary
credit account, the temporary credit account correlated with a
newly approved non-integrated credit account, the temporary credit
account including: a temporary account number; a temporary
expiration date; and a temporary security code. Incorporating a
time constraint into the temporary credit account displayed on the
mobile device, the time constraint limiting an amount of time the
temporary credit account is displayed on the mobile device and
limiting an amount of time the temporary credit account is
available for making a purchase. Integrating a credit limit
reduction into the temporary credit account displayed on the mobile
device, the credit limit reduction reducing an available credit on
the temporary credit account to an amount less than a credit
available on the newly approved non-integrated credit account.
Inventors: |
PONTIOUS; Timothy D.;
(Gahanna, OH) ; RECHNER; Celeste; (Upper
Arlington, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Comenity LLC |
Columbus |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Comenity LLC
Columbus
OH
|
Family ID: |
64097848 |
Appl. No.: |
15/788538 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62505633 |
May 12, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/385 20130101;
G06Q 20/24 20130101; G06Q 20/3221 20130101; G06Q 20/351 20130101;
G06Q 20/3274 20130101; G06Q 20/4033 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/40 20060101
G06Q020/40; G06Q 20/24 20060101 G06Q020/24; G06Q 20/32 20060101
G06Q020/32; G06Q 20/38 20060101 G06Q020/38 |
Claims
1. A method for providing a limited use temporary credit account,
the method comprising: displaying, on a display of a mobile device,
a temporary credit account, the temporary credit account correlated
with a newly approved non-integrated credit account, the temporary
credit account comprising: a temporary account number; a temporary
expiration date; and a temporary security code; incorporating a
time constraint into said temporary credit account displayed on
said mobile device, said time constraint, limiting an amount of
time the temporary credit account is displayed on said mobile
device, and limiting an amount of time the temporary credit account
is available for making a purchase; and integrating a credit limit
reduction into said temporary credit account displayed on said
mobile device, said credit limit reduction reducing an available
credit on the temporary credit account to an amount less than a
credit available on the newly approved non-integrated credit
account.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: displaying an animated
digital watermark on said display to ensure authenticity of said
limited use temporary credit account.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein said displaying an animated
digital watermark on said display, further comprises: displaying a
user-interactive animated digital watermark.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising: reducing the available
credit based on a type of product sold by a brand, and an average
ticket size for the brand.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising: incorporating a
purchase constraint into said temporary credit account displayed on
said mobile device, said purchase constraint, limiting a number of
separate transactions that can be validly made with said temporary
credit account.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: automatically
displaying the temporary credit account on the display when the
temporary credit account is received at the mobile device; and
automatically initiating the time constraint when the temporary
credit account is displayed.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising: including an extension
to said time constraint with said temporary credit account
displayed on said mobile device, said extension resetting the time
constraint to its initial starting value.
8. A device, comprising: a memory storing instructions; and one or
more processors, when executing the instructions, to: display, on a
display of a mobile device, a temporary credit account, the
temporary credit account correlated with a newly approved
non-integrated credit account, the temporary credit account
comprising: a temporary account number; a temporary expiration
date; and a temporary security code; incorporate a time constraint
into said temporary credit account displayed on said mobile device,
said time constraint limits an amount of time the temporary credit
account is displayed on said mobile device, and limits an amount of
time the temporary credit account is available for making a
purchase; and integrate a credit limit reduction into said
temporary credit account displayed on said mobile device, said
credit limit reduction reduces an available credit on the temporary
credit account to an amount less than a credit available on the
newly approved non-integrated credit account.
9. The device of claim 8, where the one or more processors, when
executing the instructions, are further to: incorporate a purchase
constraint into said temporary credit account displayed on said
mobile device, said purchase constraint limits a number of separate
transactions that can be validly made with said temporary credit
account.
10. The device of claim 9, where the one or more processors, when
executing the instructions, are further to: incorporate a real-time
status into said temporary credit account displayed on said mobile
device, said real-time status providing real-time values for: a
remaining time of the time constraint, a remaining available credit
on the temporary credit account, and a remaining number of separate
transactions that can be validly made with said temporary credit
account.
11. The device of claim 8, where the one or more processors, when
executing the instructions, are further to: display an animated
digital watermark on said display of said mobile device to ensure
authenticity of said temporary credit account.
12. The device of claim 11, where the one or more processors, when
executing the instructions, are further to: display a
user-interactive animated digital watermark.
13. The device of claim 8, where the one or more processors, when
executing the instructions, are further to: automatically display
the temporary credit account on the display when the temporary
credit account is received; and automatically initiate the time
constraint when the temporary credit account is displayed.
