MXPA97009401A - Methods and apparatus for providing a prepaid account for a rem customer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing a prepaid account (100) for a remote access client comprising a system (208) for generating accounts with special authorization codes from a remote terminal (206). The account properly associated with a computer is created when funds are delivered from a remote terminal (208). The computer then provides an account number and an authorization code to the account holder. The authorization code (12) (figure 1) can then be used to access the funds associated with the account.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A PREPAID ACCOUNT FOR A REMOTE ACCESS CUSTOMER DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in general to prepaid remote memory transaction instruments to be used by a customer to purchase items or services that eliminate the need for cash transfer in a commercial transaction, and more particularly, to methods and services. apparatus for providing prepaid instruments that are functional equivalents to prepaid calling cards of ATM machines - conventional ATMs, devices POS - point of sale, and similar. Prepaid remote memory accounts to be used to purchase items and services are generally well known. Schemes known at present typically include a printed document, for example a cardboard or plastic pocket card carrying a customer authorization number and instructions for accessing phones, services and the like. These prepaid cards have been used extensively throughout the world for example as prepaid long distance phone cards. By contracting stored value cards [for example "smart cards"] in which a remaining account balance is stored within a memory controlled by a microprocessor resident in the card, remote memory systems typically store information related to an account Prepaid in a central host computer, which can be accessed through an authorization code, personal identification number [PIN] or similar. The use of prepaid remote memory phone cards is particularly prevalent in the United States, a typical prepaid phone card includes a toll-free number used by the consumer to access the system, a unique authorization code associated with the card, and both a remote account and corresponding dialing instructions. When a customer wants to use the card to make a long distance call, dial the number without charge, thus having access to the host system that handles the remote accounts. By entering a predetermined authorization number, the consumer is informed by the host computer of the remaining balance. The consumer then enters the desired long-distance telephone number, and the system connects the consumer to the desired destination. The long distance telephone charges attributed to the telephone call are deducted from the remaining balance, and the call ends when the account is completely consumed. Prepaid phone cards are typically printed in batches, taking security measures during manufacturing and shipping to prevent the cards or identification numbers from being stolen, copied or otherwise used in a fraudulent manner. In this regard, identification numbers, PINs and the like can be hidden or covered in any way by means of packaging techniques, scraping surfaces and the like. In this way, access to unauthorized security codes is prevented until the card is sold to a customer and activated appropriately. However, for wholesale stores that maintain a substantial inventory of cards not yet active, the potential for theft, abuse and other types of fraud is high, resulting in audits and control of expendable inventories. Security can be improved by selling prepaid cards through slot machines. For example, a slot machine may contain prepaid cards in predetermined dollar amounts, for example $ 5.00, $ 20.00 and the like. Although the use of machines provides certain safety advantages in the nature of limited access to the cards it also has its severe disadvantages. For example, slot machines present a valuable community and therefore are obvious targets for destruction and theft. In addition, the main locations for these machines are airports and similar, due to federal regulations and other charges [for example local taxes], they are very expensive locations for those slot machines. In addition, the machines themselves are expensive, they require filler service, inventory maintenance and withdrawal of payments. Thus, a method for producing and distributing prepaid remote entry instruments is required, thus prepaid instruments are required that overcome the limitations of the prior art. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a prepaid remote entry account instrument is printed by means of an ATM [ATM], point of sale terminal [POS], or other device in the same manner as those devices print receipts for cash withdrawal, purchase of items and the like. More particularly, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, conventional ATM machines can be configured to print an instrument that includes all the information necessary to allow a customer to have convenient access. to a remote account and obtain products and / or services without money management; this is the instrument generated by the ATM will include a telephone number [for example an 800 number [a unique authorization code and marking instructions in the same way that pre-printed plastic and cardboard pre-printed telephone cards known at present perform the same function . By maintaining a constant or intermittent communications link between the ATM machine and the host computer that handles the accounts, the ATM machine can be configured to print the authorization codes and the like on the instruments in response to the instructions of the host computer. In fact, currently existing ATMs can be reconfigured to provide those instruments with little or no hardware change. According to another aspect of the present invention, the security of prepaid remote memory instruments can be greatly improved and inventory costs reduced while the physical modality of the instrument