Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/EP2515281A1/en
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 21:30:44+00:00

Document:
Methods and systems for exchanging various forms of value, including coins, currency, credit, debit, and/or bank account funds, for prepaid cash cards, credit cards, phone cards, and the like. In one embodiment, a value exchange machine includes a coin input region, a coin sorting/counting apparatus, a card reader, and a communications facility configured to communicate with a remote computer network. In another embodiment, a value exchange system includes one or more of the value exchange machines connected to one or more remote computers via a communications link. A user wishing to purchase, for example, a prepaid cash card can visit one of the value exchange machines, select the desired transaction, and pay for the card with coins, currency, a credit card, a debit card, and/or bank account funds. After confirming payment, the value exchange machine dispenses the card to the user.
This application claims priority to the following co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Applications: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/357,331, filed February 15, 2002 , U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/357,555, filed February 15, 2002 ; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/419,735, filed October 18, 2002 ; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/424.377, filed November 6, 2002 . This application incorporates all of the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Applications listed above in their entireties by reference.
This application relates generally to methods and systems for exchanging one form of value for another form of value and, more particularly to methods and systems for transferring value to an account, or for providing or reloading prepaid cash cards, credit cards, phone cards, event tickets, and the like.
Various vending machines are configured to dispense selected products to users in exchange for exact amounts of money. Such machines include, for example, food dispensing machines, stamp dispensing machines, ticket dispensing machines, and the like. Other machines are configured to count arbitrary numbers and denominations of coins received from users. One such coin-counting machine is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5.620.079 to Molbak ("the '079 Patent to Molbak"), which is Incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. In one embodiment, the Molbak coin-counting machine can dispense a redeemable voucher to a user for an amount related to the value of coins received from the user. This redeemable voucher can be redeemed for cash or merchandise at, for example, a point-of-sale (POS) location in the retail outlet where the machine is located.
Machines also exist for dispensing prepaid telephone cards to users. Such machines typically dispense a selected phone card to a user after the user has deposited a requisite amount of money in the machine. In addition, prepaid long-distance accounts and wireless cell phone accounts also exist whereby a service carrier maintains an account of available minutes for each individual user. Such accounts are often rechargeable and are associated with individual personal identification numbers (PINs). To start an account, a user may initially purchase a phone card containing, for example, sixty minutes of long-distance telephone usage. The number of available minutes are depleted as the user makes phone calls via the account. Some accounts allow the user to add minutes to his/her account by paying for additional time with, for example, a credit card. In this way, the user is able to add minutes to his/her account as the need arises, or to fit their particular budget.
Figure 2 is an enlarged front elevation view of a drawer assembly of the value exchange machine of Figure 1 configured in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine for exchanging various forms of value using the value exchange machine of Figure 1.
Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a display page useable for a person-to-person money transfer in accordance with an embodiment.
This application incorporates the following U.S. Patents in their entireties by reference: U.S. Patent No. 5,746,299 ; U.S. Patent No. 6,047,808 ; U.S. Patent No. 5,988,348 ; U.S. Patent No. 6,196,371 ; U.S. Patent No. 6,116,402 ; U.S. Patent No. 6,349,972 ; and U.S. Patent No. 5,909,793 .
This application further incorporates the following co-pending U.S. Patent Applications in their entireties by reference: U.S. Patent Application No. 09/661,956, filed September 14, 2000 ; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/662,414, filed September 14, 2000 ; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/661,955, filed September 14, 2000 ; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/661,048, filed September 14, 2000 ; and U.S. Patent Application No. 10/020,587, filed October 30, 2001 .
In one embodiment, the system described herein can receive a random plurality of coins from a user, count the coins, and, if the user desires, dispense a prepaid card to the user having a value related to the total value of the coins received. This prepaid card may then be used by the user, or another person authorized by the user, to pay for goods and/or services at a variety of different retail locations. In another embodiment, the system disclosed herein can dispense a prepaid card to a user in return for loose coins, paper currency, and/or a valid credit card account number that is provided by the user. In a further embodiment, a user may apply value from an existing prepaid card to purchase another prepaid card. In yet another embodiment, the system disclosed herein can dispense a prepaid card to a user in return for funds debited from a financial institution account (e.g., a savings, checking account, or brokerage account) that is provided by the user. In yet another embodiment, a user may utilize any of the foregoing methods of payment to "top up" (i.e., to "reload," "recharge," or otherwise increase the value of) an existing prepaid card. Thus, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, a user can purchase or top up a prepaid card with 1) cash (loose coins and/or currency); 2) credit (e.g., credit cards, check cards, etc.); 3) debit (e.g., debit cards, ATM cards, etc.); 4) existing prepaid cards; 5) bank account funds; or 6) any combination of the above.
