System and method for facilitating account-based transactions

1. A method comprising:

receiving, by a server in communication via a telecommunication network with at least one merchant, a request from a third party to authorize a transaction between a second person and a third party;

determining, by the server, a first communication address of a first person associated with the second party and with an account;

contacting, via the server, the first person via the first communication address;

determining, by the server, a second communication address of the second person;

initiating, by the server, a communication between the first person and the second person; and

receiving, by the server, a signal indicating that the first person authorizes the transaction or declines the transaction.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting the signal to the third party.

3. The method of claim 1 ,

wherein the account comprises a credit card account; and

further comprising:

transmitting the signal to a card authorization terminal.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first person is a controlling individual associated with the account.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

determining a monetary amount based on the communication; and

charging the monetary amount to the account.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein initiating the communication between the first person and the second person comprises:

enabling communication between the first person and the second person via a device, the device comprising at least one of a telephone, a cell phone, a radio device, a personal digital assistant, or a computer.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein initiating the communication between the first person and the second person comprises:

enabling text-based communication between the first person and the second person.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein initiating the communication between the first person and the second person comprises:

enabling audio communication between the first person and the second person.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein initiating the communication between the first person and the second person comprises:

enabling video communication between the first person and the second person.

10. An apparatus, comprising:

a processor; and

a memory storing instructions configured to direct the processor to perform:

receiving a request from a third party to authorize a transaction between a second person and a third party;

determining a first communication address of a first person associated with the second party and with an account;

contacting the first person via the first communication address;

determining a second communication address of the second person;

initiating a communication between the first person and the second person; and

receiving a signal indicating that the first person authorizes the transaction or declines the transaction.

11. A method comprising:

receiving, by a server in communication via a telecommunication network with at least one third party, an indication of a request from a third party to authorize a transaction between a second party and the third party;

determining, by the server, a first communication address of a first party associated with the second party and with an account;

attempting, by the server, to contact the first party using the first communication address for a predetermined length of time;

determining, by the server, that the predetermined length of time has elapsed;

after the predetermined length of time has elapsed, retrieving, by the server, a default command associated specifically with the account, in which the default command comprises authorizing the transaction or declining the transaction; and

after the predetermined length of time has elapsed, executing, by the server, the default command associated specifically with the account.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein executing the default command comprises:

transmitting, by the server to the third party, a signal associated with authorizing the transaction.

13. The method of claim 11 , wherein executing the default command comprises:

transmitting, by the server to the third party, a signal associated with declining the transaction.

14. An apparatus, comprising:

a processor; and

a memory storing instructions configured to direct the processor to perform:

receiving an indication of a request from a third party to authorize a transaction between a second party and the third party;

determining a first communication address of a first party associated with the second party and with an account;

attempting to contact the first party using the first communication address for a predetermined length of time;

determining that the predetermined length of time has elapsed;

after the predetermined length of time has elapsed, retrieving a default command associated specifically with the account, in which the default command comprises authorizing the transaction or declining the transaction; and

after the predetermined length of time has elapsed, executing the default command associated specifically with the account.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein executing the default command comprises:

transmitting, by the server to the third party, a signal associated with authorizing the transaction.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein executing the default command comprises:

transmitting, by the server to the third party, a signal associated with declining the transaction.