does not exist until such time as it is requested by the customer through of interaction with the ATM, POS or similar. Brief Description of the Figures The present invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which similar numbers are used for similar elements, and: Figure 1 is an exemplary instrument generated by means of an ATM, POS or the like in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention in which the instrument of Figure 1 is printed by means of an ATM and used in the context of a long-distance telephone service system; Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, in which the instruments of Figure 1 are used in the context of a purchase in a slot machine; and Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, in which the instrument of Figure 1 is used in the context of a POS device. Referring now to Figure 1, currently known ATMs, POS devices and the like can be conveniently configured in accordance with the present invention to print an exemplary instrument 100; since the instrument 100 is preferably analogous in its physical mode to a received typically printed by an ATM at the end of the transaction. It can be seen that the instrument 100 can be generated by means of an ATM with little or no reconfiguration of the hardware; this is the actual prepaid instrument can be generated according to one aspect of the invention by reconfiguring only the software of the currently known ATM machines. In accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the software resident in the ATM can be configured to generate any number of desired fields containing virtually any combination of information, as desired. For example, instrument 100 may reflect the information related to the user of the instrument [line 1], the date and / or time of issue [line 2], and the location of the machine that issued the instrument with virtually any degree of specificity [line 3]. In addition, the prepaid amount [line 4] as well as the source of the funds [line 5] [for example the number of the checking account]] can also be determined. In this regard, it may be desirable under certain circumstances to allow the purchaser of the instrument to select the prepaid amount from a predetermined menu that may include values of $ 5.00, $ 20.00, $ 100.00 or any desired amount. Alternatively, it may be desirable to allow the consumer to enter any particular amount [eg $ 34.77, $ 3,409.20] to conform precisely to the value of the transaction for which the instrument is being issued. By eliminating the need for the merchant to change the customer, you can completely avoid using cash. Continuing with the reference to figure 1, a brief description of the nature of the instrument is presented [lines 6-8], including if the number of minutes of long distance calls provided by the instrument is desired, if appropriate [line 8]. In certain applications, it may be desirable to indicate the expiration date [line 9] or any other important parameter or characteristic related to the instrument and the nature of its intended use. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, simple instructions may be presented in the instrument to explain the consumer how the instrument should be used to perform the transactions. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the instrument 100 preferably presents the dialing instructions to allow a user to use the instrument to make long distance calls. More particularly, the instrument 100 instructs the user to dial a telephone number [line 10] for example a toll free number 800, to have access to the host computer that maintains the account from which the "funds" are "withdrawn".; or are otherwise consumed as a result of long distance calls made in accordance with the instrument 100. The instrument thereafter instructs the user [line 11] to enter a predetermined authorization code [line 12] which is preferably only par yet particular instrument. According to another aspect of the present invention, a bar code [line 12] or other suitable indications of an authorization code may also be displayed on the instrument, for example to allow its use with bar code readers, as described in more detail below. The instrument 100 is further configured to instruct the user to dial a desired telephone number [lines 14 and 15]; instrument 100 may optionally provide additional instructions for international calls, subsequent calls without hanging or any other described feature [lines 16-20]. If desired, the instrument 100 may also instruct the user to contact a customer service number [lines 21-22], Given the robust configuration of the present invention, virtually any additional information, data or even propaganda copies may be indicated in the instrument 100 [for example, lines 23-24]. According to another aspect of the present invention, the instrument 100 may also include a replacement code that can be used by the customer to report a lost or stolen instrument to the issuer of the instrument, and thus request a replacement or refund of the instrument, ie , if such an ID identification code is maintained by the consumer in a separate location apart from the instrument 100, in the event that the instrument 100 is lost or stolen, a customer could "cancel" the identification code associated with the lost / lost instrument, based on the replacement code maintained by the client that is advantageously different but related to the identification number on the lost / stolen instrument. See U.S. patent application not dependent series, presented on the same date by the same inventor entitled METHODS AND APPLIANCES TO PROVIDE A PREPAID ACCOUNT FOR A REMOTE ACCESS CUSTOMER. As briefly described above, a major advantage of the present invention is based on the ability to generate prepaid instruments with minimal changes in the hardware of currently known ATMs, in fact to the extent that software changes are appropriate, changes of Software can be made in the software resident in the ATM, the software resident in the host computer with which the ATM communicates, or both as desired.

