Showing papers on "Payment service provider published in 2006"

Banking services for everyone ? Barriers to bank access and use around the world

Abstract: Using information from 193 banks in 58 countries, the authors develop and analyze indicators of physical access, affordability, and eligibility barriers to deposit, loan, and payment services. They find substantial cross-country variation in barriers to banking and show that in many countries these barriers can potentially exclude a significant share of the population from using banking services. Correlations with bank- and country-level variables show that bank size and the availability of physical infrastructure are the most robust predictors of barriers. Further, the authors find evidence that in more competitive, open, and transparent economies, and in countries with better contractual and informational frameworks, banks impose lower barriers. Finally, though foreign banks seem to charge higher fees than other banks, in foreign dominated banking systems fees are lower and it is easier to open bank accounts and to apply for loans. On the other hand, in systems that are predominantly government-owned, customers pay lower fees but also face greater restrictions in terms of where to apply for loans and how long it takes to have applications processed. These findings have important implications for policy reforms to broaden access.

Banking Services for Everyone? Barriers to Bank Access and Use around the World

Abstract: Using information from 193 banks in 58 countries, the authors develop and analyze indicators of physical access, affordability, and eligibility barriers to deposit, loan, and payment services They find substantial cross-country variation in barriers to banking and show that in many countries these barriers can potentially exclude a significant share of the population from using banking services Correlations with bank- and country-level variables show that bank size and the availability of physical infrastructure are the most robust predictors of barriers Further, the authors find evidence that in more competitive, open, and transparent economies, and in countries with better contractual and informational frameworks, banks impose lower barriers Finally, though foreign banks seem to charge higher fees than other banks, in foreign dominated banking systems fees are lower and it is easier to open bank accounts and to apply for loans On the other hand, in systems that are predominantly government-owned, customers pay lower fees but also face greater restrictions in terms of where to apply for loans and how long it takes to have applications processed These findings have important implications for policy reforms to broaden access

Financial transactions with dynamic personal account numbers

Abstract: A method for securing financial transactions involving payment cards includes associating a sixteen-digit personal account number (PAN) with a particular payment card and user, wherein are included fields for a system number, a bank/product number, a user account number, and a check digit. A four-digit expiration date (MMYY) associated with the PAN. A magnetic stripe on the payment card is encoded with the PAN for periodic reading by a magnetic card reader during a financial transaction. A table of cryptographic values associated with the PAN and the MMYY is stored on each user's payment card during personalization by an issuing bank. A next financial transaction being commenced with the payment card is sensed. A cryptographic value from the table of cryptographic values is selected for inclusion as a dynamic portion of the user account number with the PAN when a next financial transaction is sensed. Any cryptographic value from the table of cryptographic values will not be used again in another financial transaction after being used once. The issuing bank authorizes the next financial transaction only if the PAN includes a correct cryptographic value in the user account number field.

Methods and Systems For Payment Transactions in a Mobile Environment

Abstract: Methods and systems for conducting financial transactions in a mobile environment utilizing a mobile device such as a mobile telephone or wireless connected personal digital assistant (PDA) that communicates with a mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) that stores user and transaction information. The MFTS receives information on behalf of a mobile device user corresponding to bills to pay or other payments to make. The MFTS also receives information corresponding to payment sources available for use in making payments. Selected payments information and payment source information are communicated to the mobile user via a wireless network and displayed for user selection. The user selects a payment to make and a payment source. A mobile payment instruction is generated and communicated to the MFTS. The MFTS instructs a payment instruction recipient to make a payment to an identified payee. Real-time updated account and payment balances are provided to the user's mobile device.

