METHOD AND COMPUTER NETWORK FOR COORDINATING A LOAN OVER THE INTERNET

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a computer (100) for coordinating an electronic credit application between a credit applicant (300) and a plurality of lending institutions (175) via a computer network. This method involves displaying documents in a web site (114), and receiving credit data forming placed on the web site (114). After receiving this data a special loan processing computer (100) applies a filter to the data. The filter comprises loan selection criteria provided by lending institutions (175) which allows these institutions to filter out loan applications that they do not want. Next, after the data is filtered, it is transmitted to a plurality of lending institutions (175). Finally, the computer and the method then controls and coordinates communication between these lending institutions (175) and the credit applicant to match borrowers (300) and lenders (200) via a computer network.

Description: METHOD AND COMPUTER NETWORK FOR COORDINATING A LOAN OVER THE INTERNET BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. The Field of the Invention The invention relates to a process for coordinating loans on a loan processing computer over a computer network or the internet. The Internet, a vast collection of computers world wide, is a relatively new medium for both personal and commercial entities to transact business. To conduct business over the Internet, companies must find ways to communicate with potential customers . The two most common forms of communication across the Internet are web pages, and e-mail. 2. The Prior Art: Various methods are known for presenting web pages over the Internet. For example, information about the Internet and web browsers can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,451 to Rogers et al . , which is incorporated herein by reference. Rogers et al . , details how requests of a web browser are processed. The Rogers invention speeds up the process for receiving requests from web browser users and retrieving the required information. United States Pat. No. 5,535,407 to Yanagawa et al . , details a customer data processing system which is used to assist credit card purchases made in stores . The Yanagawa invention simplifies the way in which credit card purchases are verified at the time of checkout. United States Pat. No. 4,346,442 to Musmanno details a securities brokerage-cash management system. The Musmanno invention maintains customer brokerage accounts, charge cards and checking accounts and calculates available credit for purchases of securities. Until now, there has been no way to apply for credit from a multitude of lending institutions without physically going to or calling each lender and filling out an application. This process was tedious and time consuming. All applications required substantially the same information: name, address, occupation, debt, amount of loan, etc.. This invention combines the vast resources and speed of a computer network with additional knowledge of various lending institution's selection criteria to create a simple mechanism whereby a credit applicant can apply for credit from a multitude of lending institutions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To overcome these limitations, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fast, convenient process to apply for credit from a large number of lending institutions. In accordance with our invention, needless repetitive applications are eliminated. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a universal credit application over a computer network and to allow the credit applicant to submit a single credit application to a plurality of lending institutions who then make offers to the customer via a computer network. To achieve these and other objects of the invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for coordinating an electronic credit application between a credit applicant and a plurality of lending institutions via a computer network. The method comprises the steps of displaying a plurality of documents to a credit applicant, receiving a plurality of credit data sent from the credit applicant; matching an electronic credit application to a filter comprising a plurality of selection criteria; transmitting the credit data to a plurality of lending institutions via one of four methods; and responding to the credit applicant via a computer network. The documents sent to the credit applicant includes a series of questions pertaining to their desired loan, followed by the appropriate type of loan application. The various types of loan applications include first and second mortgages, car loans, student loans, personal loans, and credit card applications. Other types of credit applications may exist without departing from the spirit of the invention. Upon completion of the application, the invention matches a unique filter to the credit data entered by the credit applicant. The filter is made up of a plurality of selection criteria in which a specific lending institution has given to the inventor. The filter is customizable by the specific lending institution in real time and unique to each lending institution. Once the application has been filtered, it is sent to a list of lending institutions that match with the credit application. These lending institutions then reply as to whether the application has been accepted or rejected. The criteria for acceptance or rejection of an application is determined by each lending institution based upon an administration services form. For example, this program can administer a mortgage filter for lending institutions to filter out mortgage applications from borrowers. In that way, once an application is completed and screened through the filter process the lending institution can simply accept or deny only a select few number of applications that pass through the filter. This type filter process can also be applied to home equity loans, auto loans, personal loans, and credit card applications. The information can be sent in many different ways . For example, the information can be sent in an Active File Transfer system (AFTS) , via e-mail, through a secured webpage or through a Common Gateway Interface (CGI) . In addition, since much of the information relayed between the network of computers is private information, it is encrypted before it is sent from one computer to another. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings which disclose several embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views: FIG. 1 shows an overview of the method of the invention; FIG. 2 shows a schematic depiction of network designed to achieve the method of the invention; FIG. 3a shows the steps involving the second stage of the lending process; FIG. 3b shows the steps involving the third stage of the lending process; FIG. 4 shows the steps of the fourth stage of the lending process; FIG. 5 shows the steps of the fifth stage of the lending process ; FIG. 6 shows a schematic of the filter process, matching an individual lender to an individual borrower; FIG. 7 shows the lending process where an individual lender selects from a plurality of borrowers; FIG. 8 shows the steps of the sixth stage of the lending process; FIGS. 9a, 9b, and 9c show an interactive webpage for allowing lending institution to select and filter out mortgage applications; FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c show an interactive webpage for allowing a lending institution to select and filter out home equity applications; FIGS. 11a and lib show an interactive webpage for allowing a lending institution to select and filter out car loan applications; FIGS . 