Abstract:
A payment service method and system involve a payment service provider, a customer/payor and a client/payee. The customer/payor enrolls in the service and is provided the unique identifier which enables him or her to conduct all transactions with the payment service provider. The customer/payor interfaces with the payment service provider through various forms of communication, and can facilitate payments to the clients/payees through the payment service provider while remaining anonymous. Various enhancements are provided for promoting the services of the clients and the payment service provider to customer bases obtained from persons enrolled in the payment service and from persons who are customers of the clients.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates generally to financial transaction systems and methodologies, and in particular to a method and system for making payments based on a customer identification.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     A wide variety of payment methods are available to consumers of goods and services. In addition to currency, consumers are often able to use their credit in making purchases. A common system for making credit purchases involves the use of a credit card provided by a credit card issuer, such as a commercial bank or other financial institution. Non-credit transactions can be handled by debit cards, which utilize funds already deposited by the consumer for payment purposes.  
         [0005]     Many types of payment methodologies are dependent upon customers having relationships with financial institutions such as banks, credit unions, etc. However, a substantial percentage of consumers do not use such conventional financial institutions. These consumers are often referred to as “unbanked” because they do not maintain accounts with such institution&#39;s. Unbanked consumers are often inconvenienced in making financial transactions. For example, without bank accounts, they experience difficulty and inconvenience in obtaining negotiable instruments, making purchases on credit, etc.  
         [0006]     Recently there have been a number of new products which provide at least partial solutions to the problems of the unbanked and other consumers. For example, “prepay” cards allow consumers to pre-purchase various goods and services. An important example relates to the use of telecommunications services, which are available through prepaid “calling cards”. Many consumers prepay on a monthly basis for “dial tone” service. Prepaid cards can also be reloadable whereby additional value can be added by consumers for using their cards indefinitely.  
         [0007]     Another prior art payment system involves the use of payment service providers making payments on behalf of consumers over the Internet global computer network or by negotiable instrument. Such a payment service is available from Western Union Commercial Services under its trademark QUICK COLLECT®. This product allows consumers to make payments to Western Union agents who then transfer funds either over the Internet global computer network or issue negotiable instruments to the payees on behalf of the customers/payors. The customers submit certain identifying information each time they use this service.  
         [0008]     The present invention addresses the need for a payment service method and system which allow customers to gain access to the service simply by providing an identifier. For example, the payment service provider can issue the customers cards adapted for swiping to input their identifiers. A payment service is also needed which substantially instantaneously credits payments to accounts as directed by the customer. For example, customers who purchase prepaid “dial tone” telecommunications services often intend to use such services immediately.  
         [0009]     There is also a need for a payment service provider to retain customer information to facilitate making a payment by simply swiping a card to input the customer&#39;s ID and designating a payment amount. Enrolled customers can thus remain in the system&#39;s database indefinitly for use of the payment service on demand.  
         [0010]     Heretofore there has not been available a payment service method and system with the advantages and features of the present invention.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     In the practice of the present invention a payment service provider contracts with its clients to facilitate payments and prepayments on account from their customers. The customers enroll in the service by communicating with the payment service provider through any one of a number of different interfaces. A unique identifier is assigned to each customer and can consist of any suitable character string or similar unique identifier. For example, customers using the payment service for their telephone bills can utilize their telephone numbers as their identifiers. Commercial clients can pre-enroll their entire customer databases with the payment service provider. The payment service provider then simply issues the identifiers and processes applications for enrollment from customers. The payment service provider, or its agents, receive payments from the customers and process same for payment to the clients. The invention accommodates a variety of options and enhancements for customizing and expanding the service.  
       OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     The principle objects and advantages of the present invention include:  
         [0013]     1. providing a payment method and system;  
         [0014]     2. providing such a payment method and system which utilize a payment service provider with an agent network;  
         [0015]     3. providing such a payment method and system which facilitate payment to clients from the clients&#39; customers;  
         [0016]     4. providing such a payment method and system which enables customers to contact and enroll in same through a variety of different interfaces;  
         [0017]     5. providing such a payment method and system which facilitate promoting the use of the payment system and method;  
         [0018]     6. providing such a payment method and system which promote the products of the payment service provider&#39;s clients;  
         [0019]     7. providing such a payment method and system which are adapted for promoting and cross selling other products of the payment service provider and its clients;  
         [0020]     8. providing such a payment method and system which capture transactional data for use in managing a customer database; and  
         [0021]     9. providing such a payment method and system which are efficient in operation and well adapted for the proposed uses thereof  
         [0022]     Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.  
         [0023]     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a payment service system embodying the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart for payments made in accordance with the method of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart for enrolling customers.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart for implementing payment parameters.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart for a dynamic client/customer interface.  
         [0029]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart for providing advertising and coupons on receipts for payments.  
         [0030]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart for providing an automatic repeat customer discount.  
         [0031]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart for cross selling services of the client.  
         [0032]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart for metering transactions involving accounts.  
         [0033]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart for providing rebates to clients.  