Methods and Systems For Managing Payment Sources in a Mobile Environment

Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting a payment source for use in making a mobile financial payment utilizing a mobile device such as a mobile telephone (cellphone) or wireless connected personal digital assistant (PDA). A mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) is coupled for electronic communications with one or more financial service providers with which the user maintains one or more accounts, and also for wireless communications with mobile devices. The mobile device displays information corresponding to accounts available to the user as a payment source for use in connection with making a payment using the mobile device. The user selects a payment source for making a payment. The mobile device generates a mobile payment instruction comprising information corresponding to the payment and a selected payment source. The mobile payment instruction is wirelessly communicated to the MFTS. The MFTS generates an MFTS payment instruction that includes an amount, information corresponding to the identified payee, and information indicating the selected payment source. The MFTS payment instruction is communicated to the payment instruction recipient, which effects the payment utilizing the selected payment source.

An Empirical Analysis of Payment Card Usage

Abstract: I exploit a unique data set on the payment card industry to study issues associated with network effects and two-sided markets. I show that consumers concentrate their spending on a single payment network (single-homing), although many maintain unused cards that allow the ability to use multiple networks (multi-homing). Further, I establish a regional correlation between consumer usage and merchant acceptance within the four major networks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover). This correlation is suggestive of the existence of a positive feedback loop between consumer usage and merchant acceptance.

Methods and Systems For Payment Method Selection by a Payee in a Mobile Environment

Abstract: Methods and systems for receiving a financial payment facilitated by use of a mobile device such as a mobile telephone (cellphone) or wireless connected personal digital assistant (PDA). A mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) is coupled for wireless communications with a mobile device of a user/payee, and also is coupled for electronic communication with a payment instruction recipient that effects payments by various methods. The system provides information corresponding to a received payment to a user/payee's mobile device. Information is displayed to the user/payee corresponding to a plurality of selectable payment methods available for receiving the payment. The user/payee provides input on his/her mobile device corresponding to selection of a payment method for receiving the payment. The mobile device generates a mobile payment instruction indicating the selected payment method and wirelessly communicates the mobile payment instruction to the MFTS. The MFTS generates and communicates an MFTS payment instruction including an amount, the identified payee, and the selected payment method, to a payment instruction recipient. The payment instruction recipient, in response to receipt of the MFTS payment instruction, effects a payment to the user/payee utilizing the selected payment method.

Alternative payment devices using electronic check processing as a payment mechanism

Abstract: The present invention includes a merchant system that recognizes virtually any payment device or technology that uses electronic check processing as a payment mechanism. For example, the merchant system associates presentation of the payment device with information used to electronically debit a checking account, such as MICR data, and submits the same to a transaction processor capable of settling electronic debit transactions.

Healthcare system and method for right-time claims adjudication and payment

Abstract: A system and method for permitting real-time payment of healthcare charges from multiple sources of payment. A POS terminal is used to enter a patient ID and treatment code. A health insurance network receives the patient ID and treatment code and returns an estimated explanation of benefits (EOB) data packet that is used to display an EOB statement at the POS terminal, the display including information on a patient portion not covered by the health insurance plan. The EOB data packet is used to electronically process payment for the patient portion from a second payment source, such as an medical savings account (MSA), credit card account or banking account.

User-configurable priority list for mobile device electronic payment applications

Abstract: A mobile device as disclosed herein can support a plurality of electronic payment applications such as credit and/or debit applications. During a payment transaction, the mobile device communicates a priority list of the electronic payment applications to a point of sale terminal, which then selects one of the applications for completion of the payment transaction, where the selection is governed by the priority list. The data structure corresponding to the priority list is configured such that the end user of the mobile device has management access rights to at least some of the electronic payment applications. Such end user management access rights can be used to modify the relative priority of the electronic payment applications.

Methods and Systems For Indicating a Payment in a Mobile Environment

Abstract: Methods and systems for indicating a mobile financial payment utilizing a mobile device such as a mobile telephone (cellphone) or wireless connected personal digital assistant (PDA). A mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) is coupled for wireless communications with a mobile device of a user and is also coupled for electronic communications with one or more payment instruction recipients that can make a payment to a payee in behalf of the user. The mobile device allows for selection of a pre-existing payee or entry of payee information. The user provides input at the mobile device selecting a payee for a payment and a payment source for the payment. A mobile payment instruction comprising information corresponding to the payment to make and a payment source for the payment is wirelessly communicated to the MFTS. The MFTS generates and communicates an MFTS payment instruction to a payment instruction recipient which includes information identifying a selected account at a financial service provider, an amount, and information corresponding to the identified payee. The payment instruction recipient then effects the payment to the identified payee.