14. The device of claim 8, where the one or more processors, when
executing the instructions, are further to: include an extension to
said time constraint with said temporary credit account displayed
on said mobile device, said extension resetting the time constraint
to its initial starting amount.
15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing
instructions, the instructions comprising: one or more instructions
which, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more
processors to: display, on a display of a mobile device, a
temporary credit account, the temporary credit account correlated
with a newly approved non-integrated credit account, the temporary
credit account comprising: a temporary account number; a temporary
expiration date; and a temporary security code; incorporate a time
constraint into said temporary credit account displayed on said
mobile device, said time constraint limits an amount of time the
temporary credit account is displayed on said mobile device, and
limits an amount of time the temporary credit account is available
for making a purchase; and integrate a credit limit reduction into
said temporary credit account displayed on said mobile device, said
credit limit reduction reduces an available credit on the temporary
credit account to an amount less than a credit available on the
newly approved non-integrated credit account.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, where
the instructions further comprise: one or more instructions to:
incorporate a purchase constraint into said temporary credit
account displayed on said mobile device, said purchase constraint
limits a number of separate transactions that can be validly made
with said temporary credit account.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, where
the instructions further comprise: one or more instructions to:
incorporate a real-time status into said temporary credit account
displayed on said mobile device, said real-time status providing
real-time values for: a remaining time of the time constraint, a
remaining available credit on the temporary credit account, and a
remaining number of separate transactions that can be validly made
with said temporary credit account.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, where
the instructions further comprise: one or more instructions to:
display an animated digital watermark on said display of said
mobile device to ensure authenticity of said temporary credit
account.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 18, where
the instructions further comprise: one or more instructions to:
display a user-interactive animated digital watermark.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, where
the instructions further comprise: one or more instructions to:
automatically display the temporary credit account on the display
when the temporary credit account is received; and automatically
initiate the time constraint when the temporary credit account is
displayed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of
co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/505,633 filed
on May 12, 2017, entitled "LIMITED USE TEMPORARY CREDIT ACCOUNT" by
Timothy D. Pontious et al., and assigned to the assignee of the
present application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Company specific and brand specific credit cards provide
significant value to consumer, brand and issuer. By issuing a brand
specific credit card, the brand and issuer are able to tailor
rewards offers, provide loyalty discounts and maintain and promote
consumer brand loyalty. Similarly, the consumer receives the perks
from the reward offers, the loyalty discounts and often provides
good word provider recommendations via word of mouth, social
networks, internet rating sites, and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments
and, together with the Description of Embodiments, serve to explain
principles discussed below. The drawings referred to in this brief
description should not be understood as being drawn to scale unless
specifically noted.
[0004] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example computer system with
which or upon which various embodiments may be implemented.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a limited use temporary credit
account system, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a credit-based payment
processor using a limited use temporary credit account system, in
accordance with an embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of a limited use temporary
credit account presented on a display screen of a mobile device, in
accordance with an embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of a method for providing a
limited use temporary credit account on a display screen of a
mobile device, in accordance with an embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0009] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
While the subject matter will be described in conjunction with
these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended
to limit the subject matter to these embodiments. On the contrary,
the subject matter described herein is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope as defined by the appended claims. In
some embodiments, all or portions of the electronic computing
devices, units, and components described herein are implemented in
hardware, a combination of hardware and firmware, a combination of
hardware and computer-executable instructions, or the like. In one
embodiment, the computer-executable instructions are stored in a
non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Furthermore, in
the following description, numerous specific details are set forth
in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
However, some embodiments may be practiced without these specific
details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures,
objects, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to
unnecessarily obscure aspects of the subject matter.
Notation and Nomenclature
[0010] Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the
following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the
present Description of Embodiments, discussions utilizing terms
such as "selecting", "outputting", "allowing," "limiting,"
"issuing," "preventing," "inputting", "providing", "receiving",
"utilizing", "obtaining", "performing", "accessing", "authorizing"
or the like, often refer to the actions and processes of an
electronic computing device/system, such as a desktop computer,
notebook computer, tablet, mobile phone, and electronic personal
display, among others. The electronic computing device/system
manipulates and transforms data represented as physical
(electronic) quantities within the circuits, electronic registers,
memories, logic, and/or components and the like of the electronic
computing device/system into other data similarly represented as
physical quantities within the electronic computing device/system
or other electronic computing devices/systems.
[0011] An integrated credit application refers to an application
for a credit account that is integrated with the point of sale
(POS), such as at the register at the time of purchase or during a
checkout procedure, where the resultant credit account is available
to use at the time of application/checkout at the POS.
[0012] A non-integrated credit application refers to an application
for a credit account that is not integrated with the POS, such as
at the register at the time of purchase or during a checkout
procedure, where the resultant credit becomes available for
consumer use when the credit card arrives after a given number of
days. E.g., such as by mail, etc.
