as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2013/0166441 Al
` Kobylkinet al. (43) Pub. Date: Jun. 27, 2013
`
`
`
`US 20130166441A1
`
`(54)
`
`INSTANT DISPOSABLE PAYMENT CARD
`
`(71) Applicants:Egor Kobylkin, Berlin (DE); Robin
`Schuil, Almere (NL)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventors: Egor Kobylkin, Berlin (DE); Robin
`Schuil, Almere (NL)
`
`(52) U.S. CL
`CPC vieccccseseeseseetenscnesenees G06@Q 20/354 (2013.01)
`USPC ceeccsssesssesssesssessseesseessseesecsnseesees 705/39; 705/35
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An instant disposable payment card can have a quick
`response (QR) code. The QR code can be scannedbythe user.
`Scanning the QR code can facilitate activation and/or funding
`Dec. 21, 2012
`ofthe instant disposable paymentcard and/or can facilitate a
`Related U.S. Application Data
`creation of an account or an activation of a pre-created
`~
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/579,469, filed on Dec.—_account at a payment system provider. Theuser can then use
`22, 2011.
`the instant paymentcard to pay for purchases. A merchant can
`scan the QR code or swipe a magnetic strip of the instant
`disposable payment card to effect payment to the merchant
`for the purchase. An account of the instant disposable pay-
`mentcard can be fundedafter use thereofto make a purchase.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 13/725,492
`.
`Filed:
`
`(22)
`
`+
`as
`:
`:
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl
`G060 0V34
`
`(2006.01)
`
`
`
`| MEMORY=44]
`
` Y
`
`PROCESSOR
`11
`
`MERCHANT DEVICE 110
`
`MOBILE DEVICE
`fs>
`
`MEMORY 499
`
`
`194
`APP
`
`
`—}
`
`PROCESSOR 49}, aL
`
`MEMORY=439
`
`
`
`195
`
`
` Le}
`493 |
`
`
`Ii
`1
`GPS
`
`SCANNER
`
`INSTANT DISPOSABLE CRED!
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`0123 4967 891 O11
`
`
`
`
` INTERNET
`140
`
`
`
`
`|
`
`SCANNER
`
`4
`
`i
`
`!
`
`PROCESSOR 131
`
`
`
`133
`
`434
`
`SER ACCOUNT
`USER
`ACCOU
`MERCHANT
`ACCOUNT
`
`PAYMENT SERVER
`
`130
`
`SAMSUNG 1005
`
`SAMSUNG 1005
`
`1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 27,2013 Sheet 1 of 5
`
`US 2013/0166441 Al
`
`MERCHANT DEVICE 10
`PROCESSOR 142
`
`MEMORY
`414
`
`
`
`SCANNER
`443
`
`
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`
`134
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`120
`MOBILE DEVICE
` MEMORY
` APP
`49
`
`SCANNER
`
`495
`
`USER ACCOUNT
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PROCESSOR Llon
`
`
`
`
`
`43
`
`
`
`MEMORY=439
`
`INSTANT DISPOSABLE CREDIT CARD
`
`0123 4567 891 O11
`
`MERCHANT
`ACCOUNT
`one
`q
`peaDBen
`feathr
`
`PAYMENT SERVER
`
`130
`
`
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 27,2013 Sheet 2 of 5
`
`US 2013/0166441 Al
`
`THE USER ENTERS A BRICK-AND-MORTAR STORE AND OBTAINS
`AN UNACTIVATED INSTANT DISPOSABLE PAYMENT
`CARD HAVING THE QR CODE FROM THE MERCHANT,
`
`
`
`IN RESPONSE TO SCANNING THE QR CODE, THE APP OF THE USER'S MOBILE
`DEVICE CAN BE INITIATED AND APP CAN AUTOMATICALLY COOPERATE WITH
`PAYMENT SERVER TO ACTIVATE THE INSTANT DISPOSABLE PAYMENT CARD.
`
`
`
`203
`
`AS PART OF THE ACTIVATION PROCESS, THE APP AND/OR THE
`PAYMENT SERVER CAN PROVIDE THE USER WITH A FORM TO FILL OUT
`AND/OR CAN ASK THE USER ONE OR MORE QUESTIONS,
`
`
`
`| 904
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ONCE ACTIVATED, THE INSTANT DISPOSABLE PAYMENT CARD
`CAN BE USED TO MAKE A PURCHASE DURING WHICH THE
`
`MERCHANT CAN SCAN THE INSTANT DISPOSABLE PAYMENT CARD.