Methods and systems for making a payment via a paper check in a mobile environment

Abstract: Methods and systems for making a financial payment to a payee via a paper check utilizing a mobile device such as a mobile telephone (cellphone) or wireless connected personal digital assistant (PDA). The mobile device communicates wirelessly with a mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) that stores user information and transaction information. A user enters information via the mobile device identifying a payee and indicating a paper check payment method. The mobile device generates a mobile payment instruction that includes information corresponding to the identified payee and indicating a paper check payment method. The mobile payment instruction is wirelessly communicated to the MFTS. The MFTS generates an MFTS payment instruction to a payment instruction recipient that can issue a paper check. The MFTS communicates the MFTS payment instruction to the payment instruction recipient, which arranges for payment to the identified payee by printing and mailing of a paper check to the payee.

Methods and systems for providing a payment in a mobile environment

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a financial payment to a payee utilizing a mobile device such as a mobile telephone (cellphone) or wireless connected personal digital assistant (PDA). The user inputs information into the mobile device identifying a payee, a payment source for the payment, and a payment method. The mobile device generates a mobile payment instruction comprising information corresponding to the identified payee, the payment source, and the payment method, and wirelessly communicates the mobile payment instruction to a mobile financial transaction system (MFTS). The MFTS generates an MFTS payment instruction to a payment instruction recipient. The MFTS payment instruction includes information identifying the payment source, an amount, information corresponding to the identified payee, and information indicating the payment method. The MFTS communicates the MFTS payment instruction to a payment instruction recipient. In response to receipt of the MFTS payment instruction, the payment instruction recipient effects a payment to the identified payee without any required action by the payee.

Benefits from a changing payment technology in European banking.

Abstract: An “output characteristics” cost function is used to identify payment sources of technical change in European banking and estimate associated benefits. As the share of electronic payments in 12 European countries rose from 0.43 in 1987 to 0.79 in 1999 and ATMs expanded while the number of branch offices was constant, bank operating costs are $32 billion lower than they otherwise might have been, saving 0.38% of the 12 nations’ GDP. Policies facilitating these changes (antitrust exemptions to weakly coordinate implementation of payment service pricing) would permit benefits to be more fully realized.

Mobile communications billing architecture

Abstract: A telecommunications payment system which includes a transaction component that facilitates the communication of at least billing and payment information to at least one of a plurality of mobile terminals. In operation the carrier will cause the transaction component to communicate an SMS message to the mobile terminal that includes a billing notification message. The notification message can include a current account balance, including total and past due, if applicable, the user's last payment method, and personal financial account data such as the last four digits of a credit card and/or bank account file. When providing the proper reply, payment processing is initiated such that an amount of funds will be transferred from the user's financial institution to the carrier back-office systems or its financial institution.

Network commercial transactions

Abstract: Current embodiments provide for authorization and payment of an online commercial transaction between a purchaser and a merchant including verification of an identity of the purchaser and verification of an ability of the purchaser to pay for the transaction, where the identity provider and the payment provider are often different network entities. Other embodiments also provide for protocols, computing systems, and other mechanisms that allow for identity and payment authentication using a mobile module, which establishes single or multilevel security over an untrusted network (e.g., the Internet). Still other embodiments also provide for a three-way secure communication between a merchant, consumer, and payment provider such that sensitive account information is opaque to the merchant, yet the merchant is sufficiently confident of the consumer's ability to pay for requested purchases. In yet another embodiment, electronic billing information is used for authorization, auditing, payment federation, and other purposes.

