Abstract:
A method and system that allows an account holder to create secure single and multi-use virtual credit account numbers from electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablets, computers and so forth. In addition, the method and system allows non-editable virtual credit card images to be created in another name from an administrator&#39;s account, which is perfect for employer/employee card creation, and electronically transmitted to an intended recipient. Secure virtual credit account numbers may be sent via email as a card image or SMS text message. An account holder or appointed administrator may establish restrictions on usage of a recipient&#39;s, such as an employee&#39;s, virtual credit card and the account holder may change those restrictions or disable the virtual credit card at any time from an electronic device, such as a smart phone, tablet, computer and so forth.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to day to day financial transactions made by account holders, such as business owners, employees and ordinary individuals and more particularly to a method and system that allows an account holder to create secure single and multi-use virtual credit cards from an electronic device and securely transmit that information to a vendor for payment of an amount due or to a third party, such as an employee for use by the employee to charge business expenses. 
         [0002]    Credit account holders, such as businesses, conduct financial transactions using credit cards every day. For example, businesses may conduct financial transactions that include vendor payments, travel arrangements, office supplies, car rentals, hotel reservations and so forth. Business owners are concerned with tracking vendor payments made using credit cards due to possible overcharges, skimming, fraud and/or theft that may occur. In addition, business owners are concerned about employees&#39; use of company credit cards for the same reasons. However, business owners often find out about occurrences of overcharges, skimming, fraud and/or theft after it has already happened. The same is true for ordinary individuals using personal credit accounts. 
         [0003]    Therefore, a need exists for a method and system for account holders to prevent occurrences of overcharges, skimming, fraud and/or theft prior to these actions occurring by allowing account holders to make payments to vendors using secure single and multi-use virtual credit cards and provide third party recipients, such as employees or a child who needs a loan, with virtual credit cards from an electronic device, such as a smart phone, tablet, computer and so forth, while being able to monitor and restrict usage of the virtual credit cards at any time from the same or other device. 
         [0004]    The relevant prior art includes the following references: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Pat. No. 
                   
                 Issue/Publication 
               
               
                 (U.S. Patent References) 
                 Inventor 
                 Date 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 7,859,529 
                 Walker et al. 
                 Dec. 14, 2010 
               