         [0034]      FIG. 11  is a flow chart for alternative payment methods.  
         [0035]      FIG. 12  is a flow chart for additional product support.  
         [0036]      FIG. 13  is a flow chart for client-specific enrollment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0037]     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.  
         [0038]     Referring the drawings in more detail, the reference numeral  2  generally designates a payment system embodying the present invention. As shown in the block diagram  FIG. 1 , the system  2  includes a payment service provider  4  for facilitating payment from a customer/payor  6  to one or more clients/payees  8 .  
         [0039]     Each customer/payor has a unique ID  10 , which can comprise any suitable identifier. Conventional identifiers such as name, social security number, PIN, etc. are acceptable. Moreover, the system  2  can accommodate “anonymous” customers/payors  6 . Such customers  6  can maintain their anonymity by creating their own ID&#39;s  10 . The ID  10  can also comprise the customer&#39;s telephone number. Thus, the system  2  can be used for paying for telephone services using only the customer&#39;s telephone number for identification purposes. The customer in this model does not even have to provide an address or any other personal information. Similar identification arrangements could be used with other clients  8 , i.e. accepting payments on accounts with the customers identified by their respective account numbers. The customer  6  interfaces with the payment service provider  4  through an interface  12 . The interface  12  can comprise any suitable form or device for communications, including telephone (which can incorporate voice recognition (VR)), worldwide web (Internet), mail, in-person, a point-of-sale (POS) terminal with a card reader, e-mail or any other suitable interface.  
         [0040]     The payment service provider  4  can include an agent network  14  which can provide point-of-sale (POS) contact points system-wide for convenient in-person accessibility by the customers  6 . The payment service provider  4  maintains customer accounts  16  which can correspond to the clients/payees  8 . Each client/payee can have associated therewith a customer database  18  containing pertinent information regarding the customers  6  and their respective accounts  17 . The designation of accounts, subaccounts, master accounts, etc. can vary from client-to-client. Thus, as used herein the terms “account”, “subaccount” and similar terms can designate either the entire account base of a particular client  8 , or the individual account of a customer(s)  6 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 2  is a payment flow chart depicting a payment method which commences with the enrollment of a new customer/payor at  22  whereafter an ID  10  is assigned at  24 . An account  17  is established with the payment service provider  4  at  26 . Optionally a card  20  can be issued to the customer  6  at  27 . The card  20  can comprise an ID card, a reloadable/stored value card, a credit card, a debit card, etc. Any suitable card configuration can be utilized. For example, preprinted cards with concealed customer ID&#39;s  10  can be inventoried with the agent network  14  for distribution upon enrollment. However, the system  2  can function without any cards whatsoever simply by assigning unique customer ID&#39;s  10  for purposes of conducting all payment transactions. A payment is made on the account at  28 . The payment is applied at  30  and the subaccount records are updated at  32 . A decision is made at a decision box  34  if another transaction is to be conducted. If so, the process returns to the payment application step  30  whereby the customer&#39;s payment can be applied to another account. If not, the process ends.  
         [0042]      FIG. 3  shows a method of enrolling the customer base of a client  8  including the step of the client creating a customer database at  38 . At  40  the database is formatted, preferably pursuant to the standards established by the payment service provider  4  to facilitate automation of the payment process. All of the customers  6  in the client&#39;s customer database can automatically be enrolled in the payment service at  42 . The customers  6  can be notified of the payment service availability at  44 , whereupon the new customer can contact the payment service provider  4  at  46  and activate the account at  48 . The customer ID  10  is assigned at  50 , the customer makes a payment on a client&#39;s account at  52  and the client&#39;s records are updated at  54 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 4  shows a methodology for establishing payment parameters. At  58  the client designates the products for payment service. The system and method can accommodate clients with multiple products by allowing flexibility in establishing the payment parameters for each and by accommodating different payment directions from customers  6  on the various products. The client designates its payment denominations (e.g. $5, $10, $20, etc. increments) at  60  and applies the payment denominations to its products at  62 . The payment service plan can optionally be configured to accept exact payments of any amount without applying predetermined payment denominations. Payment service provider fees are established at  64 . The fees can reflect the nature of the clients&#39; accounts. For example, payment bands can be input at  66  wherein various bands are applicable according to the number of customers. Pricing can also be based on the ranges of principle payment amounts at  68 . The fees associated with the transactions are input at  70 . The payment service provider  4  can set a variable fee schedule, taking into account factors such as pricing, principle and fee bands and ranges at  72 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 5  shows a dynamic client/customer interface methodology wherein the customer enrolls with the payment service provider at  76 , makes a payment at  78  and is issued a receipt at  80 . The customer is assigned an ID at  82 . Client messaging to the customer is communicated at  83  and can include the customer service number. The value of the available payment service is designated at  84 . A coupon is printed at  85  for eligible customers  6 . Customer eligibility is determined at  86  and ineligible customers are excluded at  88 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 6  shows an optional methodology for utilizing the customers&#39; receipts for advertising and coupons. A client promotion is initiated at  94 . Alternatively, a promotion can be initiated for a non-competitor of the client at  96 . At  98  the advertising or coupons are printed on the receipts, which are provided to the customers at  100 . The customers  6  can redeem the coupons at  102 . At  104  the advertisement and coupon impressions are tabulated for each client and the coupon redemptions are tabulated at  106 . The client pays the payment service provider at  108 . Based on tabulated redemptions, the client can also pay the payment service provider at  110 . Customer data is collected from the coupon redemptions at  111 . The customer data can be manipulated in various ways and reported to the client at  112 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 7  shows a procedure for rewarding repeat customers with discounts. At  116  the interval for the discounted payment service is set and a number of repeat transactions N is set at  118  in order to qualify for a discount. A customer payment count (CPC) is set to zero at  120 . A customer payment is made at  122  and increments the customer payment count (CPC+1) at  123 . At a decision box  124  the customer payment count is compared to the number of payments required for discount eligibility (CPC=N?). If negative, the procedure returns to the customer payment step  122 . If affirmative, an immediate discount can be provided on the current payment charge to the customer at  126 . A congratulatory message to the customer is printed at  128 , for example on the receipt.  
