Patent ID: 7740170

Claim:
A method for the secure processing of transaction cards at a point of sale comprising: providing a plurality of transaction cards, each with a unique account identifier, assembled into a package, wherein each unique account identifier is associated to a unique account; providing the package with at least three distinct identifiers; assigning a unique package identifier to the package; assigning a vendor product identification code identifier to the package; assigning a combination identifier to the package, wherein the combination identifier comprises both the vendor product identification code identifier and the unique package identifier; associating the unique identifier of the package with the unique account identifiers of the individual transaction cards assembled in the package; compiling a database of associated unique package identifiers and unique account identifiers; utilizing a transaction card processing system to effectuate the secure processing of transaction cards; wherein the transaction card processing system comprises a point of sale component and multicard transaction computer component; utilizing a secure connection between the components of the transaction card processing system; accessing the database upon receipt of a request to activate or deactivate the package, wherein the request may comprise either a one-step or a two-step sequence; processing the information contained in the database upon receipt of a request to activate or deactivate the package; initiating an activation or deactivation protocol for the individual transaction cards contained in the package, wherein the activation or deactivation protocol comprises conveying a request for transaction card activation or deactivation to the individual transaction card issuer's authorization system to effectuate activation or deactivation of the individual transaction cards; receiving activation or deactivation of the individual transaction cards from the individual transaction card issuer's authorization system; generating and maintaining a transaction log of activities involving the multicard transaction computer performed; generating and maintaining an error log of activities involving the multicard transaction computer unsuccessfully completed; wherein the transaction log and error log are generated and maintained by the multicard transaction computer; and communicating the activation or deactivation of the individual transaction cards to the point of sale.