12a and 12b show an interactive webpage for allowing a lending institution to select and filter out personal loan applications; FIGS . 13a and 13b show an interactive webpage for allowing a lending institution to select and filter out credit card applications; FIG. 14a shows a schematic of the seventh stage of the lending process; FIG. 14b shows the various transfer methods in the eighth stage of the lending process; and FIG. 15 shows the steps of the Active File Transfer System in the eighth stage in the of the lending process; FIG. 16 shows the steps of the Active File Transfer System in the ninth stage of the lending process,- and FIG. 17 shows the tenth stage of the lending process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Essentially, the invention is a process and a computer for coordinating loans between lending institutions and borrowers via a computer network. FIG. 1 illustrates the ten general stages in the process required to coordinate an electronic credit application between a prospective borrower and a plurality of lending institutions. For example, in stage 1 the process presents background information and a credit application to a prospective borrower-credit applicant on a web site. In stage 2, the prospective borrower inputs information onto the web site. In stage 3, validation checks are performed on this information to make sure that the application is complete and correct. Next, stage 4 involves storing and manipulating the credit application in a database. In stage 5, a Fair Isaac Credit Score is obtained based upon the credit application and that score is matched to the application and stored in the database. Next, in stage 6, the application is filtered where it is compared to a list of criteria presented by a series of lending institutions. If the application passes this list of criteria then in stage 7 the application is sent to each one of those institutions whose criteria match with the application. In stage 8 the lender processes the application and can either accept or deny it. If the lender accepts the application then in stage 9, the borrower can reply stating whether he accepts or denies the lender's application. Finally, in stage 10, information about this transaction is sent to a database to allow lending institutions to have access to their lending history. For this process to occur, there must be a series of computers connected to each other via telecommunication lines as shown in FIG. 2. Here, computer program 10, controls the process and is housed on loan processing computer 100. Loan processing computer 100 coordinates a loan application between a series of lending institution computers 200, and a plurality of borrower computers 300. Computer program 10 is stored on loan processing computer 100 in storage device 110 and is run by processor 112. Program 10 is designed to transmit and receive information through a computer network via a web browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer, installed on the computers . Loan processing computer 100 must have sufficient memory and processor power to project program 10 over a computer network. Therefore, the recommended minimum requirements for processor 12 on computer 100 is an Intel Pentium 200 Mhz processor. The remaining standard components are 64 megabytes of ram, 2 gigabytes of disk space, an Internet connection, additional Ethernet connection, and Windows NT workstation operating system. Computer 100 is installed with one Ethernet interface directly on a computer network, and the other Ethernet interface connected to a firewall storage device 110, to allow disposition of files on a designated server inside the corporate network. In addition computer 100 could be a Unix style server that interfaces with other Unix and non-Unix based computers on a computer network. When program 10 runs on computer 100 it instructs computer 100 to interact with other computers through a computer network to co-ordinate a loan application. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in stage 1, computer 100 allows lender computers 200 to access information on web-page 114 housed in loan processing computer 100 at a predetermined URL address via telecommunication lines 400. In stage 2, computer 100 allows prospective borrowers using satellite computers 300 to view a plurality of documents provided by computer 100. Stage 2 consists of a series of steps that are shown in FIG. 3a. For example, in step 12, computer 100 sends the prospective borrower background information documents to web-site 114 concerning the loan application. These background information documents include a document welcoming the credit applicant to the web site, a document explaining the application process, and a document explaining the services provided. In step 14, computer 100 sends an open application to a prospective borrower through a computer network to computer 300. In step 15, the prospective borrower inputs information onto the application. When the prospective borrower wants to send this information back to computer 100 he clicks a "SEND" button which initiates the third stage of the program. FIG 3b outlines stage 3 wherein computer 100 sends a series of instructions to computer 300 to initiate edit and validation checks. In step 16, computer 100 checks the Social Security number entered. In step 17 computer 100 checks the addresses, in step 18 it checks phone numbers, and in step 19 it checks the email addresses entered. The edit and validation checks in stage 3 insure that the data to be received by the database 140 in computer 100 is in the proper format for further processing. If computer 100 determines that the data is in the proper format, then the borrower can then transmit a completed application 115 to a database on computer 100 . FIG. 4 shows stage 4, wherein in step 20 the data from the completed application 115 is encrypted by SSL technology. Next in step 21, at the borrowers instruction, this information is sent to computer 100, unlocked and stored in storage device 110 for further manipulation. In this stage, the data from completed application 115 is sorted and stored in tables 150 in database 140 based on the type of loan requested (i .e . mortgage, home equity, credit card, etc.). Next, in step 22, program 10 queries the data from tables 150 to produce reports providing loan information based on data given any field in the application form (i.e., state of residence, borrower income, etc.) . In FIG. 5, computer 100 moves into stage 5, wherein in step 23, computer 100 dials to a credit bureau housed on Credit Computer 500 via telecommunication lines 400. In step 25, computer 100 obtains a Fair Isaac Credit Score from computer 500 based upon the data sent to computer 500. Next, in step 26, computer 100 inputs the Fair Isaac Credit Score to the database tables 150. The lenders can use this Fair Isaac