Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20040148286
Timestamp: 2018-02-21 07:47:51
Document Index: 2004732

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', '§ 205', '§ 701', '§ 205', '§ 205']

US20040148286A1 - Systems and methods for authorizing account access - Google Patents
US20040148286A1
US20040148286A1 US10702123 US70212303A US2004148286A1 US 20040148286 A1 US20040148286 A1 US 20040148286A1 US 10702123 US10702123 US 10702123 US 70212303 A US70212303 A US 70212303A US 2004148286 A1 US2004148286 A1 US 2004148286A1
US10702123
US7925589B2 (en )
The present invention provides systems and methods for authorizing access to one or more financial accounts. In some cases, the methods include providing an authorization document that incorporates a passcode. A request to authorize access to an account is received from an owner of the account. As part of the request, the passcode is provided. Based at least in part on the passcode, access to the account is authorized. In other cases, authorization can be provided via a representative of the account owner.
The present application is a non-provisional application claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/423,698, entitled “Systems and Methods For Authorizing Account Access,” and filed Nov. 4, 2002 by Mike Rogers.
This application is also related to the following applications, the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/295,769, entitled “Systems and Methods for Providing Individualized Financial Access,” and filed Nov. 14, 2002; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/302,762, entitled “Systems and Methods for Characterizing Mortgage Characteristics, and filed Nov. 22, 2002 by Grant et al.; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/373,578, entitled “Systems and Methods for Directing Recurring Financial Transfer Operations,” and filed Feb. 24, 2003 by Grant et al.
This application is also related to the following provisional applications, the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/423,707, entitled “Systems and Methods for Directing Recurring Financial Transfer Operations” and filed Nov. 4, 2002; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/423,706, entitled “Systems and Methods for Directing Recurring Financial Transfer Operations” and filed Nov. 4, 2002; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/423,708, entitled “Systems and Methods for Customizing Mortgage Characteristics” and filed Nov. 4, 2002.
The present invention relates generally to the field of account access authorization, and in particular to systems and methods for authorizing access to accounts that do not involve hardcopy signatures of account owners.
Various legal considerations govern access to an account by a third party. Such legal considerations include 12 C.F.R. § 205, and the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 701 et seq.). As just one example, 12 C.F.R. § 205.10(b) requires that preauthorized electronic funds transfers from a consumer's account may be authorized only by a writing signed or similarly authenticated by the consumer. Compliance with such legal considerations to authorize access to an account can include requiring a hardcopy signature by an account owner prior to accessing the account. To do this, an entity desiring access to an account sends an account authorization form to an account owner which is executed and returned. Such a form can include a description of the authorization being requested, along with a signature line where the account owner signs to authorize access to the account.
Such an authorization process can be cumbersome, and does not allow an account owner to authorize account access within a short period of time. Because of this, many account owners will not provide account access, thus denying themselves the benefit of a variety of account related products. Hence, for at least the aforementioned reasons, there exists a need in the art for advanced systems and methods for authorizing account access.
The present invention provides systems and methods for providing authorization to access one or more financial accounts associated with an account owner. In some cases, such systems and methods can be used to authorize account access such that a mortgage acceleration program, a periodic investment program, or other such program can be implemented. In some cases, such programs can be implemented without sending documents to be executed by an account owner. Rather, in various cases, such programs can be implemented by sending documentation to an account owner, and based in part on the receipt of such documentation, access can be authorized by the account owner without providing executed authorization documents.
In one particular embodiment of the invention, a method for authorizing access to one or more accounts is provided. The method includes providing an authorization document that includes a passcode. A request from an account owner that received the authorization document is received via a voice network. As part of the request from the account owner, the passcode is provided. Based at least in part on the passcode, access to an account associated with the account owner is authorized. In some instances, the account associated with the account owner is a mortgage loan account. Further, in some instances, the authorization includes authorizing access to a source of funds associated with the account owner. In yet other instances, the account associated with the account owner is an investment account.
In some instances of the invention, the method includes explaining a financial program to the account owner. Such a financial program can be a loan customization program, such as a mortgage acceleration program. In some instances, the method further includes explaining the financial program to the account owner via a customer service representative, and subsequently transferring the account owner to an automatic input system. While communicating with the automatic input system, the account owner is asked to provide the passcode. Such an approach prevents the customer service representative from enrolling the account owner without the account owner's involvement as the customer service representative does not have access to the passcode. In some cases, the automatic input system is an interactive voice response system.
