Abstract:
The invention provides a systems and method for transferring money from a sender to a receiver utilizing a computer network including a server. The method may comprise the steps of the sender identifying, to the server over the network, an amount of money to be transferred to the receiver and a withdraw account from which money is to be transferred. The method may further include transferring money from the withdraw account; the server sending an electronic message to the receiver over the network to inform the receiver that the sender is transferring money to the receiver and to request the receiver contact the server to receive money; the receiver contacting the server over the network in response to the electronic message and identifying a deposit account to which money is to be transferred. Further, the method may include transferring money to the deposit account.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a system and method for sending money via electronic mail and, more particularly, to a system and method for sending money via electronic mail over a computer network wherein a sender identifies a withdraw account such as a checking account and/or a credit card account and a receiver identifies a deposit account such as a checking account or credit card account. 
         [0002]    The Internet is a public network of computers which is, in simplified fashion, a web of autonomous computers and computer servers (“ACCS”) linked to data switches or routers and connected together. The ACCS are typically owned and operated by Internet Service Providers (“ISP”) such as PSI, UUNET, MCI, SPRINT, etc. The ACCS are link by telecommunication lines to form the Internet. Large data sources such as universities, governments, and corporations, collect and market information through their own Internet servers connected to the Internet. Users typically access the Internet using an Internet access device such as a personal computer or WEB TV which are connected to an ISP via a telecommunications line. The ISP typically provides numerous services for its users such as, for example, electronic messaging or mail (“e-mail”) and access to the World Wide Web (“WWW”). 
         [0003]    Each resource (e.g., computer or computer server) is identified by a unique Uniform Resource Locator (“URL”). Computer servers (typically called “Web servers” or “Web sites”), store information on graphical pages called Web pages. To view specific information, a user specifies the URL for the Web page in a request (e.g., a HyperText Transfer Protocol (“HTTP”) request). The request is forwarded to the Web server that supports the Web page and the Web server sends the Web page of information to the user&#39;s computer. The user&#39;s computer displays the Web page, typically using a browser which is a special-purpose application program which requests and displays Web pages. 
         [0004]    Web pages are typically defined using HyperText Markup Language (“HTML”). HTML provides a standard set of tags that define how a Web page displays various text, graphics, controls, and other features. When the user requests the browser to display a Web page, the browser sends a request to the Web server to transfer to the user&#39;s computer an HTML document that defines the Web page. When the requested HTML document is received, by the user&#39;s computer, the browser displays the Web page as defined by the HTML document. The HTML document may contain URL&#39;s of other Web pages available on that Web server or other Web servers. 
         [0005]    The Internet is considered to have enormous potential as means of communication, source of information, and marketplace for products. It is now possible to communicate with virtually everyone with a computer, to obtain information about virtually everything, and to purchase virtually anything via the Internet. Although the Internet has enormous potential, use of the Internet may not be developing at a rate it can and should develop. One reason for this depressed development is the difficulty to send money over the Internet. A user cannot send cash or a check over the Internet and sending a credit card number via the Internet is only an option if the sender has a credit card and the recipient has a credit card merchant account as required by credit card companies. Additionally, the alternative of sending cash or a check via a physical delivery service is slow and burdensome and is relatively expensive to obtain a shorter delivery time. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system and method of sending money via the Internet. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides a system and method of sending money via electronic message or mail over a computer network which overcomes at least some of the above-identified problems of the prior art. According to the present invention, a money-mailing method includes the step of a sender identifying, to a server over the network, an amount of money to be transferred to a receiver and a withdraw account from which the amount of money is to be transferred. The server sends an electronic message to the receiver over the network to inform the receiver that the sender is transferring money to the receiver and to request the receiver to contact the server to receive the money. The receiver contacts the server in response to the electronic message and identifies a deposit account to which money is to be transferred. Money is transferred from the withdraw account and money is transferred to the deposit account. 
         [0007]    According to another aspect of the present invention, the money-mailing method includes a receiver identifying, to a server over a network, a sender from whom money is to be transferred to the receiver, and a deposit account to which money is to be transferred. The server sends an electronic message to the sender over the network to inform the sender that the sender should transfer money to the receiver and to request the sender to contact the server to transfer money. The sender contacts the server in response to the electronic message and identifies a withdraw account from which money is to be transferred. Money is transferred from the withdraw account and money is transferred to the deposit account. 
         [0008]    According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a money-mailing system includes a server and programming code on the server. The programming code is adapted for receiving a request from a sender over the network to transfer money to a receiver and for receiving identification from the sender over the network of a withdraw account from which money is to be transferred. The programming code is further adapted for sending, in response to the request, an electronic message to the receiver over the network to inform the receiver that the sender is transferring money and to request the receiver to contact the server to receive the money. The programming code is even further adapted for receiving, in response to the electronic message, identification from the receiver over the network of a deposit account to which money is to be transferred. 