Credit Score as one determinant to the borrower's credit risk. FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 show stage 6 of the process, wherein computer 100 runs a filter to match completed application 115 in table 150 against preset criteria established by each lender. As shown in FIG. 6, lender criteria are stored in tables 175 in lender database 170 on computer 100. Wherein in FIG. 7 lender database 170 includes a listing of tables 175 for several lending institutions. The process for matching borrower's application in tables 150 to lender criteria in tables 175 is shown in FIG. 8. For example, in step 35, program 10 starts the filter process. Next, in step 36, the filter process initiates and moves to the appropriate type application 115 in tables 150. Next, in step 37 the filter moves to a first lending institution in table 175. In step 38, program 10 instructs computer 100 to read all of the lending institution's criteria for extending credit. In step 39, program 10 reads whether there are any criteria present in tables 175. If the requested data is not present, next, in step 45 the filter checks to see if there is any database connection that is broken and whether the database information in the message. If the criteria are present, step 40 instructs computer 100 to see whether any remaining criteria to match to application 115 stored on tables 150. If there are more criteria to match to application 115, then in step 47, program 10 checks to see whether that remaining criteria matches with application 115. If the criteria matches with application 115 then in step 58, program 10 advances to the next available criteria in tables 175. As shown in FIG. 6, step 58 creates a loop back to step 40. If the criteria does not match with application 115, then in step 48, program 10 checks to see whether there is another lending institution in database 170. If there are no remaining lending institutions in database 170 then in step 59, computer 100 generates a message that no acceptable match has been found. After this message, in step 51, the filter process ends . If there is another lending institution found, then the filter process advances to another lending institution in step 49. Step 49 creates a loop back to step 38 wherein the filter process reads all of the criteria for the new lending institution. This loop continues until in step 40, the filter finds there are no criteria available to match to completed application 115. In figures 9a, 9b, and 9c are a series of selection criteria for filtering out mortgage applications sent to a lending institution. For example, a series of interactive display screens are presented where there are first a series of consumer preferences such as selecting first mortgage, refinance an existing mortgage; or either. In addition, one can select a fixed rate mortgage variable rate mortgage or either. The different property types could be selected such as a single family detached, a town house, a condominium, a cooperative, a multiple family dwelling, or a mobile home. The occupancy type can be selected as well from a primary residence to a secondary residence to an investment property. The types of loans requested is also important. First there could be a no documentation mortgage, one could select the maximum number of units, the maximum loan term (in years) , the current loan to value as a percentage, the proposed loan to value as a percentage, the current combined loan, and the proposed combined loan to value. All of these calculations could be done on a greater than, or less than scale so that the lending institution can set a series of ranges for acceptance or denial of a loan applicant. Next, the lending institution can select the appropriate credit score range having a high and a low value entered from an applicant. Next, the lending institution can select the geographic location of the property based upon a series of states or zip codes. In addition, bankruptcy details such as whether they ever declared bankruptcy, the time that applicant's bankruptcy is last discharged etc., the consumer details such as military relationship, the length of residence at that current address, the monthly salary, monthly income, the length of employment, and the debt to income ratio. Similarly, the criteria for selecting a home equity loan is presented in FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c. These selection criteria for the filter are the same as outlined for mortgage selections . For an automobile loan filter, as shown in FIGS. 11a and lib are a series of selection criteria are presented so that the consumer can select a new car, a used car, or either, they can also select a finance preference such as a loan, a lease, compare or select all. There could also be a cut off selection where the loan amount is between a certain amount, and a range for the credit score as well. Similar to the above mortgage selection, there are also a geographical selection a bankruptcy selection, consumer detail selection, length of residence, monthly salary, total monthly income, length of the employment, and a debt to income ratio. Next, in FIGS. 12a, and 12b is a personal loan filter which would consist of selection criteria such as amount or type of collateral as a percentage of the loan, the finance preference such as a loan, or line of credit, these qualifications could be where the loan amount is within a particular range, and where the credit score is within a particular range. In addition, as stated above, the filter can also be based upon geographic location, bankruptcy details, consumer details, length of residence, monthly salary, total monthly income, length of employment, and a debt to income ratio. Finally in FIGS. 13a, and 13b, are a series of selection criteria for credit card filters. These selection criteria are based upon the following consumer preferences, the lowest possible annual fee, the lowest possible interest rate, gold card or credit limit, and air milage or other bonuses. Next, it will refer qualifications where a range of credit line requested is within a particular range. In addition, the credit score can also be selected within a particular range. Finally the geographical location of the consumer, the bankruptcy details, the consumer details, the length of residence, the monthly salary, the total monthly income, the length of employment, and the debt to income ratio can be selected to be within a particular range so that a lending institution can filter out applicants for a credit card application. If there are no more criteria to match to application 115, then in step 50, the filter determines whether there has been an acceptable match between a borrower and a lender. If there is an acceptable match, then in step 55 the filter selects that lender as a suitable lender for application 115. In step 56 program 10 checks to see if there is another lending institution available, if yes, then program 10 advances to the next lending institution in step 49. If there are no more lending institutions available, then program 10 advances to step 57 wherein the filter process ends. Finally in step 59a computer 100 selects a limited number of matched lending institutions in which to send application 115. For example, if the filter process matches application 115 with 