In addition to the foregoing user-interface devices, the drawer assembly 120 can also include a number of output devices. For example, the drawer assembly 120 can include a card outlet 208, a ticket outlet 210, and a receipt outlet 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the card outlet 208 is a horizontal slot for dispensing cards, such as prepaid cash or phone cards, and other similar items. The ticket outlet 210 of the illustrated embodiment can be a similar horizontal slot for dispensing travel or event tickets, such as airline tickets or tickets for a basketball game or a concert. As described in greater detail below, in one embodiment these tickets may have been reserved, ordered, or prepurchased on-line by a user over the Internet.
While the aspects and features of the drawer assembly 120 discussed above are representative of those that may be included as components of the value exchange machine 100 of Figure 1, those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that additional features may be included without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. For example, although the drawer assembly 120 of the illustrated embodiment is shown with only one card outlet 208 and one ticket outlet 210, in other embodiments more card and ticket outlets may be included, depending on the particular application of the machine 100. Furthermore, in yet other embodiments one or more of the foregoing features may be omitted from the value exchange machine 100 in various applications without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.
Use of the value exchange machine 100 to exchange one form of value for another form of value will now be explained in accordance with a few examples. Referring to Figure 1, in one embodiment transaction options are displayed for a user on the display screen 118, and can include one or more of purchasing a prepaid cash card; purchasing a prepaid phone card; transferring money to an account; topping up an existing credit card account, cash card account, long distance phone card account, or wireless account; receiving a redeemable cash voucher, and/or performing other transfers or purchasing other items. The user can select the desired transaction or transactions by using the first keypad 114, the touch screen 117, and/or one or more of the selection buttons 115 in response to prompts shown on the display screen 118. If the user selects, for example, to purchase a prepaid cash card, then the machine 100 prompts the user to input his/her preferred payment option. In one embodiment, the user can elect to pay with coins and can deposit a plurality of randomly oriented coins into the tray 106 and hingeably rotate the tray 106 upwardly to deliver the coins to the coin sorting/counting apparatus 112. The coin sorting/counting apparatus 112 then counts the coins and displays the total to the user on the display screen 118. If the user accepts this total and, if applicable, any related service fees, then the machine 100 prompts the user to indicate how much of the total the user wishes to put on the prepaid cash card. Once the user has input this value, the machine 100 dispenses the prepaid cash card to the user via the card outlet 208, assuming the user deposited enough money to cover the requested value. If any funds are left over from the transaction, the machine can issue a redeemable cash voucher to the user for the difference. Alternatively, the user can apply the remaining funds toward another card or service, or transfer the remaining funds to an account, such as a checking or savings account.
In one aspect of this embodiment, the receipt includes instructions directing the user to call a particular telephone number and activate their new prepaid credit card account. Per the instructions, the user calls the telephone number and activates his/her account by providing certain personal information, such as name and mailing address. The user then receives a unique number (such as a 16-digit number for their new prepaid credit card account) from the credit card account issuer over the telephone. The user can use this number immediately for credit-based purchases either by telephone, mail, or the Internet. Further, within a few days, the user receives a personalized, embossed prepaid credit card via the mail that can be used anywhere the particular prepaid credit card is accepted. In addition, the user can also have the option of attaching a PIN to their new prepaid credit card account that will allow them to make cash withdrawals at ATMs.
In yet another embodiment, a user may elect to use any of the fund input methods discussed above to electronically transfer money. In such transactions, the user may not receive a card having a value. Instead, the user may receive a receipt or other record documenting the transaction. For example, in one such transaction the user can utilize any of the methods of payment described above to transfer money to his or her account (e.g., a savings, checking, or credit card account) or to an account of another person (e.g., for a person-to-person payment or for a bill payment). Similarly, the user can also elect to transfer the proceeds from any such payment to a bank account for direct deposit, to a cell phone account (e.g., for long-distance telephone minutes), or to an on-line account (e.g., an "e-wallet") for on-line purchases.
Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine 300 for exchanging various forms of value with the value exchange machine 100 of Figure 1. In block 301, the user selects one or more forms of value desired as output. For example, a user can select any combination of redeemable cash voucher, prepaid cash card, gift card, phone card, ticket or other merchandise, etc. In addition or alternatively, the user may elect to transfer funds to or from an existing account, for example, to pay off a credit card balance; to increase funds in a checking, savings, or brokerage account; to add time to a long distance account; for a person-to-person payment; or for an "e-wallet." Similarly, the user may elect to "top up" an existing prepaid cash card or cell phone account with additional value or minutes, respectively. Further, the user may elect to donate any portion of the deposited value to a nonprofit organization.
Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating components of a value exchange system 500 configured in accordance with an embodiment. In one aspect of this embodiment, one or more value exchange machines 100 are connected to a server computer 502 via a first communications link 504. The value exchange machines 100 of this embodiment can be at least generally similar to the value exchange machine 100 discussed above with reference to Figures 1-4. The first communications link 504 may be a radio frequency (RF) communications link (e.g., wireless communications link), a modem, a computer network (such as a local area network (LAN)) an intranet, or the Internet. In another aspect of this embodiment, the first communications link 504 can also include or be associated with a "host" computer that receives communications from the value exchange machine(s) 100 and sends corresponding communications to appropriate recipient computers to carry out various aspects of the value exchange system 500.
The value exchange system 500 can include other functionalities in addition to those discussed above. For example, in one embodiment the value exchange system 500 allows a user to access an account web site 530 from a remote general-purpose user computer 520, such as a personal computer. In one aspect of this embodiment, the account web site 530 is hosted by the card server 502 and can be accessed over a second communications link 526. The second communications link 526 can be the Internet or another computer network. In another embodiment, the second communications link 526 and the first communications link 504 can be the same communications link. For example, in this embodiment, both the first and second communications links 504 and 526 can be the Internet. The account web site 530 can allow users to remotely conduct the following transactions: register new cash cards, obtain balance inquiries, add value to existing cards, review recent transaction history, and/or purchase new cards.
Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine 600 implemented by the value exchange system 500 of Figure 5 in one embodiment. In block 602, a user selects one or more desired transactions at the machine 100 (Figure 1). In one aspect of this embodiment, the user may elect to perform multiple transactions with multiple types of input and receive multiple types of output. In block 604, the machine 100 prompts the user for the method or methods of payment. As discussed in detail above, the user may elect to pay for the transaction with coins, currency, credit card, debit card, checking or savings account transfers, or value prepaid over the Internet. In block 606, in one embodiment, the machine displays a fee associated with the selected transaction. In block 608, the user accepts or rejects the fee. If the user accepts the fee, in block 610, the user is prompted to enter his/her form of payment into the machine 100. In block 612, the machine 100 accepts the payment from the user, and in block 614, the machine 100 verifies the payment method.
Figures 7-9 are flow diagrams that together illustrate a routine for conducting a transaction with the machine 100 of Figure 1 in accordance with an embodiment. Referring first to Figure 7, Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine 700 for receiving a transaction selection from a user in one embodiment. In block 702, the user is prompted to select a transaction type or option. As illustrated in blocks 703, the user can select from numerous transaction options that include: obtaining a new prepaid card (block 704), reloading or "topping up" an existing prepaid card (block 706a), obtaining a redeemable cash voucher (block 708), obtaining a prepaid phone card (block 710), obtaining a ticket or other item previously reserved and/or paid for over the Internet (block 712a), adding minutes to an existing cell phone account (block 714a), adding time to an existing long distance account (block 715a), or transferring money to an account (block 716a). After the user has selected the desired transaction, the machine may prompt the user for additional information. For example, if the user elects to reload a prepaid card (block 706a), then in block 706b the user is prompted to swipe the card through the card reader 202 (Figure 2). In so doing, the machine 100 reads the card and verifies its validity by communicating with one or more internal or remote databases, as explained above. Similarly, if the user elects to receive a ticket previously ordered over the Internet (block 712a), then in block 712b the user is prompted for an associated reservation number. Once the reservation number has been entered, in block 712c the user is prompted for a PIN. After receiving the PIN, in block 712d the machine 100 verifies the PIN and the availability of the ticket. If instead the user elects to transfer money from, for example, a first account to a second account (block 716a), then in block 716b user is prompted to enter an account number for the first account from which the money will be withdrawn. In addition, in block 716c the user may be prompted for a PIN associated with the first account. After this information has been entered, in block 716d the machine 100 prompts the user for an account number for the second account into which the money will be deposited. In block 716e, the user may be prompted for a PIN associated with second account. After this information has been entered, in block 716f the machine 100 verifies the respective account numbers and, if applicable, the respective PINs. If the user will be depositing the funds for transfer to the second account instead of withdrawing them from the first account, then the user selects this option and does not enter a first account number.
