Patent ID: 6848613

Claim:
A method of generating and handling an electronic online authorization and uploading request from a merchant relating to a payment transaction, the method comprising: receiving data relating to a customer's transaction card, and data relating to an original amount of the payment transaction; presenting the original amount data to the customer such that a gratuity amount is determined and, in response thereto, receiving data relating to the gratuity amount; constructing the electronic online authorization and uploading request, the request comprising all transaction data necessary for an acquirer to authorize the transaction and to completely upload the payment transaction for reconciliation to the merchant, and including identification of the merchant, the transaction card data and data relating to a value of the transaction, the transaction value comprising the gratuity amount and the original amount; establishing a link with the acquirer via a telecommunications network and seeking online authorization for the payment transaction by transmitting the constructed request; and generating and providing receipt data to the customer, the receipt data confirming authorization of the payment transaction at the transaction value when an electronic signal has been received specifying that the electronic online authorization and uploading request has been authorized.