SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING, RECEIVING, AND USING FUNDS OR CREDITS AND APPARATUS THEREOF

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/062,919 filed on 12 Oct. 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/056,518 filed on 27 Sep. 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/053,157 filed on 21 Sep. 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/040,402 filed on 21 Aug. 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/038,808 filed on 18 Aug. 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/037,599 filed on 14 Aug. 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/032,553 filed on 2 Aug. 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/024,465 filed on 14 Jul. 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/012,343 filed on 14 Jun. 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/009,149 filed on 6 Jun. 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/994,816 filed on 16 May 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/989,491 filed on 6 May 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/981,848 filed on 20 Apr. 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/981,779 filed on 19 Apr. 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/978,998 filed on 14 Apr. 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/975,940 filed on 7 Apr. 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/973,369 filed on 1 Apr. 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/948,004 filed on 4 Mar. 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/943,376 filed on 23 Feb. 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/940,483 filed on 16 Feb. 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/939,806 filed on 14 Feb. 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/937,517 filed on 8 Feb. 2014, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, and for any and all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

[0002] Some embodiments may relate to methods of distributing and dispersing funds or credits received at a first location to a second location.

[0003] Some embodiments may relate to methods of distributing and dispersing funds or credits received at a first location, using one or more security features, to a second location.

[0004] Some embodiments may utilize a reusable system card to perform a variety of functions including making changes or updates to user profiles (e.g., social, shopping, and other online networks), purchasing items, transferring/sending funds or credits, receiving funds or credits, adding items to digital wish lists, saving or posting favorable opinions of products or services, redeeming funds or credits between various locations, and/or recommending items to contacts, relatives, or friends.

[0005] Some embodiments may relate to methods of using an integrated system card, integrated card, mobile device, website platform, and optional system application to facilitate shopping experiences.

[0006] Further embodiments may relate to a gift card with smart card capabilities, which may be used for gifting purposes, without physically sending or otherwise delivering the gift card to the intended recipient.

[0007] Embodiments may relate to improvements in article manufacturing and dispensing machines and components and methods related to the same, for example, self-service kiosk apparatus and systems and methods for authenticating funds or credits, wherein the self-service kiosk apparatus may be advantageously utilized to purchase, convert, transfer/send, distribute, receive, bundle, or redeem funds or credits between various locations via physical article production means.

[0008] Some embodiments may relate to methods of gifting and sharing information utilizing a mobile device.

[0009] Yet further embodiments may relate to methods of buying, gifting, determining what a user likes/wants, and/or sharing information utilizing a mobile device or a computing device having internet or other network connectivity.

[0010] Embodiments may relate to methods of buying and/or gifting to a unique vanity address utilizing a mobile device or a computing device having internet or other network connectivity, wherein the vanity address may be associated with one or more electronic addresses of a single individual/entity, or the vanity address may be associated with one or more electronic addresses, wherein each electronic address is affiliated with a different individual/entity.

[0011] Embodiments may relate to methods of making purchases, and making purchases online, using system credit affiliated with a user's electronic address, rather than providing credit card, banking, or checking information as conventionally done to date.

[0012] Further embodiments may relate to various combinations of one, two, and multi-way authentication.

[0013] According to some embodiments, methods disclosed may be used for online purchases, for example, to send an item to an individual which may comprise an intended recipient, wherein recipient information may be associated with a user performing the methods, or recipient information may be associated with an individual other than a user performing the methods.

[0014] Some embodiments may relate to methods of redeeming pre-paid electronic vouchers or coupons received or pre-purchased using a system, wherein the methods disclosed may be used for in-store purchases, or online purchases.

[0015] Various methods of using system features are also disclosed and schematically depicted in the appended drawings.

[0016] While some embodiments may be often described herein with references to a gift card, system, card-dispensing self-service kiosk, vendor participation system and/or service for improving vendor market opportunities, all which are applications to which embodiments may be advantageously suited, it should be readily apparent that all embodiments are not limited to those particular applications.

[0017] For example, cards employed or otherwise utilized may advantageously be provided with a variety of capabilities including, but not limited to, serving as equivalent means to physical or digital currency, tickets, passes, coupons, shopper loyalty cards, and other forms of purchasing media used by consumers and accepted by various vendors/entities.

[0018] Moreover, while some embodiments may be described in their most basic or simplistic forms, the system may incorporate the use of, and/or many of the methods described herein may be equally performed using a computer or mobile device via a system “smart” mobile application or system website, without necessarily requiring use of purely SMS/MMS protocols.

[0019] Components of the system may be optionally integrated with a plurality of third-party systems, networks, institutions, platforms, and the like. For example, features of apparatus, systems, and methods discussed herein may have equal benefit when applied to gift cards, banking cards, credit cards, insurance cards, drivers licenses, identification cards, customer loyalty cards, social networking applications, mobile wallets, checks, etc.

[0020] Some embodiments may advantageously not require only utilizing funds or credits at a particular venue, location, vendor, or selling entity as with conventional gift cards. Some embodiments may be employed with very simple executable programs (e.g., character string identification, sorting, and storing algorithms, basic logic functions, and a limited number of outputs and/or inputs. Moreover, some embodiments may obviate the need for huge support staffs, because all operational decisions could be made or managed at a centralized location (e.g., system website or database) by a management team and/or one or more servers located remote from the transaction locations.

[0021] The system may be integrated with one or more SMS/MMS auto-responders/auto dialers for sending push, pull, SMS alerts, one-time passwords (OTP), and the like in an automated fashion. The system may be integrated with an audio-based human-machine interface (HMI). It is anticipated that more complex systems may be employed to provide both robust control environments and flexible and/or scalable operating environments which are able to connect seamlessly to multiple SMSC operators in the country of operation.

[0022] Systems described herein may, depending on volume of messages sent, received, pushed, and pulled, comprise simple modems or connecting over leased line using low level communication protocols (e.g., SMPP, UCP, etc.). Systems described herein may cater to providing failover mechanisms and least-cost routing options. Software utilized may be proprietary, open source banking platforms, or the like to support similar functions to that of existing mobile banking and SMS payment systems. Systems, apparatus, and/or methods described herein may comprise means for identifying SMS addresses (e.g., Verizon Wireless® @vtext.com, Cingular® @mobile.mycingular.com, T-Mobile@@tmomail.net, and Boost Mobile @myboostmobile.com), means for identifying mobile device electronic addresses, numbers, etc., and/or software means for removing non-alphanumeric characters and/or spaces. The system may comprise one or more SMS gateways (ETSI, GSM), SMSCs, terminals (e.g., DECT), direct-to-mobile gateway appliances having wireless GSM connectivity, means for allowing SMS/MMS text messages to be sent and/or received by email, from web pages, or from other software applications by acquiring a unique identifier from a mobile device's SIM card, SMS aggregators to provide SMS services to customers, means for regulating number of SMS messages per SIM, ODBC to connect to a system database, HTTP interfaces to interact with third-party applications, one or more direct-to-SMS gateways, means for connecting directly to a mobile operator's SMSC via the internet or direct leased line, short message peer-to-peer (SMPP) protocol, third-party applications (e.g., Microsoft Outlook, AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, SMS send platform, Windows Live Messenger, Windows SMS Sender, Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, etc.), one or more email clients/programs (e.g., Eudora, Thunderbird, etc.), ASCII “text-only” mode software, HTML-based text software, SMS gateway domains, SMS center numbers, SIM numbers, character count/message size limiting or logistics software, voice-over-IP communication systems, etc., eAPI's (e.g., BulkSMS), ANSI CDMA networks, Digital AMPS, satellite networks, land-line networks, short message mobile terminated (SMS-MT) point-to-point protocols, short message mobile originated (SMS-MO) point-to-point protocols, short message point-to-point (SMS-PP) protocols, optional cell broadcast messaging protocols (SMS-CB) for local users SMSC foreign number blocking means, GSM/3GPP/3G/etc. network communication means, SMS alternative protocols (e.g., J-Phone's SkyMail, NTT Docomo's ShortMail, etc.), STMP over TCP/IP standard mail protocols, “store and forward” mechanisms provided to a SMSC, “forward and forget” mechanisms provided to a SMSC (e.g., for SMS-MO and SMS-MT), satellite communication protocols, user data headers (UDH) and UDH interpreters, data/metadata routers, long SMS components, concentrated SMS components, SMS gateway providers, SMS SS7 connectivity providers, aggregators, local or international termination models, message service centers, public land mobile network (PLMN) communication means, direct-to-mobile gateway appliances, caller ID software, HTTP to SMS API's, TMS protocols, Flash SMS delivery means, dialing and/or messaging short code (i.e., “special shorter phone numbers”) implementations, SMS traffic switching services, mobile web, mobile client applications, mobile channel platforms, SMS with mobile web and secure SMS, push to talk services and/or messaging protocols, mobile dial codes, operator messaging, extended messaging services, CSCA short code registry access means, open mobile alliance (OMA) standards, email-to-SMS services, SMS-to-email services, SMS home-routing, USSD, and SIM application toolkits (STK/SAT/SIM2), USIM Application Toolkits (USAT), Card Application Toolkits (CAT), SIMalliance Toolbox (S@T)-compliant wireless internet browsers (WIB) without limitation.

[0023] Furthermore, the cards disclosed herein, when used in combination with a mobile device, may be utilized to make both personal and gift purchases, as well as funds transfers without secondary human interaction, and without dialing a number, in otherwise untraditional venues or locations such as outdoor areas (e.g., baseball stadiums, gas stations, highways while driving, at rest stops, while eating at food establishments, or while walking around a mall or outlet) and other non-conventional points of sale (such as while watching a TV commercial, listening to the radio, watching a puck pass an advertisement board at a hockey game, or looking at discardable food packaging). With certain embodiments, a single person may be able to buy and send several items or amounts of funds to any one of their contacts, relatives, or friends in seconds. Added security may be achieved by combining unique SIM-card data information with unique card data and security codes.

[0024] Some embodiments may address the shortcomings of traditional brick- and mortar and online gift card retail, redemption, and exchange systems in a convenient and cost-effective delivery vehicle having the added bonus of serving as an effective promotional platform that drives incremental sales through small purchases and word-of-mouth sharing between contacts, relatives, and friends. In addition, the card apparatuses according to some embodiments may overcome the aforementioned disadvantages by at least offering more vendor/entity choices—for example, one may pay a cab driver, pay a babysitter, or even a landlord without necessarily needing a bank account, a smart phone, or an online payment service account (e.g., PayPal).

[0025] Additionally, instances may be avoided where an end user or recipient of a gift card cannot effectively utilize the card due to a lack of vendor locations in their geographic region.

[0026] Moreover, with some embodiments, smaller local vendors may be able to easily expand their market by increasing their exposure to more potential customers which wouldn't otherwise expend efforts to visit their brick-and-mortar store or website. Some embodiments may also prove advantageous because the system disclosed, according to some embodiments, may be configured to be integrated with external user profiles and networks. For example, users of the system may set up “wish lists” or “favorites” in their own profiles, making it easier for other users to identify the perfect gift, or shopping list, or users of the system may wish to optionally link third-party accounts such as social networking profiles with the system website, making it easy to auto-populate user information and/or select appropriate gifting and personal products using aggregate marketing data. In some embodiments, codes provided to system cards may comprise “see wish list” codes, wherein a user may text a friend's mobile device number and a “see wish list” code which may be provided on the system card, to a system-provided number, in order to see some, all, or most recently added items (and, in some embodiments, associated prices and/or item codes associated with the items) that the friend wants. According to some embodiments, a user may similarly text a friend's email address, social media profile screen name or user ID, or other electronic address in combination with a “see wish list” code to accomplish similar functions.

[0027] Some embodiments may also provide a new vehicle for vendors to more effectively spend their advertising dollars without much waste or environmental impact, while increasing probability of sales due to convenience to the consumer. For example, vendors may spend more advertising dollars for higher levels of visibility to placing indicia to be used by system components on paper goods, advertising vehicles (e.g., radio, TV, billboards, signs, etc). By accessing the system database, vendors may monitor how their promotions are being used, by whom, and where (via location metadata and mobile phone number area code information). User profiles and account information may provide vendors with information about who is actually purchasing their products, products relating to their products, or competitive products to more accurately target their target market base, while also preventing the adverse affects of extreme couponing, mass advertising, paper refuge, expensive commercial productions, and other “see and then forget” types of consumer advertising.

[0028] Some embodiments may allow a user to facilitate their shopping and/or gift-purchasing experiences, create shopping or gift-giving lists on a user account (e.g., a phone number account number) supported by a system website and/or database.

[0029] Certain embodiments may also help with expanding the number of gifting options for purchasers of gift cards, for example, providing multiple non-related or non-affiliated redemption options to the same gift card, thereby allowing more customized gifting solutions. Furthermore, some embodiments may allow a recipient to chose a closer, or more convenient location or vendor to purchase their favorite goods and/or services—or otherwise use the funds in a more appropriate or logical way. Moreover, some embodiments may provide means for corporations to better track popularity and market interest in certain product lines from a single system, rather than from a myriad of market analysis solutions providers.

[0030] Furthermore, the system, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein may, according to some embodiments, provide means for a user of the system to transfer their points, such as rewards points, frequent diner points, club points, membership points, loyalty points etc., to a single card, for example, by scanning or manually entering cards information into a system website with only the need to enter a phone number and card number. Moreover, embodiments of the system, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein may provide means for a user of the system to transfer their own points, such as rewards points, frequent diner points, club points, membership points, loyalty points etc., for one particular unrelated vendor/entity for funds or credits that are recognized or otherwise accepted as a form of payment to a second unrelated vendor/entity. Moreover, some embodiments may provide means for a first user of the system to transfer their own points, such as rewards points, frequent diner points, club points, membership points, loyalty points etc. earned, to a second user (e.g., to contacts, relatives, or friends) in various combinations, allocations, and amounts. Additionally, some embodiments may provide means for a user of the system to convert their own points, such as rewards points, frequent diner points, club points, membership points, loyalty points etc. earned, to another form of funds or credits such as currency (physical or digital/virtual), gift certificates or gift certificate credit, coupons or coupon credit, gift cards or gift card credit, tickets or ticket credit, passes or pass credit, stocks/funds or credit for purchasing stocks/funds, vouchers or voucher credit, prepaid minutes or credit for purchasing prepaid minutes, credit card credits, a check to the user, or a credit to be applied to a check for the user in the future, etc.

[0031] Certain embodiments may also allow subscribing users to quickly and readily access remaining balances or rewards balances by texting a “check balances code” (not illustrated) to a system provided number. Accordingly, a user may shop without the worry of forgetting about the existence of a misplaced gift card or store credit available. In other words, using the system website, mobile device (e.g., both “smart” and “dumb” mobile phone devices), a user may instantly check all balances of vendor-accepted funds or credits, gift card balances, rewards points balances, frequent flyer miles, etc., for a myriad of different, non-affiliated vendors using a common shared platform. This may advantageously obviate the need for a user to call the number on the back of each gift card to check a balance on each card. Some embodiments may also obviate the need for a user to individually visit each website of the myriad of different, non-affiliated vendors—each of which may request a new unique membership or login ID and password. According to some embodiments a user of the system may simply logon to the system website, and enter a card number and a mobile device number to access account balances information. Or, the user may simply keep the feed of mobile/SMS/MMS text messages sent to the user's phone, and scroll through the feed to find a redemption option.

[0032] Alternatively, a user may text the “check balances code” from their mobile device to a system-provided number to receive a displayed string, list, or array of available redemption options associated with the user's unique system card.

[0033] Some of the disclosed embodiments of the systems, methods, and apparatus may provide a convenient, fully automated, system-integrated way to purchase, renew, charge, transfer, redeem, send, and/or share. Some embodiments may serve as a multi-functional platform for supporting functions, promotions, and offers from a variety of vendors or entities, social networks, and/or third parties. Some embodiments may allow retailers to expand consumer audiences, share a single global universal point of sale, capitalize on a broad network of hosting/client locations, and/or engage users on a level not experienced to date. Users of a system, according to some embodiments, may agree to a single terms of use agreement or conditions of use of the system on the front end (e.g., privacy, etc.), and participating vendors/entities, financial institutions, social media sites, and advertising solutions may access user information in accordance with those single terms of use agreement or conditions of use on the back end, simplifying a number of interactions between consumers and individual vendors/entities and/or providing a secure gateway to personal transaction and correspondence information.

[0034] As will be appreciated from this disclosure, according to some embodiments, there may not be a need to have a checking account; and/or potentially expose thousands of dollars contained within a checking account, to make token purchases. Moreover, there may not be a need to fill out a new account profile with new vendors or entities for every online transaction.

[0035] According to some embodiments, users may make purchases with a single text message without the need to download a myriad of proprietary third-party applications, or the need to have a complicated smart phone or carry an expensive data plan.

[0036] According to some embodiments, users may electronically deliver amounts of funds/credits or pre-paid (or paid upon redemption, similar to cash-on-delivery “COD”) items, products, goods, or services with as little as a single text message, without the need to download a myriad of proprietary third-party applications, or the need to have a complicated smart phone or carry an expensive data plan.

[0037] Aspects of some embodiments may be conveniently integrated with existing more complex applications and infrastructures, for example, with Wal-Mart's “Scan & Go” Beta smart phone app, without limitation. For example, upon checkout, a user may scan items without actually receiving the goods scanned. Upon checkout, the user may enter a recipient's phone number or email address. A digital shopping list representative of the scanned items may be sent to the desired recipient(s) and paid for by the user. Payment may be via conventional cash, check, money order, credit card, debit card, or payment provider (e.g., PayPal), or may utilize a system-specific pre-paid card that maybe purchased and/or reloaded online, or at brick-and-mortar retail facilities.

[0038] While certain embodiments may often be described herein with references to a card-dispensing self-service kiosk and vendor participation system, an application to which embodiments may be advantageously suited, it will be readily apparent that all embodiments should not limited to those particular applications. For example, kiosks may be employed or otherwise utilized to manufacture and/or distribute a wide variety of articles including, but not limited to, physical or digital currency, tickets, passes, coupons, and other forms of purchasing media used by consumers and accepted by various vendors/entities. Moreover, many of the methods described herein may be performed using a computer or mobile device via a system application or system website without necessarily requiring access to a self-service kiosk.

[0039] Self-service kiosk apparatus may provide purchase recommendations based on an intended recipient's location with significantly more convenience than internet-based gift card exchange services and/or brick-and-mortar display racks which do not convey information about a vendor's geographic locations. Accordingly, instances maybe avoided where an end user or recipient of a gift card cannot effectively utilize the card due to a lack of vendor locations in their geographic region. Moreover, with some embodiments, smaller local vendors may be able to easily expand their market by increasing their exposure to more potential customers in new geographical regions. Some embodiments may also be advantageous because they may involve providing purchase recommendations based on recent user purchases within the system, or system-external user profiles and networks. For example, users of the system may set up “wish lists” or “favorites” in their own profile making it easier for other users to identify the perfect gift, or shopping list, or users of the system may wish to link third-party accounts such as social networking profiles with the system, making it easy to auto-populate user information and/or select appropriate gifting and personal products using aggregate marketing data.

[0040] Unlike the display racks found in brick-and-mortar stores, some embodiments may not require or consume significant physical retail space.

[0041] Unlike the display racks found in brick-and-mortar stores, some embodiments may employ low operating costs because no heating or air conditioning may be required; for example, for the card dispensing self-service kiosk apparatus described. Some preferred embodiments may also consume a relatively low level of electrical energy. According to some embodiments, card dispensing self-service kiosk apparatus described herein may have low maintenance costs and/or low downtime.

[0042] Furthermore, the card dispensing self-service kiosk apparatus disclosed herein may be situated in otherwise untraditional venues or locations such as outdoor areas (e.g., gas stations, rest stops, or outlets) and non-conventional points of sale. Where necessary, the card dispensing self-service kiosk apparatus may include heating and/or air conditioning units to accommodate less temperate climates.

[0043] The self-service kiosk apparatus disclosed may address the shortcomings of traditional brick-and-mortar and online gift card retail systems in a convenient and cost effective delivery vehicle having the added bonus of serving as an effective promotional platform that drives incremental sales to hosting locations. In addition, self-service kiosk apparatuses described herein may overcome the aforementioned disadvantages by at least offering more vendor/entity choices, credit amounts, and types of funds and credits. According to some embodiments, self-service kiosk apparatuses may provide the ability to sort participating vendors by alphabetic name, industry, product type, image/logo, credit or fund type, or other categorization, thereby serving to improve and facilitate customer experiences, and more logically and conveniently identify an appropriate product to purchase.

[0044] Some embodiments may advantageously not require an on-site store manager or customer service representative to facilitate purchases and/or redemptions of gift cards. Some embodiments may not require stocking personnel in order to frequently inventory, monitor, and/or re-supply a large number of deactivated stock gift cards which are displayed for purchase. Moreover, some embodiments may obviate the need for a checkout clerk and/or register, because in some preferred instances, many or all of the operational decisions maybe made or managed at a centralized location (e.g., system website) by a management team and servers located remote from the hosting locations.

[0045] Some embodiments may also provide a new vehicle for vendors to more effectively spend their advertising dollars without much waste or environmental impact. For example, vendors may spend more advertising dollars for higher levels of visibility to a user of the system when a user of the system visits the system website or logs in to one of their local system kiosks. By accessing the system database, vendors may, according to some embodiments, monitor how their promotions are being used, and by whom.

[0046] User profiles and account information may provide vendors with information about who is actually purchasing their products, products relating to their products, or competitive products to more accurately target their target market base, while also preventing the adverse affects of extreme couponing, mass advertising, paper refuge, and expensive productions.

[0047] Some embodiments may allow a user to facilitate their shopping and/or gift-purchasing experiences, create shopping or gift-giving lists on a user account supported by a system website, and/or facilitate locating a particular product or offering provided at a brick-and-mortar facility of a participating vendor/entity (e.g., using one or more system-integrated mobile applications on a user mobile device).

[0048] Some embodiments may also expand the number of gifting options for purchasers of gift cards, allowing more customized gifting solutions. Furthermore, some embodiments may allow a recipient to choose a closer, more convenient location to purchase their favorite goods and/or services. Moreover, some embodiments may provide means for corporations to better track popularity and market interest in certain product lines from a single system, rather than from a myriad of market analysis solutions. Furthermore, some embodiments may provide means for a user of the system to transfer their points, such as rewards points, frequent diner points, club points, membership points, loyalty points etc., to a single card, for example, by scanning into a kiosk, each card (or by entering each respective membership card number into their system account via a system website). Moreover, some embodiments may provide means for a user of the system to transfer their own points, such as rewards points, frequent diner points, club points, membership points, loyalty points etc., for one particular unrelated vendor/entity for funds or credits that are recognized or otherwise accepted as a form of payment to a second unrelated vendor/entity. Moreover, some embodiments may provide means for a first user of the system to transfer their own points, such as rewards points, frequent diner points, club points, membership points, loyalty points etc. earned, to a second user in various combinations, allocations, and amounts. Additionally, some embodiments may provide means for a user of the system to convert their own points, such as rewards points, frequent diner points, club points, membership points, loyalty points etc. earned, to another form of funds or credits such as currency (physical or digital/virtual), gift certificates or gift certificate credit, coupons or coupon credit, gift cards or gift card credit, tickets or ticket credit, passes or pass credit, stocks/funds or credit for purchasing stocks/funds, vouchers or voucher credit, prepaid minutes or credit for purchasing prepaid minutes, credit card credits, a check to the user or a credit to be applied to a check for the user in the future, etc.

[0049] Certain embodiments may allow subscribing users to quickly and readily access remaining balances or rewards balances to large numbers of participating vendors using a system-based application, thereby motivating a user to shop and to not forget about the existence of a misplaced gift card or store credit. For example, using the system website, mobile device (e.g., phone, tablet)-compatible app, a system-integrated kiosk, or the like, a user may be able to instantly check all balances of vendor-accepted funds or credits, gift card balances, rewards points balances, frequent flyer miles, etc., for a myriad of different, non-affiliated vendors using a common shared platform. This may advantageously obviate the need for a user to call the number on the back of each gift card to check a balance on each card. Embodiments may also obviate the need for a user to individually visit each website of the myriad of different, non-affiliated vendors—each of which may request a membership or login ID and password. A user of the system may simply logon to their system account via the system website, kiosk, or mobile app.

[0050] Some embodiments of the card dispensing self-service kiosk apparatus may provide a convenient, fully automated, system-integrated card production, purchasing, issuance, renewal, transfer, redemption, and/or redeeming system which may serve as a multifunctional platform for a variety of vendors or entities to share a single point of sale, capitalize on a broad network of hosting locations, and engage users on an equal level. Users of the system may agree to a single terms of use agreement or conditions of use of the system on the front end (e.g., privacy, etc.), and participating vendors/entities, financial institutions, social media sites, and advertising solutions may access user information in accordance with that single terms of use agreement or conditions of use on the back end, simplifying a number of interactions between consumers and individual vendors/entities.

[0051] According to some embodiments, a customer may conveniently electronically gift an item for another recipient during a normal everyday transaction, for instance, at checkout, when paying for other items needed by the customer.

[0052] According to some embodiments, a customer may electronically gift an item for another recipient, for instance, while physically shopping in a brick and mortar facility or online for other items needed by the customer.

[0053] According to some embodiments, a customer may electronically notify others (such as contacts, relatives, and friends) that they like or otherwise have a favorable opinion of an item during normal everyday activities, for instance, the electronic notification may occur while physically shopping in a brick and mortar facility, online, or when passing by a display.

[0054] According to some embodiments, a customer may electronically notify others, such as contacts, relatives, and friends, that they recommend an item during normal everyday activities, for instance, while physically shopping in a brick and mortar facility, online, or when passing by a display.

[0055] According to some embodiments, a customer may electronically purchase an item for him/herself or for another recipient while shopping online using the customer's mobile device.

[0056] Some embodiments may address the shortcomings of traditional gift card and eGift certificate retail and redemption in a convenient and cost-effective delivery vehicle having the added bonus of serving as an effective promotional platform that drives incremental sales through small purchases and word-of-mouth sharing between contacts, relatives, and friends.

[0057] Some embodiments may also provide a new vehicle for vendors to more effectively spend their advertising dollars by increasing the probability of spontaneous/instantaneous sales due to convenience to the consumer.

[0058] According to some embodiments, a customer may electronically gift an item for another recipient, for instance, while physically shopping in a brick and mortar facility, while reading a magazine, while listening to the radio, while watching TV, while passing by a billboard, while reading a vehicle wrap, while driving behind a semi-truck trailer having indicia thereon, while reading an internet advertisement, while shopping online, and the like.

[0059] According to some embodiments, a user may log into his/her online account utilizing his/her mobile phone and/or card information which may not be affiliated with a financial institution, bank, creditor, or lender.

[0060] According to some embodiments, a user may checkout for items, products, goods, or services ordered online utilizing his/her mobile phone and/or card information which may not be affiliated with a financial institution, bank, creditor, or lender.

[0061] According to some embodiments, a user may purchase, or electronically gift an item, or electronically receive or send a coupon or store credit.

[0062] According to some embodiments, a user may purchase for themselves, and/or purchase and electronically gift an item, product, good, or service, store credit, or other purchasable, electronically, online, using system credit which is associated with the user's electronic address. According to some embodiments, the system credit may be associated with the user's electronic address in a number of different manners described in any of the abovementioned co-pending applications, for instance, by paying cash at a register, by purchasing a system prepaid/gift card, by linking funds with a third-party financial institution account (e.g., bank account, credit card, payment service, or the like), and/or by purchasing system credit online. According to some embodiments, the system credit may be applied at a checkout page to complete the transaction. According to some embodiments, the transaction may be completed by making various communications between one or more of the participating vendor/entity's website containing the checkout page, the system, and the user.

[0063] According to some embodiments, funds or credit may also be simultaneously deducted from the system user's system account balance upon, prior to, or during the transaction (e.g., upon, prior to, or during certain transaction step executions).

[0064] According to some embodiments, a user may purchase, and physically gift and/or send an item found online, or at a kiosk, vending machine, or other internet-connected device intended for commerce, without necessarily entering credit/banking card information online, or necessarily providing credit/banking card information to the respective website, kiosk, vending machine, or other internet-connected device intended for commerce.

[0065] According to some embodiments, a user may purchase, and electronically gift and/or send an item, product, good, or service, using email, social media, or a mobile device, thereby obviating the need to provide sensitive financial information and/or personal information to an online retailer/merchant/vendor/selling entity, directly, or indirectly, via a checkout page.

[0066] According to some embodiments, a user may purchase for themselves, and/or purchase and electronically gift an item, product, good, or service, or electronically receive or send a coupon or store credit. For example, according to some embodiments, a user may purchase for themselves, and/or purchase and electronically gift an item, product, good, or service, or electronically receive or send a coupon or store credit, or system credit, to a vanity address associated with a single individual or entity, in a single communication. The vanity address may comprise one or more electronic addresses of the single individual or entity. Funds or credit may also be simultaneously deducted from the system user's system account balance, in a multiple of one (for the single individual or entity).

[0067] According to some embodiments, a user may purchase for themselves, and/or purchase and electronically gift an item, product, good, or service, or electronically receive or send a coupon or store credit, or system credit, to a vanity address associated with multiple individuals or entities, in a single communication. Funds or credit may also be simultaneously deducted from the system user's system account balance, in a multiple matching the number of multiple individuals or entities associated with the vanity address.

[0068] According to some embodiments, a system user may link one or more of their own electronic addresses with a vanity address (e.g., system “screen name” or “profile identifier”) which has not already been taken by another system user, for themselves, allowing other system users to purchase and electronically gift an item, product, good, or service, or electronically send a coupon, store credit, or system credit, to the system user's vanity address in a single communication, wherein each of the linked one or more of the system user's electronic addresses are delivered with, and receive, similar redemption information and/or transaction information upon system receipt of the single communication made by the other system users, and wherein the system user and/or the other system users making the single communication may receive an electronic receipt containing transaction information upon system receipt of the single communication.

[0069] According to some embodiments, a system user may link one or more electronic addresses of others (e.g., friends, contacts, family members, coworkers, etc.) with a ‘group’ vanity address, allowing the system user to purchase and electronically gift an item, product, good, or service, or electronically send a coupon, store credit, or system credit, to the vanity address in a single communication, wherein each of the others associated with (i.e., “linked” with) the ‘group’ vanity address may receive similar redemption information and/or transaction information via each of the linked electronic addresses affiliated with the ‘group’ vanity address, upon system receipt of the single communication by the system user, and wherein the system user may receive an electronic receipt containing transaction information upon system receipt of the single communication. Funds or credit may also be simultaneously deducted from the system user's system account balance, for example, in a multiple of the number of others associated with the ‘group’ vanity address (e.g., the number of electronic addresses “linked” to the created ‘group’ vanity address. For example, if 5 electronic addresses (e.g., screen names, profile ID's, handles, email addresses, phone numbers, etc.) which correspond to five different individuals are linked to a ‘group’ vanity address by the system user, and the vanity address is used in a system transaction, the system may deduct the cost of the sent item, product, good, or service, or sent coupon, store credit, or system credit, times 5, from the system user's system account balance).

[0070] According to some embodiments, a user may purchase, and physically gift and/or send an item purchased online, without entering credit card information online.

[0071] According to some embodiments, a user may purchase, and physically gift and/or send an item found online, or in a brick and mortar store, without necessarily entering credit/banking card information online, or necessarily providing credit/banking card information to the brick and mortar store.

[0072] According to some embodiments, a user may purchase, and physically gift and/or send an item purchased online, without entering recipient address information online.

[0073] According to some embodiments, a user may purchase, and physically gift and/or send an item found online, or in a brick and mortar store, without necessarily entering recipient address information online, or necessarily providing recipient information to the brick and mortar store.

[0074] According to some embodiments, a user may purchase, and physically gift and/or send an item purchased online, using email, social media, or a mobile device, thereby obviating the need to provide sensitive financial information and/or personal information to the retailer/merchant/vendor/selling entity directly.

[0075] According to some embodiments, a user may purchase, and electronically gift and/or send an item, product, good, or service, using email, social media, or a mobile device, thereby obviating the need to provide sensitive financial information and/or personal information to the retailer/merchant/vendor/selling entity, for example, providing sensitive financial information and/or personal information to the retailer/merchant/vendor/selling entity directly, or indirectly.

[0076] According to some embodiments, users may apply funds or system credits to one or more electronic address (e.g., email address, mobile phone number, social media handle/profile ID number, screen name, etc.), for example, simply by sending one or more communications (e.g., an SMS message, MMS message, social media message/post, phone call, or email) to a system. According to some embodiments, the one or more communications may each involve less than 30 characters (or, in the case of a phone call, as little as 1 or 2 keypad entries or two spoken strings or words), and even as little as 10 characters or less, depending on the character string length of the item code associated with the product, item, good, or service being sent and/or the character string length of the recipient(s) electronic address(es) or system vanity address assigned to the recipient(s) electronic address(es).

