System and Method for Managing a Loyalty Program Via an Association Network Infrastructure

Abstract

A system and method for providing a loyalty program by utilizing a pre-existing association network. When a consumer is registered with the program, the consumer's personal information is stored in a database and associated with a token ID. The token is capable of initiating a transaction message request over an association network when used in conjunction with a merchant transaction system. A program manager is provided that includes an association network interface for receiving over the association network the transaction request message initiated by the token at a merchant, where the transaction request message includes a first set of transaction information regarding a consumer-initiated product purchase interaction. The program manager is then configured to store the first set of transaction information, transmit to the merchant a response message, and utilize the first set of transaction information to facilitate the identification of one or more rewards for the consumer.

1 . A method, comprising:
 storing personal information regarding a consumer;   associating the personal information with a token;   receiving a message from a merchant, wherein the message contains information sufficient to identify a transaction and the consumer;   obtaining from the merchant details of the transaction; and   using the information to match the transaction details with the token or the consumer, wherein the message is transmitted over an association network, and wherein the merchant details are transmitted over a communications network separate and apart from the association network.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of using the transaction details to administer offers and rewards to the consumer. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the token initiates the message from the merchant. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 receiving a second message from a second merchant, wherein the second message contains second information sufficient to identify a second transaction and the consumer;   obtaining from the second merchant details of the second transaction; and   using the second information to match the second transaction details with the token or the consumer.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising the step of using the transaction details and the second transaction details to administer offers and rewards to the consumer. 
     
     
         6 . A method, comprising:
 storing personal information regarding a consumer;   associating the consumer with a token;   receiving a message from an association network, wherein the message contains information sufficient to identify the consumer and a transaction between the consumer and a merchant; and   obtaining from the merchant details of the transaction, wherein the message is transmitted over an association network, and wherein the merchant details are transmitted over a communications network separate and apart from the association network.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising the step of using the information to match the transaction details with the token or the consumer. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising the step of using the transaction details to administer offers and rewards to the consumer. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the token initiates the message from the merchant. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 receiving a second message from the association network, wherein the second message contains second information sufficient to identify the consumer and a second transaction between the consumer and a second merchant; and   obtaining from the second merchant details of the second transaction.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising the step of using the second information to match the second transaction details with the token or the consumer. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising the step of using the second transaction details to administer offers and rewards to the consumer. 
     
     
         13 . A method, comprising:
 storing personal information regarding a consumer;   associating the consumer with a token;   receiving a first message from an association network, wherein the first message contains first information sufficient to identify the consumer and a first transaction between the consumer and a first merchant;   obtaining from the first merchant details of the first transaction;   using the first information to match the first transaction details with the token or the consumer;   receiving a second message from the association network, wherein the second message contains second information sufficient to identify the consumer and a second transaction between the consumer and a second merchant;   obtaining from the second merchant details of the second transaction; and   using the second information to match the second transaction details with the token or the consumer, wherein the message is transmitted over an association network, and wherein the merchant details are transmitted over a communications network separate and apart from the association network.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising using the first transaction details and the second transaction details to administer offers and rewards to the consumer.