`
`THE USER CAN PAY FOR THE PURCHASE AT
`A LATER TME, SUCH AS VIA AN INVOICE
`
`
`FIG. 2
`
`THE USER SCANS THE QR CODE WITH THE USER'S MOBILE DEVICE.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`|_ gg
`
`| 906
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 27,2013 Sheet 3 of 5
`
`US 2013/0166441 Al
`
`
`
`LL 39
`
`IN ONE OR MORE MEMORIES, ACCOUNT INFORMATION FOR A
`STORE,
`PLURALITY OF PRE-CREATED INSTANT DISPOSABLE PAYMENT CARD ACCOUNTS,
`THE ACCOUNT INFORMATION INCLUDING A CODE FOR EACH ACCOUNT.
`
`
`
`
`RECEIVE, ELECTRONICALLY VIA ONE OR MORE PROCESSORS,
`A COMMUNICATION INCLUDING AN INDICATION OF A
`DESIRE OF A USER TO ACTIVATE AN INSTANT DISPOSABLE
`PAYMENT CARD ASSOCIATED WITH ONE OF THE ACCOUNTS.
`
`
`
`ACTIVATE, ELECTRONICALLY VIA THE ONE OR MORE PROCESSORS,
`THE INSTANT DISPOSABLE PAYMENT CARD.
`
`SEND, ELECTRONICALLY VIA THE ONE OR MORE PROCESSORS,
`A COMMUNICATION TO A DEVICE OF THE USER INCLUDING AN INDICATION
`THAT THE INSTANT DISPOSABLE PAYMENT CARD HAS BEEN ACTIVATED.
`
`FIG. 3
`
`4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 27, 2013 Sheet 4 of 5
`
`US 2013/0166441 Al
`
`MYOMLINOL
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`097
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`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 27, 2013 Sheet 5 of 5
`
`US 2013/0166441 Al
`
`INSTANT DISPOSABLE CREDIT CARD
`
`151
`
`
`
`—
`
`edieSaa il
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`0123 4567 891 011
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`
`FIG. 9
`
`6
`
`

`

`US 2013/0166441 Al
`
`Jun. 27, 2013
`
`INSTANT DISPOSABLE PAYMENT CARD
`
`PRIORITY CLAIM
`
`can be doneprior to a purchase with the instant disposable
`paymentcard orafter the purchase with the instant disposable
`paymentcard.
`[0013]
`Funding ofthe instant disposable paymentcard after
`the purchase can tend to minimize the amount ofmoney in an
`account of the instant disposable payment card. Thus, fund-
`ing ofthe instant disposable paymentcard after the purchase
`can tend to minimize the user’s exposure to risk with respect
`to the account. Ifthe instant disposable paymentcard is lost or
`stolen, there can be little or no money in the account for
`improperuse by others.
`[0014]
`Funding ofthe instant disposable paymentcard after
`the purchase can also tend to provide more efficient or more
`desirable use ofthe user’s money. The user can prefer to keep
`the user’s money in another account, such as a checking
`account or a debit card account, until itis necessary to transfer
`the money to the account of the instant disposable payment
`card. Funding can be done as needed and can be performed
`automatically by the system, either with or without the need
`for user confirmation of moneytransfers
`[0015] The instant disposable payment card can have a
`magnetic strip. The magnetic strip can contain the code. A
`merchant can scan the code to facilitate payment for the
`purchase. For example, the merchant can scan the QR code or
`swipe a magnetic strip of the paymentcardto facilitate pay-
`mentfor the purchase.
`[0016] According to an embodiment, merchants can obtain
`new customers for a payment provider or the like. The new
`customers can be obtainedoff line, e.g., without substantial
`involvementofthe paymentprovider. In this manner,the cost
`of obtaining new customers can be reduced while increasing
`the number of new customers obtained. Thus, the system can
`provide a low cost method for marketing services of the
`paymentprovider.
`[0017] According to an embodiment, the instant disposable
`
`
`[0007] FIG.1is a block diagram of a system for providing paymentcard can be a substantially blank card. For example,
`and using instant disposable paymentcards, according to an
`the instant disposable payment card can have only a QR code
`embodiment;
`or the like thereon. The instant disposable paymentcard can
`lack any information, such as the user’s name, thereon.
