Patent ID: 7809642

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for providing a stored value card associated with a predetermined transaction network and an individual, the method comprising: publishing an offer to purchase the stored value card over a computer network; receiving, by at least one computer processor, a purchase request from the individual for the stored value card; creating, by at least one computer processor, one independent and separate account associated with the stored value card, wherein the individual funds the account with an initial value; loading the independent and separate account with the initial value by transferring and storing funds associated with the initial value into the independent and separate account; providing the stored value card to a cardholder, wherein: a) before the card is provided, the stored value card is marked with the cardholder's name; and b) the stored value card is capable of being used wherever cards associated with the predetermined transaction network are accepted; receiving, by a provider of the stored value card, notification from the cardholder that the cardholder has received the stored value card; activating, by at least one computer processor, the independent and separate account over the computer network; and loading, by at least one computer processor, subsequent to the funding of the initial value, the independent and separate account upon receiving a load request from the cardholder.