Patent ID: 6183017
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: G06Q,G07F,H04M,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for using a telephone calling card, comprising the steps of:providing said telephone calling card to a user in exchange for a payment corresponding to an initial balance of an account, said telephone calling card associated with an access code, said access code associated with said account, and said telephone calling card bearing coupon indicia conveying a discount on a purchase;said user making a telephone connection to a service provider system;said user providing said access code to said service provider system;said service provider system completing a telephone connection between said user and a called party if said balance of said account associated with said access code is greater than a predetermined minimum;said service provider debiting said account balance in response to said telephone connection to said called party;said user making a purchase in exchange for a payment;said user presenting said telephone calling card to a seller in response to said purchase; andsaid seller discounting said payment in an amount of said discount indicated on said telephone calling card.