20 lending institutions, computer 100 may send application 115 to only a fraction of those matched lending institutions . This selection process in step 58 is based upon either random selection or a predetermined set of criteria stored in computer 100. Next, as shown in FIG. 14a in stage 7, program 10 determines the interface method between computer 100 and the selected lending institution computers 200. The interface method can be Common Gateway Interface (CGI) , Active File Transfer (AFTS), as a secured file on a secured webpage (S.W.) or via e-mail. Stage 7 allows loan computer 100 to access many different lender sites which thereby allows for greater communication flexibility within the system. In stage 8, as shown in FIGS. 15a, 15b and 16, computer 100 sends data from table 150 via the interface method selected in stage 7 to the lending institutions selected in the filter process of stage 6. FIG. 16 shows the Active File Transfer System (AFTS) of FIG. 15b in greater detail. For example, in step 60, program 10 instructs computer 100 to start the AFTS. Next, in step 61 a text referral notice is sent to The Institution Internet Host (IIH) computer 220. In step 62, IIH computer 220 requests a full message from computer 100. In step 63 computer 100 sends an encrypted full message to IIH computer 220. Next, in step 64 computer 200 moves the message to the Institution's Corporate Network (ICH) 600. In step 65, ICH 600 converts the message from HTML format to a customized fixed record format defined and controlled by the destination institution. Next, in step 70, outside program 10, this information can be processed and stored in the lender's system. In step 71 the lender approves or denies application 115. If the lending institution approves application 115 it attaches an approval to the record file in step 73. Alternatively if the lending institution denies application 115, then in step 72 it attaches a denial to the record file. In step 74, the lender computers 700 generate a text decision message file. This message file is converted from the existing format into HTML format and sent to computer 100 web-site via encrypted transmission in step 75. The text decision message file contains a loan id number and a request for more information from the borrower. Computer 100 next stores the decision file in database 180 in step 80. Next, in step 81, computer 100 notifies an applicant that a decision has been made. In addition, the data from credit application 115 can also be sent via e-mail with Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption as shown in FIG. 15b. PGP is an encryption program that can be used to encrypt, a binary file to someone, with very high security, without having to exchange a set of private encryption keys beforehand. In this style transfer system, the text of table 150 comprising credit application 115, is transformed into an e-mail text message. Next, the e- mail message is encrypted in PGP format. Finally, computer 100 sends the e-mail message to computer 230 which is a remote networked computer on a lending institution's site. The third transfer process, that of the secured dynamic website serves as a place for lenders to log in to a website to change their lending criteria filters and to view loan applications. In this process, information is stored on computer 100 in a website that can be accessed by a lender. To access this site, a lender is given a login access account to log into the website that is encrypted by SSL technology. Once the lender logs into the website he can download information relating to a borrower's request for information. In the fourth transfer method, the Common Gateway Interface (CGI) format is shown in FIG. 15b. There, computer 100 sends data from table 150 to institution server 250 via a Common Gateway Interface (CGI) program. CGI programs allow for a server to server interface over which encrypted information can be transferred. For example, the data located on table 150 is first encrypted. Next the data can be sent from computer 100 to institution server 250. Server 250 next stores and unlocks the encrypted data. This unlocked data can then be read by all other networked computers 230 in a lender's home network. In stage 9, as shown in FIG. 17, computer program 10 moves into the second phase of (AFTS) in step 82. In this stage, the borrower informs the lender of his decision concerning the loan. For example, in step 83 a borrower sends his decision notification from computer 300 to computer 100. Next, in step 84, computer 100 generates and sends a notification to computer 220 (IIH) . In step, 85 computer 100 sends a full acceptance message to IIH computer 220 and next moves the acceptance message to ICH computer 600 in step 90. After that, in step 91 ICH computer 600 converts the acceptance message from HTML format and moves it to a final directory 190 on computer 230 (step 91) . At this point the lending institution program takes over so that in step 93, institution computer 230 processes the acceptance message. In step 94, institution computer 230 attaches a receipt file to the acceptance message. In step 95, institution computer 230 generates a notification of receipt message, and in step 96, it converts the notification from its standard database format into HTML format. Finally, in step 97 ICH computer 600 sends a notification of the receipt message to computer 100 and in step 98 the Active File Transfer System ends . In the tenth and final stage, as shown in FIG. 18, in step 142 the lender contacts the borrower to coordinate the closing of the loan. Here, the lending institution has the borrower's name, social security number, application id number, phone number at both work and home, and the best time to contact the borrower from the acceptance email sent when the offer was accepted. The loan closing can take place in any way that the lender typically closes loans . Once all documents are signed and delivered from the borrower, the loan is closed. Once the lender closes a loan, in step 144 it contacts computer 100 and sends a notification of the loan closure. In step 146 computer 100 stores this information in result database 195 which can be accessed by the lenders in step 148. Finally in step 152, the process according to the invention ends for that individual transaction. While several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A method for coordinating an electronic credit application between a credit applicant and a plurality of lending institutions via a computer network, comprising the steps of: displaying a plurality of documents in a web site; b) receiving a plurality of credit data sent from the credit applicant; c) applying said credit data to a filter comprising a plurality of selection criteria; d) transmitting said credit data to said plurality of lending institutions; and e) coordinating communication between said plurality of lending institutions and the credit applicant so that said credit applicant can obtain credit or loans from said lending institutions. 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (a) comprises the steps of : displaying a document welcoming the credit applicant ; displaying a document explaining the application process; displaying a document explaining the services provided; and displaying said electronic credit application. 