`[0008]
`FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a methodfor provid-
`[0018] A company nameand/or logoofthe provider of the
`ing and using instant disposable paymentcards, according to
`an embodiment;
`instant disposable paymentcard can be printed on the instant
`disposable payment card. The instant disposable payment
`[0009]
`FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing further detail of the
`card can have any desired information printed or otherwise
`methodfor providing and using instant disposable payment
`formed thereon. Such information can be put on the instant
`cards, according to an embodiment;
`disposable payment card by the user, the merchant, or any
`[0010]
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example of a com-
`other entity. The user’s name can be put on the instant dis-
`puter that is suitable for use in the system for providing and
`posable paymentcard.
`using instant disposable payment cards, according to an
`[0019] An unactivated instant disposable paymentcard can
`embodiment; and
`be associated with or connected to a pre-created payment
`[0011]
`FIG. 5 shows an instant disposable paymentcard,
`provider account, such as an account of PayPal, Inc. Thus, a
`according to an embodiment.
`plurality of unactivated instant disposable payment cards can
`be created and a generally corresponding plurality of pre-
`created payment provider accounts can be created. Each of
`the unactivated instant disposable paymentcards can be asso-
`ciated with one ofthe pre-created paymentprovider accounts,
`such as via an account number and/or the QR code. The
`account number can be the QR codeor can bepart of the QR
`code or visa-versa. The instant disposable paymentcards can
`be activated instantly (such as at the merchant’s store with a
`smart-phone (QR code) or via a browser.
`[0020]
`Inthis manner, prospective users or customers (such
`as prospective customers of the payment provider and/or
`prospective customers of the merchant) can be provided with
`a tangible object, e.g., the instant disposable paymentcard.
`
`[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of the
`priority date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
`61/579,469, filed on 22 Dec. 2011 and pursuant to 35 USC
`119. The entire contents ofthis provisional patent application
`are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`1. Technical Field
`[0002]
`[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to elec-
`tronic commerce and, moreparticularly, relates to methods
`and systems for providing an instant disposable payment
`card.
`
`2. Related Art
`[0004]
`Payment cards are well known and widely used.
`[0005]
`Examples of paymentcards includecredit cards, bank cards,
`debit cards, and gift cards. Such payment cards are commonly
`used in place of cash and checks to make purchases. Gener-
`ally, such paymentcards provide a safer and more convenient
`method for making payments as comparedto the use of cash
`and checks. Thus, consumers are generally more comfortable
`carrying paymentcards than they are carrying cash or checks.
`[0006] However, payment cards have some importantdefi-
`ciencies. Payment cards are not as safe as desired. For
`example, a payment card or a payment card number can be
`stolen, thus potentially providing a thief with access to the
`legitimate cardholder’s purchasing power and possibly pro-
`viding the thief with access to an account, such as a bank
`accountof the cardholder.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0012] Methods and systemscan providean instant dispos-
`able payment card. According to an embodiment, the instant
`disposable payment card can have a quick response (QR)
`code, any other type of code, or any combination of types of
`codes formed thereon or associated therewith. The code can
`
`be scannedor otherwise readby the user, such as with a smart
`phoneor other device. Scanning the code can facilitate acti-
`vation of the instant disposable paymentcard. Fundingof the
`instant disposable payment card can be done by the user or
`can be done automatically, such as during or after the activa-
`tion process. Funding ofthe instant disposable payment card
`
`7
`
`

`

`US 2013/0166441 Al
`
`Jun. 27, 2013
`
`The tangible object can be connected to the payment provider
`prior to the users opening an account with the paymentpro-
`vider.
`
`Providing a prospective customer, e.g., the user,
`[0021]
`with the instant disposable payment card can encourage the
`prospective customerto use the instant disposable payment
`card and to later become a regular customer of the payment
`provider and/or merchant. Onceactivated, the instant dispos-
`able payment card can use an automated payment clearing
`system such asthe Instant Automated Clearing House (ACH)
`and/or an invoice payment system such as BillSafe to process
`payments resulting from purchases made with the instant
`disposable payment card. By combining the instant dispos-
`able payment card with an invoice payment system, such as
`BillSafe, customers are further encouragedto use the system.
`[0022] The cost to the payment provider can be very low.