Other embodiments of the present invention provide methods for authorizing account access via a telephone network. Such methods include providing an authorization document that includes a passcode, and receiving an authorization request from an account owner via the telephone network. A financial program is explained to the account owner either by or under direction of a customer service representative. In addition, the account owner is transferred to an automatic input system by which the passcode is received. In some cases, by receiving the passcode via the automatic input system and not allowing a customer service representative from obtaining the passcode prevents the customer service representative from enrolling a potential customer without the customers involvement. Based at least in part on the received passcode, access to an account associated with the account owner is provided. In some instances, the account comprises two or more distinct accounts, wherein one of the accounts is a funds source maintained by the account owner and another of the accounts is a mortgage loan account associated with the account owner. In particular instances, the financial program is an investment program, and the account is an investment account. In such instances, the method can further include authorizing access to a source of funds associated with the account owner, and funds can be electronically transferred from the source of funds to the investment account.
Yet other embodiments include methods for account access authorization. Such methods include providing an authorization form that includes a passcode unique to an account owner. A request to authorize access to one or more accounts associated with the account owner is received from the account owner, or representative thereof, via a voice network. A mortgage acceleration program is described to the requestor by a customer service representative via the voice network, and any interest of the requester in the mortgage acceleration program is ascertained. Based on the interest level, the requestor is transferred to an automatic input system associated with the voice network. The passcode is requested from the requestor via the automatic input system. In this way, the customer service representative is prevented from accessing the passcode. The passcode is validated, and based at least in part on the passcode, access to the mortgage account is authorized.
[0014]FIG. 1 illustrates a system in accordance with the present invention for authorizing access to, and accessing, one or one or more accounts;
[0015]FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with the present invention for customizing an account, such as a loan account or an investment account;
[0016]FIG. 3 illustrates a user interface for identifying information associated with an account owner;
[0017]FIG. 4 illustrates a user interface for a planning tool used for planning an account customization;
[0019]FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention for tailoring a loan to the needs of an account owner;
[0020]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with embodiments of the present invention for authorizing access to one or more accounts; and
[0021]FIG. 11 is a form useful in relation to the method of FIG. 10.
Communication network 110 can be any medium capable of facilitating communications between the aforementioned entities. Further, communication network 110 can be a single communication medium or a combination of communication media. In some embodiments, communication network 110 is the Internet, which can provide message-based communication between the various entities. In other embodiments, communication network 110 comprises a TCP/IP compliant virtual private network (VPN). In yet other embodiments, communication network 110 includes the Internet for communication between account customization entity 130 and account owner 120, and a VPN for facilitating communications between account customization entity 130 and either or all of funds source entity 140, investment maintenance servicing entity 160, and/or loan maintenance servicing entity 150. However, it should be recognized that other communication networks could be used to provide similar functionality. For example, communication network 110 can be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a telephone network, a cellular telephone network, a virtual private network (VPN), the Internet, an optical network, a wireless network, or any other similar communication network or combination thereof.
Funds source entity 140 can be any entity that maintains one or more sources of funds for account owner 120. In one particular embodiment, funds source 140 is a traditional bank that maintains funds account 145, such as a savings and/or checking account for account owner 120. In another embodiment, funds source entity 140 is an investment firm, such as a stock broker, that maintains a funds account 145, such as a stock trading account and/or mutual fund for account owner 120. Other types of funds source entities 140 and/or funds accounts 145 are possible in accordance with the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, funds account 145 can be any account subject to either or both of Regulation E (12 C.F.R. § 205.10(b)) and/or National Automated Clearing House Association (“NACHA”) Operating Rules.
In other embodiments, identifying the account is done by requesting account information from loan maintenance servicing entity 150 or investment maintenance servicing entity 160, based on limited information gathered from account owner 120. For example, account owner 120 can identify investment servicing entity 160, and the account number of investment account 165. In turn, investment maintenance servicing entity 160 can be contacted to obtain various details of investment account 165, such as, balance, average return, holdings, account types, any planning information associated with the account, and the like. As another example, account owner 120 may identify loan maintenance servicing entity 150 and provide a personal identification number, such as a social security number. In turn, this information can be used to contact loan maintenance servicing entity 150 to identify loan account 155 associated with account owner 120, and various information associated with loan account 155.
