Abstract:
An integrated multi-serviced stored value card system permits and performs integrated telecommunication and financial services. A card affords the features of a traditional calling card plus a wide array of banking services, such as electronic fund transfers between cards and cash withdrawals, and telecommunication features. Stored values from a primary card according to the system are capable of allocating stored value balances to subsidiary or secondary cards for use by authorized subsidiary card users.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/716,731 which was filed Sep. 13, 2005. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to a calling or telephone card integrated with a wide array of banking services that provides a new functionality in merging banking, telecommunication and money-transfer services.  
         [0004]     2. Description of Prior Art  
         [0005]     Use of stored value cards has become possible in recent years. Examples of such cards are those distributed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,000,608 and 6,189,787. Although such stored value cards are desirable, there are certain capabilities and functionalities which are, so far as is known, not presently available.  
         [0006]     For example, users of stored value cards often might have need to allow others use of the funds represented by the values stored in such cars. However, the card holders typically would not, for a variety of reasons, have desired to allow unlimited or uncontrolled access to or use of the full amount of the stored values in their cards even by authorized persons.  
         [0007]     In addition, the growth of types of credit cards and stored value cards has in itself caused problems. With a number of cards available for various specific purposes, it has become a problem to have several cards, each with different functionalities. There has been some apparent customer reluctance to multiple cards, and to having to carry and use different cards for each different functionality. Further, the different cards had different procedures of use, different access, security and password rules and other problems.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0008]     Briefly, the present invention provides an integrated card and an integrated card system used therewith permitting an integrated cardholder or user with a single integrated card to utilize banking, telecommunication and money transfer services. The integrated card includes a unique and breakthrough multi-service stored value card that can repeatedly be reloaded at participant merchants around the world. The various features of the integrated card system can be accessed from any user access site accessible by the system, such as an automated voice response system (IVR system), the Internet, or a point of sale (POS) device. After a card is loaded, funds represented by the stored value can be withdrawn in a manner comparable to a personal identification number (PIN) debit card at any automatic teller machine (ATM) or point of sale (POS) device accepting PIN-based debit transactions anywhere in the world that is affiliated, as indicated by the displays various network logos printed on the back of the integrated card.  
         [0009]     The integrated card in the preferred embodiment is sold to a user in a package including a primary card and a secondary card. The secondary card can be sent or given to another individual who may live in a separate location from the user of the primary card. Therefore, this secondary card allows for instantaneous money transfers between the primary and secondary card.  
         [0010]     In addition to being able to be used as a stored value card, and a money transfer method, the integrated card also serves a traditional telephone or calling card for local and long distance calling, which also has enhanced capabilities related to a personal local telephone number in the United States, as well as, the ability to recharge prepaid mobile telephones.  
         [0011]     One of the primary benefits of the present invention is that one card integrates in a single product all the features of an enhanced calling card, a wide array of banking services, plus money-transfer services providing a new functionality in merging banking, telecommunication, and money-transfer services. Furthermore, the integrated card allows a user the complete functionality of a traditional banking account without having to have a bank account in a specific location, city, state or region.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     The objects, advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent by reference to the drawings appended thereto, wherein like numerals indicate like parts and wherein an illustrated embodiment of the invention is shown, of which:  
         [0013]     FIGS.  1  is a front elevation view of an integrated card according to the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 1   a  is a rear elevation view of the integrated card of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  shows an illustration of the integrated card system according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for gaining access to the functions of the integrated card system.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for utilizing the main menu of the integrated card system.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for accessing the telephone functionality of the integrated card system.  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for making a phone call utilizing the integrated card system.  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for sending a direct message utilizing the integrated card system.  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for accessing the enhanced features for telephone functionality utilizing the integrated card system.  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for listening to a message utilizing the integrated card system.  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for listening to a saved message utilizing the integrated card system.  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for the “follow me” telephone functionality utilizing the integrated card system.  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for customizing a user&#39;s voicemail utilizing the integrated card system.  
         [0026]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for changing a personalized greeting utilizing the integrated card system.  
         [0027]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for utilizing the ATM functionality of the integrated card system.  
         [0028]      FIG. 15  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for utilizing the direct money transfer functionality of the integrated card system.  
         [0029]      FIG. 16  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for loading a calling card utilizing the integrated card system.  
         [0030]      FIG. 17  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for completing a card to card transfer utilizing the integrated card system.  
         [0031]      FIG. 18  is a flowchart block diagram of additional steps for completing a card to card transfer utilizing the integrated card system.  
         [0032]      FIG. 19  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for completing a transaction review utilizing the integrated card system.  
         [0033]      FIG. 20  is a flowchart block diagram of the steps for changing the access code for a card utilizing the integrated card system.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0034]     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 1   a,  an example integrated card  5  that is part of an integrated card system according to the present invention is shown. The integrated card  5  may have several pieces of information displayed on the front elevation of card  5 , and may include a sixteen digit integrated card account number  10 , an expiration date  15 , and an integrated card product name or logo  20 . The integrated cards may be issued in a variety of ways, as will be described, and thus they need not necessarily be personalized with the user&#39;s name.  
         [0035]     On the rear elevation, the integrated card  5  has a magnetic band  25  allowing for transactions at various types of POS devices including ATM and PIN-based POS devices. The necessary information for completing a transaction using integrated card  5  is encoded in the magnetic band  25 , and may include information related to the integrated card  5  account number and an associated 4-digit PIN, both of which are generated and supplied by the banking institution. With the integrated card  5  account number and 4-digit PIN, a user can use the integrated card  5  to complete purchase transactions around the world at locations of a number of known banking or financial systems. The banking or financial systems accessible with the integrated card  5  could, for example, be any of those indicated by the display a supported network logo  30 —such as Master Card®, Maestro®, Cirrus®, Star®—found on the rear elevation of integrated card  5 .  
         [0036]     Integrated card  5  may be sold to a user at a retail location, financial institution, over the telephone, over the Internet or through some other distribution channel. Referring to  FIG. 2   a,  in the preferred embodiment, when a user purchases integrated card  5 , the user receives two cards, a primary card  5   a  and secondary card  5   b.  Furthermore, the secondary card  5   b  comes with a pre-paid, ready to send envelope to facilitate mail, courier, or other service for fast and secure delivery of the secondary card to some other person to whom the owner of the primary card desires to grant card use privileges.  
         [0037]     The integrated card system  101  includes at least one primary integrated card  5   a  and one associated or linked secondary card  5   b,  similar in appearance and characteristics of integrated card  5   a.  It is contemplated that the primary integrated card  5   a  and one or more associated or linked cards  5   b  may be located in different geographical areas, and even in fact different countries. The shape and size of integrated card  5 , and the characteristics and functionality of magnetic band  20  are similar to existing PIN-based debit cards and thus of the conventional type.  
         [0038]     In the preferred embodiment, the integrated card system  101  has two accounts: an ATM or funds account available for purchases and withdrawals; and a calling card account. The two accounts are linked to each other by the integrated card system, and the ATM account can be used to fund, reload, or recharge the calling card account.  
         [0039]     In  FIG. 2 , the integrated card system  101  is illustrated. In its most preferred embodiment, the users possess the primary card  5   a  and secondary card  5   b.  The user is allowed to access the card system server  108  through user access site  105 , which can be an automated voice response system, the Internet, a point of sale device, or the telephone system. Once the user has accessed the system through the user access site  105 , the user can communicate with card system server  108  via network  107 , which could be any wired or wireless bi-directional communications link, such as the Internet, cable, or satellite telecommunications networks.  
         [0040]     Card system server  108  can be a mainframe computer of any conventional type having suitable processing capacity such as those available from International Business Machines (IBM) of Armonk, N.Y. or any other source. Other digital processors, however, maybe used, such as a laptop computer or any other suitable processing apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, card system server  108  will include a traditional input/output device  109 , which could be a wired or wireless modem, network interface card, or any other suitable bi-directional communications means. A processor  111  is also in communication with the input/output device  109 , which will control the various features provided by the present invention. A suitable high capacity data storage or memory device  113  is in communication with the processor  111 , which is used to store various data such as user account and security information, voice mail, stored audio message voice codes for use in the automated voice response system, and other data necessary to practice the present invention.  
         [0041]     When a user accesses the IVR for the first time, the telephony services account and voicemail box for that cardholder is automatically created at that moment. From there, the cardholder is allowed to make calls and receive voice messages that can be retrieved from the mailbox. The stored value platform is fully integrated with the telephony accounts system so funds can be transferred from one account to the other seamlessly. Hence, introduction of new telephony and prepaid related services is possible as the funds reserved in the telephony account can be used not only to consume calling minutes thru the built-in telephony platform but also to purchase, for instance, PIN-based cellular air time or even interconnect with third parties services providers to pre-pay or post-pay multiple services.  
         [0042]     The flow charts,  FIGS. 3-20 , herein illustrates the structure of the logic of the present invention as embodied in computer program software performable on a mainframe, personal computer or other form of programmable control device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the flow charts illustrate the structures of computer program code elements including logic circuits on an integrated circuit that function according to this invention. Additionally, the flowcharts disclose the functions of the software that would be readily apparent to one of even nominal skill in the art. Furthermore, the flow charts are readily convertible into any of a number of computer program languages based on the type of computer in which the present invention is implemented. Manifestly, the invention is practiced in its essential embodiment by a machine component that renders the program code elements in a form that instructs a digital processing apparatus (that is, a computer) to perform a sequence of function steps corresponding to those shown.  
         [0043]     It is important to note that, while the present invention has been, and will continue to be, described in the context of a fully functional digital platform, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that the present invention applies equally regardless of the particular type of signal-bearing media utilized to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of signal-bearing media include: recordable-type media, such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, and CD ROMs, and transmission-type media such as digital and analog communication links.  
         [0044]     In the drawings, the high level flowchart of  FIG. 3  shows a sequence of steps performed in connection with card system server  108  ( FIG. 2 ) according to the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 3 , after the user purchases the integrated card  5 , the user has to activate the integrated card  5 . In the preferred embodiment, the integrated card  5  is activated by calling a toll free number in the United States. The toll free number is answered by an automatic voice response system (IVR system). Once the user is in the system, the processor  111  retrieves and plays a stored audio welcome message from the memory  113  at step  301 . The customer then makes a series of selections from the menu items presented by the IVR system, including for example, in what language the menu items should be presented to the user as shown in step  303 . The languages can be Spanish (step  303   a ), English ( 303   b ), or the user can choose to speak with customer service in step  303   c.  Once the user makes a language selection via the telephone keypad, the processor  111  calls the requested language from its memory  113 . Also, during this time, the user will have the option to talk to a live operator at customer service (step  303   d ) in order to get more user friendly assistance, or the user can choose to use the IVR simply by making a selection on the telephone keypad.  
         [0045]     The information and selections made during the call may be entered directly into the IVR system using the telephone keypad, or the user can speak with a customer service operator. Once a language has been selected and retrieved by the processor  111 , the processor  111  then retrieves an audio message from its memory  113  which prompts the user to enter the card number at step  305 . At step  306 , the user is allowed three opportunities to enter the correct number. If the user fails, the processor  111  automatically terminates the call.  
         [0046]     To complete the activation of the integrated card  5 , the user has to enter the integrated card  5  account number into the IVR system or provide the information to the operator. At step  307 , the integrated card  5  is then validated by the processor  111  in a card database (not shown) located in a suitable memory within the computer network. If the user properly entered the information into the IVR system, then the processor  111  transfers the user to a customer service operator at step  309 , who collects required personal information related to user of the integrated card  5 . Such personal information may be a first and last name, address, birth date, or any other valid identification information recognized by the United States Government or other entity. However, if the processor  111  determines the card number is already active on the computer network, the processor  111  will return the user to the main menu ( FIG. 4 ) at step  311 .  
         [0047]     Once the personal information is collected by the customer service operator, the integrated card  5  is activated and ready for use. The customer service operator then transfers the user back to the IVR system so that the user may receive the PIN information for the integrated card  5  necessary to make ATM withdrawals and purchase transactions at a POS.  
         [0048]     Each subsequent time the user accesses the IVR system, the user will begin the process by following the steps in  FIG. 3 . In an alternate embodiment, the user may access the integrated card system over the Internet.  
         [0049]     Once the user has activated the integrated card, each subsequent time the user accesses the IVR system according to  FIG. 3 , the processor  111  automatically transfers the user to a main menu and step  401  disclosed in  FIG. 4 . At step  401 , the user processor  111  calls from memory  113  a stored audio message which prompts the user to enter an access code. The access code works as a unique electronic identifier code which is required to access the system for security purposes.  
         [0050]     At step  402 , the user enters the access code. Once entered, the processor  111  compares the entered access code to a valid access code database (not shown) accessible from memory on the network to determine whether the access code is correct at step  403 . If the processor  111  determines the code is incorrect, the processor  111  will call from the memory  113  a stored audio message asking the user to re-enter the access code at step  406 . In the preferred embodiment, the user is given three opportunities to enter the correct access code. If the user fails to enter the code each of the three opportunities, the system processor  111  terminates the call. If the user enters the correct access code on the telephone keypad, the system processor  111  allows the user to access the main menu at step  408 . At the main menu, the processor  111  calls from the memory  113  a stored audio message which replays the four options available to the user: Option #1 being telephone services ( FIG. 5 ), Option #2 being ATM card services ( FIG. 14 ), Option #3 being Marketing information, and Option #0 being Customer service. Once selected, the system processor  111  forwards the user to the requested system automation.  
         [0051]     In the preferred embodiment, referring to  FIG. 5 , once the user selects the telephone services option at the main menu, the system processor  111  allows the user to access the user&#39;s calling card balance, messages, or other telephone services such as making a call, direct messaging, customer services, enhanced features, or the main menu. An advantage over prior art calling cards and integrated calling and financial cards, is that the integrated card  5  of the present invention can be associated with a United States telephone number where the user can receive messages, or route calls received by the telephone number associated with the integrated card  5  to another telephone number.  
         [0052]     In the preferred embodiment, referring to the high level flow chart of  FIG. 5 , if the user selects the telephone functions option (Option #1) from the main menu of  FIG. 4 , the processor  111  allows the user access to the portion of the system disclosed in  FIG. 5 , where the user then selects from a variety of telecommunications options. These options include the calling balance (step  501 ), checking new messages (step  503 ), or being directed to the Telephone Services menu (step  505 ) where the user is allowed to access other features which will be discussed below.  
         [0053]     Various options are available under the Telephone Services feature. If the user selects card balance at step  501 , the processor  111  calls from the memory  113  and recites the remaining balance of time left on the calling card at steps  501  a, b, and c. If the user selects the new messages option (step  503 ), the processor  111  calls from memory  113  and recites the number of new messages, if any, in step  503   a.  At steps  503   b  and c, the processor  111  calls from its memory  113  and begins at the first new message to replay any new messages on the system.  
         [0054]     If, however, the user selects the telephone services menu at step  505 , the processor  111  directs the user to the Telephone Services main menu which offers the user the following options: Option #1 allowing the user to access the Making a Call feature ( FIG. 6 ), Option #2 being the Direct Messaging feature ( FIG. 7 ), Option #3 being Enhanced Features ( FIG. 8 ), Option #0 being Customer Service, and Option #9 being the main menu ( FIG. 4 ). Once selected, the processor  111  forwards the user to the requested system automation.  
         [0055]     In the preferred embodiment, referring to  FIG. 6 , the integrated card  5  can be used to make telephone local, national or international telephone calls. At step  601 , the processor  111  calls from memory  113  a stored audio message which replays dialing instructions. Once complete, the system processor  111  then causes the system to sound a dial tone at step  603 . Once the user hears the dial tone, he or she enters the telephone number in the keypad. If the telephone number is not entered in a predetermined amount of time (seconds), at step  605  the processor  111  forwards the user back to step  601 . If the user successfully enters the telephone number, the processor  111  prompts the network to connect the call.  
         [0056]     In the preferred embodiment, the user can make consecutive calls. At the beginning and end of each call the IVR system informs the user of the calling card balance by prompting the processor  111  to recall the balance from the memory  113 . Once the user enters a telephone number, the processor  111  then calls a stored audio message from the memory  113  which informs the user of the number of minutes the user has to speak with people at the chosen telephone number based on the user&#39;s current calling card balance. When only one (1) minute of calling time remains, the IVR will play a warning message and gives the user the option of transferring money to the calling card balance. These features allow the user to make calls while controlling the calling card balance. As such, the user is allowed to recharge the card  5  in real-time while on a phone call. An additional benefit is that the user knows the exact costs being spent on making telephone calls which can be used by the user to determine the cost per minute of calling time offered.  
         [0057]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , in addition to being able to make telephone calls, the user can also access the Direct Messaging feature. This feature allows the user to send direct or express voice-mail messages to linked cards without having to type, or otherwise indicate or enter the card number to which the user wants to send the message. Additionally, the user can send a message to any other user on the integrated card system by simply keying the card number into the IVR system.  
         [0058]     In  FIG. 7 , after selecting the direct message feature, the system processor  111  calls from memory  113  a stored audio message which replays information concerning the direct message feature and recording messages at step  701 . This feature allows the user to automatically send a message to the linked card without entering the card number. Once the user records the messages at step  702 , the processor  111  then stores the message in the memory  113  and the user is then allowed to send, change, or cancel the message at step  703 . If the user chooses to change or cancel the message, the user selects Option #2 and the system processor  111  directs the user back to step  701 . However, if the user chooses to send the message, at step  705 , the system processor  111  retrieves the message from its memory  113  and sends it directly to the linked card. Also, at step  703 , the user may choose Option #9, which at step  707  causes the system processor  111  to redirect the user to the telephone services menu ( FIG. 5 , step  501 ).  
         [0059]     In the preferred embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 8-13 , the user has access to several enhanced telephone functions including voice mail and “follow me” functions. The user accesses the IVR system as discussed above, and can retrieve messages left at the United States telephone number associated with the integrated card  5  account number. The user can listen to messages, hear the number of messages on the system, delete messages, or save messages as shown in  FIG. 8 . While in the listen to messages feature, the user is also allowed to skip or go back to messages, hear the date and time of messages, or any other manipulation of messages in the conventional manner.  
         [0060]     As shown in the high level flow chart of  FIG. 8 , the user has selected the Enhanced Features option  802 . Here, the system processor  111  checks the memory  113  to determine at step  804  whether there are any new messages in the memory  113 . If the there are no messages, the processor  111  retrieves an audio message from the memory  113  which informs the user there are no new messages at step  806 . The processor  111  then forwards the user directly to the enhanced features main menu at step  816 . However, if there are new messages in the memory  113 , the processor  111  retrieves the messages (as well as the number of new messages) from the memory  113  and replays the number of new messages as shown in steps  810 ,  812 , and  814 . After this, the system processor  111  forwards the user to the enhanced features menu at step  816 . Here, processor  111  retrieves the necessary audio messages from the memory  113  which replay the following options: Option #1 allowing the user to listen to the messages ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ), Option #2 being the Set Follow Me feature ( FIG. 11 ), Option #3 being the Get/Recover DID feature ( FIG. 12 ), Option #4 being the Change DID Greeting ( FIG. 13 ), Option #0 being Customer Service, and Option #9 being Telephone Services ( FIG. 5 ). Once selected, the user is prompted to the requested system automation.  