`For example, the cost of providing the instant disposable
`paymentcards and for using the instant disposable payment
`cards can be low enoughto provide an attractive mechanism
`for marketing of the paymentprovider. By creating and pro-
`viding accounts and card with no funds associated therewith
`(until the user funds the account), the cost associated there-
`with can tend to be minimized The instant disposable pay-
`ment cards can be printed inexpensively and can be distrib-
`uted as merchandise or along with the merchandise.
`[0023]
`For example, the paymentprovider can issue a plu-
`rality ofblank cards having a QR codesprinted thereon. Each
`instant disposable payment card can have a magnetstrip, a
`QRcode, a bar code, an SKU code, a RFID code, and/or any
`other code. The code can be printed on the card, attached to
`the card (such as via a labelor sticker), or otherwise formed
`upon and/or within the card. The user or any other person
`(such as the merchant) can scan the QR code with a smart-
`phoneandcanfill in a linked form (such as on a website ofthe
`paymentprovider or the merchant) to open, activate, and/or
`fund an account associated with the instant disposable pay-
`ment card. The unactivated instant disposable payment card
`can thus be automatically associated with the new account.
`The new account can be a pre-existing account.
`[0024] After adding a bank account, credit card account, or
`the like to the payment provider account/ instant disposable
`paymentcard account, thenthe instant disposable card can be
`funded with money. Theinstant disposable payment card can
`then be used as a point of sale (POS) debit or credit card.
`[0025] Where available, payment on invoice (BillSafe) can
`beused. Using BillSafe allowsthe user to make payment, e.g.,
`transfer fundsto the instant disposable paymentcard account,
`upon receiving a bill or invoice. Using BillSafe allows the
`user to complete the purchase and initiate an invoicing pro-
`cess by the merchant, thereby deferring the actual fundstrans-
`fer. The actual payment (fundstransfer) takes place after the
`receipt of the invoice and before the payment due date.
`[0026] A credit can be given to the customer immediately
`upon registration. In this manner, the user can makelow risk
`purchases, such as purchases for digital goods and/or pur-
`chases for small amounts. The credit can be for a small money
`amount. For example, the credit can be for $5, $10, or $25.
`The credit can berestricted, such as for use when purchasing
`one or morespecified products. The credit can be for a larger
`amount. The credit can be for any amount.
`[0027] Thus, prospective customers can be provided with a
`tangible object, e.g., the instant disposable paymentcard, that
`is connected to the payment provider (the payment provider
`can own or operate the system) before the prospective cus-
`
`tomers open an account with the paymentprovider. Once the
`prospective customer opens an account, instant disposable
`paymentcard can remain in use by the user. Thus,the instant
`disposable paymentcard can be an effective marketing tool
`for the paymentprovider.
`
`[0028] Note that use of the paymentprovider herein can be
`by way of example only and not by way of limitation. The
`instant disposable payment card system can be owned or
`operated by the payment provider or by any other entity.
`
`[0029] The instant disposable payment card can remain in
`the possession of the user and thus encourage further user
`thereof. The instant disposable payment card can stay with
`the user and thereby encourage higher customer engagement
`with the payment provider. The instant disposable payment
`card can remind the customer about the payment provider
`account (such as via a URL, account ID, payment provider
`nameorlogo or any other information printed or otherwise
`provided on the instant disposable payment card). Moreover,
`the instant disposable payment card can be useful, conve-
`nient, and comparatively safe payment means. For example,
`by paying into the instant disposable payment card account
`via a POS debit card, use of the instant disposable payment
`card can be made easy and convenient while substantially
`limiting exposure of the user’s moneyto theft and fraud.
`
`[0030] According to an embodiment, the instant disposable
`paymentcard can include a QR code and/or a magnetic stripe
`that associates the instant disposable payment card with the
`user’s payment provider account. For example, the QR code
`and the magnetic stripe can associate the instant disposable
`payment card with the account for the instant disposable
`payment card and the accountfor the instant disposable pay-
`mentcard can be associated with the user’s paymentprovider
`account. Thus, product purchased with the instant disposable
`paymentcard can readily be paid for via the paymentprovider
`account(via the instant disposable payment card account).
`
`[0031] The user can activate or fund the instant disposable
`payment card by scanning the QR code, such as with the
`user’s smart phone, which connects the user to the user’s
`account with the payment provider. The user can activate or
`fundthe instant disposable payment card by scanning the QR
`code, such as with the user’s smart phone, which connects the
`user to the payment provider website or initiates a phone call
`where the user can either request the creation of a payment
`provider customer account or connect an existing payment
`provider customer account to the card account. The card
`account numberis encodedin the QR code andtransferred to
`the payment provider over the communication link (URL
`encodedor tone dialing code). The activation can take place
`completely manually via typing in or reading out over the
`phone.