Referring to FIG. 3, a user interface 300 illustrates a tool used by account customization entity 130 to identify an account. User interface 300 includes an input field 320 where information about an account to be identified is provided. In some embodiments, input information can include an account number or portion thereof, a last name of account owner 120, or portion thereof, and/or a customer number or portion thereof. As illustrated, inputting the letter “D” into the last name field and selecting the search key can cause all accounts previously known to account customization entity 130, where the account owner's last name starts with the letter “D,” to be displayed as a list in a field 310. From this point, account owner 120 is identified from the list and selected. It should be noted that various methods exist for obtaining account information from information maintained by account customization entity 130.
Referring again to FIG. 2, planning characteristics are received in relation to the identified account (block 210). In some embodiments, such planning characteristics can be received from account owner 120, and represent the progression of the account desired by the owner. Thus, for example, where the account is a mortgage account, the planning characteristics can include a desired date to pay off the mortgage, a desired monthly payment amount, a desired payment period, combinations thereof, and/or the like. As another example, where the account is an investment account, the planning characteristics can include a desired amount, a date to reach a desired amount, a periodic investment amount, a desired investment period whether it be fixed or variable, and/or combinations thereof or the like.
[0035]FIG. 4 illustrates an interface of a financial planning product 400 tailored to planning loans that is useful in relation to various embodiments of the present invention. Financial planning product 400 includes a loan information field 410, a calculated values field 415, and a projected values field 420. In loan information field 410, a customer can enter attributes of a desired loan including, but not limited to, the disbursement date of the loan, a due date of the first payment, the overall term of the loan, the period of loan payments, an interest accrual method, and/or any money available to purchase loan points. Calculated values field 415, includes fields for accepting a loan amount, a term of the loan, an interest rate of the loan, and a principal and interest payment on the loan. As noted, a customer can enter any three of the values and have the fourth value calculated. Projected values field 420 includes various amounts calculated based upon previously populated fields. Using planning product 400, a customer can modify one or more parameters associated with a loan to get a desired loan product tailored to the specific needs of the customer.
[0037]FIG. 5 illustrates another financial planning product 500 again tailored for planning acceleration of a given loan. Financial planning product 500 includes a hypothetical modeling interface 585 and an account modeling interface 580. Further, financial planning product 500 includes a field 535 to select either modification or monitoring of an account. In the modify mode, planned characteristics can actually be implemented to customize a loan at issue. Alternatively, in the view mode, a number of what if scenarios can be developed, but not implemented as part of any loan. Financial planning product 500 includes a basic loan field 510, an acceleration criteria field 515, and a results field 520.
In contrast, FIG. 7 illustrates financial planning tool 500 with loan modeler interface 580 selected. As illustrated, loan modeler interface 580 includes a payment change button 715, a revert button 710, and a get account button 710. Get account button 710 causes the basic account to be updated in basic account field 510 from account information either held by account customization entity 130 or obtained from an entity maintaining the account, which can be, for example, investment maintenance servicing entity 160 or loan maintenance servicing entity 150.
The results of incorporating the planning characteristics into the planning tool are then provided to the customer (block 220). In some embodiments, these results are provided to the customer via the Internet. However, based on the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other ways of providing such information to the customer in accordance with the present invention. The customer can then either accept or reject the modifications provided as part of the projected results (block 225). In one particular embodiment, the customer accepts the results by pressing a payment change, or account change, button provided as part of an interactive interface.
With the constant variables identified, the plan can be implemented in relation to the account or accounts (block 245). As just one example of an implementation where the account is a mortgage, the plan may include making a fixed payment amount at a period that coincides with when account owner 120 receives a recurring paycheck from their employer. Thus, the employer can deposit the amount of the paycheck into a savings account of account owner 120. In turn, account customization entity 130, having been authorized to access both the mortgage account and the savings account, withdraws funds from the savings account at some time after the employer has deposited the paycheck and transfers the funds to satisfy the mortgage account. Thus, where the mortgage account calls for a monthly payment, the monthly payment period can be modified to a payment period coinciding with when account owner 120 receives paychecks for employment. In some cases, other variables of the mortgage remain the same, including the time to pay the loan off, the total interest paid over the life of the mortgage, and the like.
