Patent ID: 7344067
Filing Date: 2008-03-18
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method for distributing an open transaction instrument, in a retail environment, comprising the steps of: offering the open transaction instrument to a consumer, wherein the open transaction instrument is directly accessible by the consumer, wherein the open transaction instrument is configured to be generally accepted by merchants that are not directly affiliated with each other, wherein the open transaction instrument does not require use of a personal identification number (PIN), wherein the open transaction instrument is associated with a transaction account, and wherein the open transaction instrument comprises at least one of a pre-paid card, a credit card, and a debit card that is accepted at a plurality of merchants that are not directly affiliated with each other; facilitating the funding of the open transaction instrument when the open transaction instrument is purchased by the consumer; visibly displaying a tracking code on the open transaction instrument; and associating a randomized card number with the open transaction instrument.