`
`[0032] Theuser can entera desired amountto fundthe card.
`The user can then use the card to make payments, such as by
`a merchant scanning the QR codeor by swiping the card to
`read the magneticstripe. The instant disposable payment card
`can be a disposable card printed on paper or any other mate-
`rial.
`
`For example, the instant disposable payment card
`[0033]
`can resemble a subway ticket. The card can also be the sub-
`way ticket or any other card or ticket. The QR code can be
`printed on the subwayticket in addition to the magnet stripe
`or QR code that serves for subway fare system.
`
`8
`
`

`

`US 2013/0166441 Al
`
`Jun. 27, 2013
`
`Theinstant disposable paymentcard can be funded,
`[0034]
`used, and re-funded, as desired. The instant disposable pay-
`mentcard can be discarded when no longer used or desired by
`the user.
`
`[0035] According to an embodiment, the instant disposable
`payment card can include a QR code. The user can scan the
`QRcode to load the instant disposable payment card with a
`certain or predetermined amount of funds. The same mer-
`chant whoprovidedthe instant disposable payment card or a
`different merchant can subsequently scan the QR code to
`accept paymentfrom the user for goodsor services provided
`by the same merchantor the different merchant
`[0036] The instant disposable paymentcard can be funded
`only as needed. For example,the instant disposable payment
`card can be funded from a bank account, credit card, payment
`provider account, or in any other mannerfor each use of the
`instant disposable paymentcard andonly after the user. Thus,
`a user can control or limit exposure to a funding card, while
`easily being able to fund or add fundsto the card.
`[0037] The instant disposable paymentcard can be funded
`with any desired amountat any desired time. Thus, the instant
`disposable payment card can be funded with any desired
`amountprior to use.
`[0038] According to an embodiment, the user can be pro-
`vided withthe instant disposable payment card havingat least
`a QR code printed on it. The instant disposable payment card
`can be provided by a merchant, a paymentprovider, or the
`user canprintthe instant disposable paymentcard (such as via
`a homeoroffice printer). The QR code can contain informa-
`tion about a merchant, a user, a user account, a payment
`provider, a code or card identifier, or any other information.
`[0039] The user can scan the QR code, such as from the
`user’s smart phone. The user’s smart phone can open an app
`or web page, such as with the paymentprovider. The user can
`then log in to the user’s paymentprovider account, such as by
`entering requested informationlike a user name, phone num-
`ber, password, and/or a personalidentification number (PIN).
`Once the user is logged in, the user can enter or select a
`desired amount for funding the instant disposable payment
`card. For example, the user can fund the card with $50.
`[0040] The user can also place limits or restrictions on the
`card as desired. For example, the user can place limits on the
`instant disposable paymentcard regarding when the card can
`be used, an expiration date/time of the card, the product or
`type ofproductthat can be purchased, any other users who are
`permitted to use the etc. Once funded, the payment provider
`associates the QR code and/or card with the user’s account
`and the funding amount. Thecard is then ready for use by the
`user. In one embodiment, the card is authorized for a certain
`amount, but the funds are not withdrawn or debited from the
`user’s account until the card is used. In another embodiment,
`the funds are debited when the card is loaded.
`
`For example, upon entering a club, the useror cus-
`[0041]
`tomerreceive a paper card (similarto a business card) which
`has a unique QR code printed on it. The QR codestores
`information about a disposable account that can be used to
`pay for drinks and other items from the club. The customer
`scans the QR code with their phone and authorizes a certain
`amount ofmoneyto be placed on the card. The customerthen
`walks over to the bar, orders drinks, and simply presents the
`papercard to the bartender. The bartender scans the QR code
`at the cash register. This communicates information to the
`payment provider to process to payment request from the
`bartender. For example, the scan can communicate informa-
`
`tion about the club, such as an accountor identifier, and the
`card/QR code. The payment provider determines whether
`there are funds available associated with the QR code, and if
`so, whether the payment request can be made, such as based
`on the amountofthe paymentrequest, the amountof funds on
`the card, the location of the merchant, etc. If approved, the
`payment provider credits an account of the merchant and
`reduces the account of the consumer accordingly. Thus, the
`next time the card is used, there will be a lower amount
`available. A receipt of the transaction can automatically be
`placed in the user’s account.