         [0009]    According to even yet another aspect of the present invention, a money-mailing system includes a server and programming code on the server. The programming code is adapted for receiving a request from a receiver over the network to receive money from a sender and for receiving identification from the receiver over the network of a withdraw account to which money is to be transferred. The programming code is further adapted for sending, in response to the request, an electronic message to the sender over the network to inform the sender that the sender should transfer money to the receiver and to request the sender to contact the server to transfer money. The programming code is even further adapted for receiving, in response to the electronic message, identification from the sender over the network of a deposit account from which money is to be transferred. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0010]    These and further features of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and drawing, wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic view of a system for sending money via electronic mail over a computer network according to the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart diagrammatically illustrating a method for sending money via electronic mail over a computer network using the money-mailing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart diagrammatically illustrating a registration process for new senders and logging-in and authenticating process for previous senders of the money-mailing method of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are flow charts diagrammatically illustrating a new customer authentication process of the money-mailing method of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart diagrammatically illustrating a send money process of the money-mailing method of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart diagrammatically illustrating a check authorization process of the money-mailing method of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart diagrammatically illustrating a credit card authorization process of the money-mailing method of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart diagrammatically illustrating a settlement process of the money-mailing method of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart diagrammatically illustrating registration and/or login process for the receiver, a challenge question process, and a receive money process of the money-mailing method of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart diagrammatically illustrating recipient an ACH account process, a credit card account process, and a paper check process of the money-mailing method of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram showing typical sender-identification information used with the money-mailing system and method of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a block diagram showing typical bank-customer information used with the money-mailing system and method of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram showing typical bank-noncustomer information used with the money-mailing system and method of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a block diagram showing typical send-transaction information used with the money-mailing system and method of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a block diagram showing typical credit-card information used with the money-mailing system and method of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a flow chart diagrammatically illustrating a second embodiment of the money-mailing method of  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a system  10  for sending money via electronic messaging or mail (“e-mail”) over a computer network such as the Internet  12  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is noted that while the money-mailing system  10  of the present invention is particularly useful with the Internet  12  and is shown and described using the Internet  12 , the money-mailing system  10  can be used in conjunction with other communications systems or networks, with or without a central management system, within the scope of the present invention such as, for example, centrally managed networks (e.g., America Online, Prodigy, etc.) local Area networks, wide area networks, point-to-point dial-up connections, and the like. 
         [0028]    The illustrated money-mailing system  10  includes a main station  14  which is accessed by senders and receivers  16 ,  18  via the Internet  12  to send money e-mail, a bank  20  for performing financial transactions of the money mailing system  10 , an applicant validation network  22  for authenticating new customers, a check authorization network  24  for authorizing ACH transactions, a credit card authorization network  26  for authorizing credit card transactions, a greeting card web site  28  for including an electronic greeting card with e-mail when desired by the customer, and a merchant or gift certificate web site  30  for providing electronic gift certificates and/or goods for electronic gift certificates. 
         [0029]    The main station  14  of the money-mailing system  10  preferably has at least one web server  32  for providing a web site  34 , at least one database server  36  for providing a database  38  to process and store information, at least one local director  40  for connecting separate VLANs, and a backup system  42  for providing backup storage of data. The illustrated main station  14  includes two web servers  32  but any number of web servers  32  can be utilized to meet the required simultaneous use of the money-mailing system  10 . Suitable web servers  32  are believed to be available from the Compaq Computer Company of Houston, Tex. The illustrated main station  14  includes one database server  36  but any number of database servers  36  can be utilized to meet the required simultaneous use of the money-mailing system  10 . Suitable database servers  36  are believed to be available from Sun Microsystems, Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif. It is noted that the database server  36  is preferably separate from the web servers  32  for added security but all of the servers  32 ,  36  can be combined if desired. The illustrated servers  32 ,  36  are connected via a resource VLAN  44 , a backup VLAN  46 , and a private VLAN  48 . The resource VLAN  44  is connected to an exit VLAN  50  through at least one local director  40 . The illustrated main station  14  includes two local directors  40  but any number of local directors  40  can be utilized to meet the simultaneous use demands of the money-mailing system  10 . Suitable local directors are available from Cisco Systems, Inc. of San Jose, Calif. Customers, such as the illustrated sender and receiver  16 ,  18 , access the exit VLAN  50  via the Internet  12  in a conventional manner. Suitable firewalls are created and maintained by a suitable provider such as, for example, GTE Internetworking between the customers  16 ,  18  and the components of the main station  14 . While a single sender  16  and a single receiver  18  are shown in  FIG. 1 , it is understood that many senders and receivers  16 ,  18  can access the money-mailing system  10  via the Internet  12  at the same time. The backup system  42  is in communication with the servers  32 ,  36  via the backup VLAN  46 . A suitable backup system  42  is available from Legato Systems, Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif. The servers  32 ,  36  are in communication with the bank  20  through the private VLAN  48  as described in more detail hereinbelow. 
         [0030]    The bank  20  includes a customer database  52  for storing data regarding customer accounts, a check printing service  54 , such as what can be provided by the EDS Corporation, for processing and mailing paper checks, an ACH group  56  for processing ACH transactions, and a computer workstation  58  for communicating with various business partners. The bank components  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58  are in communication via a VLAN  60  and separated by a firewall created and maintained by a suitable provider such as, for example, GTE Internetworking. The bank VLAN  60  is in communication with the private VLAN  48  of the main station  14  via a primary telecommunications line  62  and preferably at least one backup telecommunications line. The primary telecommunications line  62  is preferably a “wide band” line such as a T1 line or the like. The illustrated bank  20  also includes a customer service department  64  which is in communication with customers  66  and business partners  22 ,  24 ,  26  via voice telecommunications lines  68 . The customer service department can alternatively be an external provider which can be in communications with customers and business partners via voice and data telecommunications lines and/or the Internet. It is noted that the term bank  20  as used in this specification and claims includes traditional banks as well as savings and loans, credit unions, and other such financial institutions which provide necessary banking functions such as ACH transactions. 
