System and method for efficiently processing multiple credit applications

A system and method for forwarding multiple credit applications to multiple potential lenders. A user computer or a credit management server sends queries to potential lenders inquiring about the respective information fields used in the potential lenders' respective credit applications. The queries also request information relating to the desired format and transmission method of the respective credit applications. With this information, a dynamic credit application is generated which includes all of information fields from all potential lenders. A credit applicant enters credit information into the dynamic credit application. The system then generates tailored credit applications for each lender and forwards these tailored applications to the respective potential lenders. The lenders process the tailored applications and provide results to the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a credit application management system, and more particularly, to a system and method for efficiently processing multiple credit applications with multiple potential lenders.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is common for consumers to use credit and financing services to make major purchases of items such as automobiles, appliances, recreational vehicles and homes. In the past, vendors such as automobile dealers performed credit checks of potential customers manually before providing such financing services (either through the vendor itself or through a third party lender). The credit checks often involved filling out credit applications by hand and faxing or mailing the applications to creditors, credit bureaus or other potential lenders. Some credit bureaus were able to receive the credit application and offer a credit report over the telephone.

Such systems were generally slow and unreliable. Credit applications often require a great deal of information to be provided by the vender and/or credit applicant. Mistakes can easily be made in communicating this large volume of detailed information over the telephone, and handwritten information that has been faxed is often difficult to read. Physical mail services are also very slow.

With the advent of the Internet and similar computer communication networks, as well as the pervasiveness of personal computers, much of this process has been automated. Rather than completing credit applications by hand, vendors can now enter data into credit applications on their personal computers and transmit these credit applications electronically to banking and lending services through the Internet.

Referring toFIG. 1, there is shown a prior art credit application system30, which utilizes a network28, such as the Internet. A potential consumer or credit applicant20visits a vendor22seeking to make a major purchase such as an automobile. The purchase requires that a lender34a,34b,34cprovide financing for consumer20. Vendor22receives credit information from consumer20and produces a credit application26athat is in a format acceptable to, for example, lender34a. Vendor22may use a computer24to send application26ato lender34athrough network28.

Computer24may access network28in a number of ways including modulating and demodulating data over a telephone line using audio frequencies, which may require a modem and connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network through an Internet service provider. Other ways to send data over a network include cable modems and digital subscriber lines.

A problem with system30is that different lenders34a,34b,34ctypically require different data in their credit applications, require the data to be provided in different formats, use different software interfaces and different transmission methods. If vendor22wishes to forward multiple credit applications to different lenders34a,34b,34c, vendor22has to manually enter credit information about consumer20three times to generate three separate applications26a,26b,26cfor each lender34a,34b,34cand may have to transmit each application26a,26b,26cin a distinct manner. Like the manual methodologies of the past, this is still a slow process, and is prone to errors.

There is therefore a need in the art for a system and method which allows vendors and consumers to forward a credit application to multiple lenders in a more efficient and reliable way.

If the above problems could be overcome, credit application management could be used in many different environments. For example, sales persons in car dealerships could use it to query providers of car loans, real estate agents could use it to solicit banks regarding mortgages, and individuals could use it to solicit insurance quotes, apply for credit cards, and perform similar tasks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention is a method for forwarding multiple credit applications to multiple potential lenders. The method comprises sending a first query to a first potential lender, the first potential lender effective to process a first credit application with first information fields, the first query requesting a first response including the first information fields. The method further includes sending a second query to a second potential lender, the second potential lender effective to process a second credit application with second information fields, the second query requesting a second response including the second information fields. The method further includes generating a third credit application, the third credit application including all of the first and second information fields including at least one field included in the first information fields but not included in the second information fields.