         [0061]     Referring to the high level flow chart of  FIG. 9 , the user is also allowed to access the Listen to Messages feature. At step  901 , the user has accessed the voice mail main menu and system processor  111  retrieves stored audio messages from the memory  113  which gives the user the option of listening to new or saved messages. If the user selects Option #2, system processor  111  retrieves the necessary message or messages from memory  113  and replays the saved messages at step  903  ( FIG. 10 ). If the user selects Option #3, system processor  111  forwards the user back to the Enhanced Features menu ( FIG. 8 ) at step  905 . If, however, the user selects Option #1, system processor  111  retrieves the necessary messages from the memory  113  and replays the new message at step  907 .  
         [0062]     After the new message has been replayed at step  907 , at step  909  processor  111  gives the user the option of replaying the message (Option #3), saving the message (Option #2), hearing the message date and hour (Option #4), or going to the Enhanced Features Menu of  FIG. 8  (Option #9). If the user selects Option #2 after listening to a message, system processor  111  directs the system to save the message in the memory  113  at step  911 . Processor  111  then allows the user to begin listening to other new messages at step  913 . If the user does not direct processor  111  to save the message, processor  111  automatically deletes the message from the memory  113 . In  FIG. 9 , reference to M is the number of voice messages stored in the voice mailbox. N is the message number currently been played or deleted. N++means that the system moves forward to the next stored message.  
         [0063]     As shown in the high level flow chart of  FIG. 10 , at step  1003  the user accesses the saved messages feature. At step  1003 , system processor  111  retrieves the necessary messages from the memory  113  and replays various options from the saved messages main menu. Option #1 allows the user to replay save messages and forwards the user to step  1001  and begin replaying the message. After the message has been replayed, system processor  111  forwards the user back to the main menu of step  1003 . If the user selects Option #2, system processor  111  deletes the message from the memory  113  at step  1005 . After this is done, processor  111  begins retrieving and playing the saved messages from the memory  113  at step  1007 . If, however, the user selects Option #3, system processor  111  allows the user to skip to the next message at step  1001 . If the user selects Option #9, system processor  111  forwards the user to the Enhanced Features menu of  FIG. 8 . Lastly, if the user selects Option #4, system processor  111  retrieves from the memory  113  and replays the date and hour of the message.  
         [0064]     The high level flow chart of  FIG. 11 , the user can as shown, use the “follow me” functions to forward calls to the number associated with the integrated card  5  account number to another telephone number. In this feature, among other functions, the user is allowed to set, change, review, or deactivate the follow me numbers. Thus, the calling card is not only associated with a telephone number where messages can be left and reviewed, but also incorporates a call forwarding feature.  
         [0065]     Referring to the high level flow chart of  FIG. 11 , the user accesses the “Set Follow Me” feature of the present invention. This feature allows the user to enter a number in which the user calls will be forwarded. Here, system processor  111  first forwards the user to the main menu at step  1103  and gives various options contained in messages stored on the memory  113 . If the user selects Option #1, processor  111  prompts the user to enter the follow me number at step  1105 . The user then enters the number at step  1107 . At step  1109 , processor  111  replays the entered number and stores it in the memory  113 . Once replayed at step  1131 , the system forwards the user back to the main menu. If, however, the user selects Option #2, processor  111  allows the user to review the follow me number that is currently set on the system at step  1109  by retrieving the number from the memory  113 . Here, again, processor  111  replays the number and then forwards the user back to the main menu at step  1131 .  
         [0066]     If the user selects Option #3, the system forwards the user to step  1133 , where the system processor  111  gives the option of activating or deactivating a follow me number. If the user selects Option #1, system processor  111  retrieves from the memory  113  and replay the status of the current follow me number at step  1137 . At step  1139 , processor  111  checks and replays the status of the current number as active or inactive. After this is done, processor  111  forwards the user back to the main menu of step  1103 . If, however, the user selects Option #9, processor  111  transfers the user to the Enhanced Features menu ( FIG. 8 ) at step  1135 .  
         [0067]     If the user selects Option #4, the user is allow to add an extra follow me number at step  1121 . At step  1123  the number is entered and processor  111  stores the number in the memory  113  and replays the extra number at step  1124 . After the number has been replayed, at step  1125 , the processor  111  forwards the user back to the main menu of step  1103 . If, however, the user selects Option #5, processor  111  forwards the user to step  1124 , where the extra follow me number is replayed. After the number is replayed, at step  1125 , processor  111  forwards the user back to the main menu of step  1103 .  
         [0068]     If the user selects Option #6, processor  111  deletes the current follow me number from the memory  113  at step  1127 . After the message is deleted processor  111  then forwards the user back to the main menu of step  1103 . Lastly, if the user selects Option #9, processor  111  forwards the user to the Enhanced Features menu of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0069]     In the preferred embodiment, referring now to the high level flow chart of  FIG. 12 , the user has now accessed the Get/Recover DID feature of the present invention. DID is an acronym for “direct inward dialing,” which is a feature that allows an outside caller to dial a phone number that will ring directly to a specific party instead of calling a main phone number. At step  1201 , the processor  111  checks the memory  113  to determine whether the user has a DID. If processor  111  determines the user does have a DID at step  1203 , processor  111  recalls the DID from the memory  113  and replays it at step  1205 . After the DID has been replay by processor  111 , processor  111  forwards the user to the Enhanced Features main menu (step  816 ) as discussed above in relation to  FIG. 8 . If, however, processor  111  determines the user does not have a DID, processor  111  retrieves a message from the memory  113  which asks the user whether he or she wants to acquire a DID at step  1207 . If the user enters a no response on the keypad, processor  111  forwards the user to the Enhanced Features menu (step  816 ) discussed under  FIG. 8 . If, however, the user chooses to acquire a DID, processor  111  forwards the user to a system operator at step  1209 , who assists the user in acquiring the DID.  
         [0070]     Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the user can record and manipulate personalized messages for the user&#39;s voicemail that will be played each time someone calls the user. At step  1301 , processor  111  retrieves from the memory  113  and replays the user&#39;s current greeting at step  1303 . At step  1305 , processor  111  retrieves from memory  113  and replays a message which gives the user the option of changing or canceling the current greeting. If the user selects Option #9, which allows the user to cancel the current greeting, the processor  111  forwards the user back to the Enhanced Features main menu discussed in relation to  FIG. 8  above. If, however, the user selects Option #1, the system processor  111  retrieves a message from the memory  113  which prompts the user to say his or her name (or record a message) at step  1307 . Once spoken, processor  111  replays the name at step  1309  and then directs the memory  113  to store the DID greeting at step  1311 . Once changed and stored, processor  111  forwards the user to the Enhanced Features main menu (step  816 ) discussed in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0071]     The banking features of the integrated card  5  also include both purchase and withdrawal transactions, and several features that are accessed over the IVR system. In a standard purchase transaction or withdrawal, the integrated card  5  is presented to cover the cost of a purchase at a PIN-based POS device, or at an ATM machine that have a supported network logo  30 .  
         [0072]     In the preferred embodiment, referring to  FIG. 14 , under the IVR system ATM Card Services features, processor  111  retrieves a stored audio message from memory  113  which asks the user to enter necessary security information at step  1401 . This information can be the user&#39;s year of birth, month of birth, and day of birth or any other valid identification recognized by the United States Government or other recognized entity. In this example, the security information is the date of birth. Here, the system processor  111  first begins by prompting the user to enter his or her year of birth at step  1401 . Once entered, the processor  111  stores the response in memory  113  and then prompts the user to enter their month of birth at step  1401   b.  Once entered, processor  111  again stores this response in memory  113  and then prompts the user to enter their day of birth at step  1401   c  and this information is also stored. After all security information has been entered, processor  111  compares it to the valid security information also stored in memory  113  to determine if it is valid at step  1402 .  
         [0073]     Once the security information is entered and verified, the user can obtain balances for both banking and telecommunications accounts as shown at steps  1403  and  1405 . Here, processor  111  retrieves the ATM and calling card balance of the user from memory  113  and replays it. After the calling card balance has been replayed, processor  111  forwards the user to step  1407 , the ATM/debit card services main menu, where the user is given a variety of options. These services can allow the user to load calling cards (Option #2,  FIG. 16 ), transfer money to other cards (Option #3,  FIG. 17  and  18 ), review transactions (Option #4,  FIG. 19 ), make direct money transfers (Option #1,  FIG. 15 ), check ATM balances (Option #5, step  1401 ), change access codes (Option #6,  FIG. 20 ), speak with customer services (Option #0, step  1409 ), or access the main menu (Option #9,  FIG. 4 ). Once selected, the processor  111  forwards the user to the requested automation. Also, when used at an ATM machine, the card  5  can be used just as any ATM card in the conventional manner to perform transactions such as money withdrawals and inquiries.  