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (b) further includes the steps of : verifying data input in a credit application on a web site; and storing said plurality of credit data in a database table in a storage device. 4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (c) further includes the steps of : obtaining a Fair Isaac Credit Score based upon said plurality of credit data submitted; and attaching the Fair Isaac Credit Score to said database table. 5. The method as claimed in claim 4 , further including the steps of : reading said database table from said storage device; reading said filter wherein, said filter is comprised of a plurality of lending institution criteria comparing said filter to said database table; and identifying a match between said filter and said database table wherein said match yields a successful electronic credit application. 6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (c) further includes the step of : checking said filter for data errors. 7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (c) further includes the steps of : advancing to the first of said selection criteria of said filter; comparing said selection criteria to the corresponding credit data on said electronic credit application; proceeding to the next level of said selection criteria if the comparison is successful; and proceeding to the next level of said filter if the comparison is unsuccessful . 8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (d) further includes the steps of: determining an appropriate transfer method to transmit said successful electronic credit application to said lending institutions; and sending said successful electronic credit application to said lending institutions via said appropriate transfer method. 9. The method as claimed in claim 8, further including: sending said successful electronic credit application to said lending institutions via a Common Gateway Interface (CGI) . 10. The method as claimed in claim 8, further including: transmitting said successful electronic credit application to said lending institutions via a secured website. 11. The method as claimed in claim 8, further including: sending said successful credit application to said lending institutions via a secured E-Mail. 12. The method as claimed in claim 8, further including the step of : receiving a first notification of a successful transmission of said successful electronic credit application from said plurality of lending institutions. 13. The method as claimed in claim 1, further including the steps of : receiving a second notification from said lending institutions regarding a lender's decision; creating a dynamic personal web site for said credit applicant; and storing said lender's decision on said dynamic personal web site. 14. The method as claimed in claim 13 , further including the steps of: sending a loan id number to said credit applicant; and receiving a credit applicant's decision from said dynamic personal web site comprising an acceptance, denial or request for more information regarding said lender's decision from said plurality of lending institutions. 15. The method as claimed in claim 14, further including the steps of : sending said credit applicant's decision to a corresponding lender of said plurality of lending institutions; and collecting said credit applicant's decision and storing said decision in a storage device. 16. The method as claimed in claim 1, further including the steps of: receiving a third notification of a closure of said successful electronic credit application from a final lending institution. 17. The method as claimed in claim 1, further including the steps of : generating a plurality of reports for said plurality of lending institutions; and displaying said plurality of reports to said plurality of lending institutions. 18. A network system designed to coordinate loan applications between lenders and borrowers comprising: a means for inputting loan application data from a prospective borrower into the network; a means for inputting lender criteria data into the network; a computing means for comparing said borrower application data to said lender criteria data; a communicating means connecting said means for inputting borrower application data and said means for inputting lender criteria data to said computing means said communicating means for allowing said connected components to communicate with each other, wherein said computing means matches said borrower application data and said lender criteria data so as to achieve a match between a borrower and a lender. 19. The device as claimed in claim 18, further comprising a means for storing data connected to said computing means said storage means for storing said borrower application data and said lender criteria data. 20. The device as claimed in claim 18, wherein said communicating means is a connection via a computer network. 21. The device as claimed in claim 20, wherein said means for inputting borrower application data is a PC computer site connected to a computer network. 22. The device as claimed in claim 20, wherein said means for inputting lender criteria data is a PC computer site connected to a computer network. 23. The device as claimed in claim 20, wherein said computing means is an Internet server connected to remote computer sites on a computer network. 24. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes, a geographical location of a property or a borrower used in the credit application. 25. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes bankruptcy details for a credit applicant, such as whether a person declared bankruptcy, or a date that the bankruptcy was last discharged. 26. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes a monthly salary range for a credit applicant, said range having a high amount and a low amount . 27. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes a total monthly income range for a credit applicant said range having a high amount and a low amount. 28. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes a qualification level for a length of employment for a credit applicant. 29. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes a qualification level for a length of residence for a credit applicant. 30. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes a monthly debt to income ratio for a credit applicant. 31. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the credit application is for a mortgage. 32. The method as claimed in claim 31, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes consumer preferences such as whether said mortgage application is for a first mortgage, to refinance an existing mortgage, or for either criteria. 33. The method as claimed in claim 31, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes a property type applied for in a mortgage such as a single-family detached, a town house, a condominium, a cooperative, a multiple family dwelling, or a mobile home. 34. The method as claimed in claim 31, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes an occupancy type for a property in said mortgage application such as primary home, secondary home or investment property. 