Another aspect of the invention is a system for forwarding multiple credit applications to multiple potential lenders. The system comprises a user computer connected to and forming at least part of a network and a first lender computer connected to, and forming, at least part of the network. The system further comprises a second lender computer connected to and forming at least part of the network. In the system, the user computer sends a first query to the first lender computer, the first lender computer effective to process a first credit application with first information fields, the first query requesting a first response including the first information fields. The first lender computer sends the first response through the network to the user computer. The user computer sends a second query to the second lender computer, the second lender computer effective to process a second credit application with second information fields, the second query requesting a second response including the second information fields. The second lender computer sends the second response through the network to the user computer. The user computer generates a first credit application, the first credit application including all of the first and second information fields including at least one field included in the first information fields but not in the second information fields.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a computer readable storage medium including computer executable code for enabling a user to forward multiple credit applications to multiple potential lenders. The code performs the steps of sending a first query to a first potential lender, the first potential lender effective to process a first credit application with first information fields, the first query requesting a first response including the first information fields. The code further performs the step of sending a second query to a second potential lender, the second potential lender effective to process a second credit application with second information fields, the second query requesting a second response including the second information fields. The code further performs the step of generating a third credit application, the third credit application including all of the first and second information fields including at least one field included in the first information fields but not included in the second information fields.

Still yet another aspect of the invention is a credit application produced by the steps of sending a first query to a first potential lender, the first potential lender effective to process a first credit application with first information fields, the first query requesting a first response including the first information fields; sending a second query to a second potential lender, the second potential lender effective to process a second credit application with second information fields, the second query requesting a second response including the second information fields; and generating a third credit application, the third credit application including all of the first and second information fields including at least one field included in the first information fields but not included in the second information fields.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for forwarding multiple credit applications to multiple potential lenders. The method comprises receiving credit information from a credit applicant and entering the credit information into a first credit application. The method further comprises generating a second and third credit application based on the first credit application, the second and third credit applications being distinct. The method further includes forwarding the second credit application to a first potential lender and forwarding the third credit application to a second potential lender.

Still another aspect of the invention is a method for forwarding multiple credit applications to multiple potential lenders. The method comprises sending a first query to a first potential lender, the first potential lender effective to process a first credit application with first information fields, the first query requesting a first response including the first information fields. The method further comprises sending a second query to a second potential lender, the second potential lender effective to process a second credit application with second information fields, the second query requesting a second response including the second information fields. The method further comprises generating a third credit application based on the first and second information fields; receiving credit information from a credit applicant relating to the first credit application; and generating respective fourth and fifth credit applications for the first and second potential lenders respectively based on the credit information received for the first credit application, the fourth and fifth credit applications being distinct.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG. 2, there is shown a credit application system80in accordance with the invention. As shown inFIG. 2, a user84controls a computer86to send a query102to lenders92a,92band92cthrough a network100which could be, for example, the Internet. User84could be the credit applicant himself or a vendor in communication with the credit applicant. Query102asks for the types of information fields94a,94b,94ceach lender92a,92b,92cwould like to see in their respective credit applications. These information fields94a,94b,94calong with other transmission information relating to communication with lenders92a,92b,92c, such as the application format and the method of transmission are sent back to computer86and stored in a database96. Alternatively, query102may originate from a credit management server106and then information fields and other transmission information94a,94b,94cmay be sent to credit management server106and stored in a database110. User84operating computer86may communicate with credit management server106through the use of, for example, a browser so that information generated by credit management server106may be seen by user84.

Using information fields94a,94b, and94c, software on computer86or server106generates a dynamic credit application88. Dynamic credit application88is dynamic in that it does not particularly match any single credit application form used by potential lenders92a,92b,92c, but includes all information that all potential lenders92a,92b,92cmay require on their respective credit application forms.

Dynamic credit application88is displayed to and completed by user84. If credit management server106is used, dynamic credit application88may be forwarded from credit management service106through network100and connection108to computer86. The completion of dynamic credit application88may be effectuated by entering credit information data into electronic fields or in any manner known in the art. Some of these fields may have default values, while other fields may have menu options to assist in the accurate completion of the form. For example, a “State” or “Province” field may allow user84to select from one of the States or Provinces corresponding to the country which user84has identified.