In block 718, the user is prompted to select another transaction type if there is more than one transaction the user wishes to perform. If the user does wish to perform a second transaction, the routine returns to block 702 and the user is prompted to select a second type of transaction. If the user does not wish to perform a second transaction, then in block 720 the user indicates that he/she is done selecting transaction types. In block 722, the machine determines whether it needs to collect any funds from the user for the selected transaction(s). If the machine determines that the user needs to deposit funds for the transaction, then the routine 700 proceeds to routine 800 shown in Figure 8. Otherwise, the routine 700 proceeds to routine 900 shown in Figure 9.
If the user elects to pay for the selected transaction with a debit card as in block 810a, then in block 810b the user is instructed to swipe the debit card through the card reader 202. The user is then instructed in block 810c to enter a debit card PIN to verify user authorization. After entering the PIN, in block 810d the user is prompted to enter the amount to debit the associated account for the selected transaction. After this information has been entered, in block 810e the machine 100 communicates with the server computer 502 to authorize use of the account for the amount of the debit. If instead the user elects to pay for the selected transaction by transferring money from an account as shown in block 812a, then in block 812b the user is prompted to enter the number of the account. In block 812c, the user may also be prompted to enter a PIN associated with the account.
Figure 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine 1000 for transferring money in accordance with an embodiment. In one aspect of this embodiment, the routine 1000 can be implemented with the value exchange system 500 of Figure 5 for a person-to-person money transfer between a first user and a second user. By way of example, the first user can be operating one of the user computers 520 (such as user computer 1), and the second user can be operating another one of the user computers 520 (such as user computer η). In another aspect of this embodiment, the money transfer web site 543 (Figure 5) can be configured to provide one or more web pages to user computers to facilitate the transfer of funds between users as described herein. As used here, the term "web site" is understood to include a server computer and/or the associated databases required to store, send, and implement the various aspects of the associated web pages.
In another embodiment similar to that described above with reference to Figure 10, the value exchange system 500 of Figure 5 can be utilized for a person-to-person money transfer between a first user operating one of the value exchange machines 100 and a second user operating one of the user computers 520. In one aspect of this embodiment, the first user visits one of the machines 100 and selects an option for a person-to-person money transfer. After selecting the option, the machine 100 displays a number of instructions or prompts for the first user for receiving information from the first user related to the desired money transfer. In response to the prompts, the first user can enter information about the money transfer. Such information can include, for example, one or more of the name of the second user (i.e., the "recipient"); contact information for the second user, such as an email address; the amount of money the first user would like to transfer to the second user; and credit card or other information identifying the source of the funds for the money transfer. After the first user has entered the necessary information into the machine 100, the machine 100 sends (via, e.g., the communications facility 113 of Figure 1) the funds source information to, e.g., the server computer 502 and the financial institution computer 506 to authorize the transaction as described above with reference to Figure 10. In addition, the machine 100 can also send at least a portion of the transaction information to the money transfer web site 543.
Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a display page 1100 useable for a person-to-person money transfer in accordance with an embodiment. In one aspect of this embodiment, the display page 1100 can be provided by the money transfer web site 543 (Figure 5) in response to a request from a user desiring to make a money transfer as described above with reference to Figure 10. The display page 1100 can include a number of different data entry fields configured to receive information from the user about the money transfer. Such fields can include a dollar amount field 1102, a plurality of funds source fields 1104, a recipient name field 1106, and a plurality of electronic address fields 1108. In the illustrated embodiment, the dollar amount field 1102 can be configured to receive the dollar amount the user would like to transfer to the recipient. The funds source fields 1104 can be configured to receive account information identifying the one or more sources from which the funds will be taken. For example, the funds source fields 1104 can include one or more credit card fields, a debit card field, and an "other" field for other sources such as a checking or savings account. Accordingly, the user can check the box adjacent to the desired source of funds, and then enter the particular information needed to identify the account. Such information can include, for example, an account number and a unique password, code or PIN.
