Stored value kiosk system and method

Abstract

A stored value card activation system includes a server in communication with one or more computing devices configured in kiosks. The server receives stored value card type information associated with one of multiple non-activated stored value cards from the computing device. The server also receives monetary amount information to be associated with the selected stored value card from the kiosk, and payment information from a user of the kiosk. From this information, the server conducts a financial transaction with a financial account server associated with an account of the user, and activates the selected stored value card in accordance with the financial transaction.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A kiosk for displaying stored-value cards comprising:
 a housing structure to hold a plurality of non-activated stored value stored-value cards; and   a computing device to be housed and supported by the housing structure and having a display screen for providing interaction with a user, the computing device configured to:
 generate a graphical user interface (GUI) to the display screen to: 
 receive stored value card type information associated with a selected one of the plurality of non-activated stored value stored-value cards; 
 receive payment information from the user via a peripheral payment device for conducting a financial transaction with a financial account server associated with an account of the user and activating the selected stored value stored value card in accordance with the financial transaction; and 
 identify a specific merchant identified with the selected one of the plurality of non-activated stored-value cards; and 
 communicate with the specific merchant in order to effectuate activation of the selected one of the plurality of non-activated stored value cards. 
   
     
     
         3 . The kiosk of  claim 2 , wherein the peripheral payment device is selected from the set consisting of a magnetic strip reader, a barcode scanner, and a server in communication with a third-party online payment vehicle. 
     
     
         4 . The kiosk of  claim 2 , wherein the housing structure comprises a countertop housing with a bottom end to be mounted on a counter-top. 
     
     
         5 . The kiosk of  claim 2 , wherein the housing structure comprises a floor stand housing with a bottom end to be mounted on a floor. 
     
     
         6 . The kiosk of  claim 2 , wherein the housing structure comprises a wall mount housing configured to be mounted on a wall. 
     
     
         7 . The kiosk of  claim 2 , wherein the housing structure comprises a retail display unit to display other sale items related to stored-value cards. 
     
     
         8 . The kiosk of  claim 2 , wherein the stored-value card comprises a digital stored-value card and the computing device comprises a tablet computer configured to transmit the selected stored-value card to a recipient via a messaging service. 
     
     
         9 . The kiosk of  claim 2 , wherein the selected stored-value card comprises a physical stored-value card. 
     
     
         10 . The kiosk of  claim 2 , wherein the stored-value card comprises a pre-set monetary amount. 
     
     
         11 . The kiosk of  claim 2 , wherein the computing device is configured to receive a customized monetary amount from the user. 
     
     
         12 . The kiosk of  claim 2 , wherein the act of communicating with the specific merchant in order to effectuate activation of the selected one of the plurality of non-activated stored value cards comprising communicating with a central processor which in turn communicates directly with the specific merchant.