35. The method as claimed in claim 31, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes a loan to value percentage range wherein said range has a high amount and a low amount . 36. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the credit application is for a home equity loan. 37. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the credit application is for an automobile loan. 38. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes selection of the type of loan requested such as a loan, a lease, compare or all type loans. 39. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes a type of automobile in the loan application such as a new car or a used car. 40. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes a range for a loan amount said range having a high and a low amount . 41. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the credit application is for a personal loan. 42. The method as claimed in claim 41, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes a percentage of collateral pledged as a portion of a loan. 43. The method as claimed in claim 41, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes a finance preference such as a loan, a line of credit, or either type of loan. 44. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the credit application is for a credit card. 45. The method as claimed in claim 44, wherein in step c, said selection criteria includes a consumer preference such as lowest possible annual fee, lowest possible interest rate, and a range of credit line, said range having a high amount and a low amount . AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 13 October 1999 (13.10.99); original claims 1-24 amended; new claims 46-67 added; remaining claims unchanged (15 pages)] 1. A method for coordinating an electronic credit application between an Internet user and a plurality of lending institutions via the Internet, comprising the steps of: a) displaying a plurality of documents in a web site; b) receiving a plurality of credit data sent from the Internet user; c) applying said credit data to a filter comprising a plurality of selection criteria to select each one of said plurality of lending institutions associated with a match of said credit data to said selection criteria; d) transmitting said credit data to the selected ones of said plurality of lending institutions; and e) coordinating communication between the selected ones of said plurality of lending institutions and the Internet user so that said Internet user can obtain credit or a loan from one of said selected lending institutions. 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (a) comprises the steps of: displaying a document welcoming the Internet user; displaying a document explaining the electronic credit application process; displaying a document explaining the services provided; and displaying said electronic credit application. 3. The method as claimed m claim 1, wherein step (b) further comprises the steps of: verifying data input m a credit application on a web site; and storing said plurality of credit data m a database table in a storage device. 4. The method as claimed in claim 3 , wherein step (c) further comprises the steps of: obtaining a Fair Isaac Credit Score based upon said plurality of credit data submitted; and attaching the Fair Isaac Credit Score to said database table. 5. The method as claimed m claim 4, further comprising the steps of: reading the credit data of said database table from said storage device; reading the selection criteria of said filter, said selection criteria comprising lending institution criteria defined by each of the lending institutions and useful for identification of a qualified candidate for credit or a loan; comparing said selection criteria of said filter to said credit data of said database table; and identifying a match between said filter and said database table wherein said match yields a selection of at least one of said plurality of lending institutions that will consider whether to respond to the electronic credit application by making a loan or credit offer to the Internet user. 6. The method as claimed m claim 1, wherein each lending institution is assigned a corresponding filter, said filter comprising selection criteria customizable by the lending institution m real-time. 7. The method as claimed m claim 1, wherein step (c) further comprises the steps of: advancing to the first of said selection criteria of said filter; comparing said selection criteria to the corresponding credit data on said electronic credit application; proceeding to the next level of said selection criteria if the comparison is successful; and proceeding to the next level of said filter if the comparison is unsuccessful. 8. The method as claimed m claim 1, wherein step (d) further comprises the steps of: determining an appropriate transfer method to transmit said electronic credit application to said selected lending institutions; and sending said electronic credit application to said selected lending institutions via said appropriate transfer method. 9. The method as claimed m claim 8, further comprisin : sending said electronic credit application to said selected lending institutions via Common Gateway Interface (CGI) . 10. The method as claimed m claim 8, further comprising: transmitting said electronic credit application to said selected lending institutions via a secured website . 11. The method as claimed m claim 8, further comprising: sending said credit application to said selected lending institutions via a secured E-Mail. 12. The method as claimed m claim 8, further comprising the step of: receiving a notification of a successful transmission of said electronic credit application from said selected ones of said plurality of lending institutions . 13. The method as claimed m claim 1, further comprising the steps of: receiving a notification from each of said selected lending institutions regarding a lender's decision; creating a dynamic personal web site for said Internet user; and storing said lender's decision on said dynamic personal web site. 14. The method as claimed m claim 13 , further comprising the step of: receiving an Internet user's decision from said dynamic personal web site comprising an acceptance, denial or request for more information regarding said lender's decision for one of said selected lending institutions . 15. The method as claimed m claim 14, further comprising the steps of: sending said Internet user's decision to the corresponding one of said selected lending institutions; and collecting said Internet user's decision and storing said decision in a storage device. 16. The method as claimed m claim 1, further comprising the steps of: receiving a notification of a closure of said electronic credit application from the one of said selected lending institutions. 17. The method as claimed m claim 1, further comprising the steps of : generating a plurality of reports comprising said credit data for said plurality of lending institutions; and displaying said plurality of reports to said plurality of lending institutions. 