Patent ID: 7174315

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for issuing a stored value card associated with a predetermined transaction network, an issuer, and a sponsoring entity, the method comprising: creating one independent and separate account associated with the stored value card, wherein a sponsoring entity funds the account with an initial value; activating the independent and separate account; issuing the stored value card to a cardholder, wherein: a) before issuance, the stored value card is marked with the cardholder's name and at least one of a transaction network identification indicia associated with the transaction network and an issuer identification indicia associated with the issuer; b) the stored value card is accepted wherever cards associated with the predetermined transaction network are accepted; and c) the stored value card uses a one-way only transfer of identification information from the stored value card to the predetermined transaction network; and reloading the stored value card upon receiving a reload request from the cardholder or the sponsoring entity; notifying the issuer that the cardholder has received the stored value card.