It will be appreciated from the foregoing that although specific embodiments of the value exchange system 500 (Figure 5) and the value exchange machine 100 (Figure 1) are described for purposes of illustration, other embodiments can be implemented without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. For example, in one other embodiment, in addition to providing various services to users via the value exchange machine 100, the system can also provide various functionalities to a remote user operating a general-purpose computer, such as the user computer 520 (Figure 5). In this alternate embodiment, the user can access various on-line web sites to purchase or reserve various products. For example, a user may visit the ticket seller web site 540 to purchase tickets for an event and pay for the tickets with a credit card. In this embodiment, the ticket seller web site 540 then makes the purchase information available to the machine 100 so the user may then visit the machine 100 to receive the actual tickets. In another embodiment, the user can order the tickets on-line at the ticket seller web site 540 and pay for the tickets by depositing funds into the machine 100 at the time of receipt.
In yet another embodiment, long distance minutes may be stored on a particular long distance calling card, much like a "stored value card." In this embodiment, a user can access the telephone carrier web site 541 and pre-purchase additional minutes to put on the card. The user can pay for the additional minutes on line (with, e.g., a credit card account) and then receive a unique code or PIN once payment is confirmed. In one aspect of this embodiment, the user may then visit the machine 100 and enter his/her long distance account number (by, e.g., swiping his/her card) and/or the PIN. The carrier web site 541 can then communicate with the machine 100 and send the corresponding "top up" data to the machine 100. The machine 100 can then add the additional prepaid phone minutes to the user's phone card. In yet another embodiment, communication between the various web sites and the value exchange machines is facilitated by a "host" computer that first receives a communication from the web site and then sends the communication to the respective value exchange machine. These and other changes may be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description.
in response to receiving the authorization, sending an electronic message to the electronic address of the second user to inform the second user of the amount of funds that has been authorized for transfer to the second user.
Embodiment 2: The method of embodiment 1, further comprising, in response to receiving the information about the source of funds, sending a request to the source of the funds for authorization to debit the amount of funds from the source of funds.
Embodiment 3: The method of embodiment 1 wherein receiving information about the source of funds includes receiving information about a credit card account of the first user to be used as the source of funds, and wherein the method further comprises, in response to receiving the credit card account information, sending a request to a credit card provider for authorization to debit the amount of funds from the credit card account.
in response to receiving the request from the second user, providing the funds to the second user.
Embodiment 5: The method of embodiment 1 wherein sending an electronic message to the electronic address of the second user includes sending information about the location of one or more value exchange machines configured to dispense the funds to the second user.
in response to receiving the request from the second user, providing the funds to the second user via the one value exchange machine.
in response to sending the electronic message, receiving a request from the second user for the funds via one of the value exchange machines; and in response to receiving the request from the second user, providing the funds to the second user via the one value exchange machine.
in response to receiving the authorization, sending a message to the second user to inform the second user of the amount of funds that has been authorized for transfer to the second user.
Embodiment 10: The method of embodiment 9, further comprising, in response to receiving the information from the first user computer, sending an electronic request to a financial institution computer for authorization to transfer the amount of funds from the first user to the second user, wherein receiving the authorization to transfer the amount of funds includes receiving an electronic authorization from the financial institution computer.
Embodiment 11: The method of embodiment 9 wherein receiving information from the first user computer includes receiving information about a source of funds, and wherein the method further comprises, in response to receiving the information about the source of funds, sending a request to the source of funds for authorization to debit the amount of funds from the source of funds.
Embodiment 12: The method of embodiment 9 wherein receiving information from the first user computer includes receiving information about a credit card account of the first user to be used as a source of funds to be transferred from the first user to the second user, and wherein the method further comprises, in response to receiving the credit card account information, sending a request to a credit card provider for authorization to debit the amount of the funds from the credit card account.
Embodiment 13: The method of embodiment 9 wherein the information received from the first user computer includes an electronic address of the second user, and wherein sending a message to the second user includes sending an electronic message to the electronic address of the second user.
in response to receiving the request from the second user for the funds, providing the funds to the second user.
in response to receiving the request from the second user via the one value exchange machine, providing the funds to the second user via the one value exchange machine.
in response to receiving the request from the second user including the unique code, providing the funds to the second user.
in response to sending the message to the second user, receiving a request from the second user via the second user-interface for the funds; and in response to the request from the second user, dispensing a voucher to the second user via the voucher outlet of the second kiosk, the voucher being redeemable for the amount of the funds.
in response to the request from the second user, dispensing a voucher to the second user via the voucher outlet of the second kiosk, the voucher being redeemable for the amount of the funds.
sending the one or more display pages back to the web site with the entered information.