         [0031]    The illustrated applicant validation network  22  is a business partner providing the service of authenticating new customers by providing fraud checks as known in the industry. The applicant validation network  22  is preferably a debit scoring system such as ChexSystems of the Deluxe Corporation of Shoreview, Minn. The illustrated applicant verification network  22  is in direct communication with the bank workstation  58  via a telecommunications line  70  but alternatively can be in direct communication with the servers  32 ,  36  via a secure Internet connection. 
         [0032]    The illustrated check authorization network  24  is a business partner providing the service of authorizing ACH transactions. The check authentication network  24  is preferably a clearinghouse for ACH transactions such as eFunds of the Deluxe Corporation of Shoreview, Minn. The illustrated check authorization network  24  is in direct communication with the bank workstation  58  via a telecommunications line  72  but alternatively can be in direct communication with the servers  32 ,  36  via a secure Internet connection. 
         [0033]    The illustrated credit card authorization network  26  is a business partner providing the service of authorizing credit card transactions. The credit card authorization network  26  is preferably an Internet based clearing house for credit card authorization such as CyberSource Corporation of San Jose, Calif., but can alternatively can be the credit card companies such as, for example, VISA and MASTERCARD. The illustrated credit card authorization network  26  is in direct communication with the database server  36  via a secure Internet connection. 
         [0034]    The greeting card web site  28  is a business partner providing the service of including an electronic greeting card with e-mail when desired by the customer. The illustrated greeting card web site  28  is in direct communication with the web server  32  via a secure internet connection  76  but alternatively can be in direct communication with the web database  36 . 
         [0035]    The merchant or gift certificate web site  30  is a business partner providing a service such as providing goods or services to be purchased with the money or providing electronic gift certificates with the money for later purchase of goods or services. The illustrated merchant or gift certificate web site  30  is in direct communication with the web server  32  via a secure internet connection  78  but alternatively can be in direct communication with the web database  36 . 
         [0036]      FIGS. 2-10  illustrate a preferred method according to the present invention for sending money via e-mail over a computer network such as the Internet  12  using the money-mailing system  10  of  FIG. 1 . It is noted that while the servers  32 ,  36  and any other processors of the money-mailing system  10  are preferably provided with programming code adapted to perform the method described hereinbelow, there are many variations of the money-mailing method within the scope of the present invention. A first stage  100  of the money-mailing method is a web-site visiting process. The sender  16  visits the web site  34  of the money-mailing system  10  via the Internet  12 . The web server  32  displays a web site or home page which provides information about the money-mailing system  10 . When the sender  16  clicks on a “send money” button via a mouse, the sender  16  is requested to identify whether they are a first time sender using the money-mailing system  10 . For first time senders, the money-mailing system  10  proceeds to a third stage  104  as described in detail hereinbelow. For previous senders, the money-mailing system  10  proceeds to a second stage  102 . 
         [0037]    The second stage  102  of the money-mailing system  10  is a logging-in and authenticating process for senders  16  who have previously sent money using the money-mailing system  10 . As best shown in  FIG. 3 , if the sender  16  is not a first time sender, they are asked to enter their login name and their password which they previously provided as described in detail hereinbelow. The money-mailing system  10  authenticates the login name and the password input by the sender  16  to verify that the sender  16  is a customer in “good standing”. If the login name and password cannot be authenticated, the sender  16  is preferably given at least one additional try to input the information. If the login name and password are not authenticated within a predetermined number of retries, the web site  34  displays an “exit page” which preferably provides a phone number for the customer service department  64 . If the sender  16  is authenticated to be a customer “not in good standing”, the web site  34  displays an “exit page” which preferably provides a phone number of the customer service department  64 . If the sender  16  is authenticated to be a customer in “good standing”, the sender  16  is given the option of viewing a list of previous transactions they made through the money-mailing system  10 , canceling a previous transaction if not beyond a predetermined point, or beginning a new transaction. The list of previous transactions preferably includes the status of each transaction, who the e-mail was sent to, how much money was sent, when a check was posted, when a check was cashed etc. The money-mailing system  10  then proceeds to a fifth stage  156  as described in detail hereinafter. 
         [0038]    The third stage  104  of the money-mailing system  10  is a registration process for senders  16  who have not previously sent money using the money-mailing system  10 . When the sender  16  is a first time sender, the web site  34  displays a “new sender page” and requests the sender  16  to register as a sender  16  by providing sender-identification information  106 .  FIG. 11  illustrates typical sender-identification information  106  such as, for example, first name  108 , middle name  110 , last name  112 , suffix  114 , network or e-mail address  116 , login name  118 , password  120 , and password hint  122 . Once the requested sender-identification information  106  is input, the sender clicks on a “done” button via a mouse to continue. The web site  34  displays a “disclosure page” showing a disclosure regarding the money-mailing system  10  and requests the sender  16  to read the disclosure and indicate whether they accept the terms of the disclosure. If the sender  16  does not accept the terms of the disclosure, the web site  34  displays the “exit page”. If the sender  16  accepts the terms of the disclosure, the money-mailing system  10  proceeds to a fourth stage  124 . 