In another example, the plan may include making a payment amount at a period defined by the mortgage, where the payment amount is adjusted such that the mortgage is paid off at a fixed point in time that is different from the original term of the mortgage. To do this, account customization entity 130 withdraws funds from a savings account associated with account owner 120 and applies them to the mortgage. The amount withdrawn is sufficient to cause the mortgage to be paid off at the fixed point in time. Based on the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other approaches based on differing constant variables, and/or combinations thereof. For example, it is possible to change the period of a recurring payment and the amount of the recurring payment such that a mortgage is paid off at a fixed point in time.
As yet another example, the account to be customized may be an investment account. As such, the variables to be maintained as constant can include the periods at which recurring investments are made, and the total amount of an investment to be achieved at a fixed point in time. Thus, at the identified period in time, account customization entity 130 withdraws funds from a savings account associated with account owner 120, and transfers the funds to the identified investment account. The amount of funds transferred can be equivalent to an amount required to be deposited on a recurring basis to reach the end goal based on a presumed return on investment. Where the return on investment is fixed, it is possible for the amount to be constant. However, where the return on investment varies, the amount and/or the period of the infusion of additional funds into the investment account can be adjusted.
Based on the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many other applications of the present invention to investment accounts. For example, a reversed situation may be desired where a fixed amount of funds are to be available in an investment account at a determined point in time, while funds are withdrawn from the account on a recurring basis. Thus, account customization entity 130 withdraws funds from the investment account on a periodic basis and provides the funds to account owner 120. The amount of funds withdrawn are based on the presumed or fixed rate of return, and the desired amount available at the endpoint. Thus, using account customization entity 130, a variable annuity can be created from a standard investment account.
With the plan implemented (block 245), it remains to monitor, and if necessary adjust the plan to assure that the desired constants remain constant. To do this, the customized account is queried to determine if various characteristics associated with the account have changed (block 250). If the characteristics have changed, it may be necessary to adjust the plan implementation such that desired constants are achieved (block 260). Thus, as just one example, where the plan involves a variable rate mortgage it may be found that the interest rate of the mortgage has been increased. This increase in the interest rate may require that the plan be adjusted to meet some desired goal. For example, where the desired goal is to payoff the mortgage at a fixed point in time the amount of the recurring payment can be increased to assure that the desired goal is met in light of the increase in the mortgage amount. Alternatively, the frequency of the payment may be increased, or any other modification may be made. Based on this, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize various modifications possible to assure that desired results are achieved.
As another example, it may be determined that a return on an investment is lower than previously presumed (block 250). Thus, to assure that a determined amount is available at a determined time, the amount periodically invested in the investment account may be increased (block 260). Based on this, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many other modifications that are possible.
Further, it should be noted that adjustments can be limited. For example, where the investment account is a mutual fund that for one period had a return on investment of fifty percent, and a return on investment of ten percent for the subsequent period, the amount of the periodic investment is not necessarily increased the full amount to accommodate the dramatic decrease in return. Rather, the amount may be increased to accommodate some of the decrease in return, and the plan is allowed to run “in the red” (i.e., below the desired constant for the plan) for a period. When a later increase in return is realized, the amount is not reduced, or is not reduced as significantly as it would have been if the account was not running in the red. This limit on the reduction in the periodic investment allows for the account to be brought back out of the red. Such an approach of limiting adjustments avoids the situation where potentially unlimited amounts must be immediately forwarded to assure the plan is maintained “in the black” (i.e., at or above the desired constant). In some cases, however, such limits may not be necessary where limits already exist in the amount that account characteristics can change. Thus, for example, where the investment account holds non-volatile securities, the non-volatility of the held securities may be sufficient assurance that any adjustment will not be overwhelming.
