Delivery of Value Identifiers Using Short Message Service (SMS)

Abstract

A system and method for adding value to a customer account are provided. An identifier associated with a value is distributed to a customer. The identifier is usable to add the value to an account. A request to add the value to a customer account is received via short message service (SMS). The request comprises the identifier and account identification information associated with the customer account. In some embodiments, the identifier may be entered into the device using text auto-completion software. The request is received from a user communication device as an SMS message. The value associated with the identifier and the customer account associated with the account identification number are identified based on the request. The value is caused to be added to the customer account. A confirmation that the value was added to the customer account is passed to the user communication device.

1 - 42 . (canceled) 
     
     
         43 . A method for adding value to a pre-existing customer account, the method using an identifier associated with a value that is redeemable with a plurality of providers of goods or services, the method facilitated between a, a customer device, and a central processor, the method comprising:
 receiving at the central processor a request from the customer device via electronic communication to add the value associated with the identifier to the pre-existing customer account, the request being received from a customer device, the request comprising:
 the identifier associated with the value; and 
 information sufficient to identify the pre-existing customer account; 
   based on the request to add value, the central processor:
 determining the value associated with the identifier; 
   causing the value to be added to the pre-existing customer account; and   sending a communication to the customer device confirming that the value was added to the pre-existing customer account.   
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the information sufficient to identify the pre-existing customer account is stored in a memory storage system comprised in the customer device. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the identifier comprises a PIN. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the customer de vice comprises a mobile phone having a phone number, and wherein the information sufficient to identify the pre-existing customer account comprises the phone number. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the information sufficient to identify the pre-existing customer account comprises an email address. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the information sufficient to identify the pre-existing customer account comprises a user name and a password. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the account comprises a telecommunications service account. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the account comprises a financial services account. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the account comprises a multimedia account. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the account is usable to enable one or more services on the specific communication device. 
     
     
         53 . A system for adding value to a pre-existing customer account, comprising;
 a central processor, in communication with a customer device, the central processor configured to:
 receive from the customer device an electronic communication comprising an identifier of value and information sufficient to identify the pre-existing customer account; 
 determine the value based on the identifier; 
 cause the value to be added to the pre-existing customer account; 
 generate and send to the customer device an electronic communication confirming that the value was added to the pre-existing customer account; 
   the customer device, in electronic communication with the central processor, the customer device configured to:
 send an electronic communication to the central processor comprising the identifier of value and information sufficient to identify the pre-existing customer account.