         [0047]      FIG. 8  shows a cross-selling methodology which commences with the step of a new customer enrollment at  130 . A new customer screen is displayed at  132  for purposes of promoting other services of the payment service provider at  134 . For example, other related money-transfer services of the payment service provider  4  can be promoted to the customer  6  at  136 . Internet-based services can be promoted at  138  and direct telephone contact services can be promoted at  140 . The enrollment information can be captured at  142 , and can reflect the services utilized by the customer. Still other services can be promoted at  144 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 9  shows a transaction metering procedure which commences with the client  8  providing the card configuration at  148 . An ID “trap” occurs at  150  whereby a first or other special transaction is identified for special handling. An account transaction counter is initiated at  152  and a first transaction is logged at  154 . A last transaction is logged at  156  and a running log of time elapsed since the last transaction (corresponding to an inactivity period) is maintained at  158 . At decision box  160  a determination is made if the inactivity period has exceeded the maximum allowable period. If affirmative, a retire account step occurs at  162  and the sub-routine ends. If negative, the sub-routine continues to track transaction recurrences at  164  and monitors retentions at  166 . Future marketing and rebate programs are metered at  168  and market records are provided to the client at  170  based upon the data received in the above steps. The market records can be used as an adjunct to the client&#39;s customer database.  
         [0049]      FIG. 10  shows a client rebate routine wherein a number of transactions required for rebate eligibility is set with the client at  174  (NTR). New customers are enrolled at  176 , cards are printed at  178  and the clients  8  are charged at  180 . The number of transactions (NT) is initialized to zero at  182 , a transaction occurs at  184  and increments the number of transactions (NT+1) at  186 . At decision box  188  a determination is made if NT=NTR? If affirmative, the cost of the card is rebated to the client at  190 . If negative, the routine returns to the transaction step for the next increment.  
         [0050]      FIG. 11  shows a methodology for making payments using various options. The customer initiates a payment at  194  and provides his or her ID at  196 . Various payment options are displayed, and can include negotiable instruments (e.g. checks, cashier checks, money orders, etc.), credit cards, debit cards, etc. A payment method is selected at  200  and is verified at  202  to ensure that “good” (i.e., collectable) funds are available from the customer  6  utilizing the selected payment method. The payment is accepted at  204 .  
         [0051]     An additional product support procedure is shown in  FIG. 12  and commences with the client  8  identifying multiple products to be supported at  208 . For example, a telecommunications client might provide various products such as prepaid dialtone, prepaid cellular, prepaid internet access and insurance. All of these products can be provided on a single card. A premium fee can be charged by the payment service provider  4  at  210 . Destination codes can be assigned to the client&#39;s various products and a preferred customer screen created for displaying same at  212 ,  214  respectively. The client&#39;s products can be displayed on the preferred customer screen at  216  whereby the customer can choose a product to pay on at  218 . At  220  the customer chooses the amount to pay on the chosen product. At decision box  222  the customer has the option of choosing another product to pay on. If affirmative, the preferred customer screen with the multiple products is displayed again. Otherwise, the sub-routine ends.  
         [0052]      FIG. 13  shows a client-specific enrollment methodology, as contrasted with a generic enrollment procedure commencing with client-specific payment service advertising which identifies the payment service provider  4  and directs potential customers to its agent network  14 . The payment service provider agent enrolls a customer on behalf of the client at  226 . The customer is typically either a present or prospective customer for the client&#39;s goods or services and has been directed to the payment service provider&#39;s agent network  14  as a way of paying for same. At  228  the customer and the payment service provider agent select the features and pricing desired by the customer for the client&#39;s products. An account number can optionally be assigned on behalf of the client by the payment service provider agent at  230 . The payment service provider is paid by the customer at  232 , and in turn pays the agent at  234 .  
         [0053]     It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of steps and components described and shown.