Data in dynamic credit application88is then used by software on computer86or credit management server106to generate one or more credit applications104a,104b,104ctailored to suit respective potential lenders92a,92b,92c. Information fields and other transmission information94a,94b,94ccould, for example, be obtained using query102even before a potential consumer indicates a desire for a loan (such as by a vendor who periodically polls potential lenders) or obtained when consumer83indicates his desire for a financial service. Each lender92a,92b,92cmay have a different format, for its respective credit application, require different information and/or utilize a different software interface or a group of lenders may agree to use a common format.

Focusing on a single potential lender, lender92afor example, credit application104a, tailored specifically for lender92ais sent to lender92athrough network100. Lender92aprocesses credit application104aand provides a response to user84. The response may take many forms, including, for example:

1. a request for further information;

2. a notice that information supplied appears to be in error;

3. an approval of the loan requested in the credit application;

4. an acknowledgement that the information is received, but a decision is pending;or

Other responses are also possible. The invention is not limited by the nature of the response.

Network100may be one of many known in the art, and may comprise several different networks working together, including wireless networks such as cellular telephone networks, the public switched telephone network, cable television networks, the Internet, ATM networks, frame relay networks, local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).

Computer86may be a smart terminal, personal digital assistant, Internet-ready telephone or other similar interface.

Credit application104a,104b,104cwill typically be text data but may also include: graphics, such as a photograph of the applicant's face, his driver's license, or other printed identification; audio files, such as a verbal password or voiceprint; data files, such as some manner of biometric identification including a retina scan or fingerprints; an electronic password such as a public key in a PKI (public key infrastructure) environment; or executable applets or other software files.

System80allows multiple credit applications to be forwarded to multiple potential lenders while only entering the credit applicant's data once. This methodology is much more effective than systems in the prior art. There is less likelihood of error, and much less time is required to file many credit applications. This translates into lower costs and less paperwork.

The invention provides the opportunity to produce comprehensive electronic reports and statistics. Such reports improve the reliability and efficiency of the system. Clearly, such reports were difficult and time consuming to produce and update using prior art manual systems. Because manual compilation was needed to gather the necessary data, with the invention, much or all of the information used to generate a report already resides in the system.

The invention provides improved precision and reliability and reduces time required to affect the credit application process. This time factor is important because studies have shown that the quicker the credit application process can be effected, the more likely that a consumer will make the purchase. This is a great benefit to, for example, a car dealer in terms of increased sales and improved customer satisfaction.

As noted above, user84may communicate with credit management server106using a Web Browser, such as NETSCAPE or INTERNET EXPLORER. A Web browser uses the hypertext transfer protocol (“HTTP”) to make requests of Web servers throughout the Internet on behalf of the Web browser user. Currently, most Web browsers are implemented as graphical user interfaces. When user84enters file requests by either “opening” a Web file, typing in a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), or clicking on a hypertext link, the Web browser builds an HTTP request and sends it to the Internet Protocol address indicated by the URL. The HTTP software in the destination server machine receives the request and, after any necessary processing, the requested file is returned. The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is a set of rules for exchanging files on the World Wide Web, including text, graphic images, sound, video, and other multimedia files. HTTP also allows files to include references to other files whose selection will elicit additional transfer requests (hypertext links). Typically, the HTTP software on a Web server machine is designed to wait for HTTP requests and handle them when they arrive.

A process for obtaining information fields from lenders in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference toFIG. 3. The process could, for example, be implemented using system80though any other system could be used. At step S2, a system in accordance with the invention identifies financing sources such as lenders. At step S4, for each financing source, the system identifies the types of credit applications available. Typical types of credit applications may include, for example, lease, finance and balloon arrangements (a balloon is a series of lease-like payments with a final payment that pays the residual value of a vehicle). At step S6, the system obtains desired and optional information fields, along with other transmission information relating to communication with potential lenders, such as the application format and the method of communication, for each of the types of credit applications determined at step S4. At step S8, the obtained information fields and other transmission information are stored in a database. In this way, the system has enough information to generate a dynamic credit application that includes all information that all potential lenders may require in their respective credit application forms. Steps S2, S4, S6and S8could be performed before a credit applicant indicates a desire for financing or after such an indication.