Systems and methods for identifying potentially fraudulent financial transactions and compulsive spending behavior

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide a more secure financial transaction system for e-commerce sectors that (1) more securely processes payment transactions, (2) helps to protect merchants and banks against fraudulent transactions, money laundering, and underage gambling, and (3) helps to limit other abuses in areas of e-commerce that are perceived to pose special risks, such as Internet gaming, travel, and consumer purchasing of electronic goods. To accomplish the above goals, various embodiments of the financial transaction system (1) establish operating and transaction processing protocols for merchants, Internet payment service providers, acquiring banks, and card schemes and (2) provide automated systems for monitoring and securely processing payment and financial transactions.

Apparatus and method for integrated payment and electronic merchandise transfer

Abstract: Payment transactions using a payment infrastructure are efficiently combined with e-merchandise transactions using an e-merchandise infrastructure, while allowing each infrastructure to concentrate on its primary function. An electronic payment device configured according to the payment infrastructure is interrogated by a payment module (also configured according to the payment infrastructure) of a first terminal to obtain financial data. Electronic merchandise-related information is generated by an electronic merchandise module (configured according to the electronic merchandise infrastructure) of the first terminal, and such information is transferred to the electronic payment device within a transaction conducted in accordance with the financial data and the payment infrastructure.

Online Payment System for Merchants

Abstract: A payment system that utilises the Internet to gain access to an Internet banking system enabling a user to purchase merchandise bought through an online merchant or merchant who has Internet access in their store is disclosed. The payment system may also be utilised to provide a means for a user to retrieve and view balances and account transaction information for their bank accounts and to transfer funds between accounts. The system uses a “virtual pin-pad” which provides a web-based, stand-alone method of payment that is independent of banks and capable of performing real-time currency conversions.

Security issues in mobile payment from the customer viewpoint

Abstract: The perception of mobile payment procedures’ security by the customer is one major factor for the market breakthrough of the according systems. In this paper we examine security issues in mobile payment from the viewpoint of customers. Based on theoretical research we analyze empirical data from the MP2 mobile payment study with 8295 respondents in order to develop a set of dimensions, categories and aspects. The results do have a scientific as well as a practical impact: They provide a basis for the selection of appropriate indicators for further empirical studies. Furthermore they can serve as a guideline for mobile payment service providers in order to prevent security concerns through appropriate design and communication of payment procedures and to convince customers of the security of their mobile procedures by meeting concerns in informative advertising.

Simple on-line payments facility

Abstract: The invention provides a payment interface that is both simple and powerful: one that supports multiple users per customer, with proper roles and financial controls; that hides the details of the underlying payment system(s) and automatically routes payments to the appropriate system; that allows the user to create, save, and schedule groups of payments, where those groups are independent of grouping capabilities of the underlying payment system(s); that provides notification of important events to users and payment recipients; and that automatically processes and takes proper action when it encounters exception conditions.

Methods, systems and computer program products for wireless payment transactions

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for acquiring payment device data for wireless payment transactions are disclosed. According to one method, a request from a wireless payment reader for standardized payment device data for effecting a wireless payment is received by a wireless smart payment device. Payment device data elements are assembled by the wireless smart payment device into the standardized payment device data. The standardized payment device data are sent by the wireless smart payment device to the wireless payment reader.

The Move Toward a Cashless Society: Calculating the Costs and Benefits

Abstract: While the “cashless society” has not yet fully become a reality, payment choices by consumers and merchants have been moving the U.S. economy in that direction slowly and steadily over the past five decades. In this study, a companion paper to Garcia-Swartz (2006a) in this volume, we lay out the detailed cost and benefit calculations behind our analysis of the steady changes in transaction payment methods.

Cash, Check or Bank Card? The Effects of Transaction Characteristics on the Use of Payment Instruments

Abstract: Exploiting a unique and original dataset of 11,945 payments made from March to May 2005, the paper estimates the determinants of the probability of a transaction being paid by cash, check or bank card at the point of sale. Controlling for individual characteristics, the main results of the paper are: 1) a differentiated effect of the transaction size regarding payment instruments; 2) a specialization effect between payment instruments according to the type of good and spending place; 3) a double supply-side effect due to a restriction of the payment choice and to the organization of the payment process. For the first time ever, detailed data on consumption and payment patterns make it possible to assess the role of transaction characteristics in the use of payment instruments.