`[0042] Use of the instant disposable payment card system
`provides various benefits. For example, the system can allow
`multiple people to authorize sums ofmoneyto the samecard.
`This way, the user and the user’s friends can each add some
`amountto the card and have any desired person make pur-
`chases with the single card. As a further example, if the user
`loses the card, the user can access the user’s paymentprovider
`account to revoke the authorization on the card, thereby elimi-
`nating the possibility that others whofind the card can use the
`card.
`
`[0043] As a further example, if there are insufficient funds
`on the card to pay for a purchase, the user can simply scan the
`card at the bar or anywhereelse to fund the card with addi-
`tional funds. As a further example, the user can handthe card
`to anyone, such as a friend, to make a purchase, such as at the
`bar. The user does not need to give him anyusercredentials to
`use the card.
`
`[0044] Asa further example, the card can be made compat-
`ible with non-paymentprovider users. For example, the club
`ownercan install a self-service payment terminalthat allows
`customers to scan their card and load moneyonit using cash
`or their credit card. As a further example,if the user is trav-
`eling or abroad, the user can charge the card using the pay-
`ment provider account and pay in the user’s home country
`currency.
`[0045] As a further example, if the user needs a receipt
`(e.g., for reimbursement), the receipt can already be available
`in the user’s account or phone, as the payment provider can
`automatically load or place a receipt after a purchase. The
`user can also scan the QR code and downloadthe receipt to
`the user’s phone. As a further example, after use the user can
`simply destroy the card. If the card was pre-funded, the user
`can also transfer any remaining amount backto the user’s
`paymentprovider account.
`[0046]
`In another embodiment, a user is provided the
`instant disposable payment card with at least a QR code and
`a magnetic stripe printed on it. The magnetic stripe can be
`associated or correlated with the QR code on the card. The
`card can be provided by a merchant, a paymentprovider, or
`the user can print the card. The QR code can contain infor-
`mation about a merchant, a user, a user account, a payment
`provider, a code, stripe, or card identifier, or other desired
`information. The user then scans the QR code, such as from
`the user’s smart phone, which opens up an app or page with
`the payment provider. The user can then login to the user’s
`account, such as by entering requested information like a user
`name, phone number, password, and/or PIN. Once loggedin,
`the user can enter or select a desired amountto fund the card
`with. For example, the user can fund the card with $50.
`[0047] The user can also place limits orrestrictions on the
`instant disposable paymentcard as desired, such as when the
`card can be used, an expiration date/time of the instant dis-
`posable payment card, etc. Once funded, the payment pro-
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`vider can associate the QR code,stripe, and/or card with the
`user’s payment provider account to provide funding of the
`instant disposable paymentcard. The instant disposable pay-
`mentcard is then ready for use magnetic by the user. In one
`embodiment, the instant disposable payment card is autho-
`rized for a certain amount, but the fundsare not withdrawn or
`debited from the user’s account until the card is used. In
`another embodiment, the funds are debited when the instant
`disposable paymentcardis loaded.
`[0048]
`In one example, the user hasthe instant disposable
`paymentcard swiped by a merchantto read information con-
`tained in the magnetic stripe. The merchant or the user can
`swipe the instant disposable payment card at a POSdevice,
`which communicates certain information contained in the
`
`instant disposable paymentcard as well as information about
`the transaction to the payment provider. For example, the
`payment provider can receive a merchant identifier, a pay-
`ment request amount, and a card numberoridentifier. Using
`this information, the payment provider accesses the user
`account associated with the instant disposable payment card
`to determine limits for the instant disposable payment card
`and/or restrictions. The payment request can be processed.
`[0049]
`If the payment is approved, the merchant can be
`notified, the payment amountcredited to a merchant account,
`and a corresponding amountdebited from the user’s account.
`The payment provider then updates the instant disposable
`payment card account with a reduced amountleft for use. The
`user can add or deduct funds at any time by scanning the QR
`code on the instant disposable payment card. The user can
`also manage the instant disposable payment card directly
`through the user’s account with the paymentprovider, such as
`by logging into the user’s account through a PC or other
`device. Note that the instant disposable paymentcard can also
`be used as in the first embodiment, where the QR codeis
`scanned by the merchant or payee. Thus, advantages and
`features are the same orsimilar to the first embodiment. In
`
`addition,the instant disposable payment card with a magnetic
`stripe can allow the user to make payments where the mer-
`chant does not have a QR code scanner and only has a mag-
`netic strip reader.