18. A network system for coordinating the submission of a loan application by a borrower to multiple lenders, comprising: means for inputting loan application data from a prospective borrower into the network system; means for inputting lender criteria data into the network system, the lender criteria data associated with each of the lenders and useful for selecting a successful credit application; computing means for comparing said borrower application data to said lender criteria data, the computing means operative to identify each lender associated with a match of the loan application data to the lender criteria data as a possible candidate for offering credit or a loan to the consumer; and communicating means, connecting said means for inputting borrower application data and said means for inputting lender criteria data to said computing means, for allowing said connected components to communicate with each other, said computing means further operative to transmit said borrower application data to each of said identified lenders via said communicating means. 19. The network system as claimed m claim 18, further comprising means for storing data, connected to said computing means, for storing said borrower application data and said lender criteria data. 20. The network system as claimed m claim 18, wherein said communicating means comprises the Internet . 21. The network system as claimed m claim 20, wherein said means for inputting borrower application data comprises a computer connected to the Internet. 22. The network system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said means for inputting lender criteria data comprises a computer connected to the Internet . 23. The network system as claimed m claim 20, wherein said computing means comprises an Internet server connected to remote computers on the Internet . 24. The method as claimed m claim 1, wherein m step c, said selection criteria comprises, a geographical location of a property or a borrower used m the credit application. 25. The method as claimed m claim 1, wherein m step c, said selection criteria comprises bankruptcy details for a credit applicant, such as whether a person declared bankruptcy, or a date that the bankruptcy was last discharged. 26. The method as claimed m claim 1, wherein in step c, said selection criteria comprises a monthly salary range for a credit applicant, said range having a high amount and a low amount . 27. The method as claimed m claim 1, wherein m step c, said selection criteria comprises a total monthly income range for a credit applicant said range having a high amount and a low amount . 28. The method as claimed m claim 1, wherein m step c, said selection criteria comprises a qualification level for a length of employment for a credit applicant. 29. The method as claimed m claim 1, wherein in step c, said selection criteria comprises a qualification level for a length of residence for a credit applicant. 30. The method as claimed m claim 1, wherein in step c, said selection criteria comprises a monthly debt to income ratio for a credit applicant. 31. The method as claimed m claim 1, wherein the credit application is for a mortgage. 32. The method as claimed m claim 31, wherein in step c, said selection criteria comprises consumer preferences such as whether said mortgage application is for a first mortgage, to refinance an existing mortgage, or for either criteria. 33. The method as claimed in claim 31, wherein m step c, said selection criteria comprises a property type applied for in a mortgage such as a single- family detached, a town house, a condominium, a cooperative, a multiple family dwelling, or a mobile home. 34. The method as claimed in claim 31, wherein in step c, said selection criteria comprises an occupancy type for a property in said mortgage application such as primary home, secondary home or investment property. 35. The method as claimed in claim 31, wherein in step c, said selection criteria comprises a loan to value percentage range wherein said range has a high amount and a low amount . 36. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the credit application is for a home equity loan. 37. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the credit application is for an automobile loan. 38. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein in step c, said selection criteria comprises selection of the type of loan requested such as a loan, a lease, compare or all type loans. 39. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein in step c, said selection criteria comprises a type of automobile in the loan application such as a new car or a used car. 40. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein in step c, said selection criteria comprises a range for a loan amount said range having a high and a low amount . 41. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the credit application is for a personal loan. 42. The method as claimed in claim 41, wherein in step c, said selection criteria comprises a percentage of collateral pledged as a portion of a loan. 43. The method as claimed in claim 41, wherein in step c, said selection criteria comprises a finance preference such as a loan, a line of credit, or either type of loan. 44. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the credit application is for a credit card. 45. The method as claimed in claim 44, wherein in step c, said selection criteria comprises a consumer preference such as lowest possible annual fee, lowest possible interest rate, and a range of credit line, said range having a high amount and a low amount . 46. The network system of Claim 18, wherein said computing means is further operative to receive a notification from said identified lending institutions regarding each lender's decision whether to extend an offer of credit or a loan to the borrower, and the network system further comprises a dynamic personal web site accessible by the borrower, the computing means operative to publish each lender's decision on said dynamic personal web site. 47. The network system of Claim 46, wherein the dynamic personal web site is further operative to receive a decision from the borrower regarding the lender's decision whether to extend an offer of credit or a loan to the borrower. 48. The network system of Claim 47 wherein the computing means, responsive to the decision from the borrower, is operative to send the borrower's decision to each identified lending institution via the communicating means and to store the borrower's decision in a storage device coupled to the computing means. 49. A computer- implemented method for coordinating submission of an electronic credit application between a consumer and lending institutions via a distributed computer network, comprising the steps of: receiving credit data for the electronic credit application from the consumer via the distributed computer network; comparing the credit data to selection criteria useful for selecting a successful credit application, the selection criteria corresponding to each of the lending institutions ; in response to the credit data satisfying the selection criteria, identifying each lending institution associated with a match of the credit data to the selection criteria as a possible candidate for offering credit or a loan to the consumer; and advising the consumer that each of the identified lending institutions represents a possible candidate for offering credit or a loan to the consumer. 