         [0039]    The fourth stage  124  of the money-mailing system  10  is a customer authentication process. Customer authentication is performed to identify customers which will most likely have check or credit card transactions denied prior to requesting a check or credit card authorization. The sender-identification information  106  which was provided by the sender  16  is authenticated to approve or deny the sender  16  as a customer in “good standing”. Preferably the sender&#39;s e-mail address  116  is validated prior to beginning the customer authentication process  124 . The e-mail address  116  can be validated by simply sending an e-mail to the address, without making the sender  16  leave the web site  34 , while the customer authentication process  124  proceeds in parallel. If the e-mail “bounces”, i.e. a message is returned that the address cannot be located, the sender  16  is still at the web site  3  to enable corrective action. 
         [0040]    As best shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the customer authentication process  124  preferably begins by inquiring whether the sender  16  is a current customer of the money-mailing-system bank  20 . If the sender  16  is a customer of the money-mailing-system bank  20 , the web site  34  displays a “bank-customer information page” and requests the sender  16  to input bank-customer information  126 .  FIG. 12  illustrates bank-customer information  126  such as, for example, an ATM card number  128 , PIN  130 , and social security number  132 . Once the bank-customer information  126  is input, the sender  16  clicks a “done” button via a mouse to continue and the money-mailing system  10  begins to authenticate the bank-customer information  126  provided by the sender  16 . If the bank-customer information  126  cannot be authenticated, the sender  16  is preferably given at least one additional try to input the bank-customer information  126 . If the bank-customer information  126  fails to be authenticated in a predetermined number of retries, the web site  34  displays the “exit page” which preferably provides a phone number for the customer service department  64 . If the bank-customer information  126  is authenticated, the sender  16  is stored in the data base  38  as a customer in “good standing”. 
         [0041]    If the sender  16  is not a current customer of the money-mailing-system bank  20 , the web site displays a “bank-noncustomer information page” and requests the sender to input bank-noncustomer information  134 .  FIG. 13  illustrates typical bank-noncustomer information  134  such as, for example, social security number  142 , city  144 , state  146 , zip code  148 , driver&#39;s license/state I.D. number  150 , issuing state  152 , and date of birth  154 . The money-mailing system  10  sends at least some of the bank-non-customer information  134  to the applicant validation network  22  for approval of the sender  16  as a customer. If transmission of the bank-noncustomer information  134  is not successful, the web site  34  preferably displays a “technical difficulties page” and informs the sender  16  that the money-mailing  10  will e-mail the result of the customer approval inquiry when available. If the applicant validation network  22  denies the sender, the web site  34  displays a “denial page” which preferably provides a phone number for the application validation network  22 . If the application validation network  22  requires review and a risk decision, the web site  34  displays an “unable to process page” which informs the sender  16  that that the money-mailing system  10  will e-mail the result of the customer approval inquiry when available. Off line, the customer service department  64  of the bank  20  contacts the applicant validation network  22  to make a risk decision regarding the sender  16 . If the sender  16  is subsequently denied, an e-mail is sent to the sender  16  informing them of the denial. If the sender  16  is subsequently approved, an e-mail is sent to the sender  16  informing them of the approval and inviting them to return to the money-mailing-system web site  34  to complete the transaction. The sender  16  is also stored in the database  38  as a customer in “good standing”. If the applicant validation network  22  requires review because of invalid information  134  such as, for example, an invalid social security number  142  or an invalid driver&#39;s license number  150 , the web site  34  displays a “review data screen” which displays the bank-noncustomer information  134  and requests the sender  16  to check the bank-noncustomer information  134 . The sender  16  is preferably given at least one additional try to input the information  134 . If the sender  16  is not approved after a predetermined number of retries, the web site  34  displays the “exit page” which preferably provides a phone number for applicant validation network  22 . If the sender  16  is approved, the sender  16  is stored in the database as a customer in “good standing” and the money-mailing system  10  proceeds to the fifth stage  156 . 
         [0042]    The fifth stage  156  of the money-mailing system  10  is a send money process, that is, a process of obtaining information about the desired transaction. As best shown in  FIG. 5 ; the web site  34  displays a “send money page” once the sender  16  is authenticated as a customer in “good standing”. The “send money page” requests the sender  16  to provide send-transaction information  158 .  FIG. 14  illustrates typical send-transaction information  158  such as, for example, the receiver&#39;s name  160 , the receiver&#39;s network or e-mail address  162 , a challenge question  164 , an expected response  166  to the challenge question  164 , the amount of money  170  to be sent to the receiver  18 , a subject or title  172  for the e-mail, and a message  174  to be included in the e-mail. The sender  16  is preferably given the opportunity to be linked to an network or e-mail directory to locate the receiver&#39;s e-mail address  162  if necessary. The receiver&#39;s e-mail address  162  is preferably stored in an address book for the sender&#39;s future reference. Preferably, the sender  16  provides the challenge question  164  for the receiver  18  and at least one expected response  166  by the receiver  18 . The challenge question  164  should be crafted such that only the sender  16  and the receiver  18  know the answer. Examples of suitable challenge questions  164  (such as, for example, where did we go to eat last Friday? or How much money did I e-mail to you last week?) should be displayed to the sender  16 . The challenge question  164  provides an added level of security to ensure that the responding individual is the intended receiver  18  and not someone else who has access to the receiver&#39;s e-mail address  162 . The sender  16  is also preferably given the opportunity to provide a message  174  to be included in the e-mail. 
