Christine E Lynch

US Patent:

20050203824, Sep 15, 2005

Filed:

Mar 12, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/708592

Inventors:

Aliza Freud - Maplewood NJ, US
Christine Lynch - New York NY, US
Dee McBride - Scottsdale AZ, US

Assignee:

AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC. - New York NY

International Classification:

G06F017/60

US Classification:

705037000

Abstract:

The present invention provides a system and method for facilitating a bid transaction over a computerized network using a rewards account balance from any type of cash rewards program. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a participant applies rewards from their rewards account to bid on items in a closed online auction over a computerized network such as the internet. The online auction is open only to participants of a sponsoring or participating cash rewards program and only bids made with accumulated cash rewards are accepted. Further, the present invention provides a system and method for facilitating online management of a rewards account by the participant.