Systems and methods for determining regulations governing financial transactions conducted over a network

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide a more secure financial transaction system for e-commerce sectors that (1) more securely processes payment transactions, (2) helps to protect merchants and banks against fraudulent transactions, money laundering, and underage gambling, and (3) helps to limit other abuses in areas of e-commerce that are perceived to pose special risks, such as Internet gaming, travel, and consumer purchasing of electronic goods. To accomplish the above goals, various embodiments of the financial transaction system (1) establish operating and transaction processing protocols for merchants, Internet payment service providers, acquiring banks, and card schemes and (2) provide automated systems for monitoring and securely processing payment and financial transactions.

System and method for a customer loyalty reward system utilizing a shopping search portal, a payment transfer agent and email marketing

Abstract: A seller registers with a loyalty reward program and provides access authorization for the seller's payment transaction information to a payment transfer agent, and receives HTML for displaying a reward offer to a buyer, which is presented in response to a browser accessing a selling page. Information from the selling page is captured and stored it in a database, and a portal page enables buyers to search for items offering a reward, ranking results by highest percentage reward, so items matching sellers with prior transactions with the buyer are placed higher. Periodically, the payment transfer agent is accessed to capture seller payment transaction information, to send a loyalty invitation email to the buyer. Invitation acceptance is recorded, and pending rewards are sent to the payment transfer agent for fulfillment. Repeat transactions are stimulated by sending marketing emails to the address used as an account identifier by the buyer.

Exploring security and comfort issues associated with online banking

Abstract: The rate of those consumers who are adopting online banking and bill payment services has ranked to be one of the fastest growing activities in 2003. To gain a better understanding of the online-banking industry, an inspection of a few representative banks in the USA, the use of conceptual modelling and empirical analysis were completed. A survey and resultant graphical cross-tabulation, Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and factor analysis on a number of working, college-educated semi-professional and professional in the service sector of Pittsburgh, PA metropolitan area revealed several important independent constructs associated with enhanced security and capability associated with online financial services. The renamed factor groupings included the following constructs: Online Accessibilities, Security Controls, Online Capabilities, Credit Levels and Education Levels, and were found to capture a significant amount of explained variance (79.5%). Perhaps the traditional performance measures of ROE, ROA, ROI and revenue gathering are only indicators of present performance, the equally important questions about future growth of online banking may be found in achieving customer satisfaction through proper Customer Relationship Management (CRM) techniques.

Electronic Commerce and the Banking Industry: The Requirement and Opportunities for New Payment Systems Using the Internet

Abstract: With the rapid expansion of the Internet, there are a number of initiatives underway for the creation of a secure cost-effective payment system which will be able to support growing commercial activities on the network. Although electronic payment systems for large payments have been in operation for some time, rapidly expanding volumes of foreign exchange and securities trading are increasingly at variance with the requirements for a cost-effective and efficient electronic payment system for making low value payments. Current progress in establishing such payment systems on the Internet is examined. The paper argues that the ultimate vision could be for a truly global and virtual marketplace requiring completely new institutional and legal structures and having a similarly profound impact on economic life to the medieval trade fairs which emerged in Europe in the 12th century.

Universal payment system

Abstract: A universal payment, coupon redemption and customer loyalty system is disclosed. Consumers may purchase goods and services through a universal payment identifier that facilities Internet, merchant, and consumer-to-consumer or mobile-to-mobile transfer of money and non-cash instruments. The universal payment identifier may be used as a universal credit/debit card, coupon redemption card, means of tracking consumer behavior, or means to dynamically associate different payment accounts.

Cash payment for remote transactions

Abstract: Methods coordinate payment for a remote transaction with a first party. An identification of the first party is received at a host system. Acknowledgment of receipt of a cash payment from a second party is received. The cash payment is associated with the identification of the first party. A money transfer corresponding to the cash payment to the control of the first party is executed with a request for the first party to perform on previously agreed terms of the remote transaction.