         [0043]    In the illustrated embodiment, the sender  16  is given the opportunity to attach an electronic greeting card to the e-mail. If the sender  16  chooses to attach an electronic greeting card, the greeting card web site  28  appears in the window and the sender  16  selects a desired greeting card. The sender  16  then clicks on a “done” button to return to the web page of the web site  34 . The money-mailing system  10  preferably embeds a URL of the greeting card web site  28  in the text of the e-mail. It is noted that web sites of greeting card providers can also provide links to the money-mailing system  10  so that customers of the greeting card providers have an opportunity to send money with an electronic greeting card. 
         [0044]    It is noted that the money-mailing method can alternatively be initiated from the greeting card site  28 . While at the greeting card site  28 , the customer is asked if they would like to send money with an electronic greeting card. If the customer chooses to send money, the money-mailing process is initiated. The customer can be visually or transparently transferred to the money-mailing web site  34 . 
         [0045]    In the illustrated embodiment, the sender  16  is also given the opportunity to send an electronic gift certificate to the receiver  18 . If the sender chooses to send an electronic gift certificate, they can select a merchant or merchants where the electronic gift certificate can be used to purchase goods or services. Links can be provided to the merchant site  30  or a clearinghouse site  30  for gift certificates It is noted that web sites  30  of merchants can provide links to the money-mailing system  10  to provide customers of the merchants an opportunity to send gift certificates to others. 
         [0046]    It is noted that the money-mailing method can alternatively be initiated from the merchant or gift certificate web site  30 . While at the merchant or gift certificate site  28 , the customer is asked if they would like to send a gift certificate to a receiver  18 . If the customer chooses to send a gift certificate, the money-mailing process is initiated. The customer can be visually or transparently transferred to the money-mailing web site  34 . 
         [0047]    As part of the fifth stage  156 , the sender  16  is asked to identify what type of account the money is to be withdrawn from, that is to identify a withdraw account. The sender is preferably given the option of identifying a checking account or a credit card account as the withdraw account. When the sender  16  chooses to send money from a checking account, i.e. send a “virtual check”, the sender  16  is preferably given a choice of when the funds will be available to the receiver  18  such as, for example, by an “ordinary” check (available in about four days business days) or by an “express” check which is secured by a credit card account (available within about 24 hours. 
         [0048]    If the sender  16  chooses an ordinary check, the web site  34  preferably displays an image of a check with fields for required information at typical locations. Once the withdraw account information has been provided such as, for example, bank number, account number, and check number, the web site  34  displays a “confirmation page” which shows information about the transaction including the amount of money to be withdrawn from the checking account. The amount of money to be withdrawn from the checking account is preferably the amount of money requested to be sent to the receiver  18  plus a transaction fee. Once the sender  16  confirms the information, the sender  16  clicks on a “send now” button via a mouse and the money-mailing system proceeds to a sixth stage  196 . 
         [0049]    The sixth stage  196  of the money-mailing system  10  is a check authorization process. As best shown in  FIG. 6 , if an ordinary check is being sent and it is not the first time the bank account number is being used by the money-mailing system  10 , the data base  38  stores the ACH transaction in a daily batch file. If storage of the ACH transaction is not successful, the web site  34  displays a “technical difficulties page” and informs the sender  16  to come back to the web site  34  at a later time to complete the transaction. If storage of the ACH transaction is successful, the web site  34  displays a “confirmation page” which provides a transaction number and information of what will happen next and informs the sender  16  that they can exit the web site  34  or begin another transaction. The money-mailing system  10  proceeds to the eighth stage as described in detail hereinbelow. The database  38  collects the daily batch entries and sends them to the bank ACH  56  which executes a debit to the sender&#39;s account and a credit to a bank holding or settlement account. 
         [0050]    If an ordinary check is being sent and it is the first time the bank account number  128 ,  138  has been used by the money-mailing system  10 , the check transaction is sent to the check authorization network  24  for approval. If transmission of the check transaction is not successful, the web site  34  preferably displays a “technical difficulties page” and informs the sender  16  that the money-mailing system  10  will e-mail the result of the check approval inquiry when available. If the transmission is successful and the check authorization network  24  denies the transaction, the web site  34  displays a “denial page” which preferably provides a phone number for the check authorization network  24 . If the transmission is successful and the check authorization network  24  requires review and discussion, the web site  34  displays an “unable to process page” which informs the sender  16  that that the money-mailing system  10  will e-mail the result of the check approval inquiry when available. Off line, the customer service department  64  of the bank  20  contacts the check authorization network  24  to make a risk decision regarding the check transaction. If it is subsequently decided to deny the check transaction, an e-mail is sent to the sender  16  informing them of the denial. If it is subsequently decided to approve the check transaction, an e-mail is sent to the sender  16  informing them of the approval and confirming completion of the transaction. If the transmission is successful and the check authorization network  24  requires review because of invalid information such as, for example, an invalid routing number, the web site  34  displays a “review data screen” which displays the information and requests the sender to verify the information. The sender  16  is preferably given at least one additional try to input the information. If the check transaction is not approved after a predetermined number of retries, the web site  34  displays a “denial page” which preferably provides a phone number for the check authorization network  24 . If the check transaction is approved, the money-mailing system  10  stores the check authorization network validation and the web site  34  displays a “confirmation screen” which provides a transaction number and information of what will happen next and informs the sender  16  that they can now exit the web site  34  or begin another transaction. The money-mailing system  10  proceeds to the eighth stage  200  as described in detail hereinbelow. The check authorization network  24  debits the sender&#39;s account and credits a bank holding or settlement account. 