         [0074]     Referring to  FIG. 14 , if the user selects Option #1, processor  111  transfers the user to the Direct Money feature, which allows the user, via the keypad, to direct processor  111  to transfer stored electronic funds to other linked cards as will be discussed later in relation to  FIG. 15 . If, the user selects Option #2, processor  111  transfers the user to the Load Calling Card feature of the present invention, which is discussed later in relation to  FIGS. 17 and 18 . If the user selects Option #4, processor  11  transfers the user to the Transfer Review feature of the present invention, which is discussed later in relation to  FIG. 19 . If the user selects Option #5, the system processor  111  replays the current ATM balance of the user at step  1409 . If the user selects Option #6, processor  111  transfers the user to the Changing Access Code feature of the present invention, which is discussed later in relation to  FIG. 20 . If the user selects Option #0, processor  111  transfers the user to customer service at step  1411 . Lastly, if the user selects Option #9, processor  111  transfers the user to the Main Menu feature, which was discussed above in relation to  FIG. 4 .  
         [0075]     Referring to the high level flow chart of  FIG. 15 , the integrated card system of the present invention includes a direct money function in which the user can send money directly to a linked card in the integrated card system of the present invention without having to type the card number that money is to be transferred to. This feature can be accessed through the IVR or the Internet and allows an easy, fast and secure way to transfer money to another card in the integrated card system.  
         [0076]     Referring to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 15 , once the user accesses the direct money feature through the IVR or Internet, the flow chart begins with step  1501  where processor  111  retrieves stored audio messages from memory  113  containing information about the direct money features and options and replays the messages to the user. Next, in step  1503 , processor  111  retrieves from memory  113  and replays a message which prompts the user to enter a dollar amount to be transferred to the linked card. After the user has entered the dollar amount, the processor  111  replays a message which prompts the user to enter the cent amount at step  1505 . Once the dollar and cent amount has been entered, processor  111  directs memory  113  to store the data. Once this has be done, at step  1507 , processor  111  retrieves from memory  113  and replays the amount entered by the user (or display the amount if accessed through the Internet) in dollars and cents. Once the user has heard the amount, he or she may verify or cancel the transaction in step  1509 . If the user chooses the change the amount of the electronic funds to be transferred under Option #2, the user enters the presses the required key on the keypad and processor  111  will begin again at step  1503  and follow the previously-mentioned steps. If the user decides to cancel the transfer under Option #9, the user enters the desired key and processor  111  forwards the user to the ATM Card Services feature of  FIG. 14 . If, however, the user verifies the amount under Option #1, processor  111  directs the electronic fund transfer to the linked card in step  1511  without the user having to enter any account information related to the linked card. After the electronic funds have been transferred, the system processor  111  forwards the user to the ATM Card Services feature of  FIG. 14 .  
         [0077]     In the preferred embodiment, referring to  FIG. 16 , the user can transfer money from the user&#39;s account funds to the user calling card account via the IVR or Internet. Additionally, it is possible for the user to transfer funds to a prepaid mobile account or other telecommunications account supported by the integrated card system. The user will have the option of transferring either predefined amounts such as $5, $10, $20, $50, or $100 dollars, or to enter a specified amount of through the use of the telephone keypad or other data entry device used in conjunction with Internet transactions.  
         [0078]     Referring to  FIG. 16 , once the user has accessed the system through the IVR or Internet, the user is prompted by the processor  111  to enter a dollar amount to be loaded onto the calling card in step  1601 . Once entered, processor  111  directs the memory  113  to store the entered amount and the user is them prompted by processor  111  to enter a cent amount in step  1603 . Once entered, processor  111  again directs memory  113  to store the entered amount and processor  111  replays the amount entered by the user in dollars and cents in step  1605 . Once replayed, the processor  111  gives the user the option to verify or cancel the transaction or exit in step  1607 . If the user decides to cancel the transaction under Option #2, processor  111  restarts at step  1601  and begin the process again. If the user chooses to exit the loading feature, processor  111  transfers the user to the Debit Services feature of  FIG. 14  discussed above. If, on the other hand, the user verifies the transaction under Option #1, after a brief processing time of step  1608 , processor  111  transfers the money in step  1609  and the card is loaded. After the card is loaded, processor  111  transfers the user to the Telephone Services menu of  FIG. 5  discussed above.  
         [0079]     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the user can transfer funds from the user&#39;s integrated card  5  to any other integrated card  5  in the integrated card system by entering the account number of the integrated card  5  to receive the finds. This function provides a very easy and convenient way to perform money transfers to any other user on the integrated card system of the present invention.  
         [0080]     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , once the user has accessed the system through the IVR or Internet, he or she is prompted to enter the recipient&#39;s card number at step  1701 . Once entered, processor  111  replays the recipient&#39;s card number and name retrieved from the memory  113 , if available, in steps  1703  and  1705  respectively. Next, in step  1707 , processor  111  allows the user to confirm the recipient replayed by the system is the correct. If incorrect, the user selects Option #3 and processor  111  cancels the transaction and begins again at step  1701 . If the user decides to exit the transaction under Option  9 , processor  111  transfers the user back to the ATM Card Services feature of  FIG. 14  discussed above. The user is also given the option of replaying the card number and name under Option #2 where processor  111  transfers the user back to step  1703  and the process begins again.  