More particularly, if the present invention is to be employed in the context of an existing network of ATM ATMs, the host computer that maintains savings accounts, checking accounts, the like for a particular bank or group of banks that share ATM access. it can be configured to handle the prepaid accounts corresponding to the different instruments generated by the ATMs. In this way, by improving the software on the host computer, a consumer can enter their card for the existing ATM in an ATM terminal, enter their PIN, and request from the menu screen the option to receive a prepaid remote entry instrument. of the type shown in Figure 1. The ATM software for the host computer software] can be configured appropriately to receive the customer information necessary to generate the instrument eg the source of funds for the instrument [eg the bank account of the customer, checking account, credit card, American Express card account, or similar] as well as the pre-paid dollar amount associated with the instrument. Upon receiving the necessary information from the client, the host computer or other appropriate ATM computer network receives or derives an authorization code and establishes an "account" corresponding to the authorization code in the memory. This account management function can be performed in any physical location, depending on the desired uses of the instruments that will be generated. For example, if the instruments can be used as prepaid telephone cards, the host computer could be an integral part of the computer that is resident in the long distance company; alternatively, the host computer could be integral with the ATM network, with the hardware link established between the ATM network and the long distance provider (s). Although the instrument 100 is described herein in the context of an ATM, POS, or other similar device, virtually any modality can be employed to give the customer a unique ID identification number. For example, the ID number, as well as other relevant information [for example, a telephone number used by the customer to access the host system], can conveniently be provided to the customer in a variety of different methods, including displaying the number on the device. customer's television, for example as a result of the electronic interaction of the customer with the issuer. Alternatively, the ID number could be provided to the customer by means of the client's PC or by other non-printed means. In the context of the present invention, the ID code could be delivered to the customer by facsimile or by telephone, considering that the customer and the hostess keep associated records of the ID number, that is, as long as the hostess recognizes the number ID used by the customer to request items or services [for example, long distance calls].

In addition, the system of the present invention can be conveniently configured to allow the consumer to "recharge: his account, for example by contacting the issuing or host computer [for example to the telephone] and adding additional values to his balance in the current account. For example, by authorizing the issuer to credit a customer's prepaid account from any desired source of the consumer's funds, for example, the customer's checking, savings, credit card and the like, referring now to figure 2, The first mode of the distributed transaction system suitably comprises an ATM ATM 202, which has an associated printer 204, a data entry terminal 206, a service provider network 208 having an account database 210 associated with the , and a service destination 212. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the functions of the service provider 208 can perform be done through a financial institution, credit card issuer or other entity that issues instruments 100. < Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the service provider 208 adequately includes computer hardware to perform the functions described. Specifically, database 210 is advantageously configured to handle the account balance of prepaid accounts in the context of the present invention. For this purpose, a constant or temporary hardware link 2009 suitably connects the ATM 202 with the service provider network 208. More particularly and as briefly described above, when a customer "buys" an instrument 100 through the interaction with the ATM 202, the interactive sequence can be controlled by means of the software resident in the ATM 202, the service provider network 208, or a combination thereof. In any case, the authorization code [line 12, figure 1] is advantageously coordinated between the ATM 202 and the service provider network 208 to allow the service provider 208 to handle the accounts and balances associated with the authorization codes printed in the instrument 100 by the ATM 202. According to another aspect of the present invention, the ID number that is printed on the instrument 100 can be generated in any suitable manner, for example by means of a random number generator, a generator of pseudo-random numbers, or any other suitable algorithm within the host computer. Alternatively, the ID number can be determined by the host in conjunction with the consumer, this is the hostess can generate a portion of the ID number, and ask the customer the NIP attached to the ID number, or ask the customer otherwise select one or more digits [or characters in the case of an alpha-numeric ID code], to complete the selection process of the ID number. Finally, the system can be configured to allow the consumer to select their ID number. In this regard, it may be desirable to allow the hostess to confirm or increase the selected number to the client, to allow "collisions" with other numbers selected by other clients [this is to prevent a client from selecting a number that has already been selected by another client] . Continuing with the reference to Figure 2, once the consumer retrieves an instrument 100 from ATM 202, he can use the instrument to make long distance telephone calls at the contact of distributed processing systems presented in Figure 2 as follows . In a preferred embodiment, the data entry module 206 suitably comprises a conventional tone telephone; alternatively, the data entry module 206 may consist of a PC or any other suitable data entry terminal capable of interfacing with a telephone line 214. The consumer possessing the instrument 110 performs the instructions in the provided, as discussed above in relation to Figure 1 by means of a suitable keyboard 216 associated with the telephone 206. In an alternative embodiment, certain data may be desirable in the data entry terminal 206 by means of an alternative input / output mode, for example when reading the bar code data with a bar code circuit 218 or any other suitable means.

By dialing the access number [line 10, figure 1], the telephone call is routed by the local exchange carrier [LEC] 220 to the service provider 208 associated with the aforementioned toll-free telephone number. If desired, the service provider network 208 can be configured to interactively request customer information, for example by the use of light signals. In a preferred embodiment, the user inputs data into the data entry module 206 through the keyboard 216; however, it may also be desirable under certain circumstances to employ voice recognition circuits by the service provider 208 to allow the consumer to "tell" to the data terminal 206. In any case, once the information related to the authorization code [line 12, figure 1] is received through the service provider 208, a correlation is made between the authorization code and a particular account resident in the database 210. Al To determine the existing "balance" in the account, the service provider can inform the consumer the amount of time and long distance available in the account or any other relevant parameter. By entering the desired destination telephone number in the data entry terminal 206, either in response to a voice signal from the service provider 208 [or by means of presentations on the screen in the mode in which the input terminal of data 206 is a PC], the service provider 208 connects or enables the connection of the telephone 206 to the destination 212. In the illustrated mode, the destination 212 corresponds to the telephone extension of the area code and the telephone number entered in the module. of entering data 206 by the consumer, for example corresponding to lines 14-18 in Figure 1. During the course of the long distance call, the service provider 208 decreases the available balance in the consumer's account until the account is completely exhausted, at that time the service provider 208 can inform the calling party that the account is completely exhausted and invite the calling party or the call to make other payment arrangements in order to continue with the call or simply terminate the call. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the service provider network 208 includes the ability to connect long distance calls. Alternatively, the service provider 208 may be electrically connected to a remote long distance carrier [not shown] to facilitate the making of long distance telephone calls. Referring still to Figure 2, according to an alternative embodiment, the destination 212 can comprise virtually any "destination" for example a service provider, or a data or information provider. In this regard, as discussed above, the input data module 206 may comprise a PC or other processing terminal configured to access a telephone or network via the hardware link 222. According to one embodiment, the destination 212 can be configured to download data or information to PC206, for example in the Internet context. In addition, the account maintained by service provider 208 with respect to instrument 100 used by the user to reach destination 212 can essentially be used to pay for data downloaded by destination or destination 212 to Pe 206. This is, although the provider service 208 is equipped to accredit the value of a particular account with respect to long distance charges, the service provider 208 can also configure the dollar credit values of the caller to a second account maintained by the service provider 208 with with respect to the destination 212. In this way, the instrument 100 can be used by the consumer to, in effect, pay for data donated by destination 212 to PC 206 under the control of (or at least facilitated) the service provider's network 208. In accordance with the arrangements set forth in Figure 2, ATM 202 can be connected directly to the service provider network 208 by hardware link 209, alternatively Finally, ATM (or POS) 202 can be connected to an ATM (POS) in a host network 230 through a hardware link 232, the host 230 being connected to the network 208 via an additional hardware 232 link. In this way the provider of service 208, can cooperate suitably with a large number of ATM / POS associated with an ATM network host. Referring now to Figure 3, the instrument 100 can also be configured for the purchase of items through a selling machine. In this aspect, the information established as adequate to facilitate the transaction in a machine. A selling machine 302 comprises a keypad 304, a processor circuit 306, a local database 308, a bar code reader 310, and an inventory of items 312, available to be received by the consumer through a consumer duct. output 314 the selling machine 302 is connected to a service provider 208, for example by a hardware link 316. Alternatively the machine 302 may be equipped with a modem (not shown) thus allowing the machine to call a telephone network and establish contact with the service provider 208 network through LEC 220. With reference to Figure 3, a consumer can conveniently enter the authorization data (line 12 and 13 Fig 1) associated with the instrument 100 on the keypad 304, the bar reader 310, or any other mode (eg voice recognition). , and similar). When entering the authorization data, the processor arrives at the account information associated with the authorization code. For a closed system that includes a small number of machines, this information can be maintained locally, for example in the database 308. In the preferred embodiment, the information is kept remotely in the database 210 associated with the service provider 208 According to this, the processor 306 causes the machine 302 to establish communication with the provider 208, to verify the balance or balance available in the account. When a communication link is established, the service provider 208 can transmit a data packet to the selling machine 302 and inform the consumer of the available balance, by a microphone, or a screen display (not shown), associated with the machine. After the consumer has selected the items to be received from the machine, the account is made according to the value of those items, and a new balance is established for the account provided by the 208. As in the case with the prepaid telephone discussed above with figures 1 and 2, by consuming the available balance, the instrument 100 can simply be discarded by the consumer. As long as the account corresponding to the instrument has been rolled back to zero, it will be essentially impossible for the consumer or the service provider to be defrauded even if the instrument 100 were subsequently found by a third party who tried to carry out a fraud based on the established information. In the instrument Referring now to Figure 4, another alternative of the present invention uses a version of the instrument 100 in the context of a commercial transaction including a POS terminal. As discussed, in connection with Figures 1 and 2, the instrument 100 may be printed or generated by a POS terminal in a manner similar to the way in which an instrument printed by an ATM terminal. In the context of Figure 4, on the other hand, the POS terminal plays a very different role, namely that of facilitating a sales transaction using an instrument 100 previously printed by either an ATM, a POS or the like. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4, a suitable POS 402 terminal has a display 404, a card reader 406, a keyboard 408, a peripheral interface 410. The POS 402 is connected to a service provider 208, either directly or by LEC 220. When it is desired to consummate a commercial or financial transaction using the instrument 100, the authorization code (lines 12 and 13 Figure 1) or other information security may be entered into the POS in any convenient manner. For example, the data may be entered. by the keyboard 408 by the bar code reader, speech recognition circuit, and another mode cooperating with the peripheral interface 410. If desired, the data entry process can be facilitated by signals appearing on the controlled 404 screen. by the service provider 208. If, for example, a consumer wants to buy items from a merchant using POS 402, the consumer or merchant simply enters the value of the items to be purchased in the POS 402, whereby this value is deducted from the account maintained by the service provider 208 corresponding to the authorization code entered by the user of the instrument 100. If the account is sufficient for cover the cost of the items, the account can be decreased by an amount approximately equal to the cost of the items (plus service charge, transport etc) with which the consumer will take his instrument 100 with him for a subsequent use, alternatively, if the balance is zero or insufficient, or if the consumer does not have the instrument 100 at the time he wishes to purchase the merchant's items. POS 402 can be used as described to generate a new instrument that can be used to purchase items. Although the embodiment shown in Figure 4 is set in the context of a POS 402 device, virtually any device capable of communication for the authorization code to the service provider 208 can be used, even a simple call can be used, thereby points out the versatility and robust functionality of the instrument 100. Actually even if a merchant does not want to support the expense of a POS terminal or keyboard, the merchant and / or the consumer in the first store, simply use the phone of standard tone of the merchant and they call the service provider (for example line 10 in Figure 1) whereby the latter can capture the identification number automatically (PIN) associated with the merchant's phone, and thus verify the identity of the merchant by the questioning database 210. When entering the value of the transaction through the telephone keypad as well as the authorization code of the instrum At 100, an amount corresponding to the sales transactions can be deducted from the account corresponding to the instrument 100, and credited to a separate account maintained by the service provider 208 with respect to the merchant, based on the merchant's identity as determined by its PIN To further point out the versatility of the present invention, the different devices configured to print the instrument 100 can be configured to print the data set on the instrument in any or a combination of languages. According to another aspect of the present invention the account balances, or even whole balances, in case the consumer does not choose to use the instrument, can be applied to the consumer's credit card, American Express or bank account, if you want Further. In opposition to the instrument 100 for purchasing items, the instrument 100 can effectively be used as a traveler's check or something similar, and simply be used by the consumer in an ATM machine to obtain cash from the account represented by the authorization code ( lines 12 and 13 figure 1,) Although the present invention is established in the context of the appended figures, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the specific forms presented. By employing the principles of the present invention in the context of other devices, data networks, and commercial and financial transactions not specifically discussed here, dramatically expanded functionalities and features can be provided to consumers, merchants, and financial institutions with relatively high infrastructure. little extended, hardware or other costs but offering an increased security, control of the existing, receipts and accounting advantages that at present are not obtainable with the existing systems. Which can be done without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (32)

R E I V I N D I CA C I O N E S

1. - A prepaid instrument printed by a conventional ATM machine having an interface with a service provider network having an account database associated therewith, the instrument comprising indications of a predetermined authorization code associated with a predetermined account maintained by the service provider and communicated to the ATM in connection with the printing of the instrument

2. The prepaid instrument according to claim 1, further comprising indications of an initial balance associated with that account.

3. The prepaid instrument according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction stating how the instrument can be used by a consumer to subsequently access the account in the context of a commercial transaction.

4. The prepaid instrument according to claim 1, wherein the indications include a bar code.

5. The prepaid instrument according to claim 1, wherein the instrument includes a toll-free contact number with the service provider.

6. The prepaid instrument according to claim 1, wherein the instrument includes indications of a replacement code.

7. The prepaid instrument according to claim 6, wherein the instrument further includes instructions for establishing communication with the service provider, wherein the service provider's network cancels the validity of the authorization code information upon receipt of the indications of the replacement code.

8. A distributed system for carrying out commercial transactions comprising: a conventional ATM machine having an associated printer; a service provider network that includes an account database and a hardware link that connects the provider's network with the ATM; an instrument printed by the printer comprising indications of an authorization code corresponding to a predetermined account associated with the database; a transaction terminal comprising an introduction module for receiving indications of the authorization code from the transaction terminal and for altering the balance of the account associated with the account according to the data entered in the data entry module in the context to make a commercial transaction.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the transaction terminal includes a POS terminal.

10. - The system according to claim 8, wherein the transaction terminal includes a bar code reader.

11. The system according to claim 8, wherein the transaction terminal includes a telephone.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the means of communication include means for effecting a charge-free contact with the network of the service provider.

13. The system according to claim 8 wherein the instrument further comprises indications of a replacement code.

14. The system according to claim 13, comprising means for establishing communication between a second terminal transaction and the network of the service provider, wherein the provider's network cancels the validity of the information code information when receiving the indications of the replacement code.

15. The system according to claim 8 wherein the network of the service provider is configured to accredit a second account in the context or occasion of making that commercial transaction.

16. A method for conducting a commercial transaction, comprising the steps of providing a service provider network having an account database, including a plurality of accounts; provide a communication link between the service provider's network and a conventional ATM; enter a PIN in the ATM to access the service provider's network by ATM; manually enter a desired account balance in the ATM; generate in response to the introduction stage, an authorization code by the service provider's network corresponding to the first of those accounts; print, by the ATM, an instrument that includes indications of the authorization code, and subsequently enter the authorization code in the data entry terminal; establishing communication between the data entry terminal and the service provider's network in response to the entry of the authorization code information in the data entry terminal; enter a quantity of the transaction in the data entry terminal; and reduce the balance associated with the first account according to the amount of the transaction.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the data entry terminal is a POS terminal.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the data entry terminal is a bar code reader.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the data entry terminal is a telephone.

The method according to claim 19, wherein the step of establishing communication between the data entry terminal and the service provider includes dialing a number on the telephone free of charge.

21. The method according to claim 16, wherein the instrument further comprises indications of a replacement code.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising the steps of: establishing communication between a second data entry terminal and a user's service system; provide the replacement code to the user's service system; and cancel the validity of the authorization code.

23. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of crediting the balance or balance associated with a second account according to the amount of the transaction.

24.- A method to provide access to funds, which includes the steps of: creating an account for funds associated with a faithful access code on a computer; create a document corresponding to the account that has the true or true access code by including a remote location at approximately the same time as the stage of creating the account; receive a candidate access code from a remote location through the computer; compare the candidate's access code with the faithful access code; and deduct funds from the account only if the candidate's access code is identical to the faithful access code.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the step of creating the document is performed by an ATM.

26. The system according to claim 24, wherein the transaction terminal includes a POS terminal.

27. The system according to claim 24, wherein the transaction terminal includes a bar code reader.

28. The system according to claim 24, wherein the transaction terminal includes a telephone.

29. The system according to claim 24, wherein the means of communication includes means for making a cost-free contact with the service provider's network.

30. - The system according to claim 24, wherein the instrument further comprises indications of a replacement code.

31. The system according to claim 30 comprising means for establishing communication between a second transaction terminal and the service provider's network, wherein the provider's network cancels the validity of the authorization code information upon receipt of the indications of the replacement code.

32. The system according to claim 24, wherein the service provider's network is configured to credit a second account in the context of performing the commercial transaction.