               
                 7,844,550 
                 Walker et al. 
                 Nov. 30, 2010 
               
               
                 7,822,666 
                 Bursch 
                 Oct. 26, 2010 
               
               
                 7,593,896 
                 Flitcroft et al. 
                 Sep. 22, 2009 
               
               
                 7,571,142 
                 Flitcroft et al. 
                 Aug. 04, 2009 
               
               
                 7,568,631 
                 Gibbs et al. 
                 Aug. 04, 2009 
               
               
                 7,567,934 
                 Flitcroft et al. 
                 Jul. 28, 2009 
               
               
                 7,177,835 
                 Walker et al. 
                 Feb. 13, 2007 
               
               
                 7,136,835 
                 Flitcroft et al. 
                 Nov. 14, 2006 
               
               
                 2004/0133507 
                 Barbout 
                 Jul. 08, 2004 
               
               
                 2001/0047335 
                 Arndt et al. 
                 Nov. 29, 2001 
               
               
                 6,613,771 
                 Walker et al. 
                 Dec. 19, 2000 
               
               
                 5,883,810 
                 Franklin et al. 
                 Mar. 16, 1999 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       (Non-Patent References) 
       [0005]    http://www.tchek.com/offerings/corporate-and-commercial/virtual-card/http://www.geardiary.com/2009/01/24/use-paypals-free-disposabl c-credit-card-number-to-manage-recurring-charges/ http://techland.time.com/2011/05/03/disposable-credit-card-numbers-can-protect-you-from-hacks/ 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The primary object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for account holders to make, track and control virtual credit card numbers in which an account holder may create secure single and multi-use virtual credit cards using an electronic device, such as a smart phone, tablet, computer and so forth. 
         [0007]    An additional object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for account holders to make, track and control virtual credit card numbers using an electronic device in which an account holder can create and use virtual credit cards to make payments to vendors. 
         [0008]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for account holders to make, track and control virtual credit card numbers using an electronic device in which an account holder can create and send virtual credit cards to an employee for the employee to make one or more business transactions. 
         [0009]    An additional object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for account holders to make, track and control virtual credit card numbers using an electronic device in which an account holder may create an instant virtual credit card using pre-stored account information. 
         [0010]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for account holders to make, track and control virtual credit card numbers using an electronic device in which an account holder can mange and track the use of virtual credit cards at any time from an electronic device. 
         [0011]    An additional object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for account holders to change restrictions on use for issued virtual credit cards and/or block existing virtual credit cards from further use at any time from an electronic device. 
         [0012]    The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a payment method that allows a account holder or user to create secure single and multi-use virtual credit cards from electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablets, computers and so forth. The method and system allows non-editable virtual credit card images to be created in another name from an administrator&#39;s account and then be electronically transmitted to an intended recipient. Secure virtual credit cards or credit card numbers may be sent via email as a card image or SMS text message. The method and system of the present invention also contains enhanced security features, including a personal identification number (“PIN”) prompting at setup and an option to create single and multi-use virtual credit cards for vendor payments all without storing sensitive credit card data on a mobile device&#39;s operating system or hardware. The method and system has custom control features which include purchase restrictions that may be set when a virtual credit card is created and then changed at any time by the account holder or administrator. For example, an account holder or appointed administrator may restrict an employee&#39;s virtual credit card for use at businesses having specific merchant category codes (“MCC”), such as an airline to ensure the employee only uses the virtual credit card to purchase an airline ticket. The account holder may change those restrictions or disable the virtual credit card from further use at any time from an electronic device, such as a smart phone, tablet, computer and so forth. 
         [0013]    Virtual credit cards may also be assigned to specific purchase orders, invoice numbers and/or be customized with memo notes. Users may also copy and paste virtual credit card numbers within an Internet browser to complete an online purchase as well as view or block existing virtual credit cards from any further use at any time from any electronic device. In addition, virtual credit cards may be created and sent as payments, rewards, incentives, rebates, loyalty incentives to employees or customers and so forth. 
         [0014]    The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a flow chart showing various users of the method and system of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart showing steps for creating an account with a credit card issuer to be used in conjunction with the method and system of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart showing steps for accessing an account holder&#39;s account via an electronic device using the method and system of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart showing steps for creating a virtual credit card using the method and system of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart showing steps for electronically transmitting a virtual credit card to a recipient using the method and system of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing steps for managing existing virtual credit cards of an account using the method and system of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing steps for managing various account settings using the method and system of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing steps for creating an instant virtual credit card using the method and system of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing steps for copying instant virtual credit card information into a payment screen to complete an online purchase using the method and system of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is an example of a computer environment, in which the method and system of the present invention operates; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a front view of an electronic device displaying an account setup screen of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a front view of an electronic device displaying a user login screen requiring a PIN of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a front view of an electronic device displaying a main