Automated credit application system

Abstract

A computer based credit application processing system provides a graphical user interface, automatic software update downloading, lender to lender routing of credit applications, and integration with in-house finance and insurance systems and third party data entry facilities, among other features. Web site linkage is also accommodated.

1 - 31 . (canceled)  
   
   
       32 . A system for managing a credit application comprising: 
 an application entry and display device for entering credit application data associated with a credit application and forwarding it to a host;    a host for receiving credit application data from the application entry and display device, and selectively forwarding the credit application data to at least one funding source by: (i) sending at least a portion of the credit application data to a plurality of funding sources at substantially the same time; (ii) sending at least a portion of the credit application data to a plurality of funding sources sequentially until a positive funding decision is obtained; (iii) sending at least a portion of the credit application data to a first funding source and, after a predetermined time, sending at least a portion of the credit application data to another funding source until a positive funding decision is obtained or all funding sources have been exhausted; or (iv) sending at least a portion of the credit application data from a first funding source to a second funding source if the first funding source declines to approve the credit application; and    a transmitter for forwarding funding decision data from a funding source to the application entry and display device.    
   
   
       33 . The system of  claim 32 , where the application entry and display device includes a data entry terminal for manual entry of the credit application data.  
   
   
       34 . The system of  claim 32  further comprising a user interface for aggregating data for a dealer having a plurality of dealerships located at different locations and providing the dealer with a consolidated report using the aggregated data.  
   
   
       35 . The system of  claim 32  further comprising a transceiver for obtaining credit report data from at least one remote credit bureau.  
   
   
       36 . A system for managing a credit application comprising: 
 an application entry and display device for entering credit application data associated with a credit application and forwarding it to a host;    a host for receiving credit application data from the application entry and display device, and selectively forwarding the credit application data to at least one funding source by sending at least a portion of the credit application data to a first funding source and forwarding the sent data from the first funding source to a second funding source if the first funding source declines to approve the credit application; and    a transmitter for forwarding funding decision data from at least one of the first and second funding sources to the application entry and display device.    
   
   
       37 . The system of  claim 36 , where the application entry and display device includes a data entry terminal for manual entry of the credit application data.  
   
   
       38 . The system of  claim 36  further comprising a user interface for aggregating data for a dealer having a plurality of dealerships located at different locations and providing the dealer with a consolidated report using the aggregated data.  
   
   
       39 . The system of  claim 36  further comprising a transceiver for obtaining credit report data from at least one remote credit bureau.