[0013] A brand specific credit account refers to a credit account
that is available for use only at locations related to the brand.
E.g., Tim's store has a brand specific credit account that allows
Celeste, a Tim's store customer, to purchase with credit at Tim's
store using Tim's brand specific credit account. However, Celeste
cannot use the Tim's brand specific credit account to make
purchases at her local gas station. A brand specific credit account
may also be referred to as a private label card, e.g., a card that
can be used for purchases only at the store on the label.
[0014] A co-branded card refers to a card that has a store on the
label as well as an underlying credit card network with an
accompanying logo (e.g., Visa.TM., Mastercard.TM., etc.). As such,
a co-branded card may be used for purchases at the store on the
label as well as at other stores that accept that credit card
network's credit cards.
[0015] Importantly, the embodiments of the present invention, as
will be described herein, provide a limited use, time constrained,
credit limit reduced, stop-gap temporary credit account capability
which differs significantly from the conventional processes for
providing a credit account in a non-integrated environment. In
conventional non-integrated approaches, after the credit account is
applied for, the consumer must wait for the credit card to arrive
in the mail before the credit card account can be utilized. Such
conventional approaches cause a significant delay between the
application for the credit account and the utilization of the
credit account, and often cause an initial purchase, at the time of
the user's application for the card, to be skipped or reduced in
size. That is, the user is not as motivated to make a purchase, or
add additional items to the purchase, as the credit account is not
presently available.
[0016] Similarly, there are some integrated solutions whereby the
customer receives a printout from the register that has their
account number on it, and the customer can use the information on
the receipt until the card arrives. Such printout approaches
provide an account number on the receipt that can be lost,
misplaced or otherwise found by another party that will then have
the account number and information available to make purchases in
numerous locations until the card is identified as lost/stolen.
Because a customer is not used to worrying about information on a
receipt being the full credit card information, the risk of loss is
higher. Further, since the receipt includes the actual account
information, if it is lost, there can be a significant amount of
fraudulent charges, up to and possibly beyond the credit limit,
before the loss is identified.
[0017] Instead, the present embodiments, as will be described and
explained below in detail, provide a previously unknown procedure
for providing a limited use, time constrained, credit limit
reduced, stop-gap temporary credit capability that allows a
customer to make an initial purchase, after applying for a
non-integrated credit account, with the non-integrated credit
account that provides a customer solution to the normally
time-challenged aspects of non-integrated credit account issuing
process while also providing a reduced risk to the credit account
provider. Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a
novel stop-gap measure which extends well beyond what was
previously available.
[0018] As will be described in detail, the various embodiments of
the present invention do not merely implement conventional
non-integrated credit account processes on a computer. Instead, the
various embodiments of the present invention, in part, provide a
previously unknown procedure for procedure for providing a limited
use, time constrained, credit limit reduced, stop-gap credit
capability that allows a customer to make an initial purchase,
after applying for a non-integrated credit account, with the
non-integrated credit account that provides a customer solution to
the normally time-challenged aspects of non-integrated credit
account issuing process while also providing a reduced risk to the
credit account provider. Hence, embodiments of the present
invention provide a novel process for non-integrated credit
account, limited use, time constrained, credit limit reduced,
stop-gap credit capability which is necessarily rooted in computer
technology to overcome a problem specifically arising in the realm
of non-integrated credit account application utilization delay.
[0019] Moreover, the embodiments do not recite a mathematical
algorithm; nor do they recite a fundamental economic or
longstanding commercial practice. Instead, they address a business
challenge of how a customer can pay with a credit account when a
customer has applied for that same credit account in a
non-integrated manner, while also reducing credit provider risk.
Thus, the embodiments do not "merely recite the performance of some
business practice known from the pre-Internet world along with the
requirement to perform it on the Internet". Instead, the
embodiments are necessarily rooted in retail purchase and credit
account technology in order to overcome a problem specifically
arising in the realm of non-integrated credit account application
utilization delay.
Example Computer System
[0020] The present technology may be described in the general
context of computer-executable instructions, such as program
modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules
include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures,
etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular
abstract data types. The present technology may also be practiced
in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by
remote processing devices that are linked through a communications
network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules
may be located in both local and remote computer-storage media
including memory-storage devices.
[0021] With reference now to FIG. 1, portions of the technology for
providing a communication composed of computer-readable and
computer-executable instructions that reside, for example, in
non-transitory computer-usable storage media of a computer system.