         [0081]     If, however, the intended recipient is correct, the user selects Option #1 and processor  111  prompts the user to enter a dollar and cent amount in steps  1709  and  1711  respectively. Once entered, processor  111  directs the memory  113  to store the amount and, at step  1713 , system processor  111  retrieves from memory  113  and replay the total amount in dollars and cents to be transferred. Once replayed, the user is allowed to cancel, change, or verify the transaction at step  1715 . If cancelled, the user selects Option #9 and the system begins again at step  1701 . If the user decides to change the amount to be transferred under Option #2, the user inputs the required keystroke and processor  111  transfers the user back to step  1709  and the process begins again. If, however, the transaction is verified under Option #1, after the brief processing time of step  1716 , the processor  111  transfers the specified electronic fund amount to the specified card account in step  1717 . The processor  111  then gives the user the option of making another transaction or exiting the system in step  1719 . If the user selects Option #1, processor  111  forwards the user back to step  1701  of the Card to Card Transactions feature of  FIG. 17 . If, however, the user selects Option #2, processor  111  transfers to the ATM Card Services menu of  FIG. 14 .  
         [0082]     In  FIG. 19 , the user can, as shown, review the transactions completed including the transaction date, the transaction amount, and the transaction type. Additionally, the user may obtain the current balance of funds associated with the user&#39;s integrated card  5 . The options of this feature begin at step  1901 . Here, processor  111  presents the user with the options to review the current transaction, listen to another transaction, or exit. If the user chooses to listen to the current transaction, the user inputs the required keystroke and the system processor  111  then transfers the user to step  1903 , where in steps  1905  and  1907  processor  111  retrieves from memory  113  and replays the amount of the transaction in dollars and cents. Thereafter, in step  1909  system processor  111  retrieves from memory  113  and replay the date the transaction occurred. After this is replayed, processor  111  forwards the user back to step  1901 . If the user chooses to exit the feature, after inputting the desired keystroke, processor  111  transfers the user to the ATM Card Services feature discussed above under  FIG. 14 .  
         [0083]     If, however, the user chooses to listen to the next transaction, processor  111  performs an internal check in its memory  113  to determine whether there are any more transactions under step  1911 . If there are no more transactions on the internal network under step  1913 , processor  111  transfers the user back to the ATM Card Services menu of  FIG. 14 . If, however, it is determined there are other transactions on the internal network under step  1915 , processor  111  transfers the user back to step  1903  and the next transactions is replayed as previously discussed.  
         [0084]     Referring to  FIG. 20 , the user has the ability to change the access code for the user&#39;s integrated card  5 . Once the user has selected this function in the keypad, at step  2001 , processor  111  prompts the user to enter the new access code. Once entered, processor  111  stores the entered code in its memory  113 . The processor  111  then checks internal records in its memory  113  to ascertain whether the input is valid at step  2002 . If the input is determined to be invalid under step  2004  by processor  111 , processor  111  again prompts the user to enter the new access code at step  2001 . If, however, the access code is valid, the user is allowed to listen to the code at step  2003  and decide whether to accept, replay, or change the access code at step  2005 . If the user chooses to change the code under Option #3, the user is again prompted to step  2001  and the process begins again. If the user chooses to replay the access code again under Option #2, processor  111  transfers the user back to step  2003 , retrieves the entered code from its memory  113 , and replays the access code. If, however, the user accepts the new access code under Option #1, processor  111  changes the code to reflect the user&#39;s desire at step  2007 . Once complete,  111  transfers the user back to the ATM Card Services feature of  FIG. 14 .  
         [0085]     In addition, several other functionalities may be provided according to the present invention. For example, the user can reload the integrated card  5  using a third card provided by the integrated card system. This third card can be used at any POS device designed, adapted, or reprogrammed for this purpose. This third card is linked to the user&#39;s primary integrated card  5 . The user presents the third card at a POS device with the funds to be placed on the card and requests that the card be reloaded. The third card is then swiped or otherwise accessed through the POS device, and the amount of funds is then associated with the user&#39;s integrated card  5 . In addition, the user can have the user&#39;s payroll check or wages directly deposited onto the integrated card  5  account.  
         [0086]     As another feature, the integrated card system may provide special bonuses and incentives to users for using their integrated card  5 . These promotions can be based on the amount of calling time used; the amount of goods purchased, accumulation of points, instant prizes, or based on referrals. Also, the integrated card system allows the user to pay bills using the card  5 . This can be done through the IVR, website or at a POS station. In addition, the integrated card system can offer accidental death or dismemberment insurance, for example, to a primary card holder.  
         [0087]     Having described the invention above, various modifications of the techniques, procedures, components and equipment will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that all such variations within the scope and spirit be embraced thereby.