Patent ID: 8874481
Filing Date: 2014-10-28
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method of administering pre-paid payment instruments via a distributed computing system, the method comprising: receiving from a purchasing party, via a purchaser device communicatively coupled to the distributed computing system, a payment input and a designated recipient for a pre-paid payment instrument, wherein the pre-paid payment instrument is redeemable only at a select number or type of retailer, or both; associating an identifier and a value with the pre-paid payment instrument; indexing and storing in a memory device the identifier and the value with the pre-paid payment instrument; providing to the designated recipient, via a recipient device communicatively coupled to the distributed computing system, a representation of the pre-paid payment instrument, the representation enabling the designated recipient to use the pre-paid payment instrument and providing the designated recipient with an option to print the pre-paid instrument using a printer; and issuing at least a portion of the value of the pre-paid payment instrument to a third party other than the designated recipient and the purchasing party.