Embodiment 22: The method of embodiment 21 wherein entering information on the one or more display pages includes entering information causing the transferred funds to be made available to the recipient at one or more value exchange machines.
Embodiment 23: The method of embodiment 21, further comprising receiving a confirmation that the transfer of funds to the recipient has been authorized.
receiving a notification that the recipient has received the funds.
Embodiment 25: The method of embodiment 21 wherein requesting the one or more display pages from the web site includes requesting at least a first display page via a user computer, wherein receiving the one or more display pages includes receiving and displaying the first display page on a screen of the user computer, and wherein entering information on the one or more display pages includes entering a recipient name and a recipient electronic address into one or more fields on the first display page.
Embodiment 26: The method of embodiment 21 wherein requesting the one or more display pages from the web site includes requesting at least a first display page via a user computer, wherein receiving the one or more display pages includes receiving and displaying the first display page on a screen of the user computer, and wherein entering information on the one or more display pages includes entering a recipient name, a recipient telephone number, and a source of the funds into one or more fields on the first display page.
Embodiment 27: The method of embodiment 21 wherein requesting the one or more display pages from the web site includes requesting at least a first display page via a user computer, wherein receiving the one or more display pages includes receiving and displaying the first display page on a screen of the user computer, and wherein entering information on the one or more display pages includes entering a recipient email address and a recipient locale, the recipient locale at least generally defining a region in which the recipient lives.
Embodiment 28: The method of embodiment 21 wherein entering information on the one or more display pages includes entering a recipient email address and a recipient locale, the recipient locale at least generally defining a region in which the recipient lives, and wherein the method further comprises receiving a notification that the recipient has received the funds from a value exchange machine located at least proximate to the recipient locale.
Embodiment 29: The method of embodiment 21 wherein requesting the one or more display pages from the web site includes requesting at least a first display page via a user computer, wherein receiving the one or more display pages includes receiving and displaying the first display page on a screen of the user computer, and wherein entering information on the one or more display pages includes entering a recipient email address and a credit card account number, the credit card account number identifying an account intended to be a source of the funds.
in response to receiving the authorization, sending a message to a second user computer to inform the second user of the amount of the funds that has been authorized for transfer to the second user.
a source field configured to receive an account number identifying an account to be debited the amount of the funds.
means for sending a message to a second user computer in response to receiving the authorization, the message configured to inform the second user of the amount of the funds that has been authorized for transfer to the second user.
The method of claim 1, further comprising, in response to receiving the information from the first user computer, sending an electronic request to a financial institution computer for authorization to transfer the amount of funds from the first user to the second user, wherein receiving the authorization to transfer the amount of funds includes receiving an electronic authorization from the financial institution computer.
receiving information from the first user computer includes receiving information about a credit card account of the first user to be used as a source of funds to be transferred from the first user to the second user, and wherein the method further comprises, in response to receiving the credit card account information, sending a request to a credit card provider for authorization to debit the amount of the funds from the credit card account.
The method of claim 1 wherein the information received from the first user computer includes an electronic address of the second user, and wherein sending a message to the second user includes sending an electronic message to the electronic address of the second user.
sending a message to the second user includes sending a unique code associated with the transfer of funds from the first user to the second user, and wherein the method further comprises, in response to sending the message to the second user, receiving a request from the second user for the funds, the request from the second user including the unique code, and in response to receiving the request from the second user including the unique code, providing the funds to the second user.
The method of claim 7 wherein entering information on the one or more display pages includes entering information causing the transferred funds to be made available to the recipient at one or more value exchange machines.
The method of claim 7, further comprising receiving a confirmation that the transfer of funds to the recipient has been authorized.
entering a recipient email address and a credit card account number, the credit card account number identifying an account intended to be a source of the funds.
The method of claim 7 wherein entering information on the one or more display pages includes entering a recipient email address and a recipient locale, the recipient locale at least generally defining a region in which the recipient lives, and wherein the method further comprises receiving a notification that the recipient has received the funds from a value exchange machine located at least proximate to the recipient locale.

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