Patent ID: 8566169
Filing Date: 2013-10-22
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method for providing virtual gift credit, the method comprising: receiving from a gift provider, via a computing device, gift credit instructions that include a gift credit type, gift credit amount, and an alias associated with a gift recipient, wherein the gift credit type comprises one of a group consisting of one or more categories of merchants at which the gift credit amount is accepted and one or more types of product for which the gift credit amount can be applied; determining, by a computing device processor, that the alias is registered in an alias data repository with a predetermined financial institution payment account held and designated by the gift recipient; in response to determining that the alias is registered with the financial institution payment account and prior to notifying the gift recipient of the gift credit, immediately attaching, by a computing device processor, the gift credit amount to the financial institution payment account; in response to attaching the gift credit amount to the financial institution payment account, generating, by a computing device processor, and initiating electronic communication, via a computing device, of a gift credit notification to the gift recipient, wherein the gift credit notification includes the gift credit type, the gift credit amount and identification of the financial institution payment account to which the gift credit amount is attached; and in response to attaching the gift credit amount to the financial institution payment account, automatically applying, by a computing device processor, the gift credit amount to a purchase made against the financial institution payment account and of the gift credit type, wherein the gift credit amount is applied to the purchase absent the gift recipient (1) confirming receipt of the gift credit notification and (2) confirming the attachment of the gift credit amount to the payment account.