screen having the options of creating an instant virtual credit card, a virtual credit card, viewing existing virtual credit cards or viewing account settings of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a front view of an electronic device displaying options and step for creating a virtual credit card of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a front view of an electronic device displaying advanced options and step for creating a virtual credit card of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a front view of an electronic device displaying an option to limit the number of transactions that may be performed using a virtual credit card of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is a front view of an electronic device displaying an option to limit the merchant categories where a virtual credit card of the present invention may be used; 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is a front view of an electronic device displaying a listing of existing virtual credit cards of the present invention that have been issued by the administrator; 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  is a front view of an electronic device displaying an option to block a virtual credit card of the present invention from being used for any future transaction; 
           [0035]      FIG. 20  is a front view of an electronic device displaying account details of an existing virtual credit card of the present invention; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 21  is a front view of an electronic device displaying options for sending a virtual credit card of the present invention to a recipient; 
           [0037]      FIG. 22  is a front view of an electronic device displaying options viewing balance, account settings, instant virtual card settings and virtual credit card setting present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 23  is a front view of an electronic device displaying options for viewing and changing account settings of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 24  is a front view of an electronic device displaying options for viewing and changing instant virtual credit card settings of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 25  is a front view of an electronic device displaying options for viewing and changing virtual credit card settings of the present invention; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 26  is a front view of an electronic device displaying anon-editable virtual credit card of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0042]    For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered accessories in the drawings is as follows:
         101 . credit card issuer     102 . account holder     103 . administrator     104 . recipient     105 . sub-administrator     201 . account holder creates account     202 . account is created in a central database     203 . a line of credit is created     204 . one or more administrators are allowed to access and manage account     205 . the administrator downloads software onto electronic device     206 . identifying information is assigned to administrator     301 . administrator enters PIN     302 . PIN is not verified to be correct     303 . access is denied     304 . PIN is verified     305 . access is allowed     306 . administrator creates virtual credit card     307 . administrator manages account     308 . administrator creates an instant credit card     309 . administrator manages account settings     401 . administrator selects option to create a virtual credit card     402 . administrator enters a dollar amount     403 . administrator selects option to make the dollar amount to be a limit     404 . administrator selects option to make the dollar amount exact     405 . administrator is given option to limit use of virtual credit card to one or more particular industries     406 . administrator selects to limit card use to one or more particular industries     407 . administrator selects industries the use of the virtual credit card will be limited to     408 . administrator selects not to limit use of credit card to one or more particular industries     409 . administrator is given option to enter additional information to limit the use of the virtual credit card     410 . administrator confirms selections and entered information     411 . administrator created the virtual credit card for his/her own use     412 . virtual credit card is saved in card issuer&#39;s central database     413 . administrator created virtual credit card for a recipient     414 . virtual credit card is saved in card issuer&#39;s central database and sent electronically to recipient     415 . virtual credit card is saved in central database     501 . administrator selects option to send created virtual credit card to a third party     502 . administrator enters recipients contact information     503 . administrator enters message     504 . an un-editable image of the virtual credit card is emailed to recipient     505 . virtual credit card information is emailed to recipient     506 . an un-editable image of the virtual credit card is SMS texted to recipient     507 . virtual credit card information is texted to recipient     601 . administrator selects option to manage account     602 . administrator selects option to search existing virtual credit cards     603 . administrator selects a virtual credit card to examine various information     604 . administrator changes parameters of virtual credit card     605 . administrator selects option to block an existing virtual credit card from further use     606 . administrator selects existing virtual credit card that is to be blocked     607 . administrator confirms block of virtual credit card     608 . administrator sends a saved virtual credit card to a recipient.     701 . administrator selects settings option     702 . administrator selects account settings option     703 . administrator is presented with username     704 . administrator is presented with password     705 . administrator may reset password     706 . administrator may select option to require password be entered prior to creating any card     707 . administrator may change PIN     708 . administrator selects instant virtual credit card settings     709 . administrator enters a default first name     710 . administrator enters a default last name     711 . administrator enters a dollar amount     712 . administrator enters number of transactions that may be performed with instant virtual credit card     713 . administrator restricts usage of instant virtual credit card     714 . administrator enters expiration period     715 . administrator selects virtual credit card settings     716 . administrator enters a default first name     717 . administrator enters a default last name     718 . administrator enters a dollar amount     801 . administrator selects option to create instant virtual credit card     802 . instant virtual credit is created using default information stored in settings     803 . administrator uses instant virtual credit card is transaction     804 . administrator sends instant virtual credit card to recipient     901 . an instant virtual credit card is created     902 . option is selected to copy the credit card number     903 . the card number is pasted into the appropriate field of a payment screen     904 . option is selected to copy the CVC number     905 . the CVC number is pasted into the appropriate field of a payment screen     906 . option is selected to copy the expiration date     907 . the expiration date is pasted into the appropriate field of a payment screen     908 . the credit card information is submitted to the online retailer       
 