         [0051]    If the sender  16  chooses an express check and they have credit-card-information  176  on file, the web site  34  preferably displays an image of a check with fields for required information at typical locations. Once the withdraw account information has been provided such as, for example, bank number, account number, and check number, the web site  34  displays a “confirmation page” which shows information about the transaction including the amount of money to be withdrawn from the checking account. The amount of money to be withdrawn from the checking account is preferably the amount of money requested to be sent to the receiver  18  plus a transaction fee. Once the sender  16  confirms the information, the sender  16  clicks on a “send now” button via a mouse and the money-mailing system  10  proceeds to a seventh stage  198  as described in detail hereinbelow. 
         [0052]    If the sender  16  chooses an express check and they do not have credit-card information  176  on file, preferably displays an image of a check and a credit card with fields for required information at typical locations. Once the checking and credit card account information has been provided such as, for example, bank number, checking account number, check number, credit card number, and credit card expiration date, the web site  34  displays a “confirmation page” which shows information about the transaction including the amount of money to be withdrawn from the checking account or debited to the credit card account. The amount of money to be withdrawn from the checking account or debited to the credit card account is preferably the amount of money requested to be sent to the receiver  18  plus a transaction fee. Once the sender  16  confirms the information, the sender  16  clicks on a “send now” button via a mouse and the money-mailing system  10  proceeds to the seventh stage. 
         [0053]    If the sender  16  chooses a credit card account and they have credit-card-information  176  for that account on file, the web site  34  displays a “confirmation page” which shows information about the transaction including the amount of money to be debited from the credit card account. The amount of money to be debited from the credit card account is preferably the amount of money requested to be sent to the receiver  18  plus a transaction fee. Once the sender  16  confirms the information, the sender  16  clicks on a “send now” button via a mouse and the money-mailing system  10  proceeds to a seventh stage  198  as described in detail hereinbelow. 
         [0054]    If the sender  16  chooses a credit card and they do not have credit-card information  176  on file, the web site  34  displays a “credit-card information page” which requests the sender to input the credit-card information  176 .  FIG. 15  illustrates suitable credit-card information  176  such as, for example, credit card account number  178 . expiration date  180 , card verification value (CVV)  182 , first and last names  184 ,  186  (as appearing on the card), street address  188 , city  190 , state  192 , and zip code  194 . Preferably, the web site  34  displays an image of a credit card with fields for the required information at typical locations. Once all of the fields are completed, the sender  16  clicks on a “next” button via a mouse and the web site  34  displays a “confirmation page” which shows information about the transaction including the amount of money to debited from the credit card account. The amount of money to be debited from the credit card account is preferably the amount of money requested to be sent to the receiver  18  plus a transaction fee. Once the sender  16  confirms the information, the sender  16  clicks on a “send now” button via a mouse and the money-mailing system  10  proceeds to the seventh stage. 
         [0055]    The seventh stage  198  of the money-mailing system  10  is a credit card authorization process. As best shown in  FIG. 7 , if an express check or credit card is requested, the web server  34  transmits the credit card transaction to the credit card authorization network  26 . If the transmission of the credit card transaction is not successful, the web site  34  displays a “technical difficulties page” and informs the sender  16  that the credit card cannot be authorized at this time and that check funds can be available in four business days with an ordinary check transaction. If the sender  16  does not agree to the four day waiting period, the web site displays an “exit page”. If the sender  16  agrees to the four day waiting period, the money-mailing system  10  proceeds to the sixth stage  196  as described in detail hereinabove  196  (the same as for an ordinary check). If the transmission of the credit card transaction is successful and the credit card transaction is denied, the web site  34  displays a “credit card denial page” and informs the sender  16  that the check funds can be available in four business days. If the sender  16  does not agree to the four day waiting period, the web site  34  displays an “exit page”. If the sender  16  agrees to the four day waiting period, the money-mailing system  10  proceeds to the sixth stage  196  as described in detail hereinabove (the same as for an ordinary check). If the transmission of the credit card transaction is successful and the credit card transaction is for an express check and is approved, the money-mailing system  10  proceeds to the sixth stage  196  as described in detail hereinabove (the same as for an ordinary check).). If the transmission of the credit card transaction is successful and the credit card transaction is for an ordinary credit card transaction and is approved, the money-mailing system  10  proceeds to the eighth stage  200 . 
         [0056]    The eighth stage  200  of the money-mailing system  10  is an e-mail sending process. The money-mailing system  10  sends an e-mail to the receiver  18  informing them of money sent from the sender  16  and providing instructions to go to the money-mailing-system web site  34  to receive the money. Preferably, the e-mail is provided with an embedded link (URL) to the money-mailing-system web site  34 . The money-mailing system  10  also sends an e-mail to the sender  16  confirming that the e-mail with money has been sent to the receiver  18 . 
         [0057]    A ninth stage  202  of the of the money-sending system  10  is a settlement process. As best shown in  FIG. 8 , the check authorization network  24  and the bank ACH  56  send daily transaction reports to the bank  20 . The database  36  reads the daily transaction reports and searches for matches between stored transactions of the money-mailing system  10  and funded or rejected transactions of the daily transaction reports. If a funded match is found, the web server  32  sends an e-mail to the sender  16  informing the sender  16  of the status of the transaction. 
