Method for Assembling and Activating a Multi-Pack Package of Transaction Cards

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for providing multiple transaction cards in a single package are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for forming a carrier package arrangement includes obtaining a plurality of transaction cards, obtaining a first parent activation code, and associating the first parent activation code with the plurality of transaction cards. The method can also include packing the plurality of transaction cards in the carrier package arrangement, and providing the first parent activation code so as to be on or accessible from the carrier package arrangement. The plurality of transaction cards can thereafter be activated using the first parent activation code.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for forming carrier package arrangements, the method comprising:
 obtaining a plurality of transaction cards, the plurality of transaction cards including a first transaction card having a first card activation code and a second transaction card having a second card activation code;   obtaining a parent code file, the parent code file including at least a first parent code and a second parent code;   defining a first set of transaction cards, wherein the first set of transaction cards includes at least the first transaction card;   mapping the first parent code to the first set of transaction cards, wherein mapping the first parent code to the first set of transaction cards includes mapping the first parent code to at least the first card activation code;   assembling the first set of transaction cards into a first carrier package arrangement; and   providing the first parent code on the first carrier package arrangement, wherein the first set of transaction cards is arranged to be activated using the first parent code.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein identifying the first parent activation code includes obtaining a first file that includes at least the first parent activation code. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of transaction cards includes a first transaction card and a second transaction card, the first transaction card having a first card activation code and the second transaction card having a second card activation code, and wherein associating the first parent activation code with the plurality of transaction cards includes associating the first parent activation code with the first card activation code and the second card activation code. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the first card activation code is arranged to cause the first transaction card to activated using the parent activation code and the second card activation code is arranged to cause the second transaction card to be activated using the parent activation code. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of transaction cards includes a first transaction card and a second transaction card, the first transaction card having a first card activation code and the second transaction card having a second card activation code, and the method further includes:
 creating a mapping file, the mapping file being arranged to indicate that the first parent activation code is arranged to activate the first card activation code and the second card activation code. 
 
     
     
         6 . A method of  claim 1  wherein said associating of the first parent code with the plurality of transaction cards is performed proximate in time to said packing of the plurality of transaction cards in the carrier package arrangement. 
     
     
         7 . A carrier package arrangement comprising:
 a carrier card arrangement;   a tray; and   a plurality of transaction cards, the plurality of transaction cards being mounted on the tray, the tray being supported within the carrier card arrangement, wherein the plurality of transaction cards are arranged to be transitioned from an unactivated state to an activated state using a first activation code,   wherein the plurality of transaction cards includes a first transaction card and a second transaction card, the first transaction card having a first card activation code and the second transaction card having a second card activation code, and wherein associating the first parent activation code with the plurality of transaction cards includes associating the first parent activation code with the first card activation code and the second card activation code.   
     
     
         8 . The carrier package arrangement of  claim 7  wherein the first activation code is provided on the carrier card arrangement. 
     
     
         9 . The carrier package arrangement of  claim 8  wherein the first activation code is associated with a bar code. 
     
     
         10 . The carrier package arrangement of  claim 7  wherein the carrier card arrangement has a receptacle defined therein, and wherein the plurality of transaction cards and the tray are supported within the receptacle. 
     
     
         11 . The carrier package arrangement of  claim 10  wherein the carrier card arrangement includes a flap, the flap being arranged to be opened to at least partially expose the receptacle.