That is, FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a type of computer that
can be used to implement embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 1 represents a system or components that may be used in
conjunction with aspects of the present technology. In one
embodiment, some or all of the components described herein may be
combined with some or all of the components of FIG. 1 to practice
the present technology.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of an example
computer system 100 used in accordance with various embodiments. It
should be appreciated that computer system 100 is not strictly
limited to be a computer system. As such, computer system 100 of
the present embodiment may be well suited to be any type of
computer device (e.g., server computer, portable computer device,
desktop computer, mobile phone, pager, personal digital assistant,
etc.). Within the present discussions, certain processes and steps
are discussed that are realized, in one embodiment, as a series of
instructions (e.g., software program) that reside within computer
readable memory units and executed by a processor(s) of computer
system 100. When executed, the instructions cause computer system
100 to perform specific actions and exhibit specific behavior that
may be described in detail herein. For example, computer 100 may be
used to implement aspects of methods described herein, such as the
method illustrated by flow diagrams 400-500 of FIGS. 4-5,
respectively.
[0023] Computer system 100 of FIG. 1 comprises an address/data bus
110 for communicating information, one or more central processors
102 coupled with bus 110 for processing information and
instructions. Central processor unit(s) 102 may be a microprocessor
or any other type of processor. The computer system 100 also
includes data storage features such as a computer usable volatile
memory unit 104 (e.g., random access memory, static RAM, dynamic
RAM, etc.) coupled with bus 110 for storing information and
instructions for central processor(s) 102, a computer usable
non-volatile memory unit 106 (e.g., read only memory, programmable
ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.) coupled with bus 110 for
storing static information and instructions for processor(s) 102.
Computer system 100 also includes one or more signal generating and
receiving devices 108 coupled with bus 110 for enabling computer
system 100 to interface with other electronic devices and computer
systems. The communication interface(s) 108 of the present
embodiment may include wired and/or wireless communication
technology.
[0024] Optionally, computer system 100 may include an alphanumeric
input device 114 including alphanumeric and function keys coupled
to the bus 110 for communicating information and command selections
to the central processor(s) 102. The computer system 100 can
include an optional cursor control or cursor directing device 116
coupled to the bus 110 for communicating user input information and
command selections to the central processor(s) 102. The
cursor-directing device 116 may be implemented using a number of
well-known devices such as a mouse, a track-ball, a track-pad, an
optical tracking device, and a touch screen, among others.
Alternatively, it may be appreciated that a cursor may be directed
and/or activated via input from the alphanumeric input device 114
using special keys and key sequence commands. The present
embodiment is also well suited to directing a cursor by other means
such as, for example, voice commands.
[0025] The computer system 100 of FIG. 1 may also include one or
more optional computer usable data storage devices 118 such as a
magnetic or optical disk and disk drive (e.g., hard drive or floppy
diskette) coupled with bus 110 for storing information and
instructions. An optional display device 112 may be coupled to bus
110 of computer system 100 for displaying video and/or graphics. It
should be appreciated that optional display device 112 may be a
cathode ray tube (CRT), flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD),
field emission display (FED), plasma display or any other display
device suitable for displaying video and/or graphic images and
alphanumeric characters recognizable to a user.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a limited use temporary credit
account system 100 shown in accordance with an embodiment. In
general, the limited use temporary credit account is presented on a
display screen of a user's mobile device. The limited use, time
constrained, reduced credit limit, stop-gap temporary credit
account includes a temporary account number that can be issued to a
customer while the customer waits to receive an actual credit card
with an associated credit card number from the credit provider. The
limited use temporary credit account has a valid temporary account
number, a valid temporary expiration date and a valid temporary
security code. For the rest of the discussion, the term temporary
credit account is used to describe the limited use, time
constrained, reduced credit limit, temporary credit account.
[0027] In some instances, the credit providing entity manages
credit transactions according to various standards and rules. For
example, the payment card industry (PCI) rules prohibit giving a
temporary credit account to a customer that is tied to a user's
primary account number (PAN). Additionally, any temporary credit
account needs to have a valid account number, a valid expiration
date and a valid security code so that transactions can be
completed on a merchant credit card machine.
[0028] To conform to the PCI rules, embodiments generate a
temporary credit account number for a qualified customer that is
not tied to the customer's PAN. The temporary credit account number
also has a valid temporary account number that is not tied to the
customer's PAN, a valid temporary expiration date and a valid
temporary security code so that it works with conventional payment
processing systems. The temporary credit account number enables a
user to complete a non-integrated credit card application and then
actually make a purchase using the newly obtained credit line.
[0029] In an embodiment, temporary credit account system 100
includes customer credit qualification module 110 and customer
temporary credit account access module 120. In general, temporary
credit account system 100 receives a customer application 105 for a
credit account. Customer credit qualification module 110 will
access credit database 115 to determine if the customer qualifies
for the credit account. In one embodiment, various modules shown in
FIG. 2 communicate over a cloud 111 infrastructure. An example of
cloud 111 is a network such as the Internet or the like.