Referring to FIG. 8, an embodiment of the present invention for interactively identifying and implementing a plan is illustrated as a flow diagram 900. Following flow diagram 900, account customization entity 130 receives the identity of account owner 120 (block 905). In some cases, this is accomplished where account owner 120 contacts account customization entity 130 via communication network 110 and provides the information. The information can include the name, social security number, account number, customer number, and/or the like for account owner 120. This information is used by account customization entity 130 to determine if account owner 120 has previously created a record (block 910). Where such a record of account owner 120 does not exist, an account record can be created (block 920). Creating the account record can include providing information about account owner 120 including, but not limited to, name, contact information, age, marital status, income information, and/or the like. Further, information about an account to be customized can be obtained including, but not limited to, type of account, entity maintaining the account, account number, characteristics of the account including returns, interest rates, inception of the account, required payments and periods thereof, and the like. All of this information can then be stored to a database in a way that it is linked to account owner 120. Information about an account also can be transferred to a planning tool where it can be manipulated (block 935).
Alternatively, where account customization entity 130 has actual account information and is authorized to access the account(s), the actual account can be queried to obtain the most up to date information (block 925). This information can include account balances, interest in arrears, period of payments, term until payoff, return on investment, and/or the like. This information can be transferred to a planning tool where it can be further manipulated (block 935).
Once the desired result is achieved, it is determined if account customization entity 130 has authorization to access the account(s) related to implementing the desired plan (block 955). Where account customization entity 130 does not have such authorization, the authorization can be provided, or the session including the desired plan is saved in the record associated with account owner 120 for access at a later time (block 965). Alternatively, where account customization entity does have access to the account(s) related to the desired customization, account owner 120 is queried to determine if they would like to implement the desired customization (block 960). Where it is not desired to implement the customization, the session is saved as previously discussed (block 965).
In one particular embodiment, the loan is an adjustable rate mortgage, and the plan calls for making excess principal payments. The excess principal payments can be made by increasing the frequency of recurring payments, by adding additional funds to recurring payments, or a combination thereof. Each year the holder of the mortgage adjusts the interest rate under which the loan is offered, and the recurring payment adjusts to match the interest rate. Further, the recurring payment is adjusted to compensate for any excess principal payments made during a preceding year. Therefore, the recurring payment is adjusted such that the loan will be paid off at the endpoint of the loan's original term. This is often contrary to account owner 120 that would like to pay the loan off earlier.
[0076]FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an authorization form 1200 that can be used in accordance with flow diagram 1100. Authorization form 1200 includes an enrollment passcode 1205 incorporated on an enrollment card that can be any copy, paper form, and/or visual display. Authorization form 1200 further includes information 1215 on the form that clearly designates the purpose of the form as being for authorization for accessing one or more accounts. To this end, authorization form 1200 includes clearly and conspicuously stated terms 1220 of any account access. Such terms include a revocation provision 1230 indicating that account owner 120 can revoke any authorization previously made. As illustrated, authorization form 1200 can include instructions for providing authorization via a telephone network 1250 (or other electronic means), or physically 1240 by sending form 1200 in with the appropriate signature.
Referring again to FIG. 10, communication is received in regards to the authorization form (block 1110). In some embodiments, such communication is not initiated by account customization entity 130, but rather by account owner 120, or someone on its behalf. In some cases, the communication is received via telephone, while in other instances the communication is received via the Internet. In one particular embodiment, the communication is received using Voice Over Internet Protocol. It should be noted, however, that based on the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize various other ways of receiving such communication.
Referring to FIG. 12, a flow diagram 1300 illustrates a method of account customization in accordance with the present invention, where an additional account is added to a previously customized account. It will be recognized that the method is similar to that of flow diagram 200 with the exception of the modifications related to dealing with the customization of multiple accounts. Specifically, blocks 215-230, 240, 255 and 260 are the same. Blocks 235, 245 and 250 have been modified to note that two or more accounts are part of the account customization. Thus, when account authorization is performed (block 235), it may be that multiple accounts are authorized, or just the recently added account. Further, the planned customization is implemented in relation to the multiple accounts (block 245), and changes in one or more of the multiple accounts may cause a change in characteristics resulting in a modification of the plan (block 260).
Following flow diagram 1300, a loan account is added to an existing account customization (block 1305). Thus, for example, a customer may have previously performed a customization of a mortgage, and now would like to add a car loan to the customization making it a multi-account customization. To do this, the customer would identify the prior customized mortgage, as well as the car loan that is to be added. It should be noted that while the explanation of flow diagram 1300 is provided in relation to debts or loans, investments could also be addressed using similar approaches.