         [0123]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , a flow chart showing various users of the method and system of the present invention is illustrated. A credit card issuer  101  provides a line of credit or means to pre-fund an account and account to an account holder  102 , who may be a business owner or other individual having a personal account. The account holder  102  may then act as an administrator  103  or appoint another or additional individuals to act as administrators  103 , who then manage the account and create and transmit virtual credit cards to recipients  104 , such as vendors, employees and so forth, using the method and system of the present invention. Sub-administrators  105  may also manage the account and create and transmit virtual credit cards to recipients  104 . Sub-administrators  105  may have narrower access to account information and/or other restrictions on their access to the account, such as only being able to access the account and create virtual credit cards during work hours. 
         [0124]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , a flow chart showing steps for creating an account with a credit card issuer to be used in conjunction with the method and system of the present invention is illustrated. First, an account holder, such as a business owner, creates a credit account or pre-funded account with a credit card issuer  201 . Then, the account holder&#39;s account information is stored in the card issuer&#39;s central database  202 . Next, a line of credit is extended to the account holder or the account is pre-funded by the account holder  203  to be used by the account holder to conduct financial transactions using virtual credit cards. Then, the account holder allows one or more administrators or sub-administrators access to the account  204 . Next, the one or more administrators or sub-administrators download software from the card issuer onto an electronic device  205  that allows the one or more administrators or sub administrators to create and transmit virtual credit cards using the method and system of the present invention. Finally, a sign on name, account code, customer ID, password, security information and/or personal identification number (“PIN”) are created and assigned to the one or more administrators or sub-administrators  206  to allow them access to the account. In the following description, reference to administrators means administrators and sub-administrators unless otherwise specified. 
         [0125]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , a flow chart showing steps for accessing an account holder&#39;s account via an electronic device using the method and system of the present invention is illustrated. First, an administrator opens the software on his or her electronic device and is connected with the card issuer&#39;s server via the Internet  301 . Next, the administrator enters a PIN into the electronic device  302 . If the PIN is not verified to be correct by the card issuer  303  then access to the account holder&#39;s account is denied  304 . If the PIN is verified to be correct by the card issuer  305  then access to the account holder&#39;s account is allowed  306 . Then, the administrator may create a virtual credit card on the electronic device  307 , manage the account on the electronic device  308 , create an instant credit card  309  and/or manage account settings  310 . 
         [0126]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , a flow chart showing steps for creating a virtual credit card using the method and system of the present invention is illustrated. First, the administrator selects an option to create a virtual credit card  401  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). Then, the administrator enters a dollar amount  402 . Next, the administrator may select an option to make the dollar amount to be a limit  403  that may be charged using the account number that is unique to the virtual credit card being created or the administrator may select an option to make the dollar amount exact  404 , thereby limiting the use of the account number and virtual credit card to a specific charge amount. Then, the administrator is given an option to limit use of the virtual credit card to one or more particular industries  405  which may be limited according to merchant category codes (“MCC”). If the administrator selects to limit card use to one or more particular MCC  406  then the administrator selects from a list of industries the use of the virtual credit card will be limited to  407 . For example, the virtual credit card may be limited to an MCC for airlines. Alternatively, the administrator may select not to limit use of the virtual credit card to one or more particular MCC  408 . Next, the administrator is given an option to enter additional information to limit the use of the virtual credit card  409 . Such limitations may include setting an expiration date, limiting the number of transactions the virtual credit card may be used for, limiting the use of the virtual credit card to a specific purchase order or invoice number and so forth. Then, the administrator confirms the selections and entered information  410  and the virtual credit card is created. If the administrator created the virtual credit card for his/her own use  411 , then the virtual credit card is saved in the card issuer&#39;s central database  412  so the administrator can retrieve the virtual credit card for future use using the electronic device. If the administrator created the virtual credit card for a recipient  413 , such as an employee or a vendor, then the virtual credit card is saved in card issuer&#39;s central database and sent electronically to the recipient  414  (as illustrated in  FIG. 5 ) or the virtual credit card may be saved in the card issuer&#39;s central database  415  to be sent to a recipient at a later date. 
