Patent ID: 8103586
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: G06Q,G07D,G07F

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for distributing prepaid cards, the method comprising: providing a consumer-operated kiosk having a display screen, a coin counting apparatus, a communications facility, a first card reader configured to read information off cards provided by users, and a second card reader configured to read information off new prepaid cards dispensed from within the kiosk; displaying a plurality of transaction options via the display screen, wherein a first transaction option corresponds to receiving a new prepaid card from the kiosk, a second transaction option corresponds to reloading an existing, user-owned prepaid card with the kiosk, and a third transaction option corresponds to transferring funds to an on-line account for making on-line purchases, wherein each of the transaction options is available to users in exchange for coins, credit, or both coins and credit; receiving a user selection corresponding to at least the first transaction option; reading information off a first card submitted to the first card reader by the user; sending at least a portion of the information read off the first card to a first remote computer via the communications facility to receive authorization to charge a dollar amount to an account associated with the first card to at least partially pay for a second card, wherein the second card is a new prepaid card held within the kiosk; receiving authorization from the first remote computer to charge the account associated with the first card submitted by the user; in response to receiving the authorization from the first remote computer, retrieving the second card from within the kiosk and automatically reading an identification number from the second card with the second card reader; transmitting the identification number to a second remote computer via the communications facility, whereby the identification number is associated with a first portion of the dollar amount in a remote database; after reading the identification number from the second card, dispensing the second card to the user from the kiosk; and transferring a second portion of the dollar amount to an on-line account for making on-line purchases.