Once the accounts to be grouped have been identified (block 1305), it is determined if the previous customization can be applied without modification (block 1307). As an example, the previous plan may have called for making an extra twenty percent principal payment at each pay period. Thus, when the new loan is added, the amount of the payment simply goes up by the amount of the loan plus twenty percent. This does not require providing additional planning characteristics, but rather, the existing planning characteristics are used as previously described in relation to flow diagram 200 (blocks 215-260). Alternatively, where a new plan is to be implemented, new planning characteristics in relation to the group of accounts are received (block 1315). Such characteristics can be, for example, to be completely out of debt in five years. This results in payment modifications to one or more of the accounts in the group of accounts. As another example, the characteristics can include making an extra principal payment each pay period, but distributing that payment such that interest charges are minimized, and/or tax advantages are maximized. Once the additional planning characteristics in relation to the group of accounts are provided, the plan is implemented much as described in relation to flow diagram 200 above except that transfers are planned, monitored, and effectuated in relation to multiple accounts (blocks 215-260). Based on the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a myriad of characteristics that can be customized in relation to a group of accounts.
1. A method for authorizing access to one or more accounts, the method comprising:
providing an authorization document to an account owner, wherein the authorization document includes a passcode;
receiving an authorization request from the account owner via a voice network, wherein the authorization request includes the passcode; and
based at least in part on the passcode, authorizing access to an account associated with the requestor.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the account associated with the account owner is a mortgage loan account.
3. The method of claim 2, the method further comprising: authorizing access to a source of funds maintained by the account owner.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the account is an investment account.
explaining a financial program to the account owner.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the financial program is a loan customization program.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the loan customization program is a mortgage acceleration program.
explaining a financial program to the account owner, wherein the explanation is provided by a customer service representative; and
transferring the account owner to an automatic input system, wherein the passcode is provided via the automatic input system, and wherein the customer service representative is prevented from accessing the passcode.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the automatic input system is an interactive voice response system.
providing documentation to the account owner regarding the authorized access to the account associated with the account owner.
11. A method for authorizing account access via a telephone network, the method comprising:
providing an authorization document, wherein the authorization document includes a passcode;
receiving an authorization request from an account owner via the telephone network,
explaining a financial program to the account owner, wherein the explanation is directed by a customer service representative;
transferring the account owner to an automatic input system, wherein the passcode is received via the automatic input system, and wherein the customer service representative is prevented from accessing the passcode; and
based at least in part on the passcode, authorizing access to an account associated with the account owner.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the account is a funds source maintained by the account owner.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the account comprises two or more distinct accounts, and wherein one of the accounts is a funds source maintained by the account owner and another of the accounts is a mortgage loan account associated with the account owner.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the passcode is received from the account owner as a series of audible tones created by pressing keys on a telephone.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein requesting the passcode is part of a prerecorded script.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the prerecorded script further includes a request for identification information.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein the financial program is a loan customization program.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein the financial program is an investment program, and wherein the account is an investment account, the method further comprising:
authorizing access to a source of funds associated with the account owner, wherein funds can be electronically transferred from the source of funds to the investment account.
19. A method for providing account access authorization, the method comprising:
providing an authorization form, wherein the authorization form includes a passcode unique to an account owner;
receiving a request via a voice network to authorize access to one or more accounts associated with the account owner;
describing a mortgage acceleration program by a customer service representative to the account owner via the voice network;
ascertaining an interest level of the account owner in the mortgage acceleration program;
based on the interest level, transferring the account owner to an automatic input system associated with the voice network, wherein the passcode is requested via the automatic input system, and wherein the customer service representative is prevented from accessing the passcode;
validating the passcode; and
based at least in part on the passcode, authorizing access to a mortgage account associated with the requestor.
requesting an identification characteristic of the account owner via the automatic input system, wherein authorizing access to the mortgage account is based at least in part on the identification characteristic.
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Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ROGERS, MICHAEL W.;REEL/FRAME:014476/0623
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FIRST DATA CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:018996/0300
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FIRST DATA CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:021066/0656