50. The method as claimed in claim 49 further comprising the step of providing the electronic credit application to the identified lending institutions by transmitting the credit data to the identified lending institutions via the distributed computer network. 51. The method as claimed in claim 49, further comprising the steps of: obtaining a Fair Isaac Credit Score based upon the credit data supplied by the consumer in response to completing the electronic credit application; and supplementing the credit data with the Fair Isaac Credit Score. 52. The method as claimed in claim 49, wherein the comparing step comprises: (a) obtaining the selection criteria for a selected one of the lending institutions; (b) determining whether the credit data satisfies the selection criteria for the selected lending institution; (c) if so, then identifying the selected lending institution as a candidate for offering credit or a loan to the consumer; (d) otherwise, determining whether selection criteria is available for a remaining one of the lending institutions; (e) continuing steps (a) - (d) for each one of the remaining ones of the lending institutions. 53. The method as claimed in claim 50, wherein the transmitting step comprises : determining an appropriate transfer method to transmit the electronic credit application to each identified lending institution; and sending the electronic credit application to each identified lending institution via the appropriate transfer method. 54. The method as claimed in claim 49, further comprising the steps of: receiving a notification from each identified lending institution regarding a decision whether to extend an offer of credit or a loan to the consumer; creating a dynamic personal web site accessible by the consumer via the distributed computer network; and publishing the decision of each identified lending institution on the dynamic personal web site. 55. The method as claimed in claim 54, further comprising the steps of: receiving the consumer's decision regarding the credit or loan offer in response to the published decision of each identified lending institution; and sending the consumer's decision to the identified lending institutions via the distributed computer network. 56. A computer-readable medium having computer executable instructions for coordinating submission of an electronic credit application between a consumer and lending institutions, comprising: receiving credit data for the electronic credit application from the consumer; comparing the credit data to predetermined selection criteria useful for selecting a successful credit application, the selection criteria defined by each of the lending institutions based on their particular lending criteria; in response to the credit data satisfying the selection criteria, identifying each lending institution associated with a match of the credit data to the selection criteria as a possible candidate for offering credit or a loan to the consumer; selecting a predetermined number of the identified lending institutions and forwarding the credit data to the selected set of the identified lending institutions; and sending information to the consumer advising that the selected ones of the identified lending institutions represent possible candidates for offering credit or a loan to the consumer, thereby providing the consumer with the opportunity to accept the credit or loan offer from one of the selected set of identified lending institutions. 57. The computer-readable medium as claimed in claim 56, wherein the computer-executable instructions for completing the comparing step comprise: (a) obtaining the selection criteria for a selected one of the lending institutions; (b) determining whether the credit data satisfies the selection criteria for the selected lending institution; (c) if so, then identifying the selected lending institution as a candidate for offering credit or a loan to the consumer; (d) otherwise, determining whether selection criteria is available for a remaining one of the lending institutions ; (e) continuing steps (a) - (d) for each one of the remaining ones of the lending institutions. 58. The computer-readable medium as claimed in claim 56 further comprising computer-executable instructions for providing the electronic credit application to only the selected set of the identified lending institutions by transmitting the credit data to the selected set of the identified lending institutions via a distributed computer network. WO 99/59084 - 4 Λ 6 C - PCT/US99/10144 59. The computer-readable medium as claimed in claim 57, wherein the computer-executable instructions for forwarding the credit data to the selected set identified lending institutions comprise: determining an appropriate transfer method to transmit the electronic credit application to each selected one of the identified lending institutions; and sending the electronic credit application to each selected one of the identified lending institutions via the appropriate transfer method. 60. The computer-readable medium as claimed in Claim 56 further comprising computer executable instructions for sorting the credit data, prior to the step of comparing the credit data, based on the type of loan or credit requested by the consumer. 61. The computer-readable medium as claimed in Claim 60, wherein the computer executable instructions for the selecting step comprise selecting the predetermined number of the identified lending institutions based on a random selection criteria. 62. The computer-readable medium as claimed in Claim 60, wherein the computer executable instructions for the selecting step comprise selecting the predetermined number of the identified lending institutions based on predetermined selection criteria. 63. The computer-readable medium as claimed in Claim 56, wherein the computer executable instructions for forwarding the credit data comprise Vransmitting the credit data to a secured website accessible by the selected ones of the identified lending institutions, the credit data published at the secured website for review by only the selected ones of the identified lending institutions . 64. The computer-readable medium as claimed in Claim 63 further comprising executable instructions for accepting at the secured website changes to the selection criteria for one of the selected identified lending institutions, thereby enabling the institution to customize its selection criteria on a real-time basis. 65. The computer-readable medium as claimed in Claim 56 further comprising executable instructions for accepting a consumer's decision regarding the offer of credit or a loan from the selected ones of the identified lending institutions. 66. The computer-readable medium as claimed in Claim 65 further comprising executable instructions for forwarding the consumer's decision to the selected ones of the identified lending institutions. 67. The computer-readable medium as claimed in Claim 66 further comprising executable instructions for accepting a notice of a credit or loan closure in response to the consumer closing the credit or loan with one of the selected set of identified lending institutions .

Inventors: LEBDA DOUGLAS, STIEGLER RICHARD, LEBDA, DOUGLAS, STIEGLER, RICHARD
Applicants: LEBDA DOUGLAS, STIEGLER RICHARD, LEBDA, DOUGLAS, STIEGLER, RICHARD
Application year: 1999
Main classification: G06F17
IPC codes: G06F17, G06Q30, G06Q40