Evolving payment device

Abstract

A computer apparatus is provided that comprises processor and a computer-readable medium coupled to the processor. The computer readable medium comprises code executable by the processor for implementing a method that comprises receiving a first indication at a computer apparatus that an evolving token has been used in a first transaction. Use of the evolving token in the first transaction provides a first benefit. The method further comprises that in a subsequent transaction after the first transaction, the evolving token changes so that it is associated with a payment account and the evolving token can be used to make payments.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A computer apparatus comprising:
 a processor; and   a computer-readable medium coupled to the processor, the computer readable medium comprising code executable by the processor for implementing a method comprising:   receiving a first indication at the computer apparatus that an evolving token has been used in a first transaction, wherein use of the evolving token in the first transaction provides a first benefit to a consumer, and wherein the evolving token is not associated with the consumer prior to the consumer receiving the token;   receiving a second indication at the computer apparatus that the evolving token has been used in a second transaction, wherein use of the evolving token in the second transaction provides a second benefit, and wherein the evolving token is associated with the consumer subsequent to the first transaction.   
     
     
         12 . The computer apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the method further comprises:
 receiving a third indication at the computer apparatus that the evolving token has been used in a third transaction, wherein subsequent to the second transaction, the evolving token is associated with a payment account, and wherein the evolving token is used to make a payment for the third transaction.   
     
     
         13 . A computer readable medium comprising code executable by a processor, for implementing a method comprising:
 receiving a first indication at a computer apparatus that an evolving token has been used in a first transaction, wherein use of the evolving token in the first transaction provides a first benefit to a consumer, and wherein the evolving token is not associated with the consumer prior to the consumer receiving the token;   receiving a second indication at the computer apparatus that the evolving token has been used in a second transaction, wherein use of the evolving token in the second transaction provides a second benefit, and wherein the evolving token is associated with the consumer subsequent to the first transaction.   
     
     
         14 . A method comprising:
 receiving a first indication at a computer apparatus that an evolving token has been used in a first transaction, wherein use of the evolving token in the first transaction provides a first benefit to a consumer, and wherein the evolving token is not associated with the consumer prior to the consumer receiving the token;   receiving a second indication at the computer apparatus that the evolving token has been used in a second transaction, wherein use of the evolving token in the second transaction provides a second benefit, and wherein the evolving token is associated with the consumer subsequent to the first transaction.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the second benefit is greater than the first benefit based on the use of the evolving token in both the first transaction and the second transaction. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the consumer is associated with the evolving token automatically based on a preexisting account. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the consumer is associated with the evolving token based on information entered by the consumer. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 receiving a third indication at a computer apparatus that the evolving token has been used in a third transaction, wherein subsequent to the second transaction, the evolving token is associated with a payment account, and wherein the evolving token is used to make a payment for the third transaction.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the first, the second, and the third transactions occur at a different merchant. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the first, the second, and the third transactions occur at a single merchant. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the consumer is associated with the evolving token based on at least one of a consumer name, a credit card number, a checking account number, a savings account number, a social security number, a passport identification number, a drivers license number, an address, and an age. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 receiving an indication from the consumer that the evolving token is to be additionally used as a payment device; and   converting the evolving token to be associated with a payment account such that the evolving token can be used to make payments.