[0077] According to some embodiments, users may apply funds or system credits to any electronic address (e.g., email address, mobile phone number, social media handle/profile ID number, screen name, etc., simply by walking up to a kiosk or point of sale, requesting an amount of system credit to be purchased, providing an electronic address, and paying for the requested amount of system credit (corresponding to the amount of system credit to be purchased) normally. The kiosk or point of sale employee may apply system credit to the provided electronic address at the completion of the transaction.

[0078] For example, according to some embodiments, a user may walk up to a payment terminal, ask the employee for system credit (e.g., “ . . . and I'd like to add $40.00 USD worth of send1 credit to my phone 8015548634, so please just add it to my order” or “I'd like to purchase $25 USD worth of send1 credit to email address [email protected]”), then pay for it as if it were an item for purchase (e.g., by cash, credit, gift card, voucher, coupon, debit, mobile payment, cryptocurrency, etc.), and then the employee places one or more inputs into computer hardware and/or executable software, in order to electronically associate the amount of requested and paid for funds to the electronic address provided (e.g., if a mobile number is provided, e.g., 8015548634, and $15 CAD is provided at a point of sale, then $15 CAD worth of system credit may be applied to the mobile number 8015548634.).

[0079] According to some embodiments, consumers may purchase system credit, and/or redeem items, or cash out credit (which may require certain transactional fees to the system and/or the vendor/merchant/selling entity trading system credit for actual currency (e.g., at a predetermined rate, such as X % cash back to the user in exchange for 100% system credit, without limitation)).

[0080] According to some embodiments, only a fixed “per transaction” fee may be required, instead of a “%-based” fee or “%-based” fee plus a transaction fee. In other words, if a customer uses the system to make a purchase (whether a $1.00 item, or a $100.00 item, or a $1000.00 item), a fixed dollar “per-transaction” fee (e.g., $0.25 or “$X”) may be all that is required, wherein no “percentage” fee may be applied. In this regard, both merchants, and customers, may enjoy system benefits.

[0081] According to some embodiments, a user of the system, with system credit associated with their electronic address, may shop online (e.g., via a website or mobile application), engage (whether tactile, operative, physical, or virtual) an icon, widget, link, icon, word, image, system logo, or the like, which is provided adjacent an interesting product, item, good, or service. The product, item, good, or service may be displayed on a browser, page, window, or the like, and may comprise a price, identifying information, a description, or the like. The product, item, good, or service may be redeemable/purchasable in a brick-and-mortar facility, online (e.g., an electronic product which may be delivered electronically, e.g., via streaming or download), or, the product, item, good, and/or service may be available for purchase and physical delivery to the purchaser or another user other than the purchaser. The user of the system may purchase and electronically or physically deliver the product, item, good, or service using one of a number of various methods. The one of a number of various methods may include providing one or more electronic or physical addresses online (e.g., via a website or mobile application pop-up, window, or page). One or more instructions may be sent to the user (and/or intended recipient) on a different platform associated with the one or one or more electronic or physical addresses provided.

[0082] According to some embodiments, transactions, and/or one or more steps thereof, may be performed by, exclusively by, or may be performed using any one or more of a mobile messaging application communication, an SMS/MMS communication, an electronic mail communication, a web-based fillable form-based entry and submission, a phone call (using keypad entries or verbal commands to an automated attendant), one or more inputs or replies to public or private (e.g., “direct”) messaging, one or more inputs or replies to public or private social media posts, one or more inputs to a “top-of-the-box” system (e.g., using voice command or controller and menu input), input to a gaming device having network access, input to an onboard vehicle computer (using impromptu or on-demand keypad entries, touch screen entries, verbal commands, or pressing a “buy”, “send”, “like”, or “command” button on a steering wheel, dashboard location, or console location, for instance while in close proximity to a location-based paper or electronic/digital billboard, without limitation). In some non-limiting embodiments, such communications may be made, for example, via integrated home or integrated car system or Bluetooth-enabled or other wireless phone technology available or known in the art which is configured to integrate a separate mobile device with a vehicle, without limitation.

[0083] According to some embodiments, transactions may be made between platforms, such as between different platforms; for example, an email-based transaction request, which may include one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients in the email, along with one or more items to be sent and/or amount of credit to be sent to each of the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, an/or physical addresses of one or more recipients. According to some embodiments, redemption information may be sent to the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients. According to some embodiments, downloadable items, products, goods, or services, and/or information pertaining thereto, may also be delivered to the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients. According to some embodiments, physical items may be sent to the one or more physical addresses of the one or more recipients, if provided, for example, provided in advance or upon request by the system (e.g., via one or more secondary prompts for data entry), and the one or more items, products, gifts, or services are appropriate for delivery. According to some embodiments, the redemption information, and/or downloadable items, products, goods, or services, may be delivered to a web-based platform, such as a social media account, system account, system website (with verification/user authentication e.g., a one-time password texted, emailed, “Tweeted”, or delivered via mobile messaging (e.g., Facebook messenger)), or third party platform or account (e.g., Amazon.com, Overstock.com) accessible by the recipient(s) via the internet/cloud/network.

[0084] According to some embodiments, transactions may be made between platforms; for example, a web-based transaction request, which may include one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients in the web-based transaction, along with one or more items to be sent and/or amount of credit to be sent to each of the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients.

[0085] According to some embodiments, transactions may be made between platforms; for example, a web-based transaction request, which may involve one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of a user in the web-based transaction, along with one or more items to be sent, one or more generated unique transaction codes, one or more generated unique validation codes, a user's system card number, a user's system PIN number, a one-time code delivered to the user via the system on a platform other than which the web-based transaction is made, and/or information pertaining to a total cost of the transaction.

[0086] According to some embodiments, if the user's physical address (e.g., mailing or shipping address) has been associated with or otherwise “linked” with the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses involved with the transaction, a user may not need to re-provide the information in order for the transaction to be made. According to some embodiments, if a recipient's physical address (e.g., mailing or shipping address) has been associated with or otherwise “linked” with the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses involved with the transaction, a user may not need to provide the recipient information in order for the transaction to be made.

[0087] Redemption information may be sent to the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients. Downloadable items, products, goods, or services, and/or information pertaining thereto, may also be delivered to the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients. Physical items may be sent to the one or more physical addresses of the one or more recipients, if provided, and the one or more items, products, gifts, or services are appropriate for delivery. The redemption information, and/or downloadable items, products, goods, or services, may also be delivered to a web-based platform, such as a social media account, system account, or third party platform or account (e.g., Amazon.com), accessible by the recipient(s) via the internet/cloud/network.

[0088] Redemption or receipt information may be sent to the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients associated with the transaction.

[0089] According to some embodiments, transactions may be made between platforms; for example, a phone call-based transaction request, which may include one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients in the web-based transaction, along with one or more items to be sent and/or amount of credit to be sent to each of the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients. Redemption information may be sent to the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients. Downloadable items, products, goods, or services, and/or information pertaining thereto, may also be delivered to the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients. Physical items may be sent to the one or more physical addresses of the one or more recipients, if provided, and the one or more items, products, gifts, or services are appropriate for delivery. The redemption information, and/or downloadable items, products, goods, or services, may also be delivered to a web-based platform, such as a social media account, system account, or third party platform or account (e.g., Amazon.com), accessible by the recipient(s) via the internet/cloud/network.

[0090] According to some embodiments, transactions may be made between platforms; for example, a mobile device (e.g., mobile messaging, SMS, or MMS)-based transaction request, which may include one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients in the web-based transaction, along with one or more items to be sent and/or amount of credit to be sent to each of the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients. Redemption information may be sent to the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients. Downloadable items, products, goods, or services, and/or information pertaining thereto, may also be delivered to the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients. Physical items may be sent to the one or more physical addresses of the one or more recipients, if provided, and the one or more items, products, gifts, or services are appropriate for delivery. The redemption information, and/or downloadable items, products, goods, or services, may also be delivered to a web-based platform, such as a social media account, system account, or third party platform or account (e.g., Amazon.com), accessible by the recipient(s) via the internet/cloud/network.

[0091] According to some embodiments, transactions may be made between platforms; for example, a social media-based transaction request, which may include one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients in the web-based transaction, along with one or more items to be sent and/or amount of credit to be sent to each of the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients. Redemption information may be sent to the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients. Downloadable items, products, goods, or services, and/or information pertaining thereto, may also be delivered to the one or more mobile phone numbers, social media profile addresses, email addresses, and/or physical addresses of one or more recipients. Physical items may be sent to the one or more physical addresses of the one or more recipients, if provided, and the one or more items, products, gifts, or services are appropriate for delivery. The redemption information, and/or downloadable items, products, goods, or services, may also be delivered to a web-based platform, such as a social media account, system account, or third party platform or account (e.g., Amazon.com), accessible by the recipient(s) via the internet/cloud/network.

[0092] According to some embodiments, transaction requests may include prompting the system to provide one or more one-time verification codes or passwords.

[0093] According to some embodiments, transaction requests may include prompting the system to provide one or more one-time verification codes or passwords, the system sending/delivering one or more one-time verification codes, unique validation codes, unique transaction codes, or passwords, and the user providing the sent/delivered one or more one-time verification codes, unique validation codes, unique transaction codes, or passwords.

[0094] According to some embodiments, upon a successful transaction request, the system may deduct a credit amount from a user's system account credit balance, and credit a participating vendor/entity's system account credit balance.

[0095] According to some embodiments, transaction requests may deduct a credit amount balance from the requester's account credit balance; and/or deliver an amount of credit and/or number of items to a recipient, in the same transaction request.

[0096] According to some embodiments, transaction requests may be made in as few as 100 characters or less. In some embodiments, transaction requests may be made in as few as 50 characters or less. In some embodiments, transaction requests may be made in as few as 40 characters or less. In some embodiments, transaction requests may be made in as few as 30 characters or less. In some embodiments, transaction requests may be made in as few as 20 characters or less. In some embodiments, transaction requests may be made in as few as 15 characters or less. In some embodiments, transaction requests may be made in as few as 10 characters or less.

[0097] In some embodiments, transaction requests may be made in as much as 10 characters.

[0098] In some embodiments, transaction requests may be made in as much as 15 characters. In some embodiments, transaction requests may be made in as much as 20 characters. In some embodiments, transaction requests may be made in as much as 30 characters. In some embodiments, transaction requests may be made in as much as 40 characters. In some embodiments, transaction requests may be made in as much as 50 characters.

[0099] In some embodiments, recipient information may be obtained (e.g., imported, accessed, or copied and pasted) from various platforms, including, but not limited to: phone-stored contacts, contacts stored online or in the “cloud” (e.g., a social media platform like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google+), email platforms (e.g., Hush-mail, Gmail, Yahoo, MSN, Hotmail, or other email client).

[0100] In some embodiments, recipient information may be obtained (e.g., imported, accessed, or copied and pasted) from various platforms, including, but not limited to: phone-stored contacts, contacts stored online or in the “cloud” (e.g., a social media platform like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google+), email platforms (e.g., Hush-mail, Gmail, Yahoo, MSN, Hotmail, AOL, or other email client, such as a webmail client).

[0101] According to some embodiments, visual-based, image-based, scannable, and/or machine-readable indicia may be generated by the system, provided by the system, and/or stored by the system. The visual-based, image-based, scannable, and/or machine-readable indicia may also be electronically or physically delivered to a recipient. The visual-based, image-based, scannable, and/or machine-readable indicia may also be electronically or physically delivered to one or more recipients and/or to the user requesting a transaction to be made involving the one or more recipients. The indicia may be generated using scripts (e.g., such as software classes available or downloadable from BarcodePHP.com, without limitation). The indicia may be delivered by any of the platforms mentioned herein, and/or may be displayed on peripherals, such as billboards, signs, displays, television, movies, literature, advertisements, paper goods (e.g., receipts or product packaging/labeling means), and the like.

[0102] In some embodiments, advantages may include one or more of the following: increasing incremental sales, new customers for vendors, ability to donate in a few seconds/characters, ability to sign up/register for events and pay in a few seconds/characters, the ability to gift pool or send corporate gifts to all employees within a company with the ease of a single email, the ability to keep a universal portable registry that others may see/view with ease, the ability to send, gift, buy, redeem, pay, or send money in a few seconds/characters, the ability to take advantage of ubiquitous and mature technologies such as email, text, phone, and barcodes, which everyone may be able to understand and perform, the ability to buy, gift, fund, top-off, or replenish a system account using only cash (or, in the case of some embodiments, by linking their system account with a third party prepaid, bank, or credit card account such as VISA, AMEX, MasterCard, Discover, PayPal, and the like), the ability to buy, gift, fund, top-off, or replenish a system account using multiple platforms (web or in-store purchase), the ability to buy, gift, fund, top-off, or replenish a system account using multiple currencies (including crypto-currencies), the ability to have an account created and set up for someone instantaneously; for example, upon receipt of a redemption, the ability for the system and method of a platform to go viral—spreading to users and creating user accounts for non-user recipients automatically, the ability to perform mobile transactions without expensive mobile billing or linking sensitive personal financial information such as bank account, credit card, and or social security information, the ability to conveniently pay for online items using your phone, fairly/practically anonymously, without needing to deal with fluctuating and risky crypto-currencies such as Bitcoin and/or without necessarily providing vendors with annoying amounts of personal information/credentials, the ability to click on a system widget or icon and pull down a list of friends, family, and/or contacts to send the adjacent item to (when surfing websites while logged into a system-affiliated plug-in), and various combinations and variations thereof.

[0103] In some embodiments, all or some of the platform commands and/or transaction particulars described herein and co-pending applications may be practiced with SMS/MMS messaging alternatives, such as applications (e.g., Snapchat, Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook messenger, etc.).

[0104] In some embodiments, ordering and/or sending for delivery of purchased or redeemed items may be facilitated with a text, email, phone-call, web-submission, or social media post or interaction. Delivery may be made, in some embodiments, to the requesting user. In some embodiments, delivery may be made to one or more persons which are not the requesting user. Imagine being able to pay for, and deliver a snack or gift to several of your friends with a single Tweet or SMS message—without necessarily having to type in everyone's electronic address (after “linking” them to a ‘group’ vanity address such as “friends”)?! In some embodiments, the system platform may process such transactions to make gifting extremely easy and simple.

[0105] In some embodiments, items may be traded for cash or system credit with, or without penalty. In some embodiments, items may be traded for other items with, or without penalty. In some embodiments, items may be traded for other items with, or without additional credits being debited from a user's system account balance. In some embodiments, greater value items may be traded for other lesser value items with, or without additional credits being added/deposited to a user's system account balance. In some embodiments, a “trade” command or the like may be used, in conjunction with an item code to be traded for, and a valid unused redemption code which is to be traded for the item code. Differences (both positive and negative differences) in price between the redemption code and item code may be performed automatically by the system. In some embodiments, a “cash” command or the like may be used, in conjunction with: an item code to be traded for, and/or a valid unused redemption code which is to be traded for; wherein a value of the item code to be traded for and/or the valid unused redemption code to be traded for may be converted to system credit which may be used for other purchases, gifts, or donations (with or without penalty).

[0106] According to some embodiments, the system may be used as a personal banking system, piggy bank, or “slush fund for fun”, and may be used to make small purchases online or to local vendors without using a credit card, debit card, or bank card which could be compromised by a lack of security measures imposed by the online or local vendors.

[0107] In some embodiments, funds may be maintained by the system, and/or a third-party financial institution, organization, corporation, or the like, which is affiliated with the system.

[0108] In some embodiments, funds, system functions, software, hardware, code, programs, databases, and/or algorithms, may be maintained by the system, and/or a third-party financial institution, organization, corporation, or the like, which is affiliated with the system—including, but not limited to, third party servers, hosting solutions/providers, telecommunications gateways, etc.

[0109] In some embodiments, a portion of transactions or system credit purchased may be gifted and/or otherwise donated to a charitable organization. For example, in some embodiments, 0.1% through 10% or more of the value of each transaction may go to a charitable cause. In some embodiments, redemptions for free and/or prepaid redemption codes may be affiliated with charitable organizations. In some embodiments, vendors or merchants (whether brick and mortar or online-based) may provide item codes which are free to use and share, just use, just share, and/or redeem, without cost—or with cost in exchange for a donation made to a third party organization.

[0110] In some embodiments, users may opt-in to non-system supported SMS mobile marketing promotions by using a system command (e.g., “like”) in combination with a vendor's name, trade name, trademark, brand, or corporation/entity name. In such embodiments, it may be possible for vendors or merchants to allow the system (e.g., send1) to host their mobile marketing operations (in such cases, an “opt out” option may be included with each of such communication to system users). In some embodiments, some or all information conducted or held by the system may be kept private and not be sold to corporations. In some embodiments, some or all information conducted or held by the system may be sold, monetized, or provided at no charge to participating entities at the system's own discretion. In some embodiments, as for social media-based transaction requests, some transaction requests to the system may be made public. Redemption information sent by the system in response to such public transaction requests may be kept private by direct messaging (person-to-person).

[0111] According to some embodiments, certain participating vendors/selling entities which cooperate with the system in any capacity or function may enjoy/share in royalties, discounts, or profits made by or received by the system.

[0112] According to some embodiments, such transactions may be performed by voice command.

[0113] According to some embodiments, such transactions may be performed using input means, such as a graphical user interface (GUI), navigable menu(s), input field(s), fillable web form(s), programmable or non-programmable button(s) or button(s) sequence(s) (e.g., controller buttons, remote controller buttons, steering wheel buttons, cellular phone buttons, touchpad/touch screen buttons, keyboard button, terminal buttons, keypad buttons, and/or the like).

[0114] According to some embodiments, such transactions may be performed through an internet TV system by voice command.

[0115] According to some embodiments, such transactions may be performed through an internet, cable, or satellite-based TV or radio/music system by voice command.

[0116] According to some embodiments, such transactions may be performed through an internet TV system by controller button(s) and menu navigation.

[0117] According to some embodiments, such transactions may be performed through an internet, cable, or satellite-based TV or radio/music system by controller button(s) and menu navigation.

[0118] According to some embodiments, such transactions may be performed through a mobile application, vehicle system (e.g., connected car), or intelligent assistant (e.g., Microsoft's Cortana, Apple's Siri) by voice command.

[0119] According to some embodiments, such transactions may be performed through a mobile application by voice command.

[0120] According to some embodiments, such transactions may be performed through a mobile application by menu navigation, fillable forms, touchpad/touch screen interactions, motions/movements/accelerations, programmable motions/movements/accelerations using accelerometer or mercury switch-enabled hardware devices, physical or electronically-displayed button(s), or the like.

[0121] According to some embodiments, such transactions may be performed through a vehicle GUI, navigation system, GPS, command center, voice texting system, or integrated hands-free (e.g., Bluetooth phone) system, by voice command. For example, using one or more installable system software modules or system-offered API's may be utilized to make system transactions through a connected car system (e.g., Nissan Connect) which may comprise any one or more of a head-unit, an infotainment unit, an in-dash system with a screen from which the operations of the connections may be seen or managed by the driver, a music/audio playing device and/or software, a smart phone app, a smart phone integration device such as connection hardware (e.g., USB cable) or wireless connection protocol (e.g., Bluetooth), navigational equipment and/or software, roadside assistance equipment and/or software, voice command equipment and/or software, contextual help/offer devices and/or associated software, parking apps, engine controls and car diagnosis software and/or hardware, etc.

[0122] According to some embodiments, such transactions may be performed through a vehicle GUI, navigation system, GPS, or integrated hands-free (e.g., Bluetooth device-enabled phone) system, by controller button(s) and/or menu navigation (for example, to cycle through a list of phone contacts—whether on a mobile device or CPU hard drive, cloud storage, or available on a mobile device via linking a third party account (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) using an application/third party website login, or API.

[0123] According to some embodiments, such transactions may be performed by voice command or one or more physical inputs to a computer (e.g., desktop, laptop, tablet, box-top cable system, satellite receiver system, wearable computer, virtual reality system, headset, gaming device, etc.) while running a system-integrated application, system website, system-integrated browser, system-integrated plug-in or add-on, or third party website that is integrated with the system.

[0124] According to some embodiments, redemptions, such as system credit, store/gift/vendor/merchant/selling entity-recognized credit, or a pre-paid voucher information (physical or electronic) may be used in part, wherein remaining portions may be provided with a cash value (which may comprise a percentage of system credit value), credit vouchers (e.g., gift card, gift certificate, store credit), or a new system redemption code for the remaining portions.

[0125] According to some embodiments, banks, credit card companies, financial institutions, or organizations which are affiliated with a money card, debit card, electronic benefits transfer card, rewards card, or credit card, may integrate system functions with their own proprietary systems, platforms, and member accounts, and/or may practice system functions, methods, steps, and transactions independently of the system platform. In this regard, system credit would essentially be funds associated with a user's account and/or card number of the banks, credit card companies, financial institutions, or organizations.

[0126] According to some embodiments, a system API may be offered to third parties, such as online merchants, electronic commerce apps and websites (e.g., Amazon.com, Overstock.com, EBAY, Walmart.com, Target.com, etc.), delivery or service-based products (e.g., Groupon, Uber, GrubHub), payment services or clients (e.g., AMEX, VISA, DISCOVER, MASTERCARD, PayPal, Bitcoin), and social network services (e.g. Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Yahoo, Facebook), etc. to enable seamless integrations and transactions between users or for a user in converting various types of funds to system credit, and vice-versa. Alternatively, third-party API's may be integrated with the system to enable seamless integrations and transactions between users or for a user to “send all or a select few of their Twitter followers a burger using item code (RedRobinBurger)”, or “sign all or some of their Facebook friends up for a 5 k race for a charity using item code (MudRunSLC)”, or “send all of their LinkedIn connections a promotional item, or holiday season gift”, or “send all nieces and nephews in contacts list 5 dollars worth of Chuck e Cheese arcade credits with item code (ChuckE5)”, or “send mom and dad each a 20 dollar gift card to Target via Will-Call pickup at store using item code (Target20)”, or “send your long lost friend the new Radiohead CD or iTunes album using item code (RadioheadNewRelease)”, or “send all of your coworkers 3 free months of Netflix using item code (Netflix3)”, or “send your sports fan friend a free pay-per-view of the game using an item code (GameDay14237)”, or “send your Google+ circle tickets to a show or event using item code (BBQfest2014Entry)”, or “send your mountain biking and climbing partners each a Cliff bar using item code (CLIFF1) or the 12-digit GTIN barcode number for the Cliff bar flavor of the sender's choice”. The number of possibilities using the system platform is endless. The item codes may be created or otherwise given meaning from existing tags, such as Twitter hashtags, without limitation. The recipient electronic addresses may be manually entered for each transaction, or the electronic addresses may be associated with a system vanity address (e.g., “@billsmith145” could be linked to a vanity address “bill”, or all three of “@amysue14”, “[email protected]”, and “7035548634” could be linked to a vanity address “coworkers”; wherein a user may only need to send the system a communication comprising the text “friends Netflix3” to pay for and electronically or physically deliver “@amysue14”, “[email protected]”, and “7035548634” 3 free months of prepaid Netflix subscription; or, wherein a user may only need to send the system a communication comprising the text “MudRunSLC bill” to sign “@billsmith145” up for a charity 5 k race via the system and Twitter).

[0127] Social application integration of all kinds is anticipated, without limitation. For example, Facebook likes, Google+ likes, or Twitter “re-tweets” may be digested and imported to system databases and tables to build system data non-organically. For example, system-integrated software may allow a user to link their system account with their social network and subsequently allow the user to “import” their likes list (e.g., from Facebook). In some instances, system users may simply like an item by sending a command to the system indicating that they wish to like something or add it to their wish list, along with information pertaining to the respective item, product, good, or service.

[0128] While not shown, pull-down menus and/or tick boxes may be employed in system applications and/or web forms to allow users to sign into their account and send items from a list of their system-stored friends/relatives/contacts. The pull-down menus and/or tick boxes may also be purposed to allow a user to enter multiple user email addresses, mobile device numbers, handles, user IDs, other electronic addresses, or physical addresses. The pull-down menus and/or tick boxes may also be purposed to allow a user to enter multiple items, recipients, and/or amounts (e.g., 4 items and an amount of system credit to be sent to one or more individuals, such as pre-confirmed system “buddies”).

[0129] Various protocols may be put into place to allow a user to securely link their email address with an existing system mobile account. Conversely, protocols may also be put into place to allow a user to securely link their mobile account with an existing system email account. Protocols may also be put into place to allow a user to simultaneously securely subscribe their email address and mobile account with the system for multiple platform capability. Protocols may also be put into place to allow a user to securely subscribe their third-party usernames, ID numbers, handles, extensions, or aliases with the system for multiple platform capability. These protocols may incorporate any protocols known in the art, or the proprietary protocols which will be appreciated from this disclosure and the disclosure of the prior or co-pending related applications to which this disclosure claims the benefit of.

[0130] According to some embodiments, a secure connection, such as HTTPS protocol may be utilized. Such secure connections may obviate the need to utilize secure tokens, keys, PINs, passwords, pass codes, pass phrases, or the like.

[0131] According to some embodiments, the system may provide an advantageous platform as an internet-based lottery. For example, users may purchase an item code which identifies a particular lottery pool (e.g., item code ‘YuppieVegasPool343’) or system credits may be sent to a lottery-organizing system user (e.g., [email protected]). Each time the item code is purchased using the system (or an amount of system credits are sent to the lottery-organizing system user's electronic address), the purchasing user may secure another entry into the pool. The requesting user may receive a ticket number in the form of an encrypted redemption code which may or may not contain embedded information pertaining to the electronic address the request was made (e.g., area code or last four characters of an email address may be scrambled and embedded into the electronic ticket number(s) or information provided to the purchaser). Internet-based lottery tickets may be purchased by others and gifted to a recipient, wherein one or more portions of the recipient's electronic address information may be embedded into an electronic ticket number and sent to the recipient. After a predetermined amount of time, a user in the pool may be selected. A portion of the proceeds may go to the system and/or a charity of the system's choice. Alternatively, or in addition to this, a portion of the proceeds may go to seeding a bigger internet-based lottery pool (e.g., one which may have a different item code or user electronic address). The system may be configured to select a guaranteed winner from the “participants” database table, or the system may be configured for users to enter a pick of numbers, and the system may generate a random set of numbers, and the generated numbers may be compared with user submissions to determine a winner.

[0132] It should be understood that all system components methods discussed herein are preferably integrated with a system application which may be written for various proprietary hardware (e.g., Android app available on Google play, Apple app store app, etc.). The app may receive transaction information and be integrated with the system database and tables therein so as to retrieve and store data and facilitate communications to system users and parties (both system parties and third party non-affiliated parties) which might be affected by a particular transaction.

[0133] According to some embodiments, while the working embodiment code examples shown below primarily utilize mobile phone numbers and email addresses as an electronic address or system “account” identifier, it should be clearly understood that other electronic addresses may be utilized. For instance, if the code utilized a Twitter API, a user may be able to enter a number of Twitter user addresses (e.g., @joey45) or hashtags (e.g., #stjude) to identify a recipient and/or allow the system to locate a recipient or sending user account. Alternatively, if the code utilized a Facebook API, a user may be able to enter a number of Facebook screen names or Facebook user ID numbers to identify a recipient and/or allow the system to locate a recipient or sending user account. It should be understood that the database MySQL tables and their respective columns and data shown in this application, any application to which this application claims priority to, and/or existing co-pending applications, are merely exemplary in nature, and such examples given are in no way intended to limit the expansive scope of inventive aspects discussed herein. Moreover, while the SMS code provided in may be optimized to send an item or amount of credit to a single recipient, it should be readily appreciated that one or more of a plethora of parsing algorithms may be instituted, wherein the parsing algorithm may be designed to scan through a command in a communication, such as a text-based communication, to identify, verify address information of, and/or iteratively extract multiple recipient addresses into an array which may then be exploded and used to send multiple recipients in a single transaction and update respective system database tables, without limitation. For example, instead of “8014452934 2.00” to send the recipient having a mobile device number of 8014452934, 2 dollars worth of system credit, the user may use the system command “8014452934 4104923745 9082847138 2.00” to send 2.00 to each of the recipients having mobile device numbers 8014452934, 4104923745, and 9082847138. Or, the user may ‘link’ all of the aforementioned numbers (i.e., “electronic addresses”) to a single vanity code (e.g., “group 8014452934 4104923745 9082847138 usergroup1”), using a system “link” command (or the like) and instead, send the system command “usergroup1 2.00” to send 2.00 worth of system prepaid credit to each of the recipients having the mobile device numbers 8014452934, 4104923745, and 9082847138 (e.g., via text messaging).

[0134] A user may provide the following SMS commands to a system long code or short code to perform various functions. Typing “PEEK 7033183424” may display what a person having the number 7033183424 likes. In some embodiments (and as may be appreciated from the code of certain preferred embodiments), the requesting user may need to first be “friends” or “system buddies” to be able to conduct such espionage. In some embodiments, as shown in the code, 7033183424 may be notified that someone is peeking at their system likes or “portable and universal wish list”. The wish list may contain item barcode information such as a number of 12-digit GTIN codes which may be looked up from a number of various internet websites to identify the product (e.g., GS1). Ideally, the system database may be heavily populated with a large number of commercially-available items which would make ideal gifts—whether micro- or token-gifts (e.g., candy bar or toy for niece and nephew), or larger, more expensive gifts (e.g., power tools for dad). In some embodiments, the command “Join” may be used before a recipient phone number or email address to initiate a friend or system buddy request. A user may use the command “Group” and then a desired name of the group before listing a set of mobile device numbers and/or email addresses to create a “shorthand” list of contacts (e.g., “sportsfriends”, “family”, “coworkers”). In this regard, a user may very quickly send the entire group an item or credit without necessarily spelling out each address each time. For example, an SMS-based system request may resemble “sportsfriends 5.00” which would send all recipients affiliated with group “sportsfriends” 5.00 of system credit. Alternatively, an SMS-based system request may resemble “family bigmac” which would send all recipients affiliated with group family, a unique redemption code(s), barcode image(s), PIN(s), or password(s) good for a McDonald's Big Mac sandwich at a system-participating McDonald's location.

[0135] While not expressly shown, phone call-based system transactions may similarly allow a system user to send one or more items or system credit to one or more recipients. Using a navigable menu and keypad entries, and/or voice-enabled commands via an automated attendant powered by voice recognition/interpretation software, a system user may simply say or enter one or more item codes and/or one or more recipient electronic addresses. Keypad number equivalents of item codes may utilized, and possible matches may be reiterated with one or more choices to select. For email addresses, a user may enter ‘*’(star key) in lieu of: ‘@’ (at sign) or ‘.’ (period/decimal point) or an ‘&’ (ampersand). In some instances, multiple sequential entries of ‘*’ (star key) may be made to indicate different characters. For example, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a single ‘*’ (star key) may indicate a ‘.’ (period/decimal point), two sequential star keys (‘**’) may indicate an ‘@’ (at sign).

[0136] A command to the system such as “B”, “Bal”, or “Balance” may be interpreted as an instruction to reply back to the requesting user with their current system balance.

[0137] System buddy requests may require replying with one-time confirmation codes. Alternatively, while not shown, a user password, passphrase, or PIN may be created by the user and sent to the system and stored in a system database, wherein the user password, passphrase, or PIN may be required in every system transaction. In some embodiments, the user password, passphrase, or PIN may be may be generated by the system, stored in a system database, and then sent to a user who might use it to complete each transaction.

[0138] According to some embodiments, an “order” or “send” feature may be employed, where a user may type the command “order” or “send” and then a redemption code or item code. The system may void the transaction, contact a third party (e.g., Amazon.com or GrubHub) and send the information via an integrated API. In this regard, a user may use the system to redeem the option, and a non-system third party may complete the order and delivery of the respective item associated with the transaction. For instance, a user may type “send hotnreadypep” to a system long code, short code, or email address, or say “send hotnreadypep” to a system phone number provided with an automated attendant, or enter a number equivalent to hotnreadypep to a keypad of a phone during a call to a system phone number. The system may deduct system credit from the requesting user's system account, and may then export the information to a third party database and/or send a communication via a network (e.g., satellite, internet, and/or cellular network) to the closest delivery facility which contains the order information. The third party may then contact the user to obtain their location for delivery or to ask for particular order preferences (e.g., flavorings, toppings, colors, sizes, models, etc.). A user having a redemption code that was pre-purchased or received from another system user or participant may similarly communicate a “send” or “order” command and include the redemption code and/or associated PIN, password, or the like in combination the “send” or “order” command. In this regard, credits may not necessarily be deducted, but rather, a valid or active unused redemption may be used and voided and the item, product, good, or service be delivered or otherwise provided to the requesting user.

[0139] While not particularly shown in this application or otherwise provided in code examples shown in the aforementioned priority applications to this application, a “List” command may be incorporated with the system, wherein a user may obtain a list of all of their used and/or unused redemptions. The information may contain codes, PINs, item prices, vendor information, item options, redemption options, etc. The information may be communicated back to the requesting user on any platform discussed in this application and/or applications to which this application claims priority, but is primarily communicated back to the requesting user using the same platform which was used to make the request. For example, a user may type the word “List” in a command to an SMS-enabled system short code or long code and the system may reply with a message listing all unused redemptions. As suggested in working code examples contained herein or in the aforementioned priority applications, a user with too many “redemptions” may easily re-gift a redemption so that it may be thought of as a “gift that keeps on giving”.