         [0058]    If a rejected match is found and it was an ordinary check, that is a check not secured with a credit card, the web server  34  sends an e-mail to the sender  16  and the receiver  18  informing each of them of the rejection. The money-mailing system  10  preferably blocks the sender  16  from using the money-mailing system  10  again by storing the sender  16  as a customer “not in good standing”. If the funds have not been released to the receiver  18 , the credit instruction to the receiver  18  is removed. If the funds have been released to the receiver  18  and the funds were released via an ACH transaction, the database  36  stores an ACH debit transaction in the daily batch file which is sent to the bank ACH  56  to execute. If the funds have been released to the receiver  18  and the funds were released via a credit card transaction, the database  36  sends a debit transaction against the receiver&#39;s credit card to the credit card authorization network  26  for authorization. If the funds have been released to the receiver  18  and the funds were released via a paper check, the bank customer service department  64  issues a stop payment order on the paper check. 
         [0059]    If a rejected match is found and it was an express check transaction, that is a check transaction secured with a credit card, the web server  34  sends a debit transaction to the credit card authorization network  26 . If the credit card transaction is denied, the web server  34  sends an e-mail to the sender  16  and the receiver  18  informing each of them of the rejection. The money-mailing system  10  preferably blocks the sender  16  from using the money-mailing system  10  again by storing the sender  16  as a customer “not in good standing”. If the funds have not been released to the receiver  18 , the credit instruction to the receiver  18  is removed. If the funds have been released to the receiver  18  and the funds were released via an ACH transaction, the database  36  stores an ACH debit transaction in the daily batch file which is sent to the bank ACH  56  to execute. If the funds have been released to the receiver  18  and the funds were released via a credit card transaction, the database  36  sends a debit transaction against the receiver&#39;s credit card to the credit card authorization network  26  for authorization. If the funds have been released to the receiver  18  and the funds were released via a paper check, the bank customer service department  64  issues a stop payment order on the paper check. If the credit card transaction is approved, the funds are deposited into a settlement account. The database  36  reads the daily transaction reports and searches for a match between credit card and funded or rejected transactions of the daily transaction reports. When a funded match is found, the web server  32  sends an e-mail to the sender  16  informing the sender  16  of the status of the credit card transaction. 
         [0060]    Tenth and eleventh stages  204 ,  206  of the money-mailing system  10  are respectively an e-mail receiving process and a web-site visiting process. As best shown in  FIG. 9 , the receiver  18  preferably clicks on an embedded link to the web site  34  when the receiver  18  receives the e-mail informing them of the money sent from the sender  16 . The web site  34  preferably displays a “home page” customized for receivers  18  and inquires whether the receiver  18  is a first time receiver from the money-mailing system  10 . 
         [0061]    A twelfth stage  208  of the money-mailing system  10  is a registration and/or login process for the receiver. If the receiver  18  is not a first time receiver, they are requested to enter their login name and password. The money-mailing system  10  then authenticates that the login name and the password input by the receiver  18  are for a customer in “good standing”. If the input information cannot be authenticated, the receiver  18  is preferably given at least one additional try to input the information. If the receiver  18  fails to be authenticated within a predetermined number of retries, the web site  34  displays an “exit page” which preferably provides a phone number for the customer service department  64 . If the receiver  18  is authenticated, the money-mailing system  10  proceeds to a thirteenth stage  210  as described in detail hereinbelow. 
         [0062]    If the receiver  18  is a first time receiver  18 , the web site  34  displays a “new receiver page” and requests the receiver  18  to register as a receiver  18  by providing receiver-identification information which can be similar to the sender-identification information  106 . Once the requested receiver-identification information is input, the receiver  18  clicks on a “done” button via a mouse to continue. The web site  34  then displays a “disclosure page” showing a disclosure regarding the money mailing system  10  and requests the receiver  18  to read the disclosure and indicate whether they accept the terms of the disclosure. If the receiver  18  does not accept the terms of the disclosure, the web site  34  displays the “exit page”. If the receiver  18  accepts the terms of the disclosure, the money mailing system  10  begins a process of authenticating the receiver-identification information provided by the receiver  18  to approve or deny the receiver  18  as a customer in “good standing”. If the receiver  18  is authenticated, the money-mailing system  10  proceeds to the thirteenth stage  210 . It is noted that the challenge question portion of the money-mailing method can be eliminated if desired such as, for example, when the sender  16  is sending money to a charitable organization. 
         [0063]    The thirteenth stage  210  of the money-mailing system  10  is a challenge question process. Once the receiver  18  is authenticated as a customer in good standing, the web site  34  displays the challenge question  164  and requests the receiver  18  to respond. If the receiver  18  fails to respond to the challenge question  164  with the valid response  166 , the receiver  18  is preferably given at least one additional try to correctly respond. If the receiver  18  fails to correctly respond within a predetermined number of retries, the web site  34  displays an “exit page” which preferably provides a phone number for the customer service department  64 . The money-mailing system  10  also sends an e-mail to the sender  16  informing them of the receiver&#39;s failure to correctly respond to the challenge question  164 . If the receiver  18 , correctly responds to the challenge question  164 , the money-mailing system  10  proceeds to a fourteenth stage  212 . 