Referring now toFIG. 4, there is shown a method for processing a credit application in accordance with the invention. As with the process inFIG. 3, the process shown inFIG. 4could be implemented using, for example, system80. At step S20, a system in accordance with the invention receives an inquiry that a consumer or credit applicant desires financing. At step S22, a user (which could be, for example, the consumer, credit applicant or a vendor) inputs the financial transaction type (for example, lease, finance, balloon, etc.) desired by the consumer and a list of potential lenders. If the list of potential lenders is not known, the user may select from a list of vendors or select all available lenders. At step S24, the system accesses a database of information fields and determines the desired and optional fields for all credit applications for the input financial transaction type and list of potential lenders. Alternatively, the system may implement steps S4, S6and S8ofFIG. 3to determine the information fields. At step S26, the system creates a dynamic credit application which includes all fields used by all of the potential lenders for the input financial transaction type. The dynamic credit application may include desired and optional fields. The use of the dynamic credit application eliminates redundant fields occurring in multiple credit applications so that information is only requested and input once.

At step S28, the system receives credit information from a credit applicant (which could be the user of the system) to fill out the dynamic credit application. At step S30, the system generates a tailored credit application for each identified lender based on the input credit information. At step S32, the tailored applications are forwarded to respective lenders. Different lenders may require the application to be communicated in different formats and even using different communication protocols. Multiple lenders may agree to use the same format and then each individual lender may disregard multiple information not applicable to him. The tailored applications are generated and forwarded to the potential lenders in the format and the transmission method that the lenders desire. In general, all of the data may be manipulated in XML format. At step S34the lenders receive the tailored applications, process the applications and forward the results. At step S36the user of the system receives any results from the lenders.

As noted above, the responses from the prospective lenders may take many forms, including the following:

1. a request for further information;

2. a notice that information supplied appears to be in error;

3. an approval of the loan request;

4. an acknowledgement that the information is received, but a decision is pending; or

Of course, other responses are also possible and would be easily implemented by those skilled in the art.

The above methodology may be implemented using the following software components:

4. SeeBeyond—Messaging and Integration Services

5. Sun ONE Identity Server

6. Sun ONE Directory Server

8. Reporting—Brio Portal and Reports

Of course, other software components could also be used.

Referring toFIG. 5computer86and servers92a,92b,92c, and106may each comprise a CPU200, a read only memory (“ROM”)202, a random access memory (“RAM”)204, a storage device208, a network interface (such as the ports discussed above)210and an input device212all coupled together by a bus214. Software for implementing the invention may be stored at computer86, credit management server106on a storage medium216or in any other known way.

Thus, by determining the types of information fields, format, and method of communication that prospective lenders may desire, creating a dynamic credit application based on the information fields, receiving and entering credit information into the dynamic credit application, and then forwarding a tailored credit application to potential lenders based on the dynamic credit application, a more efficient credit application system and method is realized which overcomes problems present in the prior art.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is clear that changes and modifications may be made to such embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention. For example, any of the steps performed on user computer86could be performed on credit management server106and vice versa. Alternatively, all of the functionality of the credit management server106could be placed on one of the lender servers92a,92b,92c.

The method steps of the invention may be embodied in sets of executable machine code stored in a variety of formats such as object code or source code. Clearly, the executable machine code may be integrated with the code of other programs, implemented as subroutines, by external program calls or by other techniques as known in the art.

The embodiments of the invention may be executed by a computer processor or similar device programmed in the manner described, or may be executed by an electronic system which is provided with means for executing these steps. Similarly, an electronic memory medium such computer diskettes, CD-ROMS, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM) or similar computer software storage media known in the art, may be programmed to execute such method steps. Electronic signals representing these method steps may also be transmitted via a communication network.

The invention could, for example, be applied to computers, smart terminals, personal digital assistants and Internet-ready telephones. Again, such implementations would be clear to one skilled in the art, and do not take away from the invention.