         [0127]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , a flow chart showing steps for electronically transmitting a virtual credit card to a recipient using the method and system of the present invention is illustrated. First, the administrator selects option to send a created virtual credit card to a recipient  501 . Then, the administrator enters recipients contact information  502 . Next, the administrator may enter a message  503  to accompany the virtual credit card. Then, the administrator may email an un-editable image of the virtual credit card to the recipient  504 , email only the virtual credit card information, such as the card number, card security code and so forth, to the recipient  505 , SMS text an un-editable image of the virtual credit card to the recipient  506  or text only the virtual credit card information to the recipient  507 . If the recipient is a vendor, then the vendor may charge money to the account holder&#39;s line of credit according to the limitations placed on the virtual credit card. If the recipient is an employee, then the recipient may use the non-editable image or account number to charge expenses according to the limitations placed on the virtual credit card. The administrator may also have the ability to select a secure and/or tokenized email delivery method, wherein the recipient will receive an email containing a secure link to an online portal accessible via internet browser. After following the link, the recipient will verify their identity, authenticate and log into the online portal to retrieve a virtual credit card. 
         [0128]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , a flow chart showing steps for managing existing virtual credit cards of an account using the method and system of the present invention is illustrated. First, the administrator selects an option to manage the account  601  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). Then, the administrator may select an option to search existing virtual credit cards  602  have been created and which are saved on the card issuer&#39;s central database. Next, the administrator selects a virtual credit card to review  603 . Then, the administrator may leave the virtual credit card as is or change certain parameters of the virtual credit card  604 , such as expiration date, charge limit, industries wherein the card may be used with and so forth. 
         [0129]    The administrator may also select an option to block an existing virtual credit card from further use  605 . If the administrator chooses to block an existing virtual credit card form further use, then the administrator selects the existing virtual credit card that is to be blocked  606  from a list of virtual credit cards and the administrator confirms the block of the virtual credit card  607 . 
         [0130]    The administrator may also select an option to send a saved virtual credit card to a recipient  608 . 
         [0131]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , a flow chart showing steps for managing various account settings using the method and system of the present invention is illustrated. First, the administrator selects a settings option  701  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). Next, the administrator may select an account settings option  702 . Then, the administrator is presented with a username  703  and password  704 . The administrator may reset the password  705  and/or the administrator may select an option to require the password to be entered prior to creating any virtual credit card  706  as an added security measure. The administrator may also change the PIN  707 . 
         [0132]    Alternatively, the administrator may select an option to manage instant virtual credit card settings  708 . First, the administrator enters a default first name  709 . Then, the administrator enters a default last name  710 . Next, the administrator enters a dollar amount  711 . Then, the administrator may limit the number of transactions that may be performed with the instant virtual credit card  712 . Next, the administrator may restrict usage of instant virtual credit card  713 , such as limiting the times of day that the instant virtual credit card may be used. Then, the administrator may enter an expiration date  714 . Finally, the administrator may use the saved information to create an instant virtual credit card without having to re-enter the information, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The instant virtual credit card is more ideal for situations where the dollar amounts and other factors remain the same and the administrator needs to create an instant virtual credit card on a regular basis, such as creating an instant virtual credit card every month for an employee to pay for office supplies, or for a recurring monthly charges from a vendor. 
         [0133]    Alternatively, the administrator may select to manage virtual credit card settings  715 , which requires less information than an instant virtual credit card because dollar amounts and other setting are more likely to change than an instant virtual credit card. First, the administrator enters a default first name  716 . Then, the administrator enters a default last name  717 . Finally, the administrator enters a dollar amount  718 . This information will then automatically be populated when the administrator creates a virtual credit card for a recipient, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0134]    With reference to  FIG. 8 , a flow chart showing steps for creating an instant virtual credit card using the method and system of the present invention is illustrated. First, the administrator selects an option to create an instant virtual credit card  801  and selects a recipient. Then, an instant virtual credit is created using default information stored in the settings  802  for the transaction to be performed or for the recipient selected by the administrator. Next, the administrator uses the instant virtual credit card in a financial transaction  803  or the administrator sends instant virtual credit card to recipient  804  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0135]    With reference to  FIG. 9 , a flow chart showing steps for copying instant virtual credit card information into a payment screen to complete an online purchase using the method and system of the present invention is illustrated. First, an instant virtual credit card is created having a unique credit card number, a card verification code (“CVC”) number and an expiration date  901 . Then, an option is selected to copy the credit card number  902  and paste the credit card number into the appropriate field of a payment screen  903 . Next, an option is selected to copy the CVC number  904  and paste the CVC number into the appropriate field of a payment screen  905 . Then, an option is selected to copy the expiration date  906  and paste the expiration date into the appropriate field of a payment screen  907 . Finally, the instant virtual credit card information may be submitted to the online retailer  908 , thereby completing the transaction. 