[0030] If the customer qualifies, customer credit qualification
module 110 provides the qualification information to customer
temporary credit account module 120. Customer temporary credit
account module 120 will then add the customer information to the
temporary credit account database 125. The customer then has the
option to utilize the temporary credit account to make a purchase
140.
[0031] In one embodiment, the customer may use a smart device to
apply for the credit account. Examples of a smart device include,
but are not limited to, a mobile phone, tablet, smart glasses,
smart watch, and the like. In general, the smart device provides
the customer application 105 and accesses credit account database
125 via wireless connectivity such as 3G, 4G, WiFi, Bluetooth, and
the like.
[0032] In an embodiment, for example in a brick and mortar store, a
customer has selected one or more goods to purchase. Before the
purchase, the customer is offered, or accesses an offer for, a
credit account. By answering a few questions, the customer applies
for the credit account and upon approval is provided access to a
temporary credit account number that can be used immediately for
purchases. In one embodiment, immediate promotional offers may be
presented to the customer upon issuance of the card to promote
usage.
[0033] In another embodiment, the offer for the credit account may
be on a poster, flyer, business card or the like at the point of
sale. In one embodiment, the poster includes a barcode, web address
or the like. In this case, the customer applies for the credit
account by scanning the barcode with a smart device. The scanning
of the barcode will push the smart device to the credit account
application website. By answering a few questions, the customer
applies for the credit account. In one embodiment, immediate
promotional offers may be presented to the customer upon issuance
of the card to promote usage. For example, in one embodiment, an
electronic coupon may be issued to promote usage on the day of
issuance.
[0034] In one embodiment, when customer credit qualification module
110 receives customer application 105, customer credit
qualification module 110 acts in real-time to qualify the customer
for the credit account. In other words, the qualification process
is performed in a few minutes or less.
[0035] In one embodiment, part of the qualifying process includes
providing a credit available amount. In one embodiment, the
initially available credit line may be a constant predetermined
amount for every customer or the initially available credit line
may be variable and based on customer credit history, credit score,
and the like.
[0036] After the customer is qualified, customer credit
qualification module 110 provides the qualification information to
customer temporary credit account module 120. Customer temporary
credit account module 120 then adds the customer temporary credit
account number to temporary credit account number database 125.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a credit-based payment
processor 300 using a temporary credit account system, in
accordance with an embodiment. System 300 of FIG. 3 is similar to
system 100 of FIG. 2, but shows additional functionality such as a
credit application receiver 310, a credit card generator, a
possible set of account numbers 350 and a temporary credit account
400.
[0038] In one embodiment, the credit-based payment processor has a
set of possible account numbers 350 from which every customer
account is pulled from. The set of possible account numbers 350 is
a set of numbers that conform to credit-based transaction rules and
standards. In one embodiment, a sub-set of the set of possible
account numbers is reserved for issuing temporary credit account
numbers.
[0039] In one embodiment, a customer application is received at the
credit application receiver 310. The credit application receiver
communicates with the customer credit qualification module 110 and
credit database 115 to qualify the customer application 105. Once
the customer is qualified, a credit card generator 330 pulls a
valid credit card number, valid expiration date and a valid
security code from the set of possible account numbers 350 to
generate a customer temporary credit account 400.
[0040] In one embodiment, the valid credit card number, valid
expiration date and a valid security code of the customer temporary
credit account 400 are not tied directly to the customer's Primary
Account Number. In one embodiment, the customer temporary credit
account module 120 may limit purchases on the customer temporary
credit account 400 to a limit well below the customer's approved
credit amount for fraud protection purposes. In another embodiment,
the customer temporary credit account module 120 may limit the
number of purchases or set a very short expiration date for the
customer temporary credit account 400. In one embodiment, the
credit limit is increased after the physical credit card is
issued.
[0041] In one embodiment, the customer temporary credit account 400
functions in conventional credit-based transactions as if it were
tied to a user's primary account number. In one embodiment, the
temporary credit account conforms to a payment card industry (PCI)
standard.
[0042] In one embodiment, the customer temporary credit account
module automatically prevents purchases using the temporary credit
account after a predetermined period of time.
[0043] In one embodiment, the customer temporary credit account
module limits purchase amounts to a predetermined amount.
Temporary Credit Account Operation
[0044] With reference now to FIG. 4, a block diagram of a temporary
credit account 400 as presented on a display screen 402 of a mobile
device 401 is shown in accordance with an embodiment. Although a
number of different features are shown in conjunction with the
description of temporary credit account 400 of FIG. 4, it should be
appreciated that some embodiments may include additional features
or may skip some of the features altogether. The features of
temporary credit account 400 described herein are not intended to
limit the subject matter to these embodiments. On the contrary, the
subject matter described herein is intended to cover alternatives,
modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the
spirit and scope as defined by the appended claims.