[0140] According to some embodiments, reusable or one-time PINs or passwords may be incorporated into any request or command made to the system (on any one or more of the system-supported platforms) as a security measure and to prevent fraudulent transactions attempted through spoofing of phone numbers, email addresses, Twitter handles, Facebook IDs, etc. The reusable or one-time PINs or passwords may be incorporated into any request or command made by any platform/protocol disclosed (e.g., phone call, SMS or MMS text messaging protocol, mobile messaging application or service, social media platform, web-based submission, web-based online fillable field, or the like.

[0141] According to some embodiments, buy something for yourself, while in a store, using your system credit, by entering your own phone number, and the UPC code, SKU#, or item code of a product, item, good, or service for sale in the store. Instantly receive a redemption code for the product, item, good, or service, from the system, via your phone. Then, use the redemption code at the counter to redeem the product, item, good, or service, without necessarily needing to provide other means of payment (and, in some instances, taxes, as the item was purchased “online”).

[0142] According to some embodiments, buy something for another, while in a store, using your system credit, by entering the recipient's phone number, and UPC code, SKU#, or item code of a product, item, good, or service for sale in the store. Instantly deliver a redemption code for the product, item, good, or service, to the recipient, from the system, via your phone. Then, the recipient may walk into a store (same franchise or unaffiliated store carrying the same product), look for the product, item, good, or service, and use the redemption code at the counter to redeem the product, item, good, or service, without necessarily needing to provide other means of payment (and, in some instances, taxes, as the item was purchased “online”).

[0143] According to some embodiments, a user may buy something for another person (i.e., a recipient), while they are in a store; for example, using their system credit, by entering the recipient's phone number, and UPC code, SKU#, or item code of a product, item, good, or service for sale in the store. According to some embodiments, a user may instantly deliver a redemption code for the product, item, good, or service, to the recipient, from the system, via their phone.

[0144] According to some embodiments, a person could text message another individual, or message the individual in some other manner (e.g., phone call, email, or social post), and the person may say that he/she is shopping and wants “UPC#012345678910”. The individual receiving the message from the person may remotely use their system credit by texting the person's mobile address, along with the requested UPC# (e.g., “7034029811 012345678910”, or “7034029811 012345678910”, or “7034029811,012345678910”, or “012345678910,7034029811”). Accordingly, in some embodiments, it may be possible to, in a single text, be debited for the transaction, wherein the redemption information may be sent to the person.

[0145] According to some embodiments, there is no need to create an account, as one is automatically created upon asking for credit, providing an electronic address to send the credit, and paying for credit. This may be done at any participating store.

[0146] According to some embodiments, no physical prepaid system cards may be necessary. Participating stores may carry a mobile device (e.g., cell phone) having SMS capability, an email client, Twitter, or other mobile messaging platform readily available, and have pre-purchased system credit already affiliated with a phone number, email address, or Twitter profile/handle/address. In other words, the participating store may have purchased system credit from the system, in advance, for example, through a system vendor use/sales/distributor agreement. When a user wants to join the system and/or add credit to their electronic address, they simply ask the participating store to add credit to their desired electronic address, and then pay for it normally. The participating store may use the mobile device to send some of their own pre-paid credit to the requesting user, in exchange for payment from the user. In some embodiments, payment may be of any form (cash, debit, credit, coupon, gift card, cryptocurrency, or the like). Alternatively, the participating store may download system software or purchase separate system hardware to work similar functions.

[0147] According to some embodiments, a participating vendor may use one or more SMS, email, or social media communications to the system to check the validity/status of a redemption code, and redeem a redemption code through the system. Some inconsequential information about the redeeming user may or may not be required, depending on whether it is preferred that redemption information is transferable or not, or for added security and fraud prevention.

[0148] According to some embodiments, no special hardware other than a phone or computer with internet connection is necessary. The system may be configured to instantly credit the participating store's electronic address immediately, as soon as a redemption code claim is made by a user. At any time, the participating store may ask the system to provide cash, money order, check, direct deposit, wire, or electronic funds transfer, in exchange for their system credit balance (e.g., in accordance with terms and conditions set forth in a user agreement). Or, a claim code may be delivered to the redeeming user upon a redemption/void attempt being made by another user for a particular redemption code. In some embodiments, it may be necessary for the redeeming user to provide the received claim code to the participating store trying to redeem the redemption code. In this regard, fraudulent activity on the participating store's behalf may be mitigated. The participating store may send the claim code in a communication to the system to instantly receive system credit for the product, item, good, or service being redeemed.

[0149] According to some embodiments, participating stores may see increased incremental sales, foot traffic, and the like, by offering system services, performing system functions, accepting and selling system credit, and providing system functionalities.

[0150] According to some embodiments, a user may be able to purchase something for themselves, or for another individual, without entering personal banking or credit card information online, and/or without entering detailed information regarding name, address, etc.

[0151] According to some embodiments, a user may receive account information which may be used immediately to make purchases and/or redeem items, products, goods, or services, without having to sign up, register online, or provide personal information such as one or more of the following, without limitation: bank information, credit card information, address information, and the like.

[0152] According to some embodiments, machine-readable indicia may be provided to a recipient which may be used as a virtual payment card, virtual loyalty card, virtual gift card, virtual pre-paid voucher card, virtual rewards card, virtual membership card, or the like. The machine-readable indicia may be received via a system mobile application, third-party mobile application affiliated with the system, or via MMS text message from the system or system affiliate or system partner. The machine-readable indicia may be generated by a system mobile application, or third-party mobile application affiliated with the system. The machine-readable indicia may be encrypted, received by a payment terminal via scanning, and decrypted by the system or third-party affiliated with the system. In some embodiments, the same machine-readable indicia may be used during every transaction to redeem received and/or pre-purchased items, products, goods, and services, and a new machine-readable indicia may be periodically requested and provided to the user, for increased security.

[0153] According to some embodiments, a request for new account and/or PIN information may be communicated to the system, from a user, wherein the system may generate new account and/or PIN information (which may or may not have been compromised) and the system may instantly deliver it, electronically, to the requesting user. The new account and/or PIN information may comprise machine-readable indicia information.

[0154] A user's physical address information may be linked to a system account or electronic address on file with the system, via an electronic communication to the system, thereby avoiding the need to provide it each time at an online checkout page. This also goes for a recipient system user. A recipient user's physical address information may be linked to a system account or electronic address on file with the system, making the transaction easier for a person trying to physically send or deliver something to a recipient.

[0155] According to some embodiments, a user may redeem one or more (e.g., multiple) items, products, goods, or services associated with the user's electronic address (e.g., mobile phone number), and/or user's system-affiliated card, which may comprise a system card, or a third-party card such as a loyalty card, rewards card, gift card, credit card, debit card, bank card, prepaid card, or the like.

[0156] According to some embodiments, a user may utilize account information which to immediately redeem pre-purchased or received pre-paid items, products, goods, or services, without having to sign up, register online, or provide personal information such as one or more of the following, without limitation: bank information, credit card information, address information, and the like.

[0157] According to some embodiments, a system mobile application, or third-party mobile application affiliated with the system may be loaded onto an NFC-compatible mobile device of a user, and may be used to redeem one or more pre-paid items, products, goods, or services associated with the user (e.g., received gifts from other system users). The system mobile application, or third-party mobile application may be used by a user, as the user's virtual payment card, virtual loyalty card, virtual gift card, virtual pre-paid voucher card, virtual rewards card, virtual membership card, or the like, and to redeem pre-paid items, products, goods, or services associated with the user's electronic address and received via the system. In this regard, a user merely needs to place their mobile device proximate to a payment terminal to quickly identify redemption information associated with the user. The near-field communications may be encrypted, and decrypted by the payment terminal via system software or API.

[0158] According to some embodiments, a request for PIN information, such as a one-time alphanumeric PIN or QR code may be communicated to the system, upon entry of a phone number or electronic address to a payment terminal, for example, upon redemption. The system may generate new PIN information and the system may instantly deliver it, electronically, to the respective user performing a “redemption” of one or more items, products, goods, or services. The PIN information may comprise machine-readable indicia information which may be delivered via MMS messaging or mobile app.

[0159] A list of a user's prepaid redemption information may be linked to the user's system card or third-party card which is affiliated with the system. Or, a list of user redemption information may be linked to a system account or electronic address on file with the system.

[0160] Accordingly, the advantages of embodiments are not limited only to those advantages described herein; and a plethora of other features advantages are provided by, will be readily apparent from, or may be appreciated from: the foregoing disclosure, the following description, the accompanying drawings, co-pending related applications, and/or prior applications to which this disclosure may claim the benefit of.

[0161] According to some embodiments, a method of sending funds or credits is disclosed. The method may comprise the step of a third electronic address receiving a first electronic communication from a first electronic address. The first electronic communication may comprise the third electronic address, the first electronic communication may comprise a second electronic address, the first electronic communication may comprise a first instruction, the third electronic address may be different from the first electronic address, and the third electronic address may be different from the second electronic address. The method may comprise the step of software, for example, server-side scripts, parsing the first electronic communication. The method may comprise the step of software, for example, server-side scripts, processing the first instruction utilizing the first electronic address and the second electronic address. The method may comprise delivering, via software, a second electronic communication to the second electronic address, wherein the second electronic communication may comprise first data pertaining to the first instruction. In some embodiments, the first data pertaining to the first instruction may comprise first transfer amount information, wherein the first transfer amount information may comprise a first amount of funds to be transferred from a first account (associated with the first electronic address) to a second account (associated with the second electronic address). The method may comprise one or more of the following steps: accessing (via software), a database containing the first account associated with the first electronic address, determining first account balance information associated with the first account, comparing the first account balance information with the first transfer amount information, and determining if the first account balance information is sufficient to comply with the first instruction; wherein the step of delivering a second electronic communication to the second electronic address may be performed if the first account balance information is sufficient to comply with the first instruction. In some embodiments, the first instruction may comprise the first transfer amount information.

[0162] According to some embodiments, the first data pertaining to the first instruction may comprise first redemption information having a first redemption information value, wherein the first redemption information may comprise a first code which may be configured to be exchanged for at least one of: a first item, a first product, a first good, and a first service. According to some embodiments, the first code may comprise at least one of: a machine-readable image, a machine-displayable image, a machine-readable sound, a machine-interpretable sound, and a character string. According to some embodiments, the first code further may comprise at least one second code, wherein the at least one second code may comprise at least one of: a machine-readable image, a machine-displayable image, a machine-readable sound, a machine-interpretable sound, and a character string.

[0163] According to some embodiments, the first redemption information may comprise first redemption amount information pertaining to the first redemption information value, wherein the first redemption amount information may comprise a first amount of funds to be debited from a first account associated with the first electronic address, as a condition of software complying with the first instruction.

[0164] to some embodiments, the method may comprise one or more of the following steps: accessing a database containing the first account associated with the first electronic address (via software), retrieving first account balance information associated with the first account, comparing the first account balance information with the first redemption amount information, and determining if the first account balance information is sufficient to comply with the first instruction. According to some embodiments, the step of delivering a second electronic communication to the second electronic address may be performed if the first account balance information is sufficient to comply with the first instruction.

[0165] According to some embodiments, the first instruction may comprise an item code, wherein the item code may comprise a character string, and wherein the character string may comprise at least one of the group consisting of: a GTIN number, a UPC number, an SKU number, a trademark, and a description; wherein the description may comprise a string of characters which is representative of the first item, the first product, the first good, and the first service.

[0166] According to some embodiments, the step of a third electronic address receiving a first electronic communication from a first electronic address may comprise the third electronic address receiving the first electronic communication from the first electronic address via a first platform comprising a first communication protocol; wherein the step of delivering a second electronic communication to the second electronic address via software may comprise delivering the second electronic communication to the second electronic address via a second platform comprising a second communication protocol; wherein the first communication protocol may be different from the second communication protocol, and/or the first platform may be different from the second platform.

[0167] According to some embodiments, the first platform may comprise an environment selected from one of the group consisting of: an email-based environment, a web-based environment, an application-based environment, a mobile messaging application-based environment, a short message service (SMS)-based environment, a multimedia message service (MMS)-based environment, a telephonic-based environment, and a social media-based environment; and wherein the second platform may comprise an environment selected from one of the group consisting of: an email-based environment, a web-based environment, an application-based environment, a mobile messaging application-based environment, a short message service (SMS)-based environment, a multimedia message service (MMS)-based environment, a telephonic communication-based environment, and a social media-based environment.

[0168] According to some embodiments, the first electronic address may comprise an electronic address selected from one of the group consisting of: an email address configured to be used within an email-based environment, a GUID configured to be used within a web-based or application-based environment, an IP address configured to be used within a web-based or application-based environment, a screen name configured to be used within a web-based or application-based environment, a phone number configured to be used within a telecommunications-based environment, and a social media screen name configured to be used within a social media-based environment. According to some embodiments, the second electronic address may comprise an electronic address selected from one of the group consisting of: an email address configured to be used within an email-based environment, a GUID configured to be used within a web-based or application-based environment, an IP address configured to be used within a web-based or application-based environment, a screen name configured to be used within a web-based or application-based environment, a phone number configured to be used within telecommunications-based environment, and a social media screen name configured to be used within a social media-based environment;

[0169] According to some embodiments, the first electronic communication may be selected from one of the group consisting of: an electronic mail message, a web-based submission, an application-based submission, a mobile messaging application electronic message, a short message service (SMS) electronic message, a multimedia message service (MMS) electronic message, a wireless phone call, a landline phone call, an instant message, an electronic forum message, and a social media post. According to some embodiments, and wherein the second electronic communication may comprise at least one of the group consisting of: an electronic mail message, a web page link, an application-based alert, a mobile messaging application electronic message, a short message service (SMS) electronic message, a multimedia message service (MMS) electronic message, a phone call, a voicemail, a landline phone call, an instant message, an electronic forum private inbox message, a direct messaging (DM) electronic message, a PUSH-based message, and a social media post.

[0170] According to some embodiments, the first electronic communication may comprise a fourth electronic address. In such embodiments, the method may comprise the step of processing, via software, the first instruction utilizing the fourth electronic address and/or the method may comprise the step of delivering, via software, a third electronic communication to the fourth electronic address. According to some embodiments, the third electronic communication may contain second data pertaining to the first instruction.

[0171] According to some embodiments, the first instruction may comprise transfer amount information, wherein the transfer amount information may comprise an amount of funds to be transferred from a first account associated with the first electronic address to a second account associated with the second electronic address. The transfer amount information may also comprise an amount of funds to be transferred from the first account associated with the first electronic address to a third account associated with the fourth electronic address. In such embodiments, the method may further comprise the steps of: determining a total amount of funds to be debited from a first account associated with the first electronic address; accessing a database containing the first account associated with the first electronic address; debiting the first account associated with the first electronic address by the total amount of funds to be debited; optionally creating a second account associated with the second electronic address if the second account associated with the second electronic address does not exist; optionally creating a third account associated with the fourth electronic address if the third account associated with the fourth electronic address does not exist; crediting the second account associated with the second electronic address by the amount of funds to be transferred (from a first account associated with the first electronic address to a second account associated with the second electronic address); and, crediting the third account associated with the fourth electronic address by the amount of funds to be transferred (from a first account associated with the first electronic address to a second account associated with the second electronic address).

[0172] According to some embodiments, the second electronic address may be different than the fourth electronic address. According to some embodiments, the second electronic address may be a different type of electronic address than the fourth electronic address.

[0173] According to some embodiments, the first instruction may comprise an item code associated with redemption information having a redemption information value, wherein the item code may comprise an item code purchase cost. In such embodiments, the method may further comprise one or more of the following steps: determining a total amount of funds to be debited from a first account associated with the first electronic address; accessing a database containing the first account associated with the first electronic address; debiting the first account associated with the first electronic address by the total amount of funds to be debited; crediting a second account associated with the second electronic address with redemption information; crediting a third account associated with the fourth electronic address with redemption information; optionally creating a second account associated with the second electronic address if the second account associated with the second electronic address does not exist; optionally creating a third account associated with the fourth electronic address if the third account associated with the fourth electronic address does not exist.

[0174] According to some embodiments, the first data pertaining to the first instruction may comprise first redemption information relating to the item code, and the first redemption information may be configured to be exchanged for at least one of the group consisting of: a first item, a first product, a first good, and a first service. According to some embodiments, the second data pertaining to the first instruction may comprise second redemption information relating to the item code, and the second redemption information may be configured to be exchanged for the at least one of the group consisting of: a first item, a first product, a first good, and a first service.

[0175] According to some embodiments, the second electronic address may be different than the fourth electronic address. According to some embodiments, the second electronic address may comprise a first type of electronic address, and the third electronic address may comprise a second type of electronic address, wherein the first type may be different from the second type.

[0176] According to some embodiments, the step of delivering a second electronic communication to the second electronic address via software may comprise delivering the second electronic communication to the second electronic address using a second platform comprising a second communication protocol; wherein the step of delivering a third electronic communication to the fourth electronic address may comprise delivering the third electronic communication to the fourth electronic address using a third platform comprising a third communication protocol; and wherein the second communication protocol may be different from the third communication protocol, or the second platform may be different from the third platform.

[0177] According to some embodiments, a self-service kiosk apparatus is disclosed. The self-service kiosk apparatus may be configured for providing immediately usable funds or credits to a second user from a first user without necessarily involving additional human interaction between the first and second users. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus may comprise one or more of the following: a CPU; internet and/or network connection means for accessing a system server; and, a user interface configured to allow the second user to interact with the self-service kiosk apparatus to receive or transfer information regarding the funds or credits provided by the first user to the second user. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus may be provided with means for immediately providing to the second user, at least a portion of the funds or credits, the portion of the funds or credits being immediately usable by the second user in one of many manners. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus may comprise storage means for containing one or more card blanks. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus may comprise means for producing a card for the second user, wherein the card produced for the second user may be selected from the one or more card blanks which may be configured to be contained or contained within in the storage means. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus may comprise digital write means, wherein the card produced for the second user may be configured to be loaded with information pertaining to the funds or credits by the digital write means prior to or after the second user receives the card. According to some embodiments, the card produced for the second user may also be configured to be customized with one or more unique features. According to some embodiments, the one or more unique features may comprise image card image information obtained from image data. According to some embodiments, the image information may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a message, a design, a stock image, a user name, a 1-D barcode, a 2-D barcode, a data matrix code, a QR code, an image, a graphic, printed matter, text, an alphanumeric code, a photo, a logo, indicia, a brand, trade dress, a trademark, user data, a color, a puzzle, a visual game, and word art. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus may comprise printing means. The printing means may be configured to print image data onto the one or more card blanks, wherein the one or more card blanks are configured to be printed on using the printing means. According to some embodiments, the printing means may be configured to print and deliver to the second user, an article selected from one or more of the following group: a ticket, a pass, a coupon, a redemption code, a gift card, a voucher, a lottery ticket, a pawn or loan ticket, a receipt, a greeting card, a credit card, a pre-paid minutes card, a check, and postage. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus may be configured to dispense a card containing the information regarding the funds or credits to the first user so as to enable the first user to personally deliver the card to the second user. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus may be configured to be conveniently placed in a venue or location which may include outdoor venues or locations. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus may comprise payment receiving means which incorporates one or more of the items selected from the group consisting of: software, hardware, physical apparatus for accepting payments, a bill receiving device, a bill identification system, a coin receiving device, a coin identification system, an electronic funds transfer acceptance system, a currency acceptance mechanism, a credit card acceptance system, a coupon code validation system, a gift card validation system, an EFT-POS terminal, a magnetic stripe reader, an EMV/VSDC/Mchip/AEIPS/Jsmart/D-PAS acceptance terminal, a secure online payment submission web page, a secure checkout page, a digital wallet acceptance terminal, a digital currency exchange client, a contactless payment system, payment due calculating software, electronic payment software, electronic payment system, credit adjusting software, account information updating software, a payment application, a wireless smart phone swipe crediting system, a mobile device tap and go system, a tap and go sticker system, an NFC-compatible payment system, and a digital mobile device payment application, remote deposit (capture) software, Check 21 Act-compliant online deposit software, Check 21 Act-compliant direct deposit software, and mobile deposit software. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus may be configured to provide the portion of the funds or credits to the second user, regardless of the physical location of the first user. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus may be configured to provide the portion of the funds or credits to the second user in the absence of the physical presence of the first user, and/or when the first user is remotely located from the self-service kiosk apparatus and second user. According to some embodiments, the funds or credits are purchased by the first user via the internet or network using a device other than the self-service kiosk apparatus. According to some embodiments, the device other than the self-service kiosk apparatus may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: another self-service kiosk apparatus, a mobile device, a PDA, a cell phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a gaming device, a desktop computer, a portable computer, an internet-based digital media player, a tablet, a smart watch, a gaming device, a laptop, a VoIP-compatible device, a head-worn computing device, a wearable computer, and a wearable computer having an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus may be configured to communicate with at least one other self-service kiosk apparatus via the internet or other network. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus may be configured to be accessed by the first user to provide the information regarding the funds or credits at a first point in time, and is configured to be accessed by the second user at a second point in time which is later than the first point in time, to receive or transfer the information regarding the funds or credits provided by the first user. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus may comprise means selected from one or more of the group consisting of: display means, image scanning means, image capture means, payment acceptance means, hardware link means, audio input means, security means, housing, power supply means, printing means, database access means, data input means, advertising means, reader means, receipt means, payment dispensing means, card production means, card dispensing means, greeting card production means, a system client, card storage means, data disk reader means, digital write means, and postage means. According to some embodiments, the information regarding funds or credits may comprise cryptocurrency. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus may be configured to convert information regarding fund or credits provided by the first user from cryptographic payment data to non-cryptographic payment data or type of funds or credits for receiving by the second user. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus may be configured to convert information regarding fund or credits provided by the first user from non-cryptographic payment data or type of funds or credits to cryptographic payment data for receiving by the second user.

[0178] A method of providing immediately usable funds or credits to a second user from a first user without necessarily involving additional human interaction between the first and second users is also disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the following steps: providing a system comprising one or more of the following components: a system website, a system application, and at least one system kiosk which are configured to communicate with each other; the first user providing one or more customer inputs to a system component which includes information regarding funds or credits to be transferred to the second user; and, the second user receiving the information regarding funds or credits via a component of the system. According to some embodiments, the first user may provide the one or more customer inputs to a system kiosk. According to some embodiments, the second user may receive the information regarding funds or credits via a system kiosk. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the second user interacting with the system kiosk to receive or transfer the information regarding the funds or credits provided by the first user. According to some embodiments, the system kiosk may provide at least a portion of the funds or credits to the second user, wherein the at least a portion of the funds or credits are immediately usable by the second user in one of many manners. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the system kiosk producing a card for the second user via card production means. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the system kiosk moving a card blank from card storage means provided to the system kiosk for containing one or more card blanks, to the card production means. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the second user immediately using the card produced for the second user by the system kiosk at a vendor or entity. According to some embodiments, the vendor or entity may comprise one or more of the following: a gym, a fitness club, a train, a shuttle, public transportation, a cab, a financial assistance institution, a casino, a salon, a parlor, a barber, a bank, a lender, an online payment system, an arts and crafts store, a fair/festival, a club, an organization, a mortuary, an arena, a stadium, a gas station, an amusement park, a theatre, a housing management company, a landlord, a government agency, a money transfer company, a service provider, a credit card company, a financial institution, a racetrack, a resort, a hotel, a lodging facility, a pharmacy, a wedding planning entity, a store, a retail shop, a pawn shop, a restaurant, an entertainment company, a ski resort, an airline, a medical facility, a cellular provider, a website, an auction house, an online auction, a lottery, a betting pool, a health provider, a franchise, a chain, an airport, a rental agency, a school, a tuition department, a library, a repair shop, a contractor, an automotive dealership, a florist, a collection agency, a media sales company, a media rental company, a gaming institution, a utility company, a mall, an outlet, a moving company, an escrow service, or an entity offering private lessons. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the second user immediately using the card without necessarily involving human interaction between the vendor or entity and the second user. According to some embodiments, the first user may provide the one or more customer inputs to the system application, and the second user may receive the funds or credits via the system application. According to some embodiments, the first user may provide the one or more customer inputs to the system website, and the second user may receive the funds or credits via the system application. According to some embodiments, the first user may provide the one or more customer inputs to the system application, and the second user may receive the funds or credits via the system website. According to some embodiments, the first user may provide the one or more customer inputs to the system application, and the second user may receive the information regarding funds or credits via the system kiosk. According to some embodiments, the first user may provide the one or more customer inputs to the system website, and the second user may receive the information regarding funds or credits via the system kiosk. According to some embodiments, the first user may provide the one or more customer inputs to the system website, and the second user may receive the information regarding funds or credits via the system website. According to some embodiments, the first user may provide the one or more customer inputs to the system website, and the second user may receive the information regarding funds or credits via a system kiosk. According to some embodiments, the first user may provide the one or more customer inputs to the system kiosk, and the second user may receive the information regarding funds or website. According to some embodiments, the first user may provide the one or more customer inputs to the system kiosk, and the second user may receive the information regarding funds or credits via the system website. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the system kiosk loading the card with information pertaining to the funds or credits via digital write means prior to or after the second user receives the card from the system kiosk. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the kiosk customizing the card with one or more unique features according to the one or more customer inputs provided by the first user. According to some embodiments, the one or more unique features may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a chip, an RFID device, alphanumeric text or characters, a barcode, a magnetic stripe, a solid state device, and image information. According to some embodiments, the one or more unique features may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: an integrated circuit, a microprocessor, a security authentication device, a single sign-on SSO device, an EMV chip, an ISO/IEC 7816-compliant device, a contact-less “smart” ISO/IEC 14443-compliant device, an inductor-comprising device, a straight memory 1 k-1 Mbit Flash EEPROM I2C/SPI device, a protected/segmented memory 3 k to 64 kbit EEPROM device, stored value memory, an 8-bit Symmetric key/file-based 8-144 kB EEPROM device, an 8, 16, or 32-bit public key dynamic 8 k-1 MB EEPROM device with math coprocessor, a 125 kHz proximity read-only-compatible device, a 13.56 MHz ISO 14443 0.5-8 kB read/write-compatible device, a MiFare protocol-compatible device, a proprietary protocol device, an ultrahigh frequency gen 1 or ten 2 device, a semiconductor, a proximity locator chip, a ScenSor DW1000 chip by DecaWave, an IEEE 802.15.4a-compatible wireless communication device, an NFC-compatible chip, an antenna, an electromagnetic field detectable device, a tag, a transponder, a frequency modulating/de-modulating-compatible device, a passive reader active tag device, an active reader tag device, a battery-assisted tag (BAT) device, an electronic product code (EPC) containing device, a mobile computing communication device, a virtual badge device, a wireless tracking device, a UHF inlay, a smart label, an ultra strip III label, a theft prevention security tag, an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system-compatible tag, a 1D bar code, a 2D bar code, a data matrix code, a QR code, a product code, a UPC code, an ISO/IEC 15416-compliant marking, an ISO/IEC

[0179] 15426-2-compliant marking, a SO/IEC 15415-compliant marking, a ISO/IEC TR 29158-compliant marking, text, characters, numbers, letters, printed indicia, embossed indicia, cryptotext, an alphanumeric code, a high-coercivity (HiCo) magnetic device, a low-coercivity (LoCo) device, a message, a design, a stock image, a user name, an image, printed matter, a photo, a logo, indicia, a brand, trade dress, a trademark, a graphic, user data, a color, a puzzle, a visual game, and word art. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the kiosk printing one or more pieces of image information onto a card blank which is configured to be printed on. According to some embodiments, the step of the second user receiving the information regarding funds or credits via the system application system website, or system kiosk may comprise the second user receiving the information regarding funds or credits in the form of at least one of the group consisting of: cash, a ticket, a pass, a coupon, a redemption code, a gift card, a voucher, a lottery ticket, a pawn ticket, a loan ticket, stock or tradable fund, a credit card, pre-paid minutes, a check, customer loyalty points, miles points, frequent diner points, cryptographic currency, a credit to the second users credit card account, a credit to the second user's debit account, system account credit, a receipt, and postage. According to some embodiments, the one or more customer inputs which may include information regarding funds or credits to be transferred to the second user may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: image data, audio data, user data, purchase data, redemption data, and payment data. According to some embodiments, the step of the first user providing one or more customer inputs which includes information regarding funds or credits to be transferred to the second user may comprise providing payment data in the form of at least one of the group consisting of: a cash payment, a credit-based payment, a debit-based payment, a check-based payment, a points redemption-based payment, a gift card redemption-based payment, a voucher-based payment, a coupon-based payment, a redemption code-based payment, a system account credit-based payment, a cryptographic currency-based payment, and a traded fund-based payment. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise a component of the system determining a value of the payment data in its native unit value to define an input credit value. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise converting the input credit value to a first system-based credit value. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise validating or authenticating the value of the payment data in its native unit value using security means provided to components of the system. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the first or second user selecting a redemption option associated with purchase data or redemption data, the redemption option having a native unit value. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise validating or authenticating the value of the redemption option in its native unit value using security means provided to components of the system. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise a component of the system defining an output credit value from the native unit value of the redemption option. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise a component of the system converting the output credit value to a second system-based credit value. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise a component of the system comparing the first system-based credit value with the second system-based credit value to determine a difference in system-based credit values. According to some embodiments, if the difference in system-based credit values is positive, the redemption option may be purchased by the first user or redeemed by the second user. According to some embodiments, if the difference in system-based credit values is negative, the redemption option may not be purchased by the first user or redeemed by the second user. According to some embodiments, system components may be configured to not present or otherwise show/display certain redemption options to the first or second users if the difference in system-based credit values is negative. According to some embodiments, the system website or the system application may be accessed by the first or second user using a computer or mobile device. According to some embodiments, the mobile device may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a PDA, a cell phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a gaming device, a portable computer, an internet-based digital media player, a tablet, a smart watch, a gaming device, a laptop, a VoIP-compatible device, a head-worn computing device, a wearable computer, and a wearable computer having an optical head-mounted display (OHMD).

[0180] A method of providing immediately usable funds or credits to a customer [91, 92] without necessarily involving additional human interaction with the customer [91, 92] is also disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise one or more of the following steps: providing a system comprising one or more of the following components: a system website [127], a system application [147], and a system kiosk [3] which are configured to communicate with each other; the customer [91, 92] providing one or more customer inputs [4] to a component [3,127, 147] of the system; the customer [91, 92] selecting at least one redemption option using the component [3,127, 147] of the system, the at least one redemption option having a native unit value; the customer [91, 92] selecting at least one form of payment data [10] to be used in exchange for the selected at least one redemption option; the component [3, 127, 147] of the system determining a value of the payment data [10] in its native unit value to define an input credit value; the component [3, 127, 147] of the system converting the input credit value to a first system-based credit value; the component [3, 127, 147] of the system defining an output credit value from the native unit value of the at least one redemption option; the component [3, 127, 147] of the system converting the output credit value to a second system-based credit value; the component [3, 127, 147] of the system comparing the first system-based credit value with the second system-based credit value to determine a difference in system-based credit values; and/or the component [3, 127, 147] of the system providing the at least one redemption option to the customer [91, 92] if the difference in system-based credit values is positive. According to some embodiments, the redemption option may be associated with purchase data [9] or redemption data [64]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise validating or authenticating the value of the payment data [10] using security means [99] provided to the component [3, 127, 147] of the system. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise validating or authenticating the value of the at least one redemption option using security means [99] provided to the component [3,127, 147] of the system. According to some embodiments, if the difference in system-based credit values is negative, the at least one redemption option may not be provided to the customer [91, 92] or otherwise redeemed by the customer [91, 92]. According to some embodiments, the component [3, 127, 147] of the system may not present or otherwise show certain redemption options to the customer [91, 92] if the difference in system-based credit values is negative. According to some embodiments, the step of selecting at least one form of payment data [10] may comprise selecting a form of payment data [10] selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a cash payment [11], a credit-based payment [12], a debit-based payment [13], a check-based payment [14], a points redemption-based payment [78], a gift card redemption-based payment [15], a voucher-based payment, a coupon-based payment [16], a redemption code-based payment, a system account credit-based payment [17], a cryptographic currency-based payment [18], and a traded fund-based payment [81], a ticket-based payment [75], a pass-based payment [67], a coupon-based payment [16], a lottery-based payment [82], a pawn or loan ticket-based payment, a receipt-based payment [20], a pre-paid minutes-based payment [76], a check-based payment [14], and a postage-based payment [25]. According to some embodiments, the step of selecting at least one redemption option may comprise selecting at least one redemption option from the group consisting of: a cash redemption [11], a credit-based redemption [12], a credit to the customer's [91, 92] credit card account, a debit-based redemption [13], a credit to the customer's [91, 92] debit card account, a check-based redemption [14], a points-based redemption [78], a gift card redemption [15], a voucher redemption, a coupon-based redemption [16], code-based redemption, a system account credit-based redemption [17], a cryptographic currency-based redemption [18], a traded fund-based redemption [81], a ticket-based redemption [75], a pass-based redemption [67], a coupon-based redemption [16], a lottery-based redemption [82], a pawn or loan ticket-based redemption, a receipt-based redemption [20], a greeting card-based redemption [161], a pre-paid minutes-based redemption [76], a check-based redemption [14], and a postage-based redemption [25]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise associating information pertaining to the at least one redemption option with a system profile [130] of the customer [91, 92]. According to some embodiments, the step of providing the redemption option to the customer [91, 92] may comprise updating [142] a system profile [130] of the customer [91, 92]. According to some embodiments, the step of providing the redemption option to the customer [91] may comprise delivering the redemption option to the customer [91] in an electronic form, wherein the redemption option may be immediately utilized by the customer [91] in the electronic form, saved for later use by the customer [91], or transferred to another individual [92] using the component [3, 127, 147] of the system. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise another individual [92] receiving the redemption option from the customer [91] using a component [3, 127, 147] of the system. According to some embodiments, the step of providing the redemption option to the customer [91] may comprise delivering the redemption option to the customer [91] in a physical form, wherein the redemption option may be immediately utilized by the customer [91] in the physical form, saved for later use by the customer [91], or transferred to another individual [92] in person or via a postal service. According to some embodiments, the step of providing the redemption option to the customer [91] may comprise delivering the redemption option to the customer [91] in a physical form, via the system kiosk [3], wherein the redemption option may be immediately utilized by the customer [91] in the physical form, saved for later use by the customer [91], or transferred to another individual [92] in person or by postal service.

[0181] According to some embodiments, the step of delivering the redemption option to the customer [91] in a physical form may comprise the system kiosk [3] delivering to the customer [91] at least one of the group consisting of: cash [11], a ticket [75], a pass [67], a coupon [16], a redemption code, a gift card [15], a voucher, a lottery ticket [82], a pawn ticket, a loan ticket, an article indicating a purchased stock or tradable fund [81], a credit card [12], a pre-paid minutes [76] card, a check [14], a card [19] comprising customer loyalty points [78], a card [19] comprising miles points, a card [19] comprising frequent diner points, a card [19] comprising cryptographic currency [18] information, a card [19] comprising cryptographic digital wallet information, a receipt [20] indicating a credit to the customer's [91] or to another individuals [92] credit card account [12], a receipt [20] indicating a credit to the customer's [91] or to another user's [92] debit account [13], a card [19] or receipt [20] indicating the customer's [91] system account credit [17] balance, a card [19] or receipt [20] indicating another individual's [92] system account credit [17] balance, a receipt [20], a card [19] comprising system-based credit [17], and postage [25]. According to some embodiments, the step of delivering the redemption option to the customer [91] in a physical form may comprise the system kiosk [3] producing a card [19]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the system kiosk [3] loading the card [19] with redemption data [64] and/or purchase data [9] associated with the redemption option using at least one of the group consisting of: digital write means [119] and printing means [104]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the system kiosk [3] loading the card [19] with redemption data [64] and/or purchase data [9] associated with the redemption option using at least one of the group consisting of: digital write means [119] and printing means [104]. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: a chip [86], an RFID device [88], alphanumeric text or characters [89], a barcode [79], a magnetic stripe [87], a solid state device [85], and image information [77]. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: an integrated circuit, a microprocessor, a security authentication device, a single sign-on SSO device, an EMV chip, an ISO/IEC 7816-compliant device, a contact-less “smart” ISO/IEC 14443-compliant device, an inductor-comprising device, a straight memory 1 k-1 Mbit Flash EEPROM I2C/SPI device, a protected/segmented memory 3 k to 64 kbit EEPROM device, stored value memory, an 8-bit Symmetric key/file-based 8-144 kB EEPROM device, an 8, 16, or 32-bit public key dynamic 8 k-1 MB EEPROM device with math coprocessor, a 125 kHz proximity read-only-compatible device, a 13.56 MHz ISO 14443 0.5-8 kB read/write-compatible device, a MiFare protocol-compatible device, a proprietary protocol device, an ultrahigh frequency gen 1 or ten 2 device, a semiconductor, a proximity locator chip, a ScenSor DW1000 chip by DecaWave, an IEEE 802.15.4a-compatible wireless communication device, an NFC-compatible chip, an antenna, an electromagnetic field-detectable device, a tag, a transponder, a frequency modulating/de-modulating-compatible device, a passive reader active tag device, an active reader tag device, a battery-assisted tag (BAT) device, an electronic product code (EPC) containing device, a mobile computing communication device, a virtual badge device, a wireless tracking device, a UHF inlay, a smart label, an ultra strip III label, a theft prevention security tag, an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system-compatible tag, a 1D bar code, a 2D bar code, a data matrix code, a QR code, a product code, a UPC code, an ISO/IEC 15416-compliant marking, an ISO/IEC 15426-2-compliant marking, a SO/IEC 15415-compliant marking, a ISO/IEC TR 29158-compliant marking, text, characters, numbers, letters, printed indicia, embossed indicia, cryptotext, an alphanumeric code, a high-coercivity (HiCo) magnetic device, a low-coercivity (LoCo) device, a message [41], a design [42], a stock image [38], a user name [47], an image, printed matter, a photo, a logo, indicia, a brand, trade dress, a trademark, a graphic, user data [8], a color, a puzzle, a visual game, and word art. According to some embodiments, the component [3, 127, 147] of the system to which the customer [91, 92] may provide inputs [4] is one of the system website [127] or the system application [147], and wherein the one of the system website [127] or the system application [147] is accessed by the customer [91, 92] user using a computer [95] or mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the mobile device [96] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a PDA, a cell phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a gaming device, a portable computer, an internet-based digital media player, a tablet, a smart watch, a gaming device, a laptop, a VoIP-compatible device, a head-worn computing device, a wearable computer, and a wearable computer having an optical head-mounted display (OHMD).

[0182] Also disclosed, is a system for improving a customer's [91] shopping experiences between a plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65], the customer [91] having funds or credits associated with a first one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] and also having funds or credits associated with a second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65], the funds or credits associated with the first one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] not necessarily being honorable at the second one of the plurality of nonaffiliated vendors or entities [65]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise: a system card [19] associated with the information pertaining to the plurality of funds or credits for the first and second ones of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65]; wherein the system card [19] may be presented to the first one of the plurality of nonaffiliated vendors or entities [65] to benefit from the funds or credits associated with the first one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65]; and, wherein the system card [19] may equally be presented to the second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] to benefit from the funds or credits associated with the second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise a system database [128] which may comprise information pertaining to the plurality of funds or credits for the first and second ones of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65]. According to some embodiments, the system card [19] may be linked to the system database [128]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise payment receiving means [100] provided to both of the first and second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65], the payment receiving means [100] being configured to accept the system card [19]. According to some embodiments, the payment receiving means [100] may be configured to accept system-based credits. According to some embodiments, the payment receiving means [100] may be configured to convert funds or credits which are not acceptable to system-based credits to complete a transaction. According to some embodiments, when the system card [19] is presented to the first or second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65], the payment means [100] provided to the respective first or second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] may communicate with the system database [128] via the internet or other network [118] to access information regarding the funds or credits associated with the respective first or second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] sufficient to complete a transaction. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise a system financial institution [163] configured to communicate with the payment means [100], wherein when the system card [19] is presented to the first or second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65], the system financial institution [163] may provide a payment to the respective first or second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] to complete a transaction. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise a system application [147] configured to accesses the system database [128] and communicate with the system financial institution [163] and payment means [100], wherein when the system card [19] is presented to the first or second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65], the system application [147] accesses the system database [128] to determine if there are sufficient funds or credits associated with the respective first or second one of the plurality of nonaffiliated vendors or entities [65] to complete a transaction. According to some embodiments, the system financial institution [163] may only provide the payment to the respective first or second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] if there are sufficient funds or credits associated with the respective first or second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] to complete a transaction. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise a system application [147] which may be utilized on the customer's [91] mobile device [96] or computer [95], the system application [147] being operatively integrated with the system card [19] or the system database [128]. According to some embodiments, the mobile device [96] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a PDA, a cell phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a gaming device, a portable computer, an internet-based digital media player, a tablet, a smart watch, a gaming device, a laptop, a VoIP-compatible device, a head-worn computing device, a wearable computer, and a wearable computer having an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). According to some embodiments, the funds or credits associated with the first one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] which is not necessarily honorable at the second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] may comprise one of the group consisting of: a ticket [75], a pass [67], a coupon [16], a redemption code, a gift card [15], a voucher, a lottery ticket [82], a pawn ticket, a loan ticket, stock or tradable fund [81] information, pre-paid minutes [76], customer loyalty points [78], customer loyalty program card, miles points, frequent diner points, cryptographic currency [18] information, a cryptographic digital wallet, and system-based credits.

[0183] Further disclosed, is a system for improving a customer's [91] shopping experiences between a plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65], the customer [91] having funds or credits associated with a first one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] and also having funds or credits associated with a second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65], the funds or credits associated with the first one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] not necessarily being honorable at the second one of the plurality of nonaffiliated vendors or entities [65]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise: a kiosk [3] equipped with a user interface [106], the kiosk [3] being provided with means for consolidating the funds or credits associated with the first one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] and the funds or credits associated with a second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] to a single system account. According to some embodiments, the means for consolidating may comprise reader means [110]. According to some embodiments, the reader means [110] may comprise a device selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a magnetic stripe reader, a radio frequency/RFID reader, a smart chip reader, an integrated circuit reader, a security authentication device reader, a single sign-on SSO device reader, an EMV device reader, a contactless “smart” system device reader, an inductor-comprising device reader, an ISO 7816-compliant reader, a MagTek reader, an ISO 14443-compliant reader, a MiFare protocol reader, a wireless smart phone swipe reader, a mobile tap and go device system, an RFID terminal, and an NFC-compatible reader. According to some embodiments, the means for consolidating may comprise data input means [117] configured to allow the customer [91] to manually enter funds or credits associated with one or more non-affiliated vendors or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise a system database [128] configured to hold information pertaining to the funds or credits associated with the first one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] and the funds or credits associated with the second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65]. According to some embodiments, the kiosk [3] may communicate with the system database [128], such that the kiosk [3] may store information pertaining to the funds or credits associated with the first one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] and the funds or credits associated with the second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] on the system database [128], and such that the kiosk [3] may access information pertaining to the funds or credits associated with the first one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] and the funds or credits associated with the second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] stored on the system database [128]. According to some embodiments, the system database [128] may be stored on a system server [129]. According to some embodiments the kiosk [3] may comprise storage means [123] for containing one or more card blanks. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise means [98] for producing a card [19] for the customer [91], wherein the card [19] produced for the customer [91] may be selected from the one or more card blanks which may be configured to be contained in the storage means [123]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise digital write means [119], wherein the card [19] produced for the customer [91] may be configured to be loaded with information pertaining to funds or credits associated with the first one of the plurality of nonaffiliated vendors or entities [65] and the funds or credits associated with the second one of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] by the digital write means [119] prior to or after the customer [91] receives the card [19]. According to some embodiments, the card [19] produced for the customer [91] may be customized with one or more unique features according to one or more customer inputs [4] to the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the one or more unique features may comprise image information [77] selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a message [41], a design [42], a stock image [38], a user name [47], a 1D barcode, a 2D barcode, a data matrix code, a QR code, an image, a graphic, printed matter, text, an alphanumeric code, a photo, a logo, indicia, a brand, trade dress, a trademark, user data, a color, a puzzle, a visual game, and word art. According to some embodiments, the kiosk [3] may comprise printing means [104]. According to some embodiments, the printing means [104] may be configured to print image data [6] onto one or more card blanks provided to the kiosk [3], wherein the one or more card blanks are configured to be printed on using the printing means [104]. According to some embodiments, the printing means [104] may be configured to print and deliver to the customer [91], an article selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a ticket [75], a pass [67], a coupon [16], a redemption code, a gift card [15], a voucher, a lottery ticket [82], a pawn or loan ticket, a receipt [20], a greeting card [161], a credit card [12], a debit card [13], a pre-paid minutes card [76], a card [19] comprising system-based credit [17], a check [14], and postage [25]. According to some embodiments, the kiosk [3] may be configured to be conveniently placed in a venue or location [2] which may include outdoor venues or locations. According to some embodiments, the kiosk [3] may comprise payment receiving means [100] which may incorporate an item selected from one or more of the group consisting of: software, hardware, physical apparatus for accepting payments, a bill receiving device, a bill identification system, a coin receiving device, a coin identification system, an electronic funds transfer acceptance system, a currency acceptance mechanism, a credit card acceptance system, a coupon code validation system, a gift card validation system, an EFT-POS terminal, a magnetic stripe reader, an EMV/VSDC/Mchip/AEIPS/Jsmart/D-PAS acceptance terminal, a secure online payment submission webpage, a secure checkout page, a digital wallet acceptance terminal, a digital currency exchange client, a contactless payment system, payment due calculating software, electronic payment software, electronic payment system, credit adjusting software, account information updating software, a payment application, a wireless smart phone swipe crediting system, a mobile device tap and go system, a tap and go sticker system, an NFC-compatible payment system, a digital mobile device payment application, remote deposit (capture) software, Check 21 Act-compliant online deposit software, Check 21 Act-compliant direct deposit software, and mobile deposit software. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise at least one other kiosk [3], wherein the kiosk [3] and at least one other kiosk [3] may be configured to communicate with each other via the internet or other network [118]. According to some embodiments, the kiosk [3] may comprise means selected from one or more of the group consisting of: display means [109], image scanning means [102], image capture means [116], payment acceptance means [100], hardware link means [114], audio input means [103], security means [99], housing [124], power supply means [113], printing means [104], database access means [112], data input means [117], advertising means [107], reader means [110], receipt means [141], payment dispensing means [108], card production means [98], card dispensing means [111], greeting card production means [105], a system client [162], card storage means [123], data disk reader means [115], digital write means [119], and postage means [120]. According to some embodiments, the kiosk [3] may be configured to convert non-cryptographic funds or credits to cryptographic [88] funds or credits. According to some embodiments, the kiosk [3] may be configured to convert cryptographic [88] funds or credits to non-cryptographic funds or credits. According to some embodiments, each of the plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65] may comprise one or more of the following: a gym, a fitness club, a train, a shuttle, public transportation, a cab, a financial assistance institution, a casino, a salon, a parlor, a barber, a bank, a lender, an online payment system, an arts and crafts store, a fair/festival, a club, an organization, a mortuary, an arena, a stadium, a gas station, an amusement park, a theatre, a housing management company, a landlord, a government agency, a money transfer company, a service provider, a credit card company, a financial institution, a racetrack, a resort, a hotel, a lodging facility, a pharmacy, a wedding planning entity, a store, a retail shop, a pawn shop, a restaurant, an entertainment company, a ski resort, an airline, a medical facility, a cellular provider, a website, an auction house, an online auction, a lottery, a betting pool, a health provider, a franchise, a chain, an airport, a rental agency, a school, a tuition department, a library, a repair shop, a contractor, an automotive dealership, a florist, a collection agency, a media sales company, a media rental company, a gaming institution, a utility company, a mall, an outlet, a moving company, an escrow service, or entity offering private lessons.

[0184] A system for conducting a transaction of funds or credits is also disclosed. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise: a system application [147] provided with means [100] for receiving funds or credits from a user [91]; a mobile device [96] supporting the system application [147]; wherein the system application [147] may be configured to accept one or more inputs [4] from the user [91]; wherein the system application [147] may be configured to accept a user [91] selection regarding at least one redemption option, the at least one redemption option having a native unit value; wherein the system application [147] may be configured to accept a user [91] selection regarding at least one form of payment data [10] to be used in exchange for the at least one redemption option; wherein the system application [147] may be configured to determine a value of the payment data [10] in its native unit value to define an input credit value; wherein the system application [147] may be configured to convert the input credit value to a first system-based credit value; wherein the system application [147] may be configured to define an output credit value from the native unit value of the at least one redemption option; wherein the system application [147] may be configured to convert the output credit value to a second system-based credit value; wherein the system application [147] may be configured to compare the first system-based credit value with the second system-based credit value to determine a difference in system-based credit values; and, wherein the system application [147] may be configured to provide the at least one redemption option to the user [91, 92] if the difference in system-based credit values is positive. According to some embodiments, the means [100] for receiving funds or credits may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: remote deposit (capture) software, Check 21 Act-compliant online deposit software, Check 21 Act-compliant direct deposit software, and mobile deposit software. According to some embodiments, the redemption option may be associated with purchase data [9] or redemption data [64]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise validating or authenticating the value of the payment data [10] using security means [99]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise validating or authenticating the value of the at least one redemption option using security means [99]. According to some embodiments, if the difference in system-based credit values is negative, the at least one redemption option may not be provided to the user [91] or otherwise redeemed by the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the system application [127] may not present or otherwise show certain redemption options to the user [91] if the difference in system-based credit values is negative. According to some embodiments, the payment data [10] may comprise a form selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a credit-based payment [12], a debit-based payment [13], a check-based payment [14], a points redemption-based payment [78], a gift card redemption-based payment [15], a voucher-based payment, a coupon-based payment [16], a redemption code-based payment, a system account credit-based payment [17], a cryptographic currency-based payment [18], a traded fund-based payment [81], a ticket-based payment [75], a pass-based payment [67], a coupon-based payment [16], a lottery-based payment [82], a pawn or loan ticket-based payment, a receipt-based payment [20], a pre-paid minutes-based payment [76], a check-based payment [14], and postage-based payment [25]. According to some embodiments, the at least one redemption option may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a credit-based redemption [12], a credit to the user's [91] credit card account, a debit-based redemption [13], a credit to the user's [91] debit card account, a check-based redemption [14], a points-based redemption [78], a gift card redemption [15], a voucher redemption, a coupon-based redemption [16], code-based redemption, a system account credit-based redemption [17], a cryptographic currency-based redemption [18], a traded fund-based redemption [81], a ticket-based redemption [75], a pass-based redemption [67], a coupon-based redemption [16], a lottery-based redemption [82], a pawn or loan ticket-based redemption, a receipt-based redemption [20], a greeting card-based redemption [161], a pre-paid minutes-based redemption [76], a check-based redemption [14], and a postage-based redemption [25]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise associating information pertaining to the redemption option with a system profile [130] of the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the system application [147] may be affiliated with a system website [127]. According to some embodiments, the at least one redemption option provided to the user [91] may comprise updating [142] a system profile [130] of the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the at least one redemption option provided to the user [91] may be in an electronic form, wherein the at least one redemption option may be immediately utilized by the user [91] in the electronic form, saved for later use by the user [91], or transferred to another individual [92] using the system application [127]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise a second mobile device [96] supporting the system application [147] or otherwise having means [101] for connecting to the internet or other network [118], wherein the user [91] receiving the at least one redemption option may transfer the at least one redemption option to the second mobile device [96] via the system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise a system website [127] integrated with the system application [147], wherein the system may comprise a second mobile device [96] configured to access the system website [127], wherein the user [91] receiving the at least one redemption option may transfer the at least one redemption option to the second mobile device [96] via the system application [147] and system website [127], when the second mobile device [96] accesses the system website [127]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise a computer [95] supporting the system application [147] or otherwise having means [101] for connecting to the internet or other network [118], wherein the user [91] receiving the at least one redemption option may transfer the at least one redemption option to the computer [95] via the system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise a system website [127] integrated with the system application [147], wherein the system may comprise a computer [95] configured to access the system website [127], wherein the user [91] receiving the at least one redemption option may transfer the at least one redemption option to the computer [95] via the system application [147] and system website [127], when the computer [95] accesses the system website [127]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise a kiosk [3] supporting the system application [147] or otherwise having means [101] for connecting to the internet or other network [118], wherein the user [91] receiving the at least one redemption option may transfer the at least one redemption option to the kiosk [3] via the system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise a system website [127] integrated with the system application [147], wherein the system may comprise a kiosk [3] configured to access the system website [127], wherein the user [91] receiving the at least one redemption option may transfer the at least one redemption option to the kiosk [3] via the system application [147] and system website [127]. According to some embodiments, the another individual [92] may receive the at least one redemption option from the kiosk [3] at a time convenient for the another individual [92], absent the presence of the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise a kiosk [3] and the at least one redemption option provided to the user [91] may be obtained from the kiosk [3] in a physical form at a time convenient to the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the at least one redemption option obtained from the kiosk [3] by the user [91] may be immediately utilized by the user [91] in the physical form, saved for later use by the user [91], or transferred to another individual [92] in person or via a postal service. According to some embodiments, the at least one redemption option may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: cash [11], a ticket [75], a pass [67], a coupon [16], a redemption code, a gift card [15], a voucher, a lottery ticket [82], a pawn ticket, a loan ticket, an article indicating a purchased stock or tradable fund [81], a credit card [12], a pre-paid minutes [76] card, a check [14], a card [19] comprising user loyalty points [78], a card [19] comprising miles points, a card [19] comprising frequent diner points, a card [19] comprising cryptographic currency [18] information, a card [19] comprising cryptographic digital wallet information, a receipt [20] indicating a credit to the user's [91] or to another individuals [92] credit card account [12], a receipt [20] indicating a credit to the user's [91] or to another user's [92] debit account [13], a card [19] or receipt [20] indicating the user's [91] system account credit [17] balance, a card [19] or receipt [20] indicating another individual's [92] system account credit [17] balance, a receipt [20], system-based credit [17], and postage [25]. According to some embodiments, the at least one redemption option may comprise a card [19]. According to some embodiments, the system kiosk [3] may be configured to load the card [19] with redemption data [64] and/or purchase data [9] associated with the at least one redemption option, using at least one of the group consisting of: digital write means [119] and printing means [104]. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: a chip [86], an RFID device [88], alphanumeric text or characters [89], a barcode [79], a magnetic stripe [87], a solid state device [85], and image information [77]. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: an integrated circuit, a microprocessor, a security authentication device, a single sign-on SSO device, an EMV chip, an ISO/IEC 7816-compliant device, a contact-less “smart” ISO/IEC 14443-compliant device, an inductor-comprising device, a straight memory 1 k-1 Mbit Flash EEPROM I2C/SPI device, a protected/segmented memory 3 k to 64 kbit EEPROM device, stored value memory, an 8-bit Symmetric key/file-based 8-144 kB EEPROM device, an 8, 16, or 32-bit public key dynamic 8 k-1 MB EEPROM device with math coprocessor, a 125 kHz proximity read-only-compatible device, a 13.56 MHz ISO 14443 0.5-8 kB read/write-compatible device, a MiFare protocol-compatible device, a proprietary protocol device, an ultrahigh frequency gen 1 or ten 2 device, a semiconductor, a proximity locator chip, a ScenSor DW1000 chip by DecaWave, an IEEE 802.15.4a-compatible wireless communication device, an NFC-compatible chip, an antenna, an electromagnetic field-detectable device, a tag, a transponder, a frequency modulating/de-modulating-compatible device, a passive reader active tag device, an active reader tag device, a battery-assisted tag (BAT) device, an electronic product code (EPC) containing device, a mobile computing communication device, a virtual badge device, a wireless tracking device, a UHF inlay, a smart label, an ultra strip Mabel, a theft prevention security tag, an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system-compatible tag, a 1D bar code, a 2D bar code, a data matrix code, a QR code, a product code, a UPC code, an ISO/IEC 15416-compliant marking, an ISO/IEC 15426-2-compliant marking, a SO/IEC 15415-compliant marking, a ISO/IEC TR 29158-compliant marking, text, characters, numbers, letters, printed indicia, embossed indicia, cryptotext, an alphanumeric code, a high-coercivity (HiCo) magnetic device, a low-coercivity (LoCo) device, a message [41], a design [42], a stock image [38], a user name [47], an image, printed matter, a photo, a logo, indicia, a brand, trade dress, a trademark, a graphic, user data [8], a color, a puzzle, a visual game, and word art. According to some embodiments, the mobile device [96] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a PDA, a cell phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a gaming device, a portable computer, an internet-based digital media player, a tablet, a smart watch, a gaming device, a laptop, a VoIP-compatible device, a head-worn computing device, a wearable computer, and a wearable computer having an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). According to some embodiments, the at least one redemption option may be transferred from the user [91] to another individual [92]. According to some embodiments, the at least one redemption option may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: cash [11], a ticket [75], a pass [67], a coupon [16], a redemption code, a gift card [15], a voucher, a lottery ticket [82], a pawn ticket, a loan ticket, an article indicating a purchased stock or tradable fund [81], a credit card [12], a pre-paid minutes [76] card, a check [14], a card [19] comprising user loyalty points [78], a card [19] comprising miles points, a card [19] comprising frequent diner points, a card [19] comprising cryptographic currency [18] information, a card [19] comprising cryptographic digital wallet information, a receipt [20] indicating a credit to the user's [91] or to another individual's [92] credit card account [12], a receipt [20] indicating a credit to the user's [91] or to another user's [92] debit account [13], a card [19] or receipt [20] indicating the user's [91] system account credit [17] balance, a card [19] or receipt [20] indicating another individual's [92] system account credit [17] balance, a card [19] or receipt [20] indicating the another individual's [92] system account [17] balance, a receipt [20], system-based credit [17], and postage [25]. According to some embodiments, the “another” individual [92] may receive the at least one redemption option from the first user [91] via a system kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the at least one redemption option may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: electronic cash or currency [11], an electronic ticket [75], an electronic pass [67], an electronic coupon [16], an electronic redemption code, an electronic gift card [15], an electronic voucher, an electronic lottery ticket [82], an electronic pawn ticket, an electronic loan ticket, an electronic receipt indicating a purchased stock or tradable fund [81], an electronic credit card [12], electronic pre-paid minutes [76], an electronic check [14], user loyalty points [78], miles points, frequent diner points, cryptographic currency [18], cryptographic digital wallet information, an electronic receipt [20] indicating a credit to the user's [91] or to another individuals [92] credit card account [12], an electronic receipt [20] indicating a credit to the user's [91] or to another user's [92] debit account [13], an electronic receipt [20] indicating the user's [91] system account credit [17] balance, an electronic receipt [20] indicating a credit to the another individual's [92] system account [17] balance, an electronic receipt [20], system-based credit [17], and postage [25] credit. According to some embodiments, the another individual [92] may receive the at least one redemption option from the first user [91] via a mobile device [96] of the another individual [92]. According to some embodiments, the mobile device [96] of the another individual [92] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a PDA, a cell phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a gaming device, a portable computer, an internet-based digital media player, a tablet, a smart watch, a gaming device, a laptop, a VoIP-compatible device, a head-worn computing device, a wearable computer, and a wearable computer having an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). According to some embodiments, the another individual [92] may receive the at least one redemption option from the user [91] via a computer [95] of the another individual [92]. According to some embodiments, the another individual [92] may receive the at least one redemption option from the user [91] via a system website [127]. According to some embodiments, the another individual [92] may receive the at least one redemption option from the user [91] via a system website [127].

[0185] Further disclosed, is a system for improving a customer's [91] experiences with a vendor or entity [65]. In some embodiments, the system may comprise: a system website [127] and/or system application [147] which may comprise information pertaining to the vendor or entity [65]; a profile [130] associated with the customer [91]; and, means for automatically applying one or more funds, credits, or offers to the profile [130] of the customer [91]. According to some embodiments, the one or more funds, credits, or offers automatically applied to the profile [130] of the customer may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: an electronic advertisement [107], electronic cash or currency [11], an electronic ticket [75], an electronic pass [67], an electronic coupon [16], an electronic redemption code, an electronic gift card [15], an electronic voucher, an electronic lottery ticket [82], an electronic pawn ticket, an electronic loan ticket, an electronic receipt indicating a purchased stock or tradable fund [81], an electronic credit card [12], an electronic debit card [13], electronic prepaid minutes [76], an electronic check [14], user loyalty points [78], miles points, frequent diner points, cryptographic currency [18], cryptographic digital wallet information, an electronic receipt [20] indicating a credit to the customer's [91] or to another individual's [92] credit card account [12], an electronic receipt [20] indicating a credit to the customer's [91] or to another individual's [92] debit account [13], an electronic receipt [20] indicating the customer's [91] system account credit [17] balance, an electronic receipt [20] indicating a credit to the another individual's [92] system account [17] balance, system-based credit [17], an electronic receipt [20], and postage [25] credit. According to some embodiments, the means for automatically applying one or more funds, credits, or offers to the profile [130] of the customer [91] may be configured to allow the vendor or entity [65] to apply the one or more funds, credits, or offers to the profile [130] of the customer [91]. According to some embodiments, the system website [127] and/or system application [147] may be configured to allow the vendor or entity [65] to apply the one or more funds, credits, or offers to the profile [130] of the customer [91] via the system website [127] and/or system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the means for automatically applying one or more funds, credits, or offers to the profile [130] of the customer [91] may comprise the system website [127] and/or system application [147] applying the one or more funds, credits, or offers to the profile [130] of the customer [91]. According to some embodiments, the system website [127] and/or system application [147] may apply the one or more funds, credits, or offers to the profile [130] of the customer [91] based on location data [143]. According to some embodiments, the location data [143] may comprise information pertaining to the location of the customer [91]. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to the location of the customer [91] may comprise information pertaining to a permanent location of the customer [91]. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to a permanent location of the customer [91] may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: the customer's [91] residential address, the customer's [91] work address, the customer's [91] home city, the customer's [91] home state, and the customer's [91] home country. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to the location of the customer [91] may comprise information pertaining to a current location of the customer [91]. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to a current location of the customer [91] may comprise geographic information regarding the location of the customer [91] in relation to the vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the geographic information regarding the location of the customer [91] in relation to the vendor or entity [65] may comprise a customer's [91] current physical location within a structure associated with the vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to the vendor or entity [65] may comprise information regarding a good or service [151] proximate to the customer's [91] current physical location within a structure associated with the vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise an indoor positioning system [159]. According to some embodiments, the indoor positioning system [159] may be integrated with the system website [127] and/or system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the indoor positioning system [159] may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: an indoor positioning (IPS) system, a ViaLite Metro GPS-based positioning system, a turnkey fibre optic (or “optical fibre”) remoting system, an iBeacon (by Apple) system, an iBeacon-compatible system, a Navizon positioning system, a Navizon-compatible positioning system, a Meridian indoor GPS positioning system, a WiFarer indoor GPS positioning system, a WiGLE wireless geographic logging engine-based system, a geographic location engine, a Q-Track positioning system, a NFER® positioning system, a DecaWave positioning system, a Wi-Fi signal strength-based positioning system, a cellular phone signal strength-based positioning system, a Bluetooth signal-based positioning system, a WiFiSLAM positioning system, an Indoor Atlas positioning system, a Low Energy (BLE) profile positioning system for micro-location, a marker-based positioning system (e.g., Pathfindr), a ZigBee-based intelligent indoor positioning system, a visual guidance navigational technology-based positioning system, a vision guided navigational technology-based positioning system (e.g., SEEGrid), a low power OEM UWB ranging platform supporting two-way time-of-flight (TW-TOF) ranging and communications (e.g., Time Domain's PulsON® 410 (P410) module), a peer-to-peer ranging technology-based positioning system, a theft prevention-based tag system having multiple readers distributed throughout the structure (e.g., Sensormatic system), one or more antennas, a Sensormatic iREAD™ platform, a Sensormatic Ultra Max AM system, a magnetic/magneto-harmonic based positioning system, an acousto-magnetic/magnetostrictive-based positioning system, a radio frequency-based positioning system (e.g., 1.75-9.5 MHz), a microwave-based positioning system, an electromagnetic (EM) tag-based positioning system, an RFID-based positioning system (e.g., SkyRFID), an RFID/NFC-emulator—based positioning system, a video tracking-based positioning system, a blob tracking-based positioning system, a kernel/mean shift-based tracking system, a contour-based tracking system, a visual feature matching-based positioning system, a registration-based tracking system, a user voice-based tracking system, a thermal/body temperature imaging-based positioning system, a biometric recognition-compatible positioning system, an ISO/IEC 24730 RTLS-compliant based positioning system, a non-ISO/IEC 24730 RTLS-compliant based positioning system, an optical positioning system, a radio-based positioning system, an acoustic technology-based positioning system, an Android beam-based positioning system, a TecTile/sticker-based NFC-integrated positioning system, a hybrid positioning system, a transponder-based positioning system, a local positioning system, and a real-time (RTLS) locating system. According to some embodiments, the indoor positioning system [159] may comprise software associated with the indoor positioning system [159] which is supported by the website [127] and/or system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the system website [127] and/or system application [147] may be supported on a mobile device [96] of the customer [91]. According to some embodiments, the mobile device [96] of the customer [91] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a PDA, a cell phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a gaming device, a portable computer, an internet-based digital media player, a tablet, a smart watch, a gaming device, a laptop, a VoIP-compatible device, a head-worn computing device, a wearable computer, and a wearable computer having an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to a current location of the customer [91] may comprise geographic information regarding the location of the customer in relation to a venue/location [2]. According to some embodiments, the geographic information regarding the location of the customer [91] in relation to a venue/location [2] may comprise a customer's [91] current physical location within a structure associated with the venue/location [2]. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to the vendor or entity [65] may comprise information regarding a good or service [151] proximate to the customer's [91] current physical location within a structure associated with the venue/location [2]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise an indoor positioning system [159]. According to some embodiments, the indoor positioning system [159] may be integrated with the system website [127] and/or system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the indoor positioning system [159] may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: an indoor positioning (IPS) system, a ViaLite Metro GPS-based positioning system, a turnkey fibre optic remoting system, an iBeacon (by Apple) system, an iBeacon-compatible system, a Navizon positioning system, a Navizon-compatible positioning system, a Meridian indoor GPS positioning system, a WiFarer indoor GPS positioning system, a WiGLE wireless geographic logging engine-based system, a geographic location engine, a Q-Track positioning system, a NFER® positioning system, a DecaWave positioning system, a Wi-Fi signal strength-based positioning system, a cellular phone signal strength-based positioning system, a Bluetooth signal-based positioning system, a WiFiSLAM positioning system, an Indoor Atlas positioning system, a Low Energy (BLE) profile positioning system for micro-location, a marker-based positioning system (e.g., Pathfindr), a ZigBee-based intelligent indoor positioning system, a visual guidance navigational technology-based positioning system, a vision guided navigational technology-based positioning system (e.g., SEEGrid), a low power OEM UWB ranging platform supporting two-way time-of-flight (TW-TOF) ranging and communications (e.g., Time Domain's PulsON® 410 (P410) module), a peer-to-peer ranging technology-based positioning system, a theft prevention-based tag system having multiple readers distributed throughout the structure (e.g., Sensormatic system), one or more antennas, a Sensormatic iREAD™ platform, a Sensormatic Ultra Max AM system, a magnetic/magneto-harmonic based positioning system, an acousto-magnetic/magnetostrictive-based positioning system, a radio frequency-based positioning system (e.g., 1.75-9.5 MHz), a microwave-based positioning system, an electromagnetic (EM) tag-based positioning system, an RFID-based positioning system (e.g., SkyRFID), an RFID/NFC-emulator-based positioning system, a video tracking-based positioning system, a blob tracking-based positioning system, a kernel/mean shift-based tracking system, a contour-based tracking system, a visual feature matching-based positioning system, a registration-based tracking system, a user voice-based tracking system, a thermal/body temperature imaging-based positioning system, a biometric recognition-compatible positioning system, an ISO/IEC 24730 RTLS-compliant based positioning system, a non-ISO/IEC 24730 RTLS-compliant based positioning system, an optical positioning system, a radio-based positioning system, an acoustic technology-based positioning system, an Android beam-based positioning system, a TecTile/sticker-based NFC-integrated positioning system, a hybrid positioning system, a transponder-based positioning system, a local positioning system, and a real-time (RTLS) locating system. According to some embodiments, the indoor positioning system [159] may comprise software associated with the indoor positioning system [159] which is supported by the website [127] and/or system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the system website [127] and/or system application [147] may be supported on a mobile device [96] of the customer [91]. According to some embodiments, the mobile device [96] of the customer [91] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a PDA, a cell phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a gaming device, a portable computer, an internet-based digital media player, a tablet, a smart watch, a gaming device, a laptop, a VoIP-compatible device, a head-worn computing device, a wearable computer, and a wearable computer having an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to a current location of the customer [91] may comprise geographic information regarding the location of the customer in relation to a venue/location [2] adjacent the vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the venue/location [2] may be indoors. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to the vendor or entity [65] may comprise information regarding a good or service [151] proximate to the location of the customer [91]. According to some embodiments, the means for automatically applying one or more funds, credits, or offers to the profile [130] of the customer [91] may comprise advertising means [107] integrated with the system website [127] and/or system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the advertising means [107] may be configured for presenting an offer regarding a good or service [151] to the customer [91] that is located proximate a current geographic location of the customer [91]. According to some embodiments, the advertising means [107] may comprise third party application software [148]. According to some embodiments, the system website [127] may comprise information pertaining to a plurality of vendors or entities [65]. According to some embodiments, the plurality of vendors or entities [65] are not affiliated with each other. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to the vendor or entity [65] may comprise location data [143]. According to some embodiments, the location data [143] may comprise information relating to a layout of a venue/location [2]. According to some embodiments, the location data [143] may comprise information relating to a layout of a structure used by the vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the location data [143] may comprise information relating to a floor plan of a structure used by the vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the location data [143] may comprise information relating to a location of a particular good or service [151]. According to some embodiments, the information relating to a location of a particular good or service [151] may include a graphical display information pertaining to a layout of a structure and directional information regarding where a particular good or service [151] may be found in relation to the layout. According to some embodiments, the system website [127] and/or system application [147] may comprise a user interface [106], and the information relating to a location of a particular good or service [151] is conveyed to the customer [91] via the user interface [106]. According to some embodiments, the information relating to a layout of a venue/location [2] used by the vendor or entity [65] may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: a store layout, a building layout, a floor plan, a mall layout, a shopping center layout, a mart layout, an outlet layout, a complex layout, a fairgrounds layout, a festival layout, a market layout, an arena layout, a stadium layout, an arena layout, a casino layout, a hotel layout, a resort layout, a complex layout, and a park layout. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise location data [143] associated with the one or more funds, credits, or offers. According to some embodiments, the means for automatically applying one or more funds, credits, or offers to the profile [130] of the customer [91] may be configured to automatically apply one or more funds, credits, or offers to the profile [130] of the customer [91] as a function of the customer's [91] location. According to some embodiments, the means for automatically applying one or more funds, credits, or offers to the profile [130] of the customer [91] may be configured to automatically apply one or more funds, credits, or offers redeemable at a first vendor or entity [65] to the profile [130] of the customer [91], when the customer [91] is proximate a structure of the first vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the means for automatically applying one or more funds, credits, or offers to the profile [130] of the customer [91] may be configured to automatically apply one or more funds, credits, or offers redeemable at a first vendor or entity [65] to the profile [130] of the customer [91], when the customer [91] is browsing goods or services [151] offered by the first vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the browsing of goods or services [151] of the first vendor or entity [65] may be performed online. According to some embodiments, the browsing of goods or services [151] of the first vendor or entity [65] may be performed on the system website [127]. According to some embodiments, the browsing goods or services [151] of the first vendor or entity [65] may be performed within a structure associated with the first vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to the vendor or entity [65] may comprise information regarding a good or service [151]. According to some embodiments, the information regarding a good or service [151] may comprise location data [143]. According to some embodiments, the location data [143] may pertain to a physical location of the good or service [151]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise a card [19] associated with the profile [130] of the customer [91], which may be presented to the first vendor or entity [65] or one of a plurality of vendors or entities [65] which are not affiliated with the first vendor or entity [65].

[0186] Also disclosed, is a mobile application [147] for use on and/or to be installed onto a customer's [91] mobile device [96], for improving a customer's [91] purchasing experiences. According to some embodiments, the mobile application [147] may comprise: means for communicating with an indoor positioning system [159]; location information [143] regarding the customer's [91] current location or intended destination; and, information [121] regarding a good or service [151] which is located proximate to the customer's [91] current location or intended destination. According to some embodiments, the information [121] regarding a good or service [151] which is located proximate to the customer's [91] current location or intended destination may comprise information [121] regarding a good or service [151] which is located proximate to the customer's [91] current location, and wherein the information [121] regarding a good or service [151] which is located proximate to the customer's [91] current location is delivered to the customer [91] in real-time. According to some embodiments, the information [121] regarding a good or service [151] which is located proximate to the customer's [91] current location may comprise an advertisement displayed on the customer's [91] mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the information [121] regarding a good or service [151] which is located proximate to the customer's [91] current location may comprise directional information which is configured to direct the customer [91] to the good or service [151] which is located proximate to the customer's [91] current location via the customer's [91] mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the information [121] regarding a good or service [151] which is located proximate to the customer's [91] current location may comprise instructions which are configured to direct the customer [91] to the good or service [151] which is located proximate to the customer's [91] current location via the customer's [91] mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the instructions which are configured to direct the customer [91] to the good or service [151] which is located proximate to the customer's [91] current location via the customer's [91] mobile device [96] may comprise information relating to one or more of the group consisting of: a relative distance between the customer [91] and the good or service [151], a relative direction between the customer [91] and the good or service [151], a relative elevation between the customer [91] and the good or service [151], turn by turn instructions, visual instructions, and audio-based instructions. According to some embodiments, the mobile application [147] may comprise advertising means [107] configured to deliver information [121] regarding the good or service [151] which is located proximate to the customer's [91] current location or intended destination. According to some embodiments, the advertising means [107] may be configured to deliver information [121] regarding one or more additional goods or services [151]. According to some embodiments, the information [121] regarding one or more additional goods or services [151] may comprise information [121] regarding additional goods or services [151] which are also located adjacent the good or service [151]. According to some embodiments, the information [121] regarding one or more additional goods or services [151] may comprise information [121] regarding additional goods or services [151] which are similar in nature to the good or service [151]. According to some embodiments, the information [121] regarding one or more additional goods or services [151] may comprise information [121] regarding additional goods or services [151] which are also located adjacent to the good or service [151]. According to some embodiments, the mobile application [147] may comprise a customer shopping list [144] associated with a customer profile [130] and also associated with the information [121] regarding the good or service [151]. According to some embodiments, the mobile application [147] may be configured to alert the customer [91] when the customer is physically proximate to the good or service [151] associated with the shopping list [144]. According to some embodiments, the mobile application [147] may comprise advertising means [107], wherein the mobile application [147] may be configured to present or otherwise automatically deliver to the customer [91] advertisements, funds, credits, or offers relating to the good or service [151] when the customer is physically proximate to the good or service [151]. According to some embodiments, the mobile application [147] may comprise a customer shopping list [144] associated with a customer profile [130] and being associated with the information [121] regarding the good or service [151], wherein the customer shopping list [144] may comprise information regarding additional goods or services [151] which are desired to be purchased by the customer [91]. According to some embodiments, the mobile application [147] may comprise advertising means [107] which is configured to present or otherwise automatically deliver to the customer [91] advertisements, funds, credits, or offers relating to the good or service [151] or relating to the additional goods or services [151] when the customer is physically proximate to the good or service [151] and/or when the customer is physically proximate to any one of the additional goods or services [151]. According to some embodiments, the mobile application [147] may comprise advertising means [107], wherein the mobile application [147] may be configured to present or automatically deliver to the customer [91] advertisements, funds, credits, or offers relating to the good or service [151] when the customer is physically proximate to the good or service [151] associated with the shopping list [144]. According to some embodiments, the information [121] regarding a good or service [151] which is located proximate to the customer's [91] current location or intended destination may comprise information [121] regarding a good or service [151] which is located proximate to the customer's [91] intended location, and wherein the information [121] regarding a good or service [151] which is located proximate to the customer's [91] intended location is delivered to the customer [91] on a map-based display. According to some embodiments, the mobile application [147] may be configured to provide instructions directing the customer [91], in real-time, to the good or service [151] which is located proximate to the customer's [91] intended location via the customer's [91] mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the instructions directing the customer [91], in real-time, to the good or service [151] may comprise information relating to one or more of the group consisting of: a relative distance between the customer [91] and the good or service [151], a relative direction between the customer [91] and the good or service [151], a relative elevation between the customer [91] and the good or service [151], turn by turn instructions, visual instructions, and audio-based instructions. According to some embodiments, the mobile application [147] may comprise advertising means [107]. According to some embodiments, the customer's [91] mobile device [96] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a PDA, a cell phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a gaming device, a portable computer, an internet-based digital media player, a tablet, a smart watch, a gaming device, a laptop, a VoIP-compatible device, a head-worn computing device, a wearable computer, and a wearable computer having an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). According to some embodiments, the information [121] regarding a good or service [151] may be stored on a system database [128]. According to some embodiments, the information [121] regarding a good or service [151] may comprise information pertaining to a vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the indoor positioning system [159] is integrated with a security system [159] of a vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the security system [159] may comprise one or more security cameras [155] and/or a security gate [157]. According to some embodiments, the indoor positioning system [159] may be integrated with an active inventory management system [153] of a vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the indoor positioning system [159] may be integrated with a signal emitter [150] or signal reflector [152] provided to a vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the indoor positioning system [159] may be integrated with one or more product tags [152]. According to some embodiments, the means for communicating with an indoor positioning system [159] may comprise one or more components of the group consisting of: a ViaLite Metro GPS-based positioning system, a turnkey fibre optic remoting system, an iBeacon (by Apple) system, an iBeacon-compatible system, a Navizon positioning system, a Navizon-compatible positioning system, a Meridian indoor GPS positioning system, a WiFarer indoor GPS positioning system, a WiGLE wireless geographic logging engine-based system, a geographic location engine, a Q-Track positioning system, a NFER® positioning system, a DecaWave positioning system, a Wi-Fi signal strength-based positioning system, a cellular phone signal strength-based positioning system, a Bluetooth signal-based positioning system, a WiFiSLAM positioning system, an Indoor Atlas positioning system, a Low Energy (BLE) profile positioning system for micro-location, a marker-based positioning system (e.g., Pathfindr), a ZigBee-based intelligent indoor positioning system, a visual guidance navigational technology-based positioning system, a vision guided navigational technology-based positioning system (e.g., SEEGrid), a low power OEM UWB ranging platform supporting two-way time-of-flight (TW-TOF) ranging and communications (e.g., Time Domain's PulsON® 410 (P410) module), a peer-to-peer ranging technology-based positioning system, a theft prevention-based tag system having multiple readers distributed throughout the structure (e.g., Sensormatic system), one or more antennas, a Sensormatic iREAD™ platform, a Sensormatic Ultra Max AM system, a magnetic/magneto-harmonic based positioning system, an acousto-magnetic/magnetostrictive-based positioning system, a radio frequency-based positioning system (e.g., 1.75-9.5 MHz), a microwave-based positioning system, an electromagnetic (EM) tag-based positioning system, an RFID-based positioning system (e.g., SkyRFID), an RFID/NFC-emulator-based positioning system, a video tracking-based positioning system, a blob tracking-based positioning system, a kernel/mean shift-based tracking system, a contour-based tracking system, a visual feature matching-based positioning system, a registration-based tracking system, a user voice-based tracking system, a thermal/body temperature imaging-based positioning system, a biometric recognition-compatible positioning system, an ISO/IEC 24730 RTLS-compliant based positioning system, a non-ISO/IEC 24730 RTLS-compliant based positioning system, an optical positioning system, a radio-based positioning system, an acoustic technology-based positioning system, an Android beam-based positioning system, a TecTile/sticker-based NFC-integrated positioning system, a hybrid positioning system, a transponder-based positioning system, a local positioning system, and a real-time (RTLS) locating system. According to some embodiments, the mobile application [147] may comprise an integrated third party application [148]. According to some embodiments, the mobile application [147] may comprise means for instantly adding a good or service [151] to the customer's [91] favorites [140] or shopping list [144]. According to some embodiments, the mobile application [147] may comprise means for determining areas of pause or heavy shopping by the customer [91]. According to some embodiments, the means for determining areas of pause or heavy shopping by the customer [91] may comprise a component of the mobile application [147] recording data pertaining to time spent by the customer [91] at a particular location.

[0187] According to some embodiments, the particular location may comprise a venue or location [2] selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a gym, a fitness club, a train, a shuttle, public transportation, a cab, a financial assistance institution, a casino, a salon, a parlor, a barber, a bank, a lender, an online payment system, an arts and crafts store, a fair/festival, a club, an organization, a mortuary, an arena, a stadium, a gas station, an amusement park, a theatre, a housing management company, a landlord, a government agency, a money transfer company, a service provider, a credit card company, a financial institution, a racetrack, a resort, a hotel, a lodging facility, a pharmacy, a wedding planning entity, a store, a retail shop, a pawn shop, a restaurant, an entertainment company, a ski resort, an airline, a medical facility, a cellular provider, a website, an auction house, an online auction, a lottery, a betting pool, a health provider, a franchise, a chain, an airport, a rental agency, a school, a tuition department, a library, a repair shop, a contractor, an automotive dealership, a florist, a collection agency, a media sales company, a media rental company, a gaming institution, a utility company, a mall, an outlet, a moving company, an escrow service, and an entity offering private lessons. According to some embodiments, the particular location may comprise a specific location within a structure of a vendor or entity [65] selected from one or more of the group consisting of: an aisle, a quadrant, a display, an area, a floor, and a department. According to some embodiments, the mobile application [147] may be configured to track the customer's [91] location history. According to some embodiments, the customer's location history may comprise information relating to particular locations visited while within a venue or location [2] selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a gym, a fitness club, a train, a shuttle, public transportation, a cab, a financial assistance institution, a casino, a salon, a parlor, a barber, a bank, a lender, an online payment system, an arts and crafts store, a fair/festival, a club, an organization, a mortuary, an arena, a stadium, a gas station, an amusement park, a theatre, a housing management company, a landlord, a government agency, a money transfer company, a service provider, a credit card company, a financial institution, a racetrack, a resort, a hotel, a lodging facility, a pharmacy, a wedding planning entity, a store, a retail shop, a pawn shop, a restaurant, an entertainment company, a ski resort, an airline, a medical facility, a cellular provider, a website, an auction house, an online auction, a lottery, a betting pool, a health provider, a franchise, a chain, an airport, a rental agency, a school, a tuition department, a library, a repair shop, a contractor, an automotive dealership, a florist, a collection agency, a media sales company, a media rental company, a gaming institution, a utility company, a mall, an outlet, a moving company, an escrow service, and an entity offering private lessons. According to some embodiments, the customer's location history may comprise information relating to particular locations visited while within a structure of a vendor or entity [65] selected from one or more of the group consisting of: an aisle, a quadrant, a display, an area, a floor, and a department.

[0188] A system for providing funds or credits to a user [91] is also disclosed. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise: a self-service kiosk apparatus [3] which may comprise a CPU [97]; internet connection means for accessing a system website [101]; a user interface [106]; and, payment dispensing means [108]; wherein the self-service kiosk apparatus [3] is configured to communicate with a system application [147] such that a second user [92] may send funds or credits to the user [91] using the system application [147] and the user [91] may receive the funds or credits from the second user [92] via the self-service kiosk apparatus [3]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise the system application [147] installed on the second user's [92] mobile device [96] or computer [95]. According to some embodiments, the mobile device [96] of the second user [92] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a PDA, a cell phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a gaming device, a portable computer, an internet-based digital media player, a tablet, a smart watch, a gaming device, a laptop, a VoIP-compatible device, a head-worn computing device, a wearable computer, and a wearable computer having an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus [3] may comprise card storage means [123], card production means [98], and card dispensing means [111]. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus [3] may be configured to dispense a card to the user [91] which contains information corresponding to the funds or credits. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus [3] may be configured to be placed in a venue or location [2] for convenient user [91] access. According to some embodiments, the self-service kiosk apparatus [3] may be configured to convert funds or credits delivered to the self-service kiosk apparatus [3] by the user [91] to funds or credits in a different form or type [72].

[0189] Yet another system for providing funds or credits to a user [91] is disclosed. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise: a self-service kiosk apparatus [3] which may comprise a CPU [97]; internet connection means for accessing a system website [101]; a user interface [106]; and payment receiving means [100]; wherein the self-service kiosk apparatus [3] is configured to communicate with a system application [147] such that a second user [92] may receive funds or credits from the user [91] using the system application [147] and the user [91] may provide the funds or credits to the second user [92] via the self-service kiosk apparatus [3]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise the system application [147] installed on the second user's [92] mobile device [96] or computer [95]. According to some embodiments, the mobile device [96] of the second user [92] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a PDA, a cell phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a gaming device, a portable computer, an internet-based digital media player, a tablet, a smart watch, a gaming device, a laptop, a VoIP-compatible device, a head-worn computing device, a wearable computer, and a wearable computer having an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). According to some embodiments, the second user [92] may instantly utilize the funds or credits provided by the first user [91] at a participating vendor or entity [65] using the mobile device [96] without additional human intervention. According to some embodiments, the funds or credits provided by the first user [91] to the second user [92] via the self-service kiosk apparatus [3] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: electronic cash or currency [11], an electronic ticket [75], an electronic pass [67], an electronic coupon [16], an electronic redemption code, an electronic gift card [15], an electronic voucher, an electronic lottery ticket [82], an electronic pawn ticket, an electronic loan ticket, an electronic receipt indicating a purchased stock or tradable fund [81], an electronic credit card [12], an electronic debit card [13], electronic pre-paid minutes [76], an electronic check [14], user loyalty points [78], miles points, frequent diner points, cryptographic currency [18], cryptographic digital wallet information, an electronic receipt [20] indicating a credit to the second user's [92] credit card account [12], an electronic receipt [20] indicating a credit to the second user's [92] debit account [13], an electronic receipt [20] indicating the second user's [92] system account credit [17] balance, an electronic receipt [20] indicating a credit to the second user's [92] system account [17] balance, system-based credit [17], an electronic receipt [20], and postage [25] credit.

[0190] A gift card [19] is also disclosed. According to some embodiments, the gift card [19] may comprise: funds or credits relating to a particular brand of goods or services [151], which is configured to be redeemed at a plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65]. According to some embodiments, the gift card may comprise a chip [86] or an RFID device [88]. According to some embodiments, the gift card may comprise custom indicia. According to some embodiments, the custom indicia may comprise image data [6] which is associated with the particular brand of goods or services [151]. According to some embodiments, information associated with the gift card [19] may also be associated with a system website [127], a system application [147], or a system kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the gift card [19] may be redeemed online or at a brick-and-mortar facility of a vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the gift card [19] may be redeemed online using a system website [127]. According to some embodiments, the system application [147] may be supported by a mobile device [96] selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a PDA, a cell phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a gaming device, a portable computer, an internet-based digital media player, a tablet, a smart watch, a gaming device, a laptop, a VoIP-compatible device, a head-worn computing device, a wearable computer, and a wearable computer having an optical head-mounted display (OHMD).

[0191] A card [19] is also disclosed. In some embodiments, the card [19] may comprise: funds or credits relating to a particular good or service, which may be redeemed at a plurality of non-affiliated vendors or entities [65]; and wherein the card [19] may comprise a device which is tracable by an indoor positioning system [159]. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may be configured to be produced by a kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may be configured to be purchased by a first remote user [91] using a system website [127], a system application [147], or a first system kiosk [3] and may also be configured to be redeemed by a second user [92] at a second system kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: an integrated circuit, a microprocessor, a security authentication device, a single sign-on SSO device, an EMV chip, an ISO/IEC 7816-compliant device, a contact-less “smart” ISO/IEC 14443-compliant device, an inductor-comprising device, a straight memory 1 k-1 Mbit Flash EEPROM I2C/SPI device, a protected/segmented memory 3 k to 64 kbit EEPROM device, stored value memory, an 8-bit Symmetric key/file-based 8-144 kB EEPROM device, an 8, 16, or 32-bit public key dynamic 8 k-1 MB EEPROM device with math coprocessor, a 125 kHz proximity read-only-compatible device, a 13.56 MHz ISO 14443 0.5-8 kB read/write-compatible device, a MiFare protocol-compatible device, a proprietary protocol device, an ultrahigh frequency gen 1 or ten 2 device, a semiconductor, a proximity locator chip, a ScenSor DW1000 chip by DecaWave, an IEEE 802.15.4a-compatible wireless communication device, an NFC-compatible chip, an antenna, an electromagnetic field-detectable device, a tag, a transponder, a frequency modulating/de-modulating-compatible device, a passive reader active tag device, an active reader tag device, a battery-assisted tag (BAT) device, an electronic product code (EPC) containing device, a mobile computing communication device, a virtual badge device, a wireless tracking device, a UHF inlay, a smart label, an ultra strip Mabel, a theft prevention security tag, an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system-compatible tag, a 1D bar code, a 2D bar code, a data matrix code, a QR code, a product code, a UPC code, an ISO/IEC 15416-compliant marking, an ISO/IEC 15426-2-compliant marking, a SO/IEC 15415-compliant marking, a ISO/IEC TR 29158-compliant marking, text, characters, numbers, letters, printed indicia, embossed indicia, cryptotext, an alphanumeric code, a high-coercivity (HiCo) magnetic device, a low-coercivity (LoCo) device, a message [41], a design [42], a stock image [38], a user name [47], an image, printed matter, a photo, a logo, indicia, a brand, trade dress, a trademark, a graphic, user data [8], a color, a puzzle, a visual game, and word art. According to some embodiments, the indoor positioning system [159] may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: a ViaLite Metro GPS-based positioning system, a turnkey fibre optic remoting system, an iBeacon (by Apple) system, an iBeacon-compatible system, a Navizon positioning system, a Navizon-compatible positioning system, a Meridian indoor GPS positioning system, a WiFarer indoor GPS positioning system, a WiGLE wireless geographic logging engine-based system, a geographic location engine, a Q-Track positioning system, a NFER® positioning system, a DecaWave positioning system, a Wi-Fi signal strength-based positioning system, a cellular phone signal strength-based positioning system, a Bluetooth signal-based positioning system, a WiFiSLAM positioning system, an Indoor Atlas positioning system, a Low Energy (BLE) profile positioning system for micro-location, a marker-based positioning system (e.g., Pathfindr), a ZigBee-based intelligent indoor positioning system, a visual guidance navigational technology-based positioning system, a vision guided navigational technology-based positioning system (e.g., SEEGrid), a low power OEM UWB ranging platform supporting two-way time-of-flight (TW-TOF) ranging and communications (e.g., Time Domain's PulsON® 410 (P410) module), a peer-to-peer ranging technology-based positioning system, a theft prevention-based tag system having multiple readers distributed throughout the structure (e.g., Sensormatic system), one or more antennas, a Sensormatic iREAD™ platform, a Sensormatic Ultra Max AM system, a magnetic/magneto-harmonic based positioning system, an acousto-magnetic/magnetostrictive-based positioning system, a radio frequency-based positioning system (e.g., 1.75-9.5 MHz), a microwave-based positioning system, an electromagnetic (EM) tag-based positioning system, an RFID-based positioning system (e.g., SkyRFID), an RFID/NFC-emulator-based positioning system, a video tracking-based positioning system, a blob tracking-based positioning system, a kernel/mean shift-based tracking system, a contour-based tracking system, a visual feature matching-based positioning system, a registration-based tracking system, a user voice-based tracking system, a thermal/body temperature imaging-based positioning system, a biometric recognition-compatible positioning system, an ISO/IEC 24730 RTLS-compliant based positioning system, a non-ISO/IEC 24730 RTLS-compliant based positioning system, an optical positioning system, a radio-based positioning system, an acoustic technology-based positioning system, an Android beam-based positioning system, a TecTile/sticker-based NFC-integrated positioning system, a hybrid positioning system, a transponder-based positioning system, a local positioning system, and a real-time (RTLS) locating system.

[0192] A method of selling an article without additional human interaction, is disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise: providing a mobile device [96], wherein the mobile device [96] may comprise means for reading information associated with the article, the mobile device [96] supporting a system application [147] which is integrated with a system website [127]; placing the article within a proximity of the mobile device [96], the proximity being at least within a read zone of the means for reading information associated with the article; capturing information associated with the article using the means for reading provided to the mobile device [96]; determining a first value of the information associated with the article using the system application [147] or system website [127]; remote depositing the information associated with the article to the system website [127]; eliminating a second value of the information associated with the article from the article; and, providing funds or credits having a third value in a different form than the article, via the system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the funds or credits having a third value in a different form may be redeemed at a vendor or entity [65] which would otherwise not accept the article as a form of payment. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of converting the information associated with the article to another form of saleable information using the system application [147] or the system website [127]. According to some embodiments, the second value may be equal to the first value. According to some embodiments, the third value may be less than the first value. According to some embodiments, the mobile device [96] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a PDA, a cell phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a gaming device, a portable computer, an internet-based digital media player, a tablet, a smart watch, a gaming device, a laptop, a VoIP-compatible device, a head-worn computing device, a wearable computer, and a wearable computer having an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). According to some embodiments, the information associated with the article remote-deposited to the system website [127] may be repurchased by an individual other than an individual possessing the article. According to some embodiments, the step of eliminating a second value of the information associated with the article from the article may comprise discarding the article. According to some embodiments, the means for reading may comprise a camera, barcode scanner software, QR code scanner software, or NFC-compatible device reader software.

[0193] A method of buying an article without additional human interaction is also disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise: providing a mobile device [96], wherein the mobile device [96] may comprise means for reading information associated with the article, the mobile device [96] supporting a system application [147] which is integrated with a system website [127]; placing the article within a proximity of the mobile device [96], the proximity being at least within a read zone of the means for reading information associated with the article; capturing information associated with the article using the means for reading provided to the mobile device [96]; determining a first value of the information associated with the article using the system application [147] or system website [127]; remote depositing the information associated with the article to the system website [127]; eliminating a second value of the information associated with the article from the article; providing an option to purchase the information associated with the article provided to the system website [127] at a third value; and purchasing the information associated with the article provided to the system website [127]. According to some embodiments, after the step of eliminating a second value of the information associated with the article from the article, the article may no longer be usable, saleable, or redeemable at a vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of converting the information associated with the article to another form of saleable information using the system application [147] or the system website [127]. According to some embodiments, the step of purchasing the information associated with the article provided to the system website [127] may be performed at a system kiosk [3], through the system website [127], or via the system application [147] on another mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the mobile device [96] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a PDA, a cell phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a gaming device, a portable computer, an internet-based digital media player, a tablet, a smart watch, a gaming device, a laptop, a VoIP-compatible device, a head-worn computing device, a wearable computer, and a wearable computer having an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). According to some embodiments, the step of converting may comprise converting the first value of the information associated with the article to a system-based unit value. According to some embodiments, the first value may be in a native value unit which is different from the system-based unit value. According to some embodiments, the step of providing an option to purchase the information associated with the article provided to the system website [127] may comprise converting the first value of the information associated with the article to a system-based unit value. According to some embodiments, the information associated with the article remote deposited to the system website [127] may be repurchased by an individual other than an individual possessing the article. According to some embodiments, the third value may be less than the first or second value. According to some embodiments, the third value may be greater than the first or second value. According to some embodiments, the second value may be equal to the first value.

[0194] A method of selling an article without additional human interaction, is also disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise one or more of the following steps: providing a kiosk [3] which may comprise means [102] for reading information associated with the article, the kiosk [3] supporting a system application [147] which is integrated with a system website [127]; placing the article within a proximity of the kiosk [3], the proximity being at least within a read zone of the means [102] for reading information associated with the article; capturing information associated with the article using the means [102] for reading provided to the mobile device [96]; determining a first value of the information associated with the article using the system application [147] or system website [127]; remote depositing the information associated with the article to the system website [127]; eliminating a second value of the information associated with the article from the article; and/or providing funds or credits having a third value in a different form than the article via the system kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, after the step of eliminating a second value of the information associated with the article from the article, the article may no longer be usable, saleable, or redeemable at a vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of converting the information associated with the article to another form of saleable information. According to some embodiments, the step of providing funds or credits having a third value in a different form than the article may be provided to a user's mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the step of providing funds or credits having a third value in a different form than the article may be provided in the form of a card [19] produced by the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the step of providing funds or credits having a third value in a different form than the article may be provided in the form of system-based credits which are redeemable at the kiosk [3], other system kiosks [3], a system website [127], or a participating vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the step of providing funds or credits having a third value in a different form than the article may be provided in the form of system-based credits which are redeemable at the kiosk [3], other system kiosks [3], a system website [127], or a participating vendor or entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the funds or credits having a third value in a different form than the article provided by the kiosk [3] may be instantly redeemable. According to some embodiments, the funds or credits having a third value in a different form than the article provided by the kiosk [3] may be provided to a user's mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the mobile device [96] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a PDA, a cell phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a gaming device, a portable computer, an internet-based digital media player, a tablet, a smart watch, a gaming device, a laptop, a VoIP-compatible device, a head-worn computing device, a wearable computer, and a wearable computer having an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). According to some embodiments, the funds or credits having a third value in a different form than the article provided by the kiosk [3] may be provided to the user's mobile device [96] via a system application [127] provided to (e.g., installed on a hard drive of, or accessed via a network connected to) the mobile device [96].

[0195] An article associated with a fund or a credit is also disclosed. According to some embodiments, the article may comprise: a surface; a first layer [401] provided to the surface, wherein the first layer [401] may comprise a machine readable authorization code which is readable in a first wavelength of light; a second layer [402] provided over the first layer [401] which is translucent or transparent at the first wavelength of light, but is not translucent or transparent in a second wavelength of light. According to some embodiments, the article may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a card [19], a ticket [75, 82], a slip, a check [14], a coupon [16], a receipt [20], a paper or plastic-based article, a pass [67], a credit card [12], a redemption voucher [15], and a release paper-backed sticker. According to some embodiments, the first [401] and second [402] layers may be provided on a paper-backed sticker which may be applied to any device. According to some embodiments, the first [401] and second [402] layers may be applied directly to the article via printing means [104] within a kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the article may be any one of a card [19], a ticket [75, 82], a slip, a check [14], a coupon [16], a receipt [20], a paper-based article, a pass [67], a credit card [12], and a redemption voucher [15], wherein one sticker of a roll of stickers may comprise the first [401] layer and second [402] layers is applied to the article before dispensing the article from the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the roll of stickers may comprise a plurality of stickers, each of the plurality of stickers having different first [401] and/or second [402] layers. According to some embodiments, the first [401] and second [402] layer, when viewed in a visible wavelength of light, may comprise information regarding a user account or profile [130] or a particular redemption option. According to some embodiments, the machine-readable authorization code of the first layer [401] may comprise a key associated with the respective the user account or profile [130] or particular redemption option. According to some embodiments, the sticker may be applied to the article before dispensing the article from the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the first wavelength of light may be in the infrared spectrum of light. According to some embodiments, the second wavelength of light may be in the visible spectrum of light. According to some embodiments, a human cannot read the authorization code provided to the first layer in normal ambient lighting conditions, but a machine configured to read the card [19] may, in the presence of an infrared light source, read the authorization code. According to some embodiments, portions of the first layer [401] may not be visible through the second layer [402] in the presence of the second wavelength of light. According to some embodiments, portions of the first layer [401] may not be visible through the second layer [402] in the presence of the second wavelength of light.

[0196] A method of conducting a transaction with a card [19] is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise one or more of the following steps: providing a card [19] having a surface; a first layer [401] provided to the surface, wherein the first layer may comprise a machine-readable authorization code which is readable in a first wavelength of light; and a second layer [402] provided over the first layer which is translucent or transparent at the first wavelength of light, but is not translucent or transparent in a second wavelength of light; and/or presenting the card [19] to an authorization code reader configured with an infrared light source. According to some embodiments, the first wavelength of light may be in the infrared spectrum of light. According to some embodiments, the second wavelength of light may be in the visible spectrum of light. According to some embodiments, a human cannot read the authorization code provided to the first layer [401] in normal ambient lighting conditions. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise scanning the second [402] and first [401] layers with the reader at a second wavelength within the visible light spectrum to determine user account or profile [130] information associated with the card [19], or to determine fund or credit information associated with the card [19]. According to some embodiments, the fund or credit information may comprise information relating to a type [72] of redemption option such as redemption data [64]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise emitting a first wavelength of light within the infrared light spectrum and scanning the second [402] and first [401] layers with the reader at the first wavelength of light within the infrared light spectrum to determine the authenticity of the card [19].

[0197] A method of requesting funds or credits to be sent is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise a second user [92] at a second location [2] sending a message [41] to a first user [91] at a first location [2] via one of a system application [147], a system website [127], or a system kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the first user [91] receiving the message [41] from the second user [92] via the first user's mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may indicate information regarding a redemption option requested by the second user [92] and/or information regarding funds or credits associated with a redemption option requested by the second user [92] which may be necessary for the one of a system application [147], a system website [127], or a system kiosk [3] to provide the redemption option to the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may comprise instructions to the first user [91] regarding how to send funds or credits. According to some embodiments, the instructions to the first user [91] regarding how to send funds or credits may comprise a providing a selection option to the first user [91] regarding whether to accept or decline transfer of funds or credits. According to some embodiments, the selection option may comprise an option to reply with a message. According to some embodiments, the option to reply with a message may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: an option to provide alphanumeric message information [25] to be communicated to the second user [92] via a text data entry field; an option to provide spontaneous image information [6] to be communicated to the second user [92] via image capture means [116]; an option to provide personal stored image information [6] to be communicated to the second user [92] via file upload; an option to select stock image information [6] to be communicated to the second user [92]; an option to provide spontaneous audio information [7] to be communicated to the second user [92] via voice recording; an option to provide personal stored audio information [7] to be communicated to the second user [92] via file upload; and an option to select stock audio information [7] to be communicated to the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the selection option may comprise an option for the first user [91] to send additional funds or credits to the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the selection to accept transfer of funds or credits may comprise the step of selecting one or more additional redemption options via a browser [131]. According to some embodiments, the message [41] to the first user [91] may be delivered to the first user's [91] mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may comprise an SMS or MMS-based message sent via the first user's [91] service provider. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may comprise a system application [147]-based message. According to some embodiments, a unique sound may accompany the message [41]. According to some embodiments, the unique sound may comprise a hallmark sound which is associated with the system, such as a system trademark sound. According to some embodiments, the unique sound may be associated with the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may be sent via a third party application [148]. According to some embodiments, the message [41] to the first user [91] may be delivered to the first user's [91] computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may be in the form of a browser [131] pop-up window. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may be in the form of an email. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may be in the form of an instant message. According to some embodiments, the instant message may be delivered via a system application [147] installed on the first user's [91] computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the instant message may be delivered via a third-party application [148] or third-party website on the first user's [91] computing device [95].

[0198] A method of offering a redemption option is also disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise one or more of the following steps: providing a browser [131] configured to display a number of redemption options [151]; displaying the number of redemption options [151] available for purchase by a user [91]; displaying a number of opinions adjacent to one or more of the number of redemption options [151]; and/or allowing a user to select a redemption option [151] using the browser [131], for example, based on the number of opinions. According to some embodiments, the number of opinions adjacent to one or more of the number of redemption options [151] may comprise a number of favorable opinions by contacts or friends [145] of the user [91] accessing the browser [131]. According to some embodiments, a first redemption option [151] of the number of redemption options [151] available for purchase may comprise a total number of favorable opinions by contacts or friends of the user [91] accessing the browser [131], wherein the total number of favorable opinions may be equivalent to the total number of user [91] contacts or friends [145] which have a favorable opinion of the first redemption option [151]. According to some embodiments, a second redemption option [151] of the number of redemption options [151] available for purchase may comprise a total number of favorable opinions by contacts or friends of the user [91] accessing the browser [131], wherein the total number of favorable opinions may be equivalent to the total number of user [91] contacts or friends [145] which have a favorable opinion of the second redemption option [151]. According to some embodiments, the total number of favorable opinions for the first redemption option [151] may be different than the second redemption option [151]. According to some embodiments, information regarding the favorable opinions by contacts or friends [145] of the user [91] accessing the browser [131] may be received from a third-party application [148]. According to some embodiments, the third-party application [148] may comprise an online social network [93]. According to some embodiments, information regarding the favorable opinions by contacts or friends [145] of the user [91] accessing the browser [131] may be received from a system kiosk [3], a system website [127], or a system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the favorable opinions by contacts or friends [145] of the user [91] accessing the browser [131] may comprise both system-based and third-party favorable opinions. According to some embodiments, the system-based favorable opinions may be represented with a first form of indicia, and the third-party favorable opinions may be represented with a second form of indicia which is different from the first form of indicia. According to some embodiments, the first form of indicia may comprise a heart shape. According to some embodiments, the third-party favorable opinions may be represented with a thumbs-up icon. According to some embodiments, the third-party favorable opinions may be represented with an icon containing a “+” (plus) sign. According to some embodiments, the first form of indicia may comprise a first number representing a first total number of favorable opinions next to the first form of indicia. According to some embodiments, a second number representing a second total number of opinions may be placed next to the second form of indicia. According to some embodiments, a number representing a total number of favorable opinions may be provided adjacent a first redemption option [151] of the number of redemption options [151] available for purchase. According to some embodiments, the number of favorable opinions may comprise a favorable opinion of a user [91] accessing the browser [131]. According to some embodiments, the number of favorable opinions may comprise a number of avatar images of contacts or friends [145] of a user [91], for example, a number of avatar images of contacts or friends [145] of a user [91] accessing the browser [131]. According to some embodiments, a first redemption option [151] of the number of redemption options [151] available for purchase may comprise a number of avatar images of contacts or friends [145] of the user [91] adjacent thereto. According to some embodiments, each avatar image may be representative of an individual who has a favorable opinion of the first redemption option [151]. According to some embodiments, a second redemption option [151] of the number of redemption options [151] available for purchase may comprise a number of avatar images of contacts or friends [145] of the user [91] adjacent thereto, wherein each avatar image may be representative of an individual who has a favorable opinion of the second redemption option [151]. According to some embodiments, one of the first or second redemption options having the largest number of avatar images may be presented on the browser [131] in a more conspicuous fashion than the other of the first or second redemption options having a lesser number of avatar images. According to some embodiments, the avatar images of contacts or friends [145] of the user [91] accessing the browser [131] may comprise system-based and/or third-party avatar images. According to some embodiments, system-based avatar images may be provided to the system via image capture means [116] provided to a system kiosk [3], or uploaded to the system using a system website [127] or system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the system application [147] may comprise a mobile application. According to some embodiments, the third-party avatar images may be imported from a third-party application [148].

[0199] A method of offering a redemption option is also provided. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise one or more of the following steps: providing a browser [131] configured to display a number of redemption options [151] available for purchase by a user [91]; providing data input means [117] to the browser [131] which may be configured to receive user input [4] regarding a recipient location [143] or otherwise determine automatically determine a recipient location [143] via recipient locating means; and/or displaying one or more appropriate redemption options [151] according to the recipient location [143], wherein the appropriate redemption options [151] may be redeemable within a proximity of the recipient location [143]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of arranging the one or more appropriate redemption options [151] by relative distance between the recipient location [143] and a physical location of one or more vendors or entities [65] providing the one or more appropriate redemption options [151]. According to some embodiments, the one or more appropriate redemption options [151] may comprise a first appropriate redemption option [151] associated with a first vendor or entity [65] located a first relative distance from the recipient location [143]. According to some embodiments, the one or more appropriate redemption options [151] may comprise a second appropriate redemption option [151] associated with a second vendor or entity [65] located a second relative distance from the recipient location [143] which is greater than the first relative distance. According to some embodiments, the first redemption option [151] may be presented on the browser [131] in a more conspicuous fashion than the second redemption option [151]. According to some embodiments, the one or more appropriate redemption options [151] may relate to the same good or service. According to some embodiments, the one or more appropriate redemption options [151] may relate to the same brand of good or service. According to some embodiments, the one or more appropriate redemption options [151] displayed may be provided by a number of unaffiliated vendors or entities [65]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of displaying the one or more appropriate redemption options on a map-based display. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of displaying directional information on the map-based display.

[0200] According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing turn-by-turn directions. According to some embodiments, the turn-by-turn directions may comprise turn-by-turn directions to the location of the one or more appropriate redemption options [151], wherein the location of the one or more appropriate redemption options [151] may be indoors. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of displaying one or more favorable opinions on the map-based display. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of allowing a user to select an appropriate redemption option [151] using the map-based display and the one or more favorable opinions. According to some embodiments, the one or more favorable opinions may comprise favorable opinions by contacts or friends [145] of the user [91] accessing the browser [131]. According to some embodiments, the one or more favorable opinions may comprise a total number of favorable opinions. According to some embodiments, the total number of favorable opinions may be provided next to indicia. According to some embodiments, the indicia may be alpha-numeric in nature. According to some embodiments, the alphanumeric indicia may comprise the word “like” or “likes” in a predetermined language. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise one or more avatar images. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise a thumbs-up icon. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise a heart-shaped icon. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise an icon resembling a “+” (plus sign). According to some embodiments, the total number of favorable opinions may be equivalent to the total number of user [91] contacts or friends [145] which have a favorable opinion of the first redemption option [151]. According to some embodiments, the one or more favorable opinions on the map-based display may comprise a total number of favorable opinions of a population in general. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of accessing the information regarding the one or more favorable opinions from a third-party application [148]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of displaying one or more favorable opinions on the map-based display. According to some embodiments, a total number of favorable opinions may be provided next to indicia. According to some embodiments, the respective favorable opinions may be shown on the map-based display in the form of indicia. According to some embodiments, the indicia shown on the map-based display may comprise one or more avatar images. According to some embodiments, the one or more avatar images may be scrollable. According to some embodiments, the one or more avatar images may be active links. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of engaging the one or more active links. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the browser [131] prompting the user [91] to send a redemption option to an individual associated with the engaged avatar image.

[0201] A map-based display capable of being provided on a user interface [106] associated with a kiosk [3], a system application [147], or system website [127], wherein the map-based display may comprise indicia thereon which is representative of a favorable opinion of at least one of the group consisting of: a vendor or entity [65] located on the map-based display, a good or service [151] provided by a vendor or entity [65] located on the map-based display, and a brand of good or service [151] provided by a vendor or entity [65] located on the map-based display. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise a total number of favorable opinions. According to some embodiments, the indicia may be alpha-numeric in nature. According to some embodiments, the alphanumeric indicia may comprise the word “like” or “likes” in a predetermined language. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise one or more avatar images. According to some embodiments, the one or more avatar images may be scrollable. According to some embodiments, the one or more avatar images may be active links. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise a thumbs-up icon. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise a heart-shaped icon. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise an icon resembling a “+” (plus sign). According to some embodiments, the indicia on the map-based display which is representative of a favorable opinion may comprise favorable opinions by contacts or friends [145] of a user [91] accessing the user interface [106]. According to some embodiments, the indicia on the map-based display which is representative of a favorable opinion may comprise system-based and/or third-party favorable opinions. According to some embodiments, system-based favorable opinions may be represented with a first form of indicia. According to some embodiments, third-party favorable opinions may be represented with a second form of indicia which is different from the first form of indicia. According to some embodiments, the first form of indicia may comprise a heart shape. According to some embodiments, the third-party favorable opinions may be represented with a thumbs-up icon. According to some embodiments, the third-party favorable opinions may be represented with an icon. According to some embodiments, the icon may comprise a “+” (plus sign). According to some embodiments, the first form of indicia may comprise a first number representing a first total number of opinions. According to some embodiments, the second form of indicia may comprise a second number representing a second total number of opinions. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise a favorable opinion of a user [91] accessing the user interface [106]. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise a favorable opinion of contacts or friends [145] of a user [91] accessing the user interface [106]. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise a number of avatar images of contacts or friends [145] of a user [91] accessing the user interface [106]. According to some embodiments, each avatar image may be representative of an individual who has a favorable opinion of the vendor or entity [65], good or service [151], or brand of good or service [151]. According to some embodiments, each avatar image may comprise an active link. According to some embodiments, the third-party avatar images may be imported from a third-party application [148]. According to some embodiments, wherein vendor or entities [65], goods or services [151], or brands of goods or services [151] having a greater number of favorable opinions may be presented on the map-based display in a more conspicuous fashion than vendor or entities [65], goods or services [151], or brands of goods or services [151] having a lesser number of favorable opinions.

[0202] A method of sending funds or credits is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of a first user [91] at a first location [2] sending a message [41] to a second user [92] at a second location via one of a system application [147], a system website [127], and a system kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of a second user [92] at a second location [2] receiving the message [41] from the first user [91] via the second user's mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may indicate information regarding a redemption option sent by the first user [91]. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may comprise instructions to the second user [92] regarding how to redeem or use the funds or credits. According to some embodiments, the instructions to the second user [92] regarding how to send funds or credits may comprise the step of providing a selection option to the second user [92] regarding whether to accept or decline transfer of funds or credits from the first user [91]. According to some embodiments, the selection option may comprise an option to reply with a message or a “thank you” gift. According to some embodiments, the option to reply with a message may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: an option to provide alphanumeric message information [25] to be communicated to the first user [91] via a text data entry field; an option to post a message to the first user's [91] system profile [130]; an option to post a message to the first user's [91] social network profile via a third-party application [148]; an option to provide spontaneous image information [6] to be communicated to the first user [91] via image capture means [116]; an option to provide personal stored image information [6] to be communicated to the first user [91] via file upload; an option to select stock image information [6] to be communicated to the first user [91]; an option to post image information [6] to the first user's [91] system profile [130]; an option to post image information [6] to the first user's [91] social network profile via a third-party application [148]; an option to provide spontaneous audio information [7] to be communicated to the first user [91] via voice recording; an option to provide personal stored audio information [7] to be communicated to the first user [91] via file upload; an option to select stock audio information [7] to be communicated to the first user [91]; an option to post audio information [7] to the first user's [91] system profile [130]; and an option to post audio information [7] to the first user's [91] social network profile via a third-party application [148]. According to some embodiments, the option to reply with a gift, such as a “thank you gift”, may comprise selecting one or more redemption options from a browser [131]. According to some embodiments, the one or more redemption options may comprise any one or more of the group consisting of: electronic funds, a ticket [75], a pass [67], a coupon [16], a redemption code, a gift card [15], a voucher, a lottery ticket [82], a pawn ticket, a loan ticket, stock or tradable fund [81], a credit card [12], pre-paid minutes [76], a check [14], customer loyalty points [78], miles points, frequent diner points, cryptographic currency [18], a credit to the second users [92] credit card account [12], a credit to the second user's [92] debit account [13], system account credit [17], a receipt [20], and postage [25]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the second user providing payment data [10] to purchase the one or more redemption options selected by the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the one or more redemption options selected by the second user [92] may be instantly available for use by the first [91] user after the first user [91] receives the one or more redemption options from the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the instructions to the second user [92] regarding how to redeem or use the funds or credits may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: an option to redeem now, an option to redeem later, an option to redeem at a kiosk, an option to add funds or credits to a card, and an option to add funds or credits to a profile. According to some embodiments, the one or more redemption options may be instantly available for use by the second [92] user after the second user [92] receives the one or more redemption options from the first user [91]. According to some embodiments, the one or more redemption options may be instantly available for use by the second [92] user after the system processes the transaction. According to some embodiments, the transaction may be processed in under 1 hour. According to some embodiments, the transaction may be processed in under 30 minutes. According to some embodiments, the transaction may be processed in under 15 minutes. According to some embodiments, the transaction may be processed in under 10 minutes. According to some embodiments, the transaction may be processed in under 5 minutes. According to some embodiments, the transaction may be processed in under 2 minutes. According to some embodiments, the transaction may be processed in under 60 seconds. According to some embodiments, the transaction may be processed in under 45 seconds. According to some embodiments, the transaction may be processed in under 30 seconds. According to some embodiments, the transaction may be processed in under 15 seconds. According to some embodiments, the transaction may be processed in under 10 seconds. According to some embodiments, the transaction may be processed in under 5 seconds. According to some embodiments, the transaction may be processed without further human interaction between the first [91] user and the second [92] user.

[0203] A system application [147] configured for sending funds or credits from a first user [91] to a second user [92] is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the system application [147] may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: payment receiving means [100] configured to receive payment data [10] from the first user [91]; payment dispensing means [106] configured to send payment data [10] received from the first user [91]; and a user interface [106] suitable for receiving and interpreting inputs [4] made by the first user [91]. According to some embodiments, the user interface [106] may comprise a browser [131] configured to present a number of sendable redemption options to the first user [91]. According to some embodiments, the user interface [106] may be configured with means for allowing the first user [91] to select a second user [92] as an intended recipient of funds or credits. According to some embodiments, the system application [147] may be configured to be installed on a mobile device [96] of the first user [91]. According to some embodiments, the means for allowing the first user [91] to select a second user [92] as an intended recipient of funds or credits may comprise executable code for selecting a contact from a contact list. According to some embodiments, the contact list may be imported from mobile device contacts stored on the first user's [91] mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the contact list may be imported from contacts [145] associated with a third party application [148] or website [93]. According to some embodiments, the system application [147] may comprise a module, add-in, plug in, or API which may be configured to link a third-party application [148] account or third-party website [93] account to the system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the means for allowing the first user [91] to select a second user [92] as an intended recipient of funds or credits may comprise means for actively interacting with an avatar image of the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the means for actively interacting with an avatar image of the second user [92] may be configured to provide an option to send funds when the avatar image is clicked, pressed, touched, dragged, operatively engaged, tactilely engaged, or right-clicked. According to some embodiments, the means for actively interacting with an avatar image of the second user [92] may comprise an active link associated with the avatar image of the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the system application [147] may be configured to provide an option to send funds after the avatar image of the second user [92] is clicked, pressed, touched, dragged, operatively engaged, tactilely engaged, or right-clicked. According to some embodiments, the browser [131] may be configured to show one or more redemption items available for purchase by the first user [91] which may be sent to the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the browser [131] may be configured to only show one or more redemption items of which the second user [92] has a favorable opinion. According to some embodiments, the browser [131] may be configured to only show one or more redemption items which are redeemable within a proximity of the second user's [92] permanent location. According to some embodiments, the favorable opinion of the second user [92] may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: a favorable opinion comprising three or more stars of a five star rating, a “like” associated with a social network [93], and a system-based favorite [140]. According to some embodiments, means for allowing the first user [91] to select a second user [92] as an intended recipient of funds or credits may comprise interacting with a profile [130] page of the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the means for allowing the first user [91] to select a second user [92] as an intended recipient of funds or credits may comprise interacting with a profile [130] page of the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the profile [130] page of the second user [92] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a system profile [130], an online profile, and a profile of a third-party social network [93]. According to some embodiments, the profile [130] page of the second user [92] may comprise a profile [130] page of a contact, relative, or friend [145] of the first user [91]. According to some embodiments, the avatar image of the second user [92] may comprise indicia suggestive of a contact, relative, or friend [145] of the first user [91]. According to some embodiments, the means for allowing the first user [91] to select a second user [92] as an intended recipient of funds or credits may comprise means for actively interacting with alpha-numeric text associated with the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the alpha-numeric text associated with the second user [92] may comprise a phone number of the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the alpha-numeric text associated with the second user [92] may comprise a name of the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the alpha-numeric text associated with the second user [92] may comprise a name of the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the payment receiving means [100] may be configured to receive payment data [10] from the first user's [91] mobile digital wallet associated with the mobile device [96] of the first user [91].

[0204] A method of receiving funds or credits is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise a second user [92] at a second location [2] receiving a message [41] from a first user [91] at a first location [2] via the second user's mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may comprise redemption information [64]. According to some embodiments, the redemption information [64] may be instantly utilized by the second user [92] at vendor or entity [65] which may honor the redemption option [64], for example, upon receipt. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the first user [91] sending the message [41] to the second user [92] via one of a system application [147], a system website [127], and a system kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing to the second user [92], an option for the second user [92] to request additional funds or credits to be sent to the second user [92] from the first user [91]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the second user [92] trading the redemption information [64] by accessing a browser [131] provided to the second user's [92] mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the browser [131] may be provided to a system application [147] installed on the second user's mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of selecting one or more tradable redemption options via the browser [131]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing to the second user [92], an option for the second user [92] to accept transfer of the redemption information [64] from the first user [91] to the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing to the second user [92], an option for the second user [92] to decline transfer of the redemption information [64] from the first user [91] to the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing to the second user [92], an option for the second user [92] to respond to the first user [91] with a message [41]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the second user [92] responding to the first user [91] with a message; for example, a message which may comprise image information [6] or audio information [7]. According to some embodiments, the message [41] to the first user [91] may be delivered to the first user's [91] mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may comprise an SMS or MMS-based message sent to the first user's [91] mobile device [96] via the first user's [91] service provider. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may comprise a system application [147]-based message, wherein the message [41] may be sent via the system application [147]. According to some embodiments, a unique sound may accompany the message [41]. According to some embodiments, the unique sound may comprise a hallmark sound which is associated with the system, such as a system trademark sound. According to some embodiments, the unique sound may be associated with the second user [92]; for example, suggestive of the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may be sent via a third party application [148]. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may be in the form of a browser [131] pop-up; such as a pop-up window. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may be in the form of an email. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may be in the form of an instant message. According to some embodiments, the instant message may be delivered via a system application [147] installed on the second user's mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the instant message may be delivered via a third-party application [148] or third-party website on the second user's mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the message [41] may comprise instructions to the second user [92] regarding how to redeem or use the funds or credits. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing an option to the second user [92] an option to reply to the first user [91] with a message or a gift, such as a “thank you” gift. According to some embodiments, the option to reply with a message may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: an option to provide alphanumeric message information [25] to be communicated to the first user [91] via a text data entry field; an option to post a message to the first user's [91] system profile [130]; an option to post a message to the first user's [91] social network profile via a third-party application [148]; an option to provide spontaneous image information [6] to be communicated to the first user [91] via image capture means [116] provided to the second user's mobile device [96] or computing device [95]; an option to provide personal stored image information [6] to be communicated to the first user [91] via file upload; an option to select stock image information [6] to be communicated to the first user [91]; an option to post image information [6] to the first user's [91] system profile [130]; an option to post image information [6] to the first user's [91] social network profile via a third-party application [148]; an option to provide spontaneous audio information [7] to be communicated to the first user [91] via voice recording made with audio input means [103] provided to the second user's mobile device [96] or computing device [95]; an option to provide personal stored audio information [7] to be communicated to the first user [91] via file upload; an option to select stock audio information [7] to be communicated to the first user [91]; an option to post audio information [7] to the first user's [91] system profile [130]; and an option to post audio information [7] to the first user's [91] social network profile via a third-party application [148]. According to some embodiments, the option to reply with a gift, such as a “thank you gift”, may comprise selecting one or more redemption options from a browser [131]. According to some embodiments, the one or more redemption options may comprise any one or more of the group consisting of: electronic funds, a ticket [75], a pass [67], a coupon [16], a redemption code, a gift card [15], a voucher, a lottery ticket [82], a pawn ticket, a loan ticket, stock or tradable fund [81], a credit card [12], pre-paid minutes [76], a check [14], customer loyalty points [78], miles points, frequent diner points, cryptographic currency [18], a credit to the second users [92] credit card account [12], a credit to the second user's [92] debit account [13], system account credit [17], a receipt [20], and postage [25]. According to some embodiments, the redemption information [64] may comprise information regarding any one or more of the group consisting of: electronic funds, a ticket [75], a pass [67], a coupon [16], a redemption code, a gift card [15], a voucher, a lottery ticket [82], a pawn ticket, a loan ticket, stock or tradable fund [81], a credit card [12], pre-paid minutes [76], a check [14], customer loyalty points [78], miles points, frequent diner points, cryptographic currency [18], a credit to the second users [92] credit card account [12], a credit to the second user's [92] debit account [13], system account credit [17], a receipt [20], and postage [25]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the second user [92] providing payment data [10] to purchase the one or more redemption options selected by the second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the one or more redemption options selected by the second user [92] may be instantly available for use by the first [91] user after the first user [91] receives the one or more redemption options from the second user [92].

[0205] A method of transferring funds or credits is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing a mobile device [96] or computing device [95] having a user interface [106] and a browser [131]. According to some embodiments, the browser [131] may be integrated with a system profile [130] of a user [91] which may be logged into the mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the system profile [130] may comprise a number of contacts, relatives, or friends [145] associated with the system profile [130] of the user [91] which may be logged into the mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise displaying, e.g., via the browser [131], one or more redemption options. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing, e.g., via the user interface [106] and browser [131], means for selecting one or more redemption options. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing, via the user interface [106] and browser [131], means for sending one or more redemption options. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of displaying via the browser [131], a number of contacts, relatives, or friends [145]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing, via the user interface [106] and browser [131], means for selecting one or more of the number of contacts, relatives, or friends [145] as a recipient. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing payment receiving means [100] which may be configured to receive payment data [10] from the user [91] which may be logged into the mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing payment dispensing means [108] configured to disburse a redemption option to one of the number of contacts, relatives, or friends [145]. According to some embodiments, the number of contacts, relatives, or friends [145] may be received from a third-party application [148]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of selecting one or more of the displayed number of contacts, relatives, or friends [145]. According to some embodiments, the step of selecting one or more of the displayed number of contacts, relatives, or friends [145] may be performed by a user [91] which may be logged into the mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing, via the browser [131], an option for a user [91] to add one or more redemption options to a cart [133] associated with the selected one or more of the displayed number of contacts, relatives, or friends [145]; wherein the option may be taken by a user [91] which may be logged into the mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing, via the browser [131], an option for a user [91] to proceed to a checkout page [132] to purchase the one or more redemption options added to the cart [133; wherein the option may be taken by a user [91] which may be logged into the mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing, via the browser [131], an option for a user [91] to proceed to a checkout page [132] to purchase the one or more redemption options; wherein the option may be taken by a user [91] which may be logged into the mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing to the checkout page [132], an option to select a type of payment data [10] desired to purchase the one or more redemption options. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing, via the browser [131], an option to select a type of payment data [10] desired to purchase the one or more redemption options. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing, via the browser [131], an option to select payment data [10] from one of the group consisting of: a digital wallet, an account on file, and redemption data [64] associated with the system profile [130] of a user [91] which may be logged into the mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the redemption data [64] may comprise information selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a ticket [75], a pass [67], a coupon [16], a redemption code, a gift card [15], a voucher, a lottery ticket [82], a pawn or loan ticket, a receipt [20], a greeting card [161], a credit card [12], a pre-paid minutes card [76], a check [14], postage [25]; or information, funds, or credits relating to the one or more of the group consisting of: a ticket [75], a pass [67], a coupon [16], a redemption code, a gift card [15], a voucher, a lottery ticket [82], a pawn or loan ticket, a receipt [20], a greeting card [161], a credit card [12], a pre-paid minutes card [76], a check [14], and postage [25]. According to some embodiments, the payment data [10] may comprise information selected from one or more of the group consisting of: credit-based payment data [12], debit-based payment data [13], check-based payment data [14], points redemption-based payment data [78], gift card redemption-based payment data [15], voucher-based payment data, coupon-based payment data [16], redemption code-based payment data, system account credit-based payment data [17], cryptographic currency-based payment data [18], traded fund-based payment [81] data, ticket-based payment data [75], pass-based payment data [67], coupon-based payment data [16], lottery-based payment data [82], pawn or loan ticket-based payment data, receipt-based payment data [20], pre-paid minutes-based payment data [76], check-based payment data [14], and postage-based payment data [25]. According to some embodiments, the step of displaying, via the browser [131], one or more redemption options may comprise displaying only one or more redemption options which have a favorable opinion by the one or more of the number of contacts, relatives, or friends [145] selected as a recipient. According to some embodiments, the favorable opinion may comprise a system-based favorite [140]. According to some embodiments, the favorable opinion may comprise indicia representing a “like”; for example, indicia suggesting liking an item, product, good, or service. According to some embodiments, the indicia representing a “like” may be affiliated with a third-party application [148]. According to some embodiments, the step of displaying, via the browser [131], one or more redemption options may comprise displaying only one or more redemption options which have a favorable opinion by the number of contacts, relatives, or friends [145]. According to some embodiments, the number of contacts, relatives, or friends [145] may comprise one or more contacts provided to a mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the step of selecting one or more of the number of contacts, relatives, or friends [145] as a recipient may comprise selecting the one or more contacts provided to the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing a system application [147] supporting the browser [131] and user interface [106]. According to some embodiments, the step of displaying, via the browser [131], one or more redemption options, may comprise not displaying one or more redemption options which have a negative opinion by the number of contacts, relatives, or friends [145].

[0206] A method of providing authorization is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise one or more of the steps consisting of: providing reader means [102]; providing a card [19] having information thereon; providing a mobile device [96]; presenting the card [19] to the reader means [102]; reading the information associated with the card [19] with the reader means [110]; triggering a request for first authentication data to be sent upon reading the information associated with the card [19]; sending the first authentication data to the mobile device [96]; and presenting the first authentication data sent to the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing scanner means [102]. According to some embodiments, the first authentication data may comprise image data [6]. According to some embodiments, the step of presenting the first authentication data sent to the mobile device [96] may comprise the step of presenting a display of the mobile device [96] having the first authentication data provided thereto adjacent to the scanner means [102]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of sending the first authentication data to the scanner means [102]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of scanning the display of the mobile device [96] having the first authentication data thereon. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of comparing the first authentication data sent to the scanner means [102] with the first authentication data provided to the display of the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of verifying the card [19]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of allowing the card [19] to be used for a transaction; for example, after the step of verifying the card [19]. According to some embodiments, the transaction may comprise a login to a kiosk [3]; for example, the action of logging into a system application [147] or profile [130] of a user [91] of the card [19], via the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the transaction may comprise a purchase. According to some embodiments, the transaction may comprise a redemption; for example, a redemption for an item, product, good, or service. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing audio input means [103] adjacent the reader means [110]. According to some embodiments, the first authentication data may comprise audio data [7]. According to some embodiments, the step of presenting the first authentication data sent to the mobile device [96] may comprise emitting the audio data [7] from the mobile device [96] adjacent the audio input means [103]. According to some embodiments, the step of emitting the audio data [7] may be user-prompted. According to some embodiments, the step of emitting the audio data [7] may be automatic. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of sending the first authentication data to the reader means [110]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of interpreting the audio data [7] emitted from the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of comparing the first authentication data sent to the reader means [110] with the audio data [7] emitted from the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the first authentication data may be configured to be utilized as an equivalent of a personal identification number (PIN). According to some embodiments, the first authentication data may comprise image data [6] selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a password, a passphrase, a message [41], a design [42], a 1D barcode, a 2D barcode, a data matrix code, a QR code, an image, a graphic, printed matter, text, characters, an alpha-numeric code, a photo, indicia, user data [8], a color, and a CAPTCHA code image. According to some embodiments, the first authentication data may comprise a CAPTCHA code image. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing data input means [117] adjacent the reader means [110]. According to some embodiments, the step of presenting the first authentication data sent to the mobile device [96] may comprise entering the CAPTCHA code associated with the CAPCHA code image using the data input means [117]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing a data input means [117] adjacent the reader means [110] which may be configured to receive CAPTCHA codes. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of sending information pertaining to the first authentication data to the reader means [110]. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to the first authentication data may comprise a CAPTCHA code associated with the CAPCHA code image sent to the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of comparing the CAPTCHA code sent to the reader means [110] with the CAPTCHA code associated with the CAPCHA code image entered using the data input means [117].

[0207] A method of providing authorization is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise one or more of the steps consisting of: providing scanning means [102]; providing a mobile device [96] having indicia displayed thereon; presenting the mobile device [96] proximate to the scanning means [102]; reading the indicia displayed on the mobile device [96] with the scanning means [102]; triggering a request for first authentication data to be sent upon reading the indicia displayed on the mobile device [96]; sending a first authentication data to the mobile device [96]; and presenting the first authentication data sent to the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the first authentication data may comprise image data [6]. According to some embodiments, the step of presenting the first authentication data sent to the mobile device [96] may comprise presenting a display of the mobile device [96] having the first authentication data provided thereto adjacent to the scanner means [102]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of sending the first authentication data to the scanner means [102]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step scanning the display of the mobile device [96] having the first authentication data thereon. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step comparing the first authentication data sent to the scanner means [102] with the first authentication data provided to the display of the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the transaction may comprise a login to a kiosk [3]; for example, the action of logging into a system application [147] or profile [130] of a user [91], via the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the transaction may comprise a purchase. According to some embodiments, the transaction may comprise a redemption; for example, a redemption for an item, product, good, or service. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise providing audio input means [103] adjacent the scanner means [102]. According to some embodiments, the first authentication data may comprise audio data [7]. According to some embodiments, the step of presenting the first authentication data sent to the mobile device [96] may comprise emitting the audio data [7] from the mobile device [96] adjacent the audio input means [103]. According to some embodiments, the step of emitting the audio data [7] may be user-prompted. According to some embodiments, the step of emitting the audio data [7] may be automatic. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise sending the first authentication data to the scanning means [102]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise interpreting the audio data [7] emitted from the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise comparing the first authentication data sent to the scanning means [102] with the audio data [7] emitted from the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise verifying the indicia displayed on the mobile device [96] and allowing the indicia displayed on the mobile device [96] to be used for a transaction. According to some embodiments, the first authentication data may be configured to be utilized as an equivalent of a personal identification number (PIN). According to some embodiments, the first authentication data may comprise image data [6] selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a password, a passphrase, a message [41], a design [42], a 1D barcode, a 2D barcode, a data matrix code, a QR code, an image, a graphic, printed matter, text, characters, an alpha-numeric code, a photo, indicia, user data [8], a color, and a CAPTCHA code image. According to some embodiments, the first authentication data may comprise a CAPTCHA code image. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise providing data input means [117] adjacent the scanner means [102]. According to some embodiments, the step of presenting the first authentication data sent to the mobile device [96] may comprise the step of entering the CAPTCHA code associated with the CAPCHA code image using the data input means [117]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing data input means [117] adjacent the reader means [110] which may be configured to receive CAPTCHA codes. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of sending information pertaining to the first authentication data to the reader means [110]. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to the first authentication data may comprise a CAPTCHA code associated with the CAPCHA code image sent to the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of comparing the CAPTCHA code sent to the reader means [110] with the CAPTCHA code associated with the CAPCHA code image entered using the data input means [117]. According to some embodiments, the transaction may comprise a login to a kiosk [3]; for example, the action of logging into a system application [147] or profile [130] of a user [91], via the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the transaction may comprise a purchase. According to some embodiments, the transaction may comprise a redemption; for example, a redemption for an item, product, good, or service. According to some embodiments, the first authentication data may comprise an alphanumeric code. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing data input means [117] adjacent the scanner means [102]. According to some embodiments, the step of presenting the first authentication data sent to the mobile device [96] may comprise entering the alpha-numeric code using the data input means [117]. According to some embodiments, the first authentication data may comprise one or more of the codes selected from the group consisting of: a 1D barcode, a 2D barcode, a data matrix code, and a QR code. According to some embodiments, the step of presenting the first authentication data sent to the mobile device [96] may comprise presenting the 1D barcode, 2D barcode, data matrix code, or QR code proximate to or adjacent to the scanning means [102].

[0208] A method of purchasing an item from a vendor or entity [65] which may not accept cryptocurrency [18] is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, an item may comprise a first cost value in a first vendor or entity [65]-accepted unit. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing a system which may comprise a digital currency exchange client. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing a profile [130] with the system. According to some embodiments, the profile may have payment data [10] associated therewith. According to some embodiments, the payment data [10] may comprise cryptographic currency [18] in a cryptographic currency denomination, and a public address. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing a card [19] having information thereon, wherein the card [19] may be associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of presenting the card [19] to reader means [110] configured to read information on the card [19]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of reading the information associated with the card [19] with the reader means [110]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of converting the first cost value in a first vendor or entity [65]-accepted unit to an equivalent second cost value in a cryptographic currency denomination. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of withdrawing at least the second cost value from the payment data [10] associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of crediting the card [19] with at least the first cost value in a first vendor or entity [65]-accepted unit. According to some embodiments, the card [19], once credited, may be accepted by the vendor or entity [65] which may not accept cryptocurrency [18]. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may comprise a magnetic stripe [87] or a chip [86] or an RFID device [88]. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may comprise a plastic wallet. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may comprise one or more QR codes. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may comprise a load and verify QR code. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may comprise a spend QR code. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may comprise a deterministic wallet seed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of sending a private key associated with the cryptographic currency [18] to the digital currency exchange client; for example, when information associated with the card [19] is read by the reader means [110]. According to some embodiments, the step of sending a private key may comprise accessing a user interface [106] on a mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, at least the withdrawn second cost value from the payment data [10] associated with the profile [130] may be added to a system cyryptoaccount.

[0209] A method of providing authorization is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise one or more of the steps: providing scanning means [102] associated with a payment terminal [100]; providing a mobile device [96] having indicia displayed thereon;

presenting the mobile device [96] proximate to the scanning means [102]; reading the indicia displayed on the mobile device [96] with the scanning means [102]; triggering a request for first authentication data upon reading the indicia displayed on the mobile device [96]; and, presenting the first authentication data. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing a card [19] having the first authentication data thereon. According to some embodiments, the step of presenting the first authentication data may comprise presenting the card [19]. According to some embodiments, the step of presenting the card [19] may comprise presenting the card at a point of sale to an individual for the purpose of verifying the indicia displayed on the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the first authentication data may comprise image data [6]. According to some embodiments, the step of presenting the first authentication data may comprise presenting the card [19] having the first authentication data provided thereto adjacent to the scanning means [102]. According to some embodiments, the first authentication data may comprise image data [6] selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a password, a passphrase, a message [41], a design [42], a 1D barcode, a 2D barcode, a data matrix code, a QR code, an image, a graphic, printed matter, text, characters, an alpha-numeric code, a photo, indicia, user data [8], a color, and a CAPTCHA code image. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of sending the first authentication data to the payment terminal [100]. According to some embodiments, the step of sending the first authentication data to the payment terminal [100] may be performed during the step of reading the indicia displayed on the mobile device [96] with the scanning means [102]. According to some embodiments, the indicia displayed on the mobile device [96] may contain information regarding a redemption option. According to some embodiments, the indicia displayed on the mobile device [96] may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: redemption data [64], purchase data [9], and payment data [10]. According to some embodiments, the indicia displayed on the mobile device [96] may comprise the first authentication data. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of comparing the first authentication data sent to the payment terminal [100] with the first authentication data provided to the card [19] presented to the scanning means [102]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of sending first authentication data to the payment terminal [100] when the indicia displayed on the mobile device [96] is read by the scanning means [102]. According to some embodiments, the first authentication data may comprise audio information [7]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing audio input means [103] adjacent the scanning means [102] and communicating with the payment terminal [100]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of sending the first authentication data to the payment terminal [100]. According to some embodiments, the step of sending the first authentication data to the payment terminal [100] may comprise a server [122, 125, 128, 136] configured to send the first authentication data to the payment terminal [100]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the server [122, 125, 128, 136] sending the first authentication data to the payment terminal [100]. According to some embodiments, the step of sending the first authentication data to the payment terminal [100] may be performed during the step of reading the indicia displayed on the mobile device [96] with the scanning means [102]. According to some embodiments, the indicia displayed on the mobile device [96] may comprise the first authentication data and/or information pertaining to a redemption option. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to a redemption option may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: redemption data [64], purchase data [9], and payment data [10]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of emitting first authentication data from the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the audio input means [103] reading the emitted first authentication data. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of comparing the emitted first authentication data from the mobile device [96] with the first authentication data sent to the payment terminal [100]. According to some embodiments, the first authentication data sent to the payment terminal may comprise information regarding an electronic address of the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the information regarding an electronic address of the mobile device [96] may comprise the phone number of the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the payment terminal [100] may communicate a unique audio sequence to the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the step of emitting first authentication data from the mobile device [96] may comprise the step of emitting the unique audio sequence. According to some embodiments, the step of emitting first authentication data from the mobile device [96] may comprise the step of emitting a unique audio sequence which may then be interpreted by the payment terminal [100].

[0210] A system for providing authorization of a transaction is also disclosed. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise a terminal [3, 97, 100, 108]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise means for reading [116, 102] an article having indicia thereon associated with the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108]. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise embedded information regarding a transaction and/or embedded information regarding an authentication code. According to some embodiments, the means for reading [116, 102] may be configured to read the indicia displayed on the article. According to some embodiments, the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] may be configured to interpret the embedded information and the embedded information regarding an authentication code. According to some embodiments, the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] be configured to receive secondary input [4] associated with the embedded information regarding an authentication code. According to some embodiments, the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] may be configured to interpret received secondary input associated with the embedded information regarding an authentication code. According to some embodiments, the terminal [3, 95, 97, 100, 108] may be configured to prompt a user [92] providing the article having indicia thereon, to provide an input [4] regarding the authentication code. According to some embodiments, the authentication code may have been previously provided to the user [92] by an individual [91] or vendor/entity [65] that provided the user [92] with the article having indicia thereon. According to some embodiments, the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] may comprise means configured to receive the input [4], wherein the means configured to receive the input [4] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a user interface [106], audio input means [103], and data input means [117]. According to some embodiments, the authentication code may comprise a password or pass phrase. According to some embodiments, the authentication code may comprise an alpha-numeric code which may be entered using data input means [117]. According to some embodiments, the authentication code may comprise a verbal password or passphrase which may be spoken aloud by the user [92] and received by the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] using audio input means [103]. According to some embodiments, the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] may be configured to compare the input [4] regarding the authentication code provided by the user [92] in order to validate the article having indicia thereon; for example, to complete a transaction. According to some embodiments, the authentication code may comprise image data [6] selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a design, a 1D barcode, a 2D barcode, a data matrix code, a QR code, an image, a graphic, printed matter, text, characters, an alphanumeric code, a photo, indicia, user data [8], a color, and a CAPTCHA code image. According to some embodiments, the embedded information regarding an authentication code may comprise user data [8]. According to some embodiments, the embedded information regarding an authentication code may comprise one or more of a phone number [53], an account number [48], and/or a name [47] of an intended recipient [92] of an article having indicia thereon. According to some embodiments, the embedded information regarding an authentication code may comprise a phone number [53] of an intended recipient of an article having indicia thereon. According to some embodiments, the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] may be configured to send authentication data to a mobile device [96] associated with the phone number [53]; for example, when the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] interprets the embedded information regarding an authentication code. According to some embodiments, the authentication data configured to be sent by the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] may be randomly generated. According to some embodiments, the authentication data configured to be sent by the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] may contain image data [6]. According to some embodiments, the authentication data configured to be sent by the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] may contain audio data [7]. According to some embodiments, the authentication data sent to the mobile device [96] may be conveyed back to the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108]. According to some embodiments, the authentication data sent to the mobile device [96] may be conveyed back to the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] in the form of image data [6]. According to some embodiments, the authentication data sent to the mobile device [96] by the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] may be conveyed back to the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] in the form of image data [6]. According to some embodiments, the authentication data may be received by means provided to the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] selected from one or more of the group consisting of: image capture means [116] and scanning means [102]. According to some embodiments, the authentication data sent to the mobile device [96] by the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] may be conveyed back to the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] in the form of audio data [7], and may be received by audio input means [103] provided to the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108]. According to some embodiments, the authentication data sent to the mobile device [96] by the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] may be conveyed back to the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] in the form of a wireless signal, and may be received by reader means [110] provided to the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108]. According to some embodiments, the wireless signal may be delivered via near field communication (NFC) protocol. According to some embodiments, the reader means [110] may be configured to read wireless signals delivered via near field communication (NFC) protocol. According to some embodiments, the embedded information regarding an authentication code may comprise an account number [48] or name [47] of an intended recipient [92] of an article having indicia thereon. According to some embodiments, the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] may be configured to receive information associated with a card [19]. According to some embodiments, the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] may comprise a card reader configured to receive information associated with a card [19]. According to some embodiments, the card reader may comprise image capture means [116] configured to receive information pertaining to indicia provided on the card [19], such as image data [6] or alpha-numeric information [89]. According to some embodiments, the card reader may comprise scanning means [102] which may be configured to receive information pertaining to indicia provided on the card [19], such as a type of barcode [79]. According to some embodiments, the card reader may comprise reader means [110] which may be configured to receive information pertaining to digital information associated with the card [19]. According to some embodiments, the reader means [110] may be configured to receive information pertaining to digital information associated with the card [19] via contact between the reader means [110] and the card [19], such as a magnetic stripe [87] or chip [86]. According to some embodiments, the reader means [110] may be configured to receive information pertaining to digital information associated with the card [19] without contact between the reader means [110] and the card [19]. According to some embodiments, the reader means [110] may comprise a near field communication (NFC) protocol device, and the card [19] may comprise a near field communication (NFC) protocol device [86]. According to some embodiments, the reader means [110] may comprise an RFID reader, and the card [19] may comprise an RFID tag [88]. According to some embodiments, the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] may be configured to compare the information associated with a card [19] received by the card reader, with the account number [48] or name [47] of an intended recipient [92] of an article having indicia thereon. According to some embodiments, the information associated with a card [19] received by the card reader may comprise an account number [48] or name [47] associated with the card [19]. According to some embodiments, if the account number [48] or name [47] associated with the card [19] is the same as the account number [48] or name [47] of an intended recipient [92] of an article having indicia thereon (which may be determined from the embedded information regarding an authentication code within the indicia), then a transaction utilizing the article having indicia thereon may proceed. According to some embodiments, the transaction may comprise a redemption, the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] may comprise a redemption terminal, and the article having indicia thereon may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a physical coupon [16], a digital coupon [16], a physical voucher, an electronic voucher, a redemption code, a physical gift card [15], an electronic gift card [15], an eGift certificate, a physical ticket [75], an electronic ticket [75], a physical pass [67], an electronic pass [67], a physical lottery ticket [82], an electronic lottery ticket [82], a physical pawn or loan ticket, an electronic pawn or loan ticket, a physical document containing stock or tradable fund [81] information, an electronic document containing stock or tradable fund [81] information, a physical credit card [12], an electronic credit card [12], a physical debit card [13], an electronic debit card [13], a physical pre-paid minutes [76] card, an electronic prepaid minutes [76] redemption, a physical check [14], an electronic check [14], a physical receipt [20], an electronic receipt [20], a physical cash [11] voucher, an electronic cash [11] voucher, a casino chip, a physical customer loyalty points [78] card, a digital customer loyalty points card, a physical miles reward points card, an electronic miles rewards points card, a physical frequent diner points card, an electronic frequent diner points card, a cryptographic currency [18] paper wallet, a cryptographic currency [18] coin, a cryptographic currency [18] digital wallet, a digital wallet, a mobile wallet, a physical or electronic credit, a physical postage [25] slip, an electronic postage [25] slip, electronic postage [25], a physical postage [25] credit card, an electronic postage credit card, a card [19], and a mobile device [96] display. According to some embodiments, the terminal [3, 97, 100, 108] may be located at a point of sale.

[0211] A method of shopping is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise a user [91] within a venue or location [2] approaching a vendor or selling entity [65] provided with a device configured to transmit a signal within a zone of proximity. According to some embodiments, a mobile device [96] associated with the user [91] may receive the signal; for example, when the user [91] enters the zone of proximity. According to some embodiments, the signal may comprise information relating to a redemption option. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of displaying the information relating to a redemption option on the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the information relating to a redemption option may comprise redemption data [64] or information pertaining to a good or service [151] provided by the vendor or selling entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the information relating to a redemption option may comprise information relating to a plurality of redemption options. According to some embodiments, the device configured to transmit a signal within a zone of proximity may comprise a plurality of devices configured to transmit a signal within a zone of proximity. According to some embodiments, the zones of proximity may be spaced within a structure of the vendor or selling entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing a first signal transmitted by a first device which may be configured to transmit a first signal within a first zone of proximity. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing a second signal transmitted by a second device which may be configured to transmit a second signal within a second zone of proximity. According to some embodiments, the first and second signals may be different and the first zone of proximity and second zone of proximity may be spaced from one another. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the user [91] entering the first zone of proximity and receiving the first signal. According to some embodiments, the first signal may comprise information relating to a first redemption option. According to some embodiments, the information relating to a first redemption option may comprise information pertaining to a first good or service [151]. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to a first good or service [151] may comprise information regarding a first offer, promotion, sale, coupon, discount, price, rating, opinion [140], on-your-shopping list [144] alert, notification, you-have-credit alert [64], and/or location data [143] pertaining to the first good or service [151]. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to a first good or service [151] may comprise information regarding a first on-your-shopping list [144] alert. According to some embodiments, the first on-your-shopping list [144] alert may comprise a notification that the first good or service [151] is on the user's [91] electronic shopping list [144]. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to a first good or service [151] may comprise information regarding a first you-have-credit [64] alert.

[0212] According to some embodiments, the first you have-credit [64] alert may comprise a notification that the user [91] has redemption data [64] which may be used as funds or credits to purchase all or a part of the first good or service. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to a first good or service [151] may comprise information regarding first location data [143]. According to some embodiments, the first location data [143] may comprise a notification regarding where the user [91] may find the first good or service. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to a first good or service [151] may comprise information regarding a first opinion [140]. According to some embodiments, the first opinion [140] may comprise a notification that a favorite [140] good or service [151] of the user [91] and/or a favorite [140] good or service [151] of at least one of the user's [91] contacts or friends [145] is nearby; for example, nearby in relation to a current location of the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the user [91] entering the second zone of proximity and receiving the second signal. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the user [91] entering the second zone of proximity and receiving the second signal. According to some embodiments, the second signal may comprise information relating to a second redemption option. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to a second good or service [151] may comprise information regarding a second offer, promotion, sale, coupon, discount, price, rating, opinion [140], on-your-shopping list [144] alert, notification, you-have credit alert [64], and/or location data [143] pertaining to the second good or service [151]. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to a second good or service [151] may comprise information regarding a second on-your-shopping list [144] alert. According to some embodiments, the second on-your-shopping list [144] alert may comprise a notification that the second good or service [151] is on the user's [91] electronic shopping list [144]. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to a second good or service [151] may comprise information regarding a second you-have-credit [64] alert. According to some embodiments, the second you-have-credit [64] alert may comprise a notification that the user [91] has redemption data [64] which may be used as funds or credits to purchase all or a part of the second good or service. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to a second good or service [151] may comprise information regarding second location data [143]. According to some embodiments, the second location data [143] may comprise a notification regarding where the user [91] may find the second good or service. According to some embodiments, the information pertaining to a second good or service [151] may comprise information regarding a second opinion [140]. According to some embodiments, the second opinion [140] may comprise a notification that a favorite [140] good or service [151] of the user [91] and/or a favorite [140] good or service [151] of at least one of the user's [91] contacts or friends [145] is nearby; for example, nearby in relation to a current location of the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of presenting an option to the user [91], for example, via the user's [91] mobile device [96], to purchase the second good or service [151] for the at least one of the user's [91] contacts or friends [145]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the user [91] accepting the option to purchase the second good or service [151] for the at least one of the user's [91] contacts or friends [145]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of deducting funds associated with a profile [130] of the user [91]; for example, after the step of the user [91] accepting the option to purchase the second good or service [151] for the at least one of the user's [91] contacts or friends [145]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of sending information regarding the second good or service [151] purchased by the first user [91]; for example, via the user's mobile device [96], to the at least one of the user's [91] contacts or friends [145]. According to some embodiments, the step of sending information regarding the second good or service [151] may comprise sending the information regarding the second good or service [151] to one of the group consisting of: a mobile device [96] associated with the at least one of the user's [91] contacts or friends [145], an email address [49] associated with the at least one of the user's [91] contacts or friends [145], and a profile [130] associated with the at least one of the user's [91] contacts or friends [145]. According to some embodiments, the step of sending information regarding the second good or service [151] may comprise sending the information regarding the second good or service [151] to a profile [130] associated with the at least one of the user's [91] contacts or friends [145]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise posting information regarding the second good or service [151] to the profile [130] associated with the at least one of the user's [91] contacts or friends [145]. According to some embodiments, the profile [130] associated with the at least one of the user's [91] contacts or friends [145] may comprise a social network [93] profile.

[0213] A method of gifting is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing a system application [147] which may be configured to be supported by (e.g., downloaded to a hard drive of, and/or used on) a mobile device [96] of a user [91]. According to some embodiments, the mobile device [96] may be configured with reader means [116] for reading indicia. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of reading indicia pertaining to a good or service [151] with the reader means [116] of the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of presenting an option to purchase the good or service [151] associated with the indicia for a contact or friend [145] of the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the user [91] accepting the option to purchase the good or service [151] for the contact or friend [145]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of deducting funds or credits associated with a profile [130] of the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of sending information regarding the good or service [151] purchased by the user [91] via the user's [91] mobile device [96], to the contact or friend [145]. According to some embodiments, the step of sending information regarding the good or service [151] may comprise sending the information regarding the good or service [151] to one or more of the group consisting of: a mobile device [96] associated with the contact or friend [145], an email address [49] associated with the contact or friend [145], and a profile [130] associated with the contact or friend [145]. According to some embodiments, the step of sending information regarding the good or service [151] may comprise sending the information regarding the good or service [151] to a profile [130] associated with the contact or friend [145]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of posting information regarding the good or service [151] to the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the profile [130] may comprise a social network [93] profile. According to some embodiments, the reader means provided to the mobile device [96] may comprise a camera or image capture means [116]. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise a type of barcode [79], such as a 1D barcode, 2D barcode, QR code, or data matrix code. According to some embodiments, the reader means provided to the mobile device [96] may comprise an application [147]; for example, an application [147] which may be capable of reading NDEF, RFID, FeliCa, or ISO 14443-based tags. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise a NDEF, RFID, FeliCa, or ISO 14443-based tag. According to some embodiments, the reader means may be configured to perform the step of reading the indicia using a near field (NFC) communication protocol.

[0214] A system application [147] is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the system application [147] may be configured to be supported by a mobile device [96] of a user [91]. According to some embodiments, the mobile device [96] may be configured with reader means for reading indicia pertaining to a good or service [151]. According to some embodiments, the system application [147] may comprise a user prompt. According to some embodiments, the user prompt may comprise presenting an option to purchase the good or service [151] associated with the indicia for a contact or friend [145] of a user [91] associated with the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise a prompt presenting an option to accept the option to purchase the good or service [151] for the contact or friend [145]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing payment receiving software [100] for deducting funds or credits associated with a profile [130] associated with the user [91] associated with the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of a prompt presenting an option to send information regarding the good or service [151] purchased by the user [91]; for example, via the user's [91] mobile device [96], to the contact or friend [145]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of a prompt presenting an option to send information regarding the good or service [151] to one or more of the group consisting of: a mobile device [96] associated with the contact or friend [145], an email address [49] associated with the contact or friend [145], and a profile [130] associated with the contact or friend [145]. According to some embodiments, if the step of sending the information regarding the good or service [151] to a profile [130] associated with the contact or friend [145] may be executed, the system application [147] may perform the step of posting information regarding the good or service [151] to the profile [130] directly, or through a third party application. According to some embodiments, the profile [130] may comprise a social network [93] profile.

[0215] A system adapted to assist a user [91] with shopping is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise a venue or location [2] and/or a vendor or selling entity [65] provided with a device configured to transmit a signal within a zone of proximity. According to some embodiments, the signal may comprise location information [143]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise a mobile device [96] configured to receive the signal; for example, when the mobile device [96] enters the zone of proximity. According to some embodiments, the location information [143] may comprise layout information of a structure of the venue or location [2]. According to some embodiments, the location information [143] may comprise layout information of a structure of the vendor and/or selling entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the layout information may comprise an image of a layout of the structure of the venue or location [2]. According to some embodiments, the image of a layout may be provided on a positioning system user interface [106]. According to some embodiments, the positioning system user interface [106] may comprise advertising means [107]. According to some embodiments, the positioning system user interface [106] may comprise shopping list [144] information. According to some embodiments, the positioning system user interface [106] may comprise directional information relating to where to purchase an item on a shopping list [144]. According to some embodiments, the positioning system user interface [106] may comprise information relating to a favorable opinion [140] associated with a user [91] of the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the favorable opinion [140] may comprise a “like” or a favorite [140] of the user [91] or a contact or friend [145] of the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the “like” or a favorite [140] may apply to the venue or location [2] and/or a vendor or selling entity [65] adjacent to or within the venue or location [2]. According to some embodiments, the layout information may comprise an image of a layout of the structure of the vendor or selling entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the image of a layout may be provided on a positioning system user interface [106]. According to some embodiments, the positioning system user interface [106] may comprise advertising means [107]. According to some embodiments, the advertising means [107] may comprise one or more advertisements; for example, in the form of indicia configured to advertise an item, product, good, or service. According to some embodiments, the one or more advertisements may comprise information regarding an offer, promotion, sale, coupon, discount, price, rating, or opinion [140] pertaining to a good or service [151]; for example, an offer, promotion, sale, coupon, discount, price, rating, or opinion [140] pertaining to a good or service which may be provided by the vendor or selling entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the system may comprise means for alerting a user with information regarding one or more of the group consisting of: an offer, a promotion, a sale, a coupon, a discount, a price, a rating, an opinion [140] pertaining to a good or service [151] provided by the vendor or selling entity [65], an on-your-shopping list [144] alert, a notification, and a you-have-credit alert [64]. According to some embodiments, the positioning system user interface [106] may comprise shopping list [144] information. According to some embodiments, the positioning system user interface [106] may comprise directional information relating to where to purchase an item on a shopping list [144]. According to some embodiments, the positioning system user interface [106] may comprise information relating to a favorable opinion [140] associated with a user [91] of the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the favorable opinion [140] may comprise a “like” or a favorite [140] of the user [91] or a contact or friend [145] of the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the “like” or a favorite [140] may apply to the vendor or selling entity [65] or a good or service [151] located adjacent to or within the structure of the vendor or selling entity [65].

[0216] A method of providing consumer insight to a user [91] associated with a profile [130]; for example, providing consumer insight to a user [91] via a browser [131], is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing a browser [131] configured to access information associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of displaying a redemption option regarding a purchasable good or service [151] via the browser [131]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of displaying, via the browser [131], indicia adjacent the at least one first redemption option. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise at least one of: a favorable opinion of a user [91] associated with the profile [130] and a favorable opinion of a contact, relative, or friend [145] of a user [91] associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise at least one favorable opinion. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise at least one favorable opinion may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: a thumbs-up icon, alphanumeric indicia; for example, alphanumeric indicia comprising the word “LIKE” in a predetermined language, alpha-numeric indicia suggestive of a social media platform, alpha-numeric indicia suggestive of providing a favorable opinion, alpha-numeric indicia; for example, alpha-numeric indicia comprising the symbol “+”, and a heart-shaped icon. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise at least one of a favorable opinion may comprise a number. According to some embodiments, the number may comprise a total number of collective favorable opinions of a user [91] associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the total number of collective favorable opinions of a user [91] associated with the profile [130] may include favorable opinions of contacts, relatives, or friends [145] of the user [91] which may also be associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, strangers to a user [91] associated with the profile, who are not a contact, relative, or friend [145] of a user [91] associated with the profile [130], may not provided to the indicia comprising at least one of a favorable opinion. For example, in some embodiments, a browser [131] associated with systems and methods disclosed herein may comprise one or more filters for a user [91] to filter out favorable opinions of strangers to the user [91] and show favorable opinions of contacts, relatives, or friends [145] of the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise an avatar image. According to some embodiments, the avatar image may be associated with or suggestive of, a user [91] associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the avatar image may be associated with or suggestive of, a contact, relative, or friend [145] of a user [91] associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the avatar image may be configured to be interacted with by at least one of: pressing, touching, clicking, left-clicking, right-clicking, operatively engaging, tactilely engaging, dragging, or hovering a cursor over, the avatar image. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt. According to some embodiments, the prompt may provide an option to send the at least one first redemption option to an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt providing an option to suggest the at least one first redemption option to an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt providing an option to request the at least one first redemption option from an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt providing an option to add the at least one first redemption option to a shopping list [144] of an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt providing an option to add the at least one first redemption option to a gift list [144] for an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt providing an option to post the at least one first redemption option to a profile [130] of an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, the profile [130] of an individual associated with the avatar image may comprise a social network [93] profile.

[0217] A browser [131] for providing consumer insight to a user [91] associated with a profile [130] is disclosed. According to some embodiments, the browser [131] may be configured to access information associated with the profile [130] associated with the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the browser [131] may comprise a displayed redemption option regarding a purchasable good or service [151]. According to some embodiments, indicia may be displayed on the browser [131]; for example, on a page of the browser [131], adjacent the at least one first redemption option. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise at least one of: a favorable opinion of a user [91] associated with the profile [130] and a favorable opinion of a contact, relative, or friend [145] of a user [91] associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the indicia comprising at least one favorable opinion may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: a thumbs-up icon, alphanumeric indicia; for example, alphanumeric indicia comprising the word “LIKE” in a predetermined language, alpha-numeric indicia suggestive of a social media platform, alpha-numeric indicia suggestive of providing a favorable opinion, alpha-numeric indicia; for example, alpha-numeric indicia comprising the symbol “+”, and a heart-shaped icon. According to some embodiments, the indicia comprising at least one of a favorable opinion may comprise a number. According to some embodiments, the number may comprise a total number of collective favorable opinions of a user [91] associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the total number of collective favorable opinions of a user [91] associated with the profile [130] may include favorable opinions of contacts, relatives, or friends [145] of the user [91] which may also be associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, strangers to a user [91] associated with the profile; for example, individuals who are not a contact, relative, or friend [145] of a user [91] associated with the profile [130], may not form a portion the indicia comprising at least one of a favorable opinion; for example, in some embodiments, the browser [131] may comprise one or more filters for a user [91] to filter out favorable opinions of strangers to the user [91] and show favorable opinions of contacts, relatives, or friends [145] of the user [91]. According to some embodiments, only those favorable opinions of contacts, relatives, or friends [145] of the user [91] may be shown. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise an avatar image. According to some embodiments, the avatar image may be associated with a user [91] associated with the profile [130] or a contact, relative, or friend [145] of a user [91] associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the avatar image may be configured to be interacted with by at least one of: pressing, touching, clicking, left-clicking, right-clicking, operatively engaging, tactilely engaging, dragging, or hovering a cursor over, the avatar image. According to some embodiments, the avatar image may be interacted with. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt. According to some embodiments, the prompt may include instructions which are suggestive of providing an option to send the at least one first redemption option to an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt providing an option to suggest the at least one first redemption option to an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt providing an option to request the at least one first redemption option from an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt providing an option to add the at least one first redemption option to a shopping list [144] of an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt providing an option to add the at least one first redemption option to a gift list [144] for an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt providing an option to post the at least one first redemption option to a profile [130] of an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, the profile [130] of an individual associated with the avatar image may comprise a social network [93] profile. According to some embodiments, the browser [131] may be provided to a website of a vendor or selling entity [65]. According to some embodiments, the browser [131] may be configured to be displayed on a mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the browser [131] may be displayed on a display of mobile device [96] or computing device [95]; for example, a screen or projection of a mobile device [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the browser [131] may be provided to a kiosk [3]; for example, pages of the browser [131] may be displayed on a screen or projection of a kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the browser [131] may be supported by a system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the browser [131] may comprise an add-in for the system application [147]; for example, for enabling the system application [147] to communicate with the browser [131]. According to some embodiments, the system application [147] may comprise an add-in for the browser [131]; for example, for enabling the system application [147] to communicate with the browser [131]. According to some embodiments, the browser [131] may be supported by a third-party application [148]. According to some embodiments, the browser [131] may comprise an add-in for the third-party application [148]; for example, for enabling the third-party application [148] to communicate with the browser [131]. According to some embodiments, the third-party application [148] may comprise an add-in for the browser [131]; for example, for enabling the third-party application [148] to communicate with the browser [131].

[0218] A method of advertising; for example, advertising to a user [91] associated with a profile [130] is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing an icon. According to some embodiments, the icon may be associated with a good or service [151], a brand of good or service [151], or a vendor or selling entity [65]; for example, the icon may comprise a trademark. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing an active link associated with the icon. According to some embodiments, the icon may be configured to be interacted with by at least one of: pressing, touching, clicking, left-clicking, right-clicking, operatively engaging, tactilely engaging, dragging, or hovering a cursor over the icon. According to some embodiments, when the icon is interacted with, a number of redemption options may be displayed; for example, displayed on a screen of a mobile device [96], computing device [95], and/or kiosk; for example, a screen or projection of a mobile device [96], computing device [95], and/or kiosk. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of displaying a number of favorable opinions associated with the redemption options. According to some embodiments, the step of displaying a number of favorable opinions associated with the redemption options may occur when the icon is interacted with. According to some embodiments, the step of displaying a number of favorable opinions associated with the redemption options may comprise the step of displaying indicia. According to some embodiments, the indicia may be associated with or suggestive of the user [91] associated with the profile [130]; and/or the indicia may be associated with or suggestive of a contact, relative, or friend [145] of the user [91] associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: a thumbs-up icon, alpha-numeric indicia; for example, alpha-numeric indicia comprising the word “LIKE” in a predetermined language, alpha-numeric indicia suggestive of a social media platform, alpha-numeric indicia suggestive of providing a favorable opinion, alpha-numeric indicia; for example, alpha-numeric indicia comprising the symbol “+”, and a heart-shaped icon. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise a number. According to some embodiments, the number may comprise a total number of collective favorable opinions of the user [91] associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the total number of collective favorable opinions of the user [91] associated with the profile [130] may include one or more favorable opinions of contacts, relatives, or friends [145] of the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the one or more favorable opinions of contacts, relatives, or friends [145] of the user [91] may also be associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, strangers to a user [91] associated with the profile; for example, individuals who are not a contact, relative, or friend [145] of a user [91] associated with the profile [130], may not be provided to the indicia. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise an avatar image. According to some embodiments, the avatar image may be associated with a user [91] associated with the profile [130] and/or a contact, relative, or friend [145] of a user [91] associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the avatar image may be configured to be interacted with by at least one of: pressing, touching, clicking, left-clicking, right-clicking, dragging, operatively engaging, tactilely engaging, or hovering a cursor over, the avatar image. According to some embodiments, the avatar image may be interacted with. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt. According to some embodiments, the prompt may include providing an option to send the at least one first redemption option to an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt providing an option to suggest the at least one first redemption option to an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt providing an option to request the at least one first redemption option from an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt providing an option to add the at least one first redemption option to a shopping list [144] of an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt providing an option to add the at least one first redemption option to a gift list [144] for an individual associated with the avatar image. According to some embodiments, when the avatar image is interacted with, the browser [131] may display a prompt providing an option to post the at least one first redemption option to a profile [130] of an individual associated with the avatar image. Where mentioned herein, the prompt may, according to some embodiments, be displayed on a page of, or a pop-up of, the browser, without limitation. According to some embodiments, the pop-up may comprise a pop-up window, a box, a bubble, or a separate page that may be displayed or projected; for example, displayed on a screen or projected onto a surface, without limitation. According to some embodiments, the page may comprise a web page, browser page, website page, display or projection created by a software command, and/or electronic page displayed by an application [147, 148], such as a system application [147] or a third-party application [148], without limitation. According to some embodiments, the profile [130] of an individual associated with the avatar image may comprise a social network [93] profile. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing location data [143] adjacent the number of redemption options if and/or when the number of redemption options are displayed. According to some embodiments, the step of providing location data [143] may comprise displaying a distance and/or a unit of distance. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of determining a current location of the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the step of determining a current location of the user [91] may be performed via a positioning technique. According to some embodiments, the distance may comprise a relative distance between the user [91] and the good or service [151], brand of good or service [151], or a vendor or selling entity [65] associated with the icon. According to some embodiments, the positioning technique may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: a network-based locating technique, a handset-based locating technique, an IP-address based locating technique, a SIM-based locating technique, a Wi-Fi-based locating technique, and a hybrid-based locating technique. According to some embodiments, the positioning technique may comprise a network-based technique. According to some embodiments, the network-based technique may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: cell identification, triangulation, and “Forward Link” positioning.

[0219] A method of combining dissimilar funds or credits is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may be utilized to purchase a redemption option. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of receiving a first input [4] credit regarding a first type of payment data [10]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of receiving a second input [4] credit regarding a second type of payment data [10]. According to some embodiments, the second type of payment data [10] may be different from the first type of payment data [10]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of determining a native value of the first and second input credits; for example, to define respective first and second native credit values in respective first and second units. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of converting a selected one of the first and second input native credit values to the other of the first and second input native credit values; for example, by converting the selected one of the first and second units to the other of the first and second units. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of adding the converted selected one of the first and second input native credit values and the other of the first and second input native credit values. According to some embodiments, the step of adding the converted selected one of the first and second input native credit values and the other of the first and second input native credit values may utilize a common unit. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of purchasing the redemption option. According to some embodiments, the first type of payment data [10] and/or the second type of payment data [10] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: gift card [15]-based, eGift certificate-based, voucher-based, coupon-based, a redemption code-based credit, a ticket-based credit [75], a pass-based credit [67], a lottery ticket-based credit [82], a pawn ticket-based credit, a loan ticket based credit, a stock or tradable fund-based credit [81], pre-paid minutes-based credit [76], check-based credit [14], customer loyalty points-based credit [78], miles points-based credit, frequent diner points-based credit, cryptographic currency [18]-based credit, debit account-based credit [13], credit account-based credit [12], system account-based credit [17], receipt-based credit [20], and postage-based credit [25].

[0220] A system application [147] is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the system application [147] may be utilized for facilitating gift giving. According to some embodiments, the application [147] may be configured to be installed on a mobile device [96] of a user [91] associated with a profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the system application [147] may be configured to access information associated with the profile [130] and perform the step of accessing information associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the information associated with the profile [130] may comprise or particularly comprise information regarding one or more contacts, relatives, or friends [145] associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the mobile device [96] may comprise audio input means [103]. According to some embodiments, the system application [147] may comprise voice recognition software; for example, voice recognition software which may be configured to receive and/or interpret audio inputs [7] made by the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the audio inputs [7] made by the user [91] may regard a desired recipient of funds, credits, or a redemption option. According to some embodiments, the system application may comprise means for comparing the audio inputs [7] made by a user [91] with information associated with the profile [130]. For example, according to some embodiments, the system application may comprise means for comparing the audio inputs [7] made by a user [91] with information associated with the profile [130] information associated with the profile [130] which may particularly comprise the information regarding one or more contacts, relatives, or friends [145] associated with the profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the system application may comprise means for presenting indicia; for example, indicia which may be representative or otherwise suggestive of the one or more contacts, relatives, or friends [145] of the user [91] which represent a closest match to audio inputs [7] made by a user [91]. According to some embodiments, the means for presenting indicia may comprise means for delivering image data [6] to a display or projection of the mobile device [96] and/or means for emitting audio data [7] from audio output means provided to the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the system application may comprise means for accepting one or more audio-based [7] confirmation inputs [4] from the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the funds, credits, or a redemption option may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: cash [11], for example, in the form of electronic money; a ticket [75], a pass [67], a coupon [16], a redemption code, a gift card [15], a voucher, a lottery ticket [82], a pawn ticket, a loan ticket, stock or tradable fund [81], a credit card [12], pre-paid minutes [76], a check [14], customer loyalty points [78], miles points, frequent diner points, cryptographic currency [18], a credit to the second users [92] credit card account [12], a credit to the second user's [92] debit account [13], system account credit [17], a receipt [20], and postage [25]. According to some embodiments, the system application [147] may comprise payment receiving means [100] which may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: electronic payment software, electronic funds transfer acceptance software, a secure checkout page [132], credit card account payment software, coupon code validation software, gift card validation software, a secure online payment submission webpage, a digital wallet client, a digital currency exchange client, payment due calculating software, credit adjusting software, account information updating software, a payment application, an NFC-compatible payment system, a digital mobile device payment application, remote deposit (capture) software, Check 21 Act-compliant online deposit software, Check 21 Act-compliant direct deposit software, and mobile deposit software.

[0221] A method of downloading or uploading information is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may be advantageously utilized to download or upload information to a kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing an electronic address to the kiosk [3]; for example, a user [91] providing an electronic address to an entry field configured to receive and/or process electronic address information; wherein the electronic address may be entered by the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the entry field may be provided on, displayed on, or projected from the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the step of providing an electronic address to the kiosk [3] may comprise displaying the electronic address on a display of the kiosk [3], or projecting the electronic address information from the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing the electronic address to a user [91]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the user [91] providing image data [6] and/or audio data [7] to the kiosk [3] via the electronic address. According to some embodiments, the electronic address may comprise a number. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the user [91] or a user [91] sending the image data [6] and/or audio data [7] via an SMS, MMS, or mobile messaging protocol to the number. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of utilizing the number in an SMS, MMS, or mobile message; wherein the SMS, MMS, or mobile message may be created or otherwise made by the user [91]; for example, an SMS, MMS, or mobile message delivered by the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the number may be provided by the kiosk [3]; for example, provided to the kiosk [3], or displayed on or otherwise projected from the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the number may be provided by a system website [127]; for example, provided to a system website [127], or displayed on a system website [127]. According to some embodiments, the number may be provided by a system application [147]; for example, provided to a system application [147], displayed via a system application [147], or projected from a system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the number may be provided by a third-party application [148]; for example, provided to a third-party application [148], displayed via a third-party application [148], or projected from a third-party application [148]. According to some embodiments, the electronic address may comprise unique profile [130] information. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the user [91] sending the image data [6] and/or audio data [7] to the profile [130]; for example, via a system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the electronic address may comprise unique profile [130] information. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the user [91] sending the image data [6] and/or audio data [7] to the profile [130]; for example, via a third-party application [148]. According to some embodiments, the unique profile [130] information may be provided by the kiosk [3]; for example, provided to the kiosk [3], or displayed on or otherwise projected from the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the unique profile [130] information may be provided by a system website [127]; for example, provided to a system website [127], or displayed on a system website [127]. According to some embodiments, the unique profile [130] information may be provided by a system application [147]; for example, provided to a system application [147], displayed via a system application [147], or projected from a system application [147]. According to some embodiments, the unique profile [130] information may be provided by a third-party application [148]; for example, provided to a third-party application [148], displayed via a third-party application [148], or projected from a third-party application [148]. According to some embodiments, the unique profile [130] information may comprise a social network [93] profile or information pertaining to a social network [93] profile. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the user [91] sending a post (e.g., a “Tweet”, using the Twitter® social media platform, or a post using the Facebook® social media platform) to the social network profile [130]. According to some embodiments, the post may contain one or more portions, some portions, or all portions of the image data [6] and/or audio data [7]. According to some embodiments, the step of the user [91] sending a post may comprise the user [91] sending the post; for example, sending the post to an electronic address which may comprise the character “@”. According to some embodiments, the post may comprise a URL or link to a server [125, 128, 136], social network site [93], system website, third-party website, or disk storage device; for example, a server [125, 128, 136], social network site [93], system website, third-party website, or disk storage device containing or otherwise storing the image data [6] and/or audio data [7]. According to some embodiments, the disk storage device may comprise disk or drive memory provided to a mobile device [96] or a computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the computing device [95] may comprise a kiosk [3] which may be the same, or different from the aforementioned kiosk [3] described above. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing the kiosk [3] with hardwire link means [114]. According to some embodiments, the hardware link means [114] may be configured to physically connect with a mobile device [96]. For example, according to some embodiments, the hardware link means [114] may comprise one or more connectors which are configured to connect to a mobile device [96] directly, and/or indirectly (e.g., using an adapter, connector cable, or the like). According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of connecting a mobile device [96] with the hardwire link means [114]. According to some embodiments, the hardwire link means [114] may comprise, without limitation, a device selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a parallel port, a general purpose interface bus GPIB, a cable connector, a small computer system interface SCSI (e.g., ISIS), a universal serial bus (USB) connector, a FireWire connector, a proprietary interface, an applications programming interface API, a SANE device, a TWAIN device, and a Windows image acquisition WIA device. According to some embodiments, the hardwire link means [114] may be used to connect with an electronic device which may comprise payment data [10] and/or user data [10]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing the kiosk [3] with reader means [110]; for example, reader means [110] which may be configured to wirelessly connect with a mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, the reader means may be configured to send wireless communications, e.g., wireless communications comprising data, between the kiosk [3] and the mobile device [96]. According to some embodiments, data contained within the wireless communications may comprise payment data [10] and/or user data [10]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of presenting a mobile device [96] within a reading zone of proximity from the reader means [110]. According to some embodiments, the reader means [110] may be configured to receive and/or deliver wireless signals via near field communication (NFC) protocol. According to some embodiments, the step of presenting a mobile device [96] within a reading zone of proximity from the reader means [110] may comprise presenting a mobile device [96] configured to send and receive wireless signals via near field communication (NFC) protocol; for example, a mobile device [96] which may comprise hardware and/or software required for making NFC-based communications.

[0222] A method of personalizing a card [19] is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of a user [91] approaching a kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the user [91] providing payment data [10] as an input [4] to the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the user [91] providing image data [6] as an input [4] to the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the kiosk [3] producing a custom card [19]. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise at least a portion of the image data [6]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the kiosk [3] dispensing the card [19] to the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of printing one or more portions of the indicia on a card blank. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of printing some portions of the indicia on a card blank. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of printing the indicia on a card blank. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of printing all portions of the indicia on a card blank. According to some embodiments, the card blank may comprise a template having template indicia thereon. According to some embodiments, the card blank may comprise a template having template indicia already thereon. According to some embodiments, the card blank may comprise a designated printing area. According to some embodiments, the card blank may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: a chip [86], an RFID device [88], alphanumeric text or characters [89], a barcode [79], a magnetic stripe [87], a solid state device [85], advertising [107] information, and image information [77]. According to some embodiments, the indicia may comprise at least one of the group consisting of: a message [41], a design [42], a stock image [38], a user name [47], a 1D barcode, a 2D barcode, a data matrix code, a QR code, an image, a graphic, printed matter, text, an alphanumeric code, a photo, a logo, indicia, a brand, trade dress, a trademark, user data, a color, a puzzle, a visual game, and word art. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of: a cash card [11], a ticket [75] card, a pass [67] card, a coupon [16] card, a redemption code card, a gift card [15], a voucher card, a lottery ticket [82] card, a pawn ticket card, a loan ticket card, stock or tradable fund [81] card, a credit card [12], a pre-paid minutes [76] card, a check [14] card, a customer loyalty points [78] card, a miles points card, a frequent diner points card, a cryptographic currency [18] card, a system account [17] card, and a postage [25] card. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may have one or more functions for which the card [19] may be utilized. For example, according to some embodiments, the card [19] may be utilized for one or more of the functions selected from the group consisting of: a cash card [11], a ticket [75] card, a pass [67] card, a coupon [16] card, a redemption code card, a gift card [15], a voucher card, a lottery ticket [82] card, a pawn ticket card, a loan ticket card, stock or tradable fund [81] card, a credit card [12], a pre-paid minutes [76] card, a check [14] card, a customer loyalty points [78] card, a miles points card, a frequent diner points card, a cryptographic currency [18] card, a system account [17] card, and a postage [25] card.

[0223] A method of personalizing a card [19] is also disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of a user [91] approaching a kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of a user selecting at least one of a group of card blanks having different indicia thereon; wherein the group of card blanks having different indicia thereon may be displayed on a display of the kiosk [3], or otherwise projected from the kiosk [3]. For example, according to some embodiments, the group of card blanks having different indicia thereon may be displayed on a screen provided to the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the user [91] providing payment data [10] as an input [4] to the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the user [91] providing a message [41] and/or recipient user data [8], such as a recipient name [47] and/or other recipient user data [8], as an input [4] to the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of printing the message [41] and/or recipient user data [8], such as a recipient name [47] and/or other recipient user data [8], on a card blank. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the user [91] providing a message [41] and/or user data [8] of the user [91], such as a name [47] and/or other user data [8] pertaining to the user [91], as an input [4] to the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of printing the message [41] and/or recipient user data [8], user data [8] of the user [91], such as a name [47] and/or other user data [8] pertaining to the user [91], on a card blank. According to some embodiments, a method of producing a custom card [19] may comprise indicia; for example, indicia regarding at least a portion of the message [41] and/or recipient user data [8]. According to some embodiments, the indicia may, for example, comprise indicia regarding at least a portion of the message [41] and/or user data [8] associated with the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the user data [8] may comprise a recipient name [47] and/or the user's [91] name. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the kiosk [3] dispensing the card [19] to the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the kiosk [3] electronically delivering the card [19] to a recipient's mobile device [96] or computing device [95] using any one or more of the communication protocols or platforms described herein (e.g., via system website, via third-party website, via a social media platform, via a vendor/entity website, via email, via SMS, MMS, or mobile messaging platform, via a system application [147], via a third-party system application [148], etc.). According to some embodiments, the recipient's mobile device [96] or computing device [95] may be the user's [91] mobile device [96] or computing device [95], or a mobile device [96] or computing device [95] of one or more individuals which are not the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of electronically displaying the group of card blanks having different indicia thereon, as a digital image on display means [109] provided to the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of physically displaying, for example, adjacent to or on the kiosk [3], the group of card blanks having different indicia thereon, and/or images (e.g., decals or printed matter) indicative of the group of card blanks having different indicia thereon. For example, a stack of physical card blanks representing some or all of the group of card blanks may be provided in a container adjacent to or provided on the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the user [91] may select a card blank [91]; for example, by selecting one or more of the card blanks provided in a container adjacent to or provided on the kiosk [3], and/or taking or otherwise removing the one or more selected card blanks from a container adjacent to or provided on the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the user [91] may present a selected card blank [91] to the kiosk [3]; for example, for processing of the selected card blank [91] by the kiosk [3].

[0224] A method of personalizing and/or customizing one or more existing cards and/or combining multiple existing cards onto a single new card [19] is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of a user [91] approaching a kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the user selecting stock [38] image data [6] provided by display means [109], and/or providing image data [6] to the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the user [91] providing one or more inputs [4] to the kiosk [3]; for example, one or more inputs [4] regarding the one or more existing cards. The one or more inputs [4] regarding the one or more existing cards may comprise user data [8] and/or payment data [10], without limitation. According to some embodiments, the user data [8] and/or payment data [10] associated with the one or more inputs [4] may relate to the same user [91], or one or more different individuals which may or may not comprise the same user [91] completing the step of approaching the kiosk [3].

[0225] According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the kiosk [3] writing or otherwise transferring information associated with the one or more inputs [4] regarding the one or more existing cards; for example, transferring information associated with the one or more inputs [4] regarding the one or more existing cards to a card blank. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the kiosk [3] dispensing the new card [19] to the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the kiosk [3] electronically delivering the new card [19] to a recipient's mobile device [96] or computing device [95] using any one or more of the communication protocols or platforms described herein (e.g., via system website, via third-party website, via a social media platform, via a vendor/entity website, via email, via SMS, MMS, or mobile messaging platform, via a system application [147], via a third-party system application [148], etc.). According to some embodiments, the recipient's mobile device [96] or computing device [95] may be the user's [91] mobile device [96] or computing device [95], or a mobile device [96] or computing device [95] of one or more individuals which are not the user [91]. According to some embodiments, the step of the kiosk [3] writing or otherwise transferring information may comprise the step of printing indicia to the card blank, and/or digitally writing information to the card blank. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise electronically displaying the group of card blanks having different indicia thereon as a digital image on display means [109] provided to the kiosk [3].

[0226] Further disclosed, is a card [19]. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may be configured to be utilized as a reusable gift card and/or as a reusable promotional card [19]. According to some embodiments, the card [19] may comprise one or more of the devices selected from the group consisting of: a chip [86], an RFID device [88], and a solid state device [85].

[0227] Further disclosed, is a card blank. According to some embodiments, the card blank may comprise a reusable card blank. According to some embodiments, the reusable card blank may be configured for being customized by a kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the card blank may comprise one or more of the devices selected from the group consisting of: a chip [86], an RFID device [88], and a solid state device [85]. According to some embodiments, the card blank may comprise template indicia thereon. According to some embodiments, the card blank may comprise an area thereon for printed matter to be applied and/or re-applied. For example, according to some embodiments, the area for printed matter to be applied and/or re-applied may be fully or partially-free or clear of indicia. According to some embodiments, the area for printed matter to be applied and/or re-applied may comprise a matte, semi-glossy, or glossy surface. According to some embodiments, the area thereon for printed matter to be applied and/or re-applied may be configured to receive a sticker applied thereto. According to some embodiments, the area thereon for printed matter to be applied and/or re-applied may be occupied by a sticker applied thereto. According to some embodiments, the sticker applied thereto may be configured to be printed by a kiosk [3] or conveyed from a roll of pre-printed stickers contained within a kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the sticker applied thereto may be dispensed by a kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the sticker applied thereto may be applied to the card blank by the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the sticker applied thereto may be applied to the card blank by a person adjacent the kiosk [3]; for example, may be applied to the card blank by a user [91] of the kiosk [3] which may be operating or functionally communicating with the kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the sticker may comprise redemption data [64] and/or payment data [10]. According to some embodiments, the sticker may comprise user data [8] of the user [91] and/or user data [8] affiliated with an intended recipient of a card [19] produced from the card blank. According to some embodiments, portions of, or all of the redemption data [64] and/or payment data [10] may be in the form of a 1D barcode, 2D barcode, QR code, or data matrix code. According to some embodiments, the card blank may comprise personalized indicia thereon. According to some embodiments, the personalized indicia may be provided to the card blank; for example, provided to the card blank via a kiosk [3], or a user [91] applying the personalized indicia to the card blank.

[0228] A shopper card [19] or loyalty card [19] is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the shopper card [19] or loyalty card [19] may comprise one or more of the devices selected from the group consisting of: a chip [86], an RFID device [88], and a solid state device [85]. According to some embodiments, the shopper card [19] or loyalty card [19] may be configured to support digital promotions, coupons, funds, or credits from: various non-affiliated vendors and/or various non-affiliated selling entities [65].

[0229] According to some embodiments, the shopper card [19] or loyalty card [19] may comprise template indicia thereon. According to some embodiments, the shopper card [19] or loyalty card [19] may comprise an area thereon for printed matter to be applied and/or re-applied. According to some embodiments, the area thereon for printed matter to be applied and/or re-applied may be configured to receive a sticker applied thereto. According to some embodiments, the sticker applied thereto may be configured to be printed and dispensed by a kiosk [3] or other printing device. According to some embodiments, the sticker may comprise redemption data [64] and/or payment data [10]. According to some embodiments, the redemption data [64] and/or payment data [10] may be in the form of one or more of the following: a 1D barcode, a 2D barcode, a QR code, a data matrix code. According to some embodiments, the 1D barcode, 2D barcode, QR code, and data matrix code may comprise a first ink, which may be visible in a first wavelength of light, and a second ink which may be invisible in the first wavelength of light and visible in a second wavelength of light. According to some embodiments, the first wavelength of light may be in the UV or infrared spectrum, and the second wavelength of light may be in the visible spectrum. According to some embodiments, the second ink may be applied over the first ink. According to some embodiments, shopper card [19] or loyalty card [19] may comprise personalized indicia thereon.

[0230] According to some embodiments, other types of cards [19] (e.g., gift cards, pre-paid cards, and payment cards such as debit cards, credit cards which are disclosed herein, without limitation) may comprise 1D barcode, 2D barcode, QR code, or data matrix code which may comprise a first ink, which may be visible in a first wavelength of light, and a second ink which may be invisible in the first wavelength of light and visible in a second wavelength of light. For example, according to some embodiments, the first wavelength of light may be in the UV or infrared spectrum, and the second wavelength of light may be in the visible spectrum. According to some embodiments, the second ink may be applied over the first ink. According to some embodiments, the 1D barcode, 2D barcode, QR code, or data matrix code may comprise redemption data [64], user data [8], and/or payment data [10]. According to some embodiments, the 1D barcode, 2D barcode, QR code, or data matrix code may comprise information which may not only be encoded (i.e., into a machine-readable indicia format), but also encrypted in part, or in whole. In such embodiments where the information contained within the 1D barcode, 2D barcode, QR code, or data matrix code is encrypted, a terminal, such as a payment terminal [100] and/or payment receiving means [100] which may be provided with means for decrypting the information. For example, according to some embodiments, the means for decrypting the information may comprise decoding software (e.g., for decoding the 1D barcode, 2D barcode, QR code, or data matrix code) and/or decrypting software (e.g., for decrypting the encrypted information stored within the 1D barcode, 2D barcode, QR code, or data matrix code). According to some embodiments, the decoding software and/or decrypting software may be installed on the payment terminal [100] and/or other payment receiving means [100], or a server communicating with the payment terminal [100] and/or other payment receiving means [100]; for example, communicating over a network [93] with the payment terminal [100] and/or other payment receiving means [100].

[0231] An electronic gift is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the electronic gift may comprise a message [41] and/or image data [6].

[0232] A method of purchasing a lottery ticket [82] for another individual is further disclosed. For example, the method may comprise a first user [91] purchasing a lottery ticket [82] for a second user [92]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of purchasing a lottery ticket [82] via a system website [127], a system application [147], or a system kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of selecting a recipient of the lottery ticket [82]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of storing information relating to the lottery ticket in a system database [128]. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of the recipient redeeming the lottery ticket [82] via the system website [127], a system application [147], or a system kiosk [3].

[0233] A reader communicating with a payment terminal [100] or other payment receiving means [100] may, according to some embodiments, comprise a code scanner [102]. According to some embodiments, a reader communicating with a payment terminal [100] may comprise first wavelength emitting means [102a] provided to or adjacent the code scanner. According to some embodiments, the reader may be configured to read a code under different wavelengths of light. According to some embodiments, the reader may be configured to read the same code under different wavelengths of light. According to some embodiments, the different wavelengths of light may comprise one or more wavelengths of visible light and one or more of the group consisting of: one or more wavelengths of infrared light, and one or more wavelengths of ultraviolet light. According to some embodiments, the code may comprise a 1D barcode, 2D barcode, QR code, or a data matrix code. According to some embodiments, the 1D barcode, 2D barcode, QR code, or data matrix code may comprise a first ink, which may be visible in the first wavelength of light, and a second ink which may be invisible in the first wavelength of light and visible in a second wavelength of light. According to some embodiments, the first wavelength of light may be in the ultraviolet and/or infrared spectrum, and the second wavelength of light may be in the visible spectrum. According to some embodiments, the second ink may be applied over the first ink. According to some embodiments, the first ink may be applied over the second ink. According to some embodiments, (for example, in instances where the second ink may be applied over the first ink) under visible light (e.g., in the presence of visible light), the second ink applied over the first ink may comprise a second 1D barcode, 2D barcode, QR code, or data matrix code containing second information when read by the scanner [102]. According to some embodiments, when the first wavelength emitting means [102a] may emit or be configured to emit, a first wavelength of light, wherein the first ink (e.g., the first ink applied beneath the second ink, without limitation) may comprise a first 1D barcode, 2D barcode, QR code, or data matrix code containing first information when read by the scanner [102]. According to some embodiments, the reader may comprise additional wavelength emitting means, such as second wavelength emitting means, third wavelength emitting means, and/or fourth wavelength emitting means, etc., which may emit or be configured to emit, respective second, third, and fourth wavelengths of light, etc. According to some embodiments, the second, third, and/or fourth wavelengths of light may be different. According to some embodiments, the second, third, and/or fourth wavelengths of light may be in the non-visible spectrum of light. According to some embodiments, the second, third, and/or fourth wavelengths of light may be configured to work with third, fourth, and/or fifth inks configured to be visible within the second, third, and/or fourth wavelengths of light, respectively. Accordingly, while the drawings accompanying this specification and/or co-pending applications to which this application claims priority may only explicitly show a code utilizing two inks, it is envisaged that some embodiments may comprise codes which utilize a number of different inks which are visible in a number of different wavelengths of light. Moreover, it is envisaged that some embodiments of a reader may comprise more than one, or a plurality of wavelength emitting means, wherein each of the wavelength emitting means may emit or otherwise be configured to emit different wavelengths of light. According to some embodiments, third, fourth, or fifth inks may be utilized with a code to be read by the reader, wherein any one or more of the inks may comprise its own 1D barcode, 2D barcode, QR code, or data matrix code containing second information when read by the scanner [102]. According to some embodiments, the first, second, third, and/or fourth wavelength emitting means may cycle through a number of different wavelengths associated with the different inks; for example, to read indicia printed in the different inks which are visible in the number of different wavelengths, respectively. Accordingly, the reader may be configured to extract different layers of information with respect to a code. According to some embodiments, the second information may contain redemption data [64], and the first information may comprise one or more security features [99], such as one or more verification codes and/or one or more authentication codes. According to some embodiments, the second information may contain redemption data [64] and the first information may comprise user data [8]. According to some embodiments, the first information and/or the second information may contain payment data [64]. According to some embodiments, the information contained within indicia printed with any one of the aforementioned inks may contain payment data [64]. According to some embodiments, the reader may be configured to display on the terminal, the user data [8], wherein an operator of the reader may utilize the user data [8] to verify the redemption data [64]. According to some embodiments, the operator of the reader may utilize the user data [8] to request identification from a first user [91]; for example, to see or otherwise determine if it matches the user data [8]. According to some embodiments, the user data [8] may comprise phone number information, wherein the payment terminal [100] may be configured to send an authorization code to a mobile device [96] associated with the phone number information. For example, to a mobile device [96] of a user [91] making a transaction using the reader. According to some embodiments, the user data [8] may comprise account information; for example, account information associated with a user [91] making a transaction using the reader, and/or account information associated with a user [91] other than a user [91] making a transaction using the reader. According to some embodiments, the payment terminal [100] may be configured with data input means [117] which may be utilized to receive the authorization code from a user [91] presenting the code.

[0234] A redemption card [19] is also disclosed. According to some embodiments, the redemption card may be configured to be loaded with a plurality of redemption options. According to some embodiments, some of the plurality of redemption options may not necessarily be redeemable at certain first vendors or entities [65]. According to some embodiments, some of the plurality of redemption options may be redeemable at certain second vendors or entities [65]. According to some embodiments, the redemption card [19] may be configured to be used at the first and second certain vendors or entities [65]. According to some embodiments, the plurality of redemption options may comprise at least one of the following: store credit, coupons, promotions, offers, specials, deals. According to some embodiments, the plurality of redemption options may comprise at least one one-time redemption option; wherein the plurality of redemption options may be loaded to the redemption card [19]; and wherein once the one-time redemption option may be used or otherwise redeemed, it may be unloaded from the redemption card [19]. According to some embodiments, the redemption card [19] may comprise at least one of the group consisting of: a gift card [15], a cash [11] card, a ticket [75], a pass [67], a coupon [16], a redemption code, a voucher, a lottery ticket [82], a pawn ticket, a loan ticket, stock or tradable fund [81] information, a credit card [12], pre-paid minutes [76], check [14] funds, customer loyalty points [78], miles points, frequent diner points, cryptographic currency [18], system account credit [17], an arbitrary currency credit, a receipt [20], and postage [25].

[0235] A gift card [19] is further disclosed. According to some embodiments, the gift card [19] may comprise pre-paid voucher information. According to some embodiments, the voucher information may comprise a number of redemption options. According to some embodiments, the gift card [19] may be used to redeem at least one of the number of redemption options from at least one of a number of nonaffiliated vendors or entities [65]. According to some embodiments, the number of redemption options may comprise a plurality of redemption options which may be of similar value. According to some embodiments, the redemption options may relate to different brands of goods or services [151] which are not affiliated with each other, different goods or services [151] which are not affiliated with each other, or different vendors or entities [65] which are not affiliated with each other. According to some embodiments, the gift card [19] may be configured to be used more than once; for example, to redeem a plurality of the number of redemption options. According to some embodiments, the gift card [19] may only be used once to redeem one or more of the number of redemption options. According to some embodiments, the gift card [19] may be produced from a kiosk [3]. According to some embodiments, the number of redemption options may be provided by a system application [147] or a third-party application [148]. According to some embodiments, the number of redemption options may be provided via a social network [93]. According to some embodiments, the number of redemption options may be provided by a social network [93] website. According to some embodiments, the number of redemption options may be provided by a social network [93] application. According to some embodiments, the gift card [19] may be associated with a profile [130] of a user [91] of the gift card [19]. According to some embodiments, the profile [130] may comprise a system profile. According to some embodiments, the profile [130] may comprise a social network [93] profile. According to some embodiments, contacts, relatives, or friends [145] associated with the profile [130] may remotely add redemption options to the gift card [19]. According to some embodiments, contacts, relatives, or friends [145] associated with the profile [130] may remotely add redemption options to the gift card [19] by posting the redemption option to the user's profile [130]; for example, posting the redemption option to the user's profile [130] using a mobile [96] or computing device [95]. According to some embodiments, the step of sending the redemption option to the user's profile [130] may comprise sending a message or post to the user's profile [130]; for example, such as a “Tweet” via the Twitter® social media platform).