`[0050] Note that in other embodiments, an NFCchip can be
`addedto the instant disposable paymentcard, with or without
`the magnetic stripe. Processing and use would be similar to
`whatis described herein. In particular, the QR code can be
`used to load the instant disposable paymentcard, such that
`whenthe instant disposable paymentcard is read by an NFC
`readerat the POS, theinstant disposable paymentcard can be
`used to make a payment through the account with the pay-
`mentprovider associated withthe instant disposable payment
`card. The user can also be able to load the instant disposable
`paymentcard using the NFCchipif the user’s device has an
`NECreader.
`
`[0051] Thus, according to an embodiment, the instant dis-
`posable paymentinstant disposable payment card can store a
`code, e.g., a number,that is available to both the user and the
`merchantso that the instant disposable payment card can be
`loaded or preauthorized and used to make payments at POS
`locations, where the code can be usedto associate the instant
`disposable paymentcard with an account of the user with a
`paymentprovider.
`[0052]
`Instant disposable payment cards containing QR
`codes (and magnetic strips in some cases) can offer users an
`alternative form of paymentthat provides several advantages
`over traditional method means. The instant disposable pay-
`
`mentcards can be disposable and easily made,so that the user
`can have several disposable paper cards in the user’s posses-
`sion at any one time. However, the instant disposable payment
`cards would have no value to anyone unless and whenthe user
`funds the instant disposable payment cards. Funding the
`instant disposable paymentcards can be easily accomplished
`anywhere by the user scanning the QR code with a user smart
`phone and funding the instant disposable payment card
`through the user’s account with a payment provider. Thus,
`these instant disposable paymentcards provide a safe way for
`the user to make payments, while limiting exposure that a
`credit or debit card can have.
`
`[0053] According to an embodiment, a method can com-
`prise receiving a payment request from a merchant through a
`merchant device. The payment request can be received via a
`scan of a QR code on the instant disposable payment card.
`The method can further comprise accessing an account ofthe
`user with a payment provider based on the payment request,
`determining a funding limit associated with the instant dis-
`posable paymentcard, determining whether an amountofthe
`payment request is within the funding limit of the instant
`disposable payment card, and processing the payment
`request.
`[0054] The instant disposable payment card can be a dis-
`posable paper card. The instant disposable paymentcard can
`be provided to the user by the merchant. The instant dispos-
`able payment card is provided to the user by the payment
`provider. The processing can comprise crediting an account
`of the merchant, debiting the accountofthe user, and notify-
`ing the merchantif the payment request is approved.
`[0055] The processing can further comprise reducing the
`funding limit ofthe instant disposable paymentcard based on
`the amount of the payment request. The instant disposable
`payment card can be activated when the user scans the QR
`code and funds the instant disposable payment card through
`the account of the user with the payment provider. The
`method can further comprise increasing the funding limit
`when the user adds more funds to the instant disposable
`payment card by scanning the QR code and accessing the
`account of the user with the payment provider.
`[0056] According to an embodiment, a method can com-
`prise receiving a payment request from a merchant through a
`merchant device. The payment request can be received from
`a swipe of a magnetic strip on the instant disposable payment
`card also having a QR code. An account of the user with a
`payment provider can be accessed based on the payment
`request. A funding limit associated with the instantdisposable
`paymentcard can be determined. Whether an amountof the
`payment request is within the funding limit of the instant
`disposable payment card can be determined. The payment
`request can be processed.
`[0057] The instant disposable payment card can be a dis-
`posable paper card. The instant disposable paymentcard can
`be provided to the user by the merchant. The instant dispos-
`able paymentcard can be providedto the user by the payment
`provider.
`[0058] The processing can comprise crediting an account
`of the merchant, debiting the accountofthe user, and notify-
`ing the merchant if the payment request is approved. The
`processing can further comprise reducing the funding limit of
`the instant disposable payment card based on the amount of
`the payment request.
`[0059] The instant disposable payment card can be acti-
`vated when the user scans the QR code and fundsthe instant
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`disposable paymentcard through the accountof the user with
`the payment provider. The method can further comprise
`increasing the