         [0064]    The fourteenth stage  212  of the money-mailing system  10  is a receive money process. If the receiver  18  correctly responds to the challenge question  164 , the web site  34  displays a “deposit money page” and requests the receiver  18  to identify a deposit account for receiving the money, such as, for example, by electronic deposit to a checking or savings account (a direct deposit), a credit to a credit card account, or by paper check. Once the receiver  18  chooses deposit account, the receiver clicks on a “submit” button via a mouse and the money-mailing system  10  proceeds to a fifteenth stage  214  (if an electronic deposit), to a sixteenth stage  216  as described in detail hereinbelow (if a credit card credit), or to a seventeenth stage  218  as described in detail hereinbelow (if a paper check). 
         [0065]    The fifteenth stage  214  of the money-mailing process  10  is an ACH account process. As best shown in  FIG. 10 , if an ACH transaction is selected by the receiver  18 , the data base  38  stores the ACH transaction in the daily batch file. If storage of the ACH transaction is not successful, the web site  34  displays a “technical difficulties page” and informs the receiver  18  to come back to the web site  34  at a later time to complete the transaction. If storage of the ACH transaction is successful, the web site  34  displays a “confirmation page” which provides information of what will happen next and informs the receiver  18  that they can now exit the web site  34  or begin another transaction. Preferably, the receiver  18  is given the opportunity to send a “thank you” e-mail to the sender  16 . The money-mailing system  10  proceeds to an eighteenth stage  220  as described in detail hereinbelow. The money-mailing-system database  38  collects the daily batch entries and sends them to the bank ACH  56  which executes a debit to the settlement account and a credit to the receiver&#39;s account. 
         [0066]    The sixteenth stage  216  of the money-mailing process  10  is a credit card account process. If a credit to a credit card account is selected, the credit card transaction is sent to the credit card authentication network  26  to perform a “fraud check”. If the transmission of the credit card transaction is not successful, the web site  34  displays a “technical difficulties page” and informs the receiver  18  to come back to the web site  34  at a later time to complete the transaction. If the transmission of the credit card transaction is successful and the credit card transaction is denied, the web site  34  displays a “credit card denied page” and preferably provides a phone number for the credit card authorization network  26 . If the transmission of the credit card transaction is successful, and the credit card transaction is approved, the web site  34  displays a “confirmation page” which provides information of what will happen next and informs the receiver  18  that they can now exit the web site  34  or begin another transaction. Preferably, the receiver  18  is given the opportunity to send a “thank you” e-mail to the sender  16 . The money-mailing system  10  proceeds to the eighteenth stage  220  as described in detail hereinbelow. The money-mailing-system database  38  collects the daily batch entries and sends them to the bank  20  which executes a debit to the settlement account and a credit to the receiver&#39;s account at the credit card issuing bank. 
         [0067]    The seventeenth stage  218  of the money-mailing process  10  is a paper check process. If a paper check is chosen, the web site  34  displays a “confirmation page” which provides information of what will happen next and informs the receiver  18  that they can now exit the web site  34  or begin another transaction. Preferably, the receiver  18  is given the opportunity to send a “thank you” e-mail to the sender  16 . The money-mailing system database  38  sends a “cut check” request to the bank check printing service  254 . The bank check printing service  254  sends a paper check to the receiver  18  via a physical mail service and the bank holding or settlement account is debited once the paper check is cashed. The paper check is preferably for the amount sent by the sender  16  less a check printing fee. The money-mailing system  10  proceeds to the eighteenth stage  220 . 
         [0068]    An eighteenth stage  220  of the money-sending system  10  is an e-mail sending process. The money-mailing system  10  sends an e-mail to the sender  16  and the receiver  18  confirming the status of the transaction. It is noted that the above-described money-mailing system  10  operates in a seamless manner and the identified divisions between the various stages is for descriptive purposes only. It is also noted that each of the stages and/or steps within each stage are not required for each transaction and each of the stages and/or steps within each stage can occur in a different order except as specifically noted. 
         [0069]      FIG. 16  illustrates a second embodiment of the money-mailing method wherein the sender  16  (such as a customer or a charitable giver) sends e-mailed money to the receiver  18  (such as a merchant or a charitable organization) in response to an e-mailed invoice or request. The second embodiment of the money-mailing method can operate generally the same as described above with regard to the first embodiment except that the receiver  18  that the transaction rather than the sender  16 . Therefore, this variation of the money-mailing system is particularly useful for merchants to send invoice e-mails to customers or charitable organizations to send solicitation e-mails to potential givers. An invoice e-mail to a sender  16  would preferably specify the amount of money to be sent to the receiver  18  while a solicitation e-mail from a charitable organization would preferably not specify the amount of money to be sent unless it is a notice or reminder of a previous pledge. In a receiver initiated transaction, the money deposited into the receiver&#39;s account is preferably the amount of money sent from the sender less a fee for initiating the transaction. The receiver  18  can preferably visit the web site  34  separate from an embedded link in the e-mail so that multiple transactions can be more easily processed. The web site  34  preferably has an “in-box” which lists all deposits for the receiver  18  to expedite batch processing of multiple deposits all at once. 
         [0070]    It is apparent from the above description that the money-mailing system and method of the present invention enable one computer network user (the sender) to easily and rapidly send money to another computer network user (the receiver). Importantly, the receiver is not required to have a credit card merchant account and the sender is not required to have a credit card. 
         [0071]    Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it is understood that the present invention is not limited correspondingly in scope, but includes all changes and modifications known to those skilled in the art and all changes and modifications coming within the spirit and terms of the claims appended hereto.