[0045] In one embodiment, the temporary credit account 400 is
received at mobile device 401 from credit card generator 330 (of
FIG. 3) via a delivery method such as, but not limited to: a text,
a mobile push, an interactive kiosk, beacon, etc. and via networks
such as near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, WiFi, or the
like.
[0046] For example, the credit card generator 330 will send a text
message to mobile device 401 which will include the temporary
credit account 400 information such that the opening of the text
message will result in the display of temporary credit account 400.
As described below, a time limit 405 is included with temporary
credit account 400. In one embodiment, the time period will begin
to toll from the time that the text message is received at mobile
device 401. In another embodiment, the time period will begin to
toll when the text message is opened at mobile device 401.
[0047] In a mobile push scenario, the credit card generator 330
will push the temporary credit account 400 information to mobile
device 401. In one embodiment, the result of the push will be the
display of temporary credit account 400 on the display of mobile
device 401. In one embodiment, the time period will begin to toll
from the time that the pushed message is received at mobile device
401.
[0048] In another embodiment, the result of the push will be the
display of an indicator that temporary credit account 400 has been
received and the user will have to interact with the indicator on
mobile device 401 before the temporary credit account 400 is
display in full on mobile device 401. In one embodiment, the time
period will begin to toll when temporary credit account 400 is
display in full on mobile device 401.
[0049] In another embodiment, the result of the push, text message,
beacon data reception, etc. will be the receipt of a link to
temporary credit account 400. After the link is received, the user
will have to follow the link on mobile device 401 to obtain the
temporary credit account 400 information. The information would
then be display in full on mobile device 401 (e.g., via a download
option available at the location provided by the link, via the
temporary credit account 400 information downloaded automatically
to the mobile device 401 after some type of verification, or the
like. In one embodiment, the time period will begin to toll when
temporary credit account 400 is display on mobile device 401.
[0050] In a kiosk scenario, the credit card generator 330 will
provide the temporary credit account 400 information to an
interactive kiosk and the interactive kiosk will provide the
temporary credit account 400 information to mobile device 401.
After receiving temporary credit account 400 information from the
interactive kiosk, temporary credit account 400 will be displayed
on the display of mobile device 401. In one embodiment, the time
period will begin to toll from the time that the temporary credit
account 400 is received at mobile device 401 from the interactive
kiosk.
[0051] Temporary credit account 400 has a time limit 405 associated
therewith. In general, the time limit 405 is an amount of time that
credit account 400 will be valid. While the time limit 405 is
active, temporary credit account will be displayable on display
screen 402 of mobile device 401. After time limit 405 ends,
temporary credit account 400 will no longer be displayed on display
screen 402 of mobile device 401. Moreover, at the end of time limit
405, temporary credit account 400 will no longer be a valid way of
making a purchase. In one embodiment, the time limit 405 may be a
fixed amount of time that is non-extensible. For example, time
limit 405 may provide a fixed limit of 1 hour, 2 hours, 1.5 hours,
or the like.
[0052] In another embodiment, time limit 405 may be a fixed amount
of time but may include a limited number of extensions (e.g., 2, 3,
or the like). For example, time limit 405 may provide a fixed limit
of 30 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, or the like and may also provide
a statement that "the valid time period can be extended x times".
In one embodiment, during the last few minutes of the valid time
period, there may be an option to extend time limit 405. Thus, if
the customer has not finished shopping, the selection of the
extension will allow the temporary credit account 400 to remain on
screen and valid for use for another valid time period.
[0053] In general, time limit 405 is adjustable and can be set for
a shorter or longer time period by the brand, or the credit
provider. For example, a brand may decide to provide the temporary
credit account 400 on the mobile device for a 2 hour time limit
with no extensions, for a half hour time period with four
extensions, etc. In another example, time limit 405 on the validity
of the temporary credit account 400 are credit provider driven and
are based on fraud prevention, theft, or the like. For example, the
credit provided would designate the temporary credit account 400 to
be valid for only 1 hour after issue such that if the consumer lost
mobile device 401, the opportunity for fraudulent purchases would
be limited to only the 1 hour time limit 405. In other words, time
limit 405 is provided to limit fraud or the like due to the loss of
the phone or other surreptitious access to the user's mobile
device.
[0054] In one embodiment, when temporary credit account 400 is
received by mobile device 401 it is automatically displayed on the
display screen 402 and the amount of time that the pass is valid
begins to be tolled. In another embodiment, the time limit 405
begins to run when temporary credit account 400 is displayed on
display screen 402 of mobile device 401. In yet another embodiment,
the time limit 405 begins to run when temporary credit account 400
is opened and displayed on display screen 402 of mobile device
401.