         [0136]    With reference to  FIG. 10 , an example of a computer environment, in which the method and system of the present invention operates is illustrated. A server  1001  operated by the card issuer receives and sends information over the internet  1002  to an administrator&#39;s electronic device  1003 . Information regarding the administrator&#39;s account and virtual credit cards is stored in the card issuer&#39;s central database  1004  and may be accessed and updated by the administrator through the internet  1002  and the card issuer&#39;s server  1001 . The administrator may create a virtual credit card and then email or text the virtual credit card via the internet  1002  or a mobile system to a recipient&#39;s electronic device  1005 . 
         [0137]    In  FIG. 11 , a front view of an electronic device displaying an account setup screen of the present invention is illustrated, which is self explanatory when viewed in conjunction with the description of the method and system described herein. 
         [0138]    In  FIG. 12 , a front view of an electronic device displaying a user login screen requiring a PIN of the present invention is illustrated, which is self explanatory when viewed in conjunction with the description of the method and system described herein. 
         [0139]    In  FIG. 13 , a front view of an electronic device displaying a main screen having the options of creating an instant virtual credit card, a virtual credit card, viewing existing virtual credit cards or viewing account settings of the present invention is illustrated, which is self explanatory when viewed in conjunction with the description of the method and system described herein. 
         [0140]    In  FIG. 14 , a front view of an electronic device displaying options and step for creating a virtual credit card of the present invention is illustrated, which is self explanatory when viewed in conjunction with the description of the method and system described herein. 
         [0141]    In  FIG. 15 , a front view of an electronic device displaying advanced options and step for creating a virtual credit card of the present invention is illustrated, which is self explanatory when viewed in conjunction with the description of the method and system described herein. 
         [0142]    In  FIG. 16 , a front view of an electronic device displaying an option to limit the number of transactions that may be performed using a virtual credit card of the present invention is illustrated, which is self explanatory when viewed in conjunction with the description of the method and system described herein. 
         [0143]    In  FIG. 17 , a front view of an electronic device displaying an option to limit the merchant categories where a virtual credit card of the present invention may be used is illustrated, which is self explanatory when viewed in conjunction with the description of the method and system described herein. 
         [0144]    In  FIG. 18 , a front view of an electronic device displaying a listing of existing virtual credit cards of the present invention that have been issued by the administrator is illustrated, which is self explanatory when viewed in conjunction with the description of the method and system described herein. 
         [0145]    In  FIG. 19 , a front view of an electronic device displaying an option to block a virtual credit card of the present invention from being used for any future transaction is illustrated, which is self explanatory when viewed in conjunction with the description of the method and system described herein. 
         [0146]    In  FIG. 20 , a front view of an electronic device displaying account details of an existing virtual credit card of the present invention is illustrated, which is self explanatory when viewed in conjunction with the description of the method and system described herein. 
         [0147]    In  FIG. 21 , a front view of an electronic device displaying options for sending a virtual credit card of the present invention to a recipient is illustrated, which is self explanatory when viewed in conjunction with the description of the method and system described herein. 
         [0148]    In  FIG. 22 , a front view of an electronic device displaying options viewing balance, account settings, instant virtual card settings and virtual credit card setting present invention is illustrated, which is self explanatory when viewed in conjunction with the description of the method and system described herein. 
         [0149]    In  FIG. 23 , a front view of an electronic device displaying options for viewing and changing account settings of the present invention is illustrated, which is self explanatory when viewed in conjunction with the description of the method and system described herein. 
         [0150]    In  FIG. 24 , a front view of an electronic device displaying options for viewing and changing instant virtual credit card settings of the present invention is illustrated, which is self explanatory when viewed in conjunction with the description of the method and system described herein. 
         [0151]    In  FIG. 25 , a front view of an electronic device displaying options for viewing and changing virtual credit card settings of the present invention is illustrated, which is self explanatory when viewed in conjunction with the description of the method and system described herein. 
         [0152]    Finally in  FIG. 26 , a front view of an electronic device displaying a non-editable virtual credit card of the present invention is illustrated, which is self explanatory when viewed in conjunction with the description of the method and system described herein. 
         [0153]    It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.