System and method for providing incentives to consumers to share information

1. A computer implemented method of providing incentives for the sharing of information, said method comprising the steps of:

accepting consumer information;

storing the consumer information in electronic form in at least one electronic database, wherein, by default, at least a sub-set of the consumer information is made available to a third party;

requesting a decision from a consumer regarding opting out of sharing the sub-set of the consumer information with the third party;

receiving a response from the consumer to opt-out of sharing the sub-set of the consumer information with the third party;

determining, using a programmed computer, following the response, a level of interest in keeping the consumer from opting out of sharing the sub-set of the consumer information;

determining, using the programmed computer, a subcategory of the level of interest having a first weight assigned that comprises the level of interest in keeping the consumer from opting out of sharing the sub-set of the consumer information;

searching an electronic database for a selected incentive based on the subcategory of the level of interest;

comparing a second weight assigned to the selected incentive offered to the first weight such that the second weight cannot exceed the first weight and wherein multiple incentives are capable of being selected to comprise the selected incentive as long as the sum of each second weight of each of the multiple incentives does not exceed the first weight; and

offering the consumer the selected incentive in exchange for their permission to share the sub-set of the consumer information with the third party, wherein the selected incentive is offered prior to sharing of the sub-set of the consumer information.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the level of interest in keeping the consumer from opting out of sharing the sub-set of information is determined by analyzing at least one factor from the group of factors comprising: the amount of consumer information; the detail of the consumer information; the socio-economic status of the consumer; and the credit worthiness of the consumer.

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the selected incentive is chosen from the group comprising:

(a) a reduction in a minimum payment;

(b) a discount on an annual credit rate;

(c) a discount on a yearly fee; and

(d) a rewards program.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

receiving a negative response, from the consumer, to the offering of the selected incentive;

calculating a limited level of interest in having the customer share a limited amount of consumer information that is less than the sub-set of consumer information;

searching an electronic database for at least one second incentive based on a subcategory associated with the limited level of interest; and

offering the consumer the second incentive in exchange for their permission to share the limited amount consumer information with the third party, wherein the second incentive is offered prior to sharing of the sub-set of the consumer information.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first weight represents the value of the consumer to a financial institution.

6. A computer implemented method of providing incentives for the sharing of information, said method comprising the steps of:

accepting consumer information;

storing the consumer information in electronic form in at least one electronic database, wherein, by default, at least a sub-set of the consumer information is shared with a third party;

requesting a decision from a consumer regarding opting out of sharing the sub-set of the consumer information with the third party;

receiving a response from the consumer to opt-out of sharing the sub-set of the consumer information with the third party;

determining, using a programmed computer, following the response, a level of interest in keeping the consumer from opting out of sharing the sub-set of the consumer information, wherein the level of interest in keeping the consumer from opting out of sharing the sub-set of information is determined by analyzing at least one factor from the group of factors comprising: the amount of consumer information; the detail of the consumer information; the socio-economic status of the consumer; and the credit worthiness of the consumer;

determining, using the programmed computer, a subcategory of the level of interest having a first weight assigned that comprises the level of interest in keeping the consumer from opting out of sharing the sub-set of the consumer information;

searching an electronic database for a selected incentive based on the subcategory of the level of interest, wherein the selected incentive is chosen from the group comprising:

(a) a reduction in a minimum payment;

(b) a discount on an annual credit rate;

(c) a discount on a yearly fee; and

(d) a rewards program;

comparing a second weight assigned to the selected incentive offered to the first weight such that the second weight cannot exceed the first weight and wherein multiple incentives are capable of being selected to comprise the selected incentive as long as the sum of each second weight of each of the multiple incentives does not exceed the first weight; and

offering the consumer the selected incentive in exchange for their permission to share the sub-set of the consumer information with the third party, wherein the selected incentive is offered prior to sharing of the sub-set of the consumer information.