Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Customer loyalty programs using portable data storage devices, e.g., smart cards, are described. Merchant terminals capable of reading and writing information to user smart cards are used to award points to customers based on a set of loyalty program information stored in the merchant terminal, at least some information read from the smart card, and information such as the purchase amount. Different terminals within a store maybe loaded with different loyalty program information allowing the program to be specific to a store department or location. Updating of loyalty program information from a server facilitates implementation of rapid changes in plans allowing plans to be modified or an hourly basis if desired as part of a particular promotion in a department. Bonus loyalty information is stored in the user device, eliminating any need to access a centralized location which stores point information to award and/or redeem loyalty awards.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim