Merchant account activation system

Abstract

A merchant account activation system that includes an Internet server that works in conjunction with a master account file operating on a mainframe computer and an expert computer system that is used to configure point-of-sale terminals. Many of the steps of the activation procedure arc performed by a merchant activation routine running on the Internet server, which allows a merchant account may apply for a merchant account during an on-line session conducted with the Internet server. The merchant activation routine obtains application information from the applicant during an on-line session, conducts a credit check and “scores” the application as a credit risk during the on-line session. If the application is approved, the merchant activation routine displays a fee schedule and associated terms and conditions to the applicant for acceptance. In response to merchant acceptance of the terms and conditions of a merchant account during an on-line session, the merchant activation routine or an associated computer operated by the acquirer generates identification information associated with the merchant account and the point-of-sale terminal, such as a Merchant Identification Number (MID) and a Terminal Identification Number (TID).

1 - 46 . (canceled)  
     
     
         47 . A system for enabling a merchant to apply for a credit card processing account using the Internet to open a credit card processing account with a third party provider for the third party provider to process credit card orders made by customers with the merchant, the system comprising: 
 a computer browser in communication with the Internet;    an Internet information server in communication with the computer browser over the Internet, the Internet information server providing HTML pages on the computer browser for a merchant to submit credit card processing account application information to the Internet information server, wherein the submitted credit card processing account information includes credit check and score information, said credit check and score information being in the Internet information server; and    a processor in communication with the Internet information server to process the credit card processing account information to determine whether to grant the merchant a credit card processing account with the third party provider, wherein a determination to grant the merchant a credit card processing account with the third party provider comprises assigning a merchant identifier (MID) and a terminal identifier (TID) to point of sale (POS) equipment to be utilized by the merchant in processing credit card orders, and storing a features of service for the credit card processing account including the MID and TID in a master account file associated with the merchant in the processor;    the processor being operative to provide the assigned MID and TID from the master account file for use in configuring the POS equipment in a POS equipment configuration operation.    
     
     
         48 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the POS equipment configuration operation comprises utilizing an expert system to assist a technician in configuring POS equipment by displaying said assigned MID and TID to the technician in connection with configuring the POS equipment prior to shipment of said POS equipment to the merchant.  
     
     
         49 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the POS equipment configuration operation comprises placing a telephone call to existing POS equipment and reprogramming said existing POS equipment with said assigned MID and TID.  
     
     
         50 . A method for enabling a merchant to apply for a credit card processing account using the Internet to open a credit card processing account with a third party provider for the third party provider to process credit card orders made by customers with the merchant, the method comprising: 
 providing a computer browser in communication with the Internet;    providing an Internet information server in communication with the computer browser over the Internet;    browsing the Internet with the computer browser to receive HTML pages from the Internet information server;    entering credit card processing account information of a merchant into the HTML pages to submit the credit card processing account information to the Internet information server, wherein the submitted credit card processing account information includes credit check and score information, said credit check and score information being in the Internet information server;    providing a processor in communication with the Internet information server;    processing the credit card processing account information with the processor to determine whether to grant the merchant a credit card processing account with the third party provider, wherein a determination to grant the merchant a credit card processing account with the third party provider comprises assigning a merchant identifier (MID) and a terminal identifier (TID) to point of sale (POS) equipment to be utilized by the merchant in processing credit card orders;    storing features of service for the credit card processing account including the MID and TID in a master account file associated with the merchant in the processor; and    providing the assigned MID and TID from the master account file for use in configuring the POS equipment in a POS equipment configuration operation.    
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the POS equipment configuration operation comprises utilizing an expert system to assist a technician in configuring POS equipment by displaying said assigned MID and TID to the technician in connection with configuring the POS equipment prior to shipment of said POS equipment to the merchant.  
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the POS equipment configuration operation comprises placing a telephone call to existing POS equipment and reprogramming said existing POS equipment with said assigned MID and TID.  
     
     
         53 - 55 . (canceled)