[0055] Information 410 refers to purchase information about the use
of temporary credit account 400. The information 410 can include
limitations on what can be purchased, e.g., no gift cards, and the
like.
[0056] Credit limit 421 is the total amount of credit available to
the account holder. It is the limit of the actual card and is not
indicative of the amount of credit available on the temporary
account. Temporary account limit 422 is the amount of money
available for the consumer to spend with the temporary credit
account 400. The temporary account limit 422 is less than the
credit limit and is defined by the credit provider and the brand.
For example, the temporary account limit 422 is based on potential
for fraud. For example, temporary account limit 422 would likely be
directly related to the actual account credit limit 421; e.g., a
lower actual credit limit 421 would likely result in a lower
temporary account limit 422.
[0057] In another embodiment, temporary account limit 422 is based
on the type of product sold by the brand, the average ticket size
for the brand, and the like. For example, a jewelry store may have
a higher temporary account limit 422 than a hardware store.
[0058] Temporary account number 423 is a number that is assigned to
the temporary account that is linked to the underlying account, but
it is not the underlying account number.
[0059] Temporary expiration date 424 is generally not related to
the underlying account but is instead just for the temporary credit
account purchase process. The temporary expiration date 424 can be
for the day after the credit account is provided, or it may be for
a month or so later. For example, the temporary expiration date 424
may not be the date is valid as it may make purchases difficult
since the expiration date is the date of purchase. As such, the
temporary expiration date 424 can be a month or more past the date
of the temporary credit account 400 to ensure that the purchase is
not rejected due to the temporary expiration date 424.
[0060] Similar, to temporary expiration date 424, the temporary
security code 425 is also not related to the underlying account
specifically, but is instead provided as it may be necessary when
utilizing the temporary credit account 400.
[0061] In one embodiment, temporary credit account 400 includes a
scanable code 430, such as a barcode, QR code, or the like. In one
embodiment, instead of having to input the temporary information
421-425 manually, code 430 is scanned by the retailer/clerk at the
register or during the time of checkout to provide the temporary
account details to the POS.
[0062] In one embodiment, temporary credit account 400 includes an
animated digital watermark 460 that is displayed on display 402.
The term "animated digital watermark", as used herein, is any
visually perceptible image that is dynamically moving or animated
that facilitates in ensuring that mobile payment card is authentic
(or not fraudulent).
[0063] Animated digital watermark 460, by being animated, provides
visual evidence that temporary credit account 400 is not a
fraudulent copy. More specifically, animated digital watermark 460
provides visual evidence that the displayed temporary credit
account 400 is not a fraudulent captured static image of the
authentic temporary credit account 400.
[0064] For example, a merchant visually examining temporary credit
account 400 displayed on device 401 will notice the dynamic moving
properties of animated digital watermark 460 and determine that
temporary credit account 400 is authentic and not fraudulent.
[0065] Animated digital watermark 460 can be any image with dynamic
(or visually moving/changing) properties. For example, animated
digital watermark 460 is a rotating logo of the bank that issued
temporary credit account 400. In another example, animated digital
watermark 460 is an image that constantly or variably changes
shape, color, and/or position.
[0066] In various embodiments, animated digital watermark 460
varies based on the day, time, session, etc.
[0067] In one embodiment, animated digital watermark 460 is a
user-interactive animated digital watermark. For example, a message
is displayed in response to a user selecting animated digital
watermark 460 on the touch screen display. The displayed message,
in response to the touch by the user, provides visual evidence that
the displayed temporary credit account 400 is not a fraudulently
captured video of the authentic mobile payment card because a
captured video of temporary credit account 400 (including animated
digital watermark) would not be able to display a message in
response to a user touching the animated digital watermark in the
fraudulent video.
[0068] In one embodiment, temporary credit account 400 also
displays a show government issued ID 430 to promote the customer to
show identification to the retailer. The information 440 after the
show ID provides the APR and account details as well as a link to
further information. Information 440 is modifiable and is based on
legal requirements, credit provider requirements, consumer
information requirements, and the like.
[0069] Information 445 provides a summary of the temporary aspects
to include the total amount of time the temporary account will be
valid; the total number of allowed transactions, and the temporary
credit limit. In one embodiment, information 445 is modifiable by
brand, credit provider, or the like. In general the total number of
allowed transactions is a hard limit on the amount of times the
temporary credit account 400 can be used to make purchases. The
number may be limited by brand or by credit provider. For example,
the temporary credit account would have a limited number of 3 uses.
Thus, after the user makes three separate purchases within the
valid time frame, the temporary credit account 400 would no longer
be valid, even if time and credit remained. Similarly, if the user
has used all available temporary credit on the second purchase,
then there would be no third purchase capability as the temporary
credit account 400 would be invalid due to the temporary credit
amount being previously reached.
[0070] In one embodiment, information 445 is updated in real time
to include the remaining time for account validity, the remaining
credit amount, the remaining number of transactions, and the
like.
[0071] In one embodiment, when the temporary account information is
provided to the retailer, e.g., a purchase is pending with
temporary credit account 400, a number of security checks can be
performed based on the temporary account information. For example,
the security check can confirm the pending purchase attempted by
temporary account number 423 is coming from the brand to which it
is related.
[0072] In one embodiment, the security checks also include a timing
check to ensure that the provided account number is within its
valid window and has not expired. The security checks additionally
include a number-of-transactions check to ensure the pending
transaction is within the amount of allowed transactions, e.g., 3
of 4 versus 5 of 4. The security checks can include a temporary
account limit check to ensure the amount of the pending purchase is
within the temporary account limit 422, that it remains within the
amount remaining of the temporary account limit 422 if other
purchases have already been made, etc. E.g., if temporary account
limit 422 is $240.00 and a first purchase of 80.00 dollars has been
made, the pending purchase amount would have to be less than or
equal to the remaining temporary account limit 422 amount, e.g.,
$160.00.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 5, a flowchart of a method for
generating a temporary credit account for display on a display
screen of a mobile device is shown in accordance with an
embodiment.
[0074] With reference now to 502 of FIG. 5, one embodiment
displays, on a display 402 of a mobile device 401, a temporary
credit account 400, the temporary credit account correlated with a
newly approved non-integrated credit account, the temporary credit
account including: a temporary account number 423; a temporary
expiration date 424; and a temporary security code 425.
[0075] Referring now to 504 of FIG. 5, one embodiment incorporates
a time constraint 405 into the temporary credit account 400
displayed on the mobile device 401, the time constraint 405
limiting an amount of time the temporary credit account is
displayed on the mobile device 401 and limiting an amount of time
the temporary credit account is available for making a
purchase.
[0076] One embodiment, includes an extension to the time constraint
405 with the temporary credit account 400 displayed on the mobile
device 401, the extension resetting the time constraint 405 to its
initial starting value.
[0077] One embodiment, automatically displays the temporary credit
account 400 on the display 402 when the temporary credit account is
received at the mobile device 401 and automatically initiates the
time constraint 405 when the temporary credit account is
displayed.
[0078] With reference now to 506 of FIG. 5, one embodiment
integrates a credit limit reduction 422 into the temporary credit
account 400 displayed on the mobile device 401, the credit limit
reduction 422 reducing an available credit on the temporary credit
account 400 to an amount less than a credit available on the newly
approved non-integrated credit account. One embodiment reduces the
available credit based on a type of product sold by a brand, and an
average ticket size for the brand. One embodiment reduces the
available credit based on a fraud protection determination by the
credit account provider.
[0079] One embodiment incorporates a purchase constraint 445 into
the temporary credit account 400 displayed on the mobile device
401, the purchase constraint 445 limiting a number of separate
transactions that can be validly made with the temporary credit
account. That is, the total number of allowed transactions is a
hard limit on the amount of times the temporary credit account 400
can be used to make purchases. The number may be limited by brand
or by credit provider. For example, the temporary credit account
would have a limited number of 3 uses. Thus, after the user makes
three separate purchases within the valid time frame, the temporary
credit account 400 would no longer be valid, even if time and
credit remained. Similarly, if the user has used all available
temporary credit on the second purchase, then there would be no
third purchase capability as the temporary credit account 400 would
be invalid due to the temporary credit amount being previously
reached.
[0080] In addition, one embodiment displays an animated digital
watermark 460 on the display 402 to ensure authenticity of the
limited use temporary credit account 400. In one embodiment, the
animated digital watermark 460 is a user-interactive animated
digital watermark 460.
[0081] One embodiment incorporates a real-time status 445 into the
temporary credit account 400 displayed on the mobile device 401,
the real-time status 445 providing real-time values for a remaining
time of the time constraint 405, a remaining available credit on
the temporary credit account, and a remaining number of separate
transactions that can be validly made with the temporary credit
account.
[0082] The foregoing Description of Embodiments is not intended to
be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form
described. Instead, example embodiments in this Description of
Embodiments have been presented in order to enable persons of skill
in the art to make and use embodiments of the described subject
matter. Moreover, various embodiments have been described in
various combinations. However, any two or more embodiments may be
combined. Although some embodiments have been described in a
language specific to structural features and/or methodological
acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the
appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features
or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts
described above are disclosed by way of illustration and as example
forms of implementing the claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *