METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USING REWARD POINTS TO PURCHASE PRODUCTS
A system and method for implementation of product searches via a search engine over a networked computer system such as the Internet. In particular, a user may execute a search for product offers that are accompanied with reward components (e.g. reward points, rebates, coupons, etc.) and/or those that allow payment in whole or in part with payment components (e.g. reward points, rebates, coupons, etc.).
1 . A computer-implemented method for a reward server computer to facilitate an online purchase transaction using a points payment process over a networked computer system comprising the reward server computer executing the steps of:
sending to a search engine computer an indication of a number of reward points held by the reward server computer in a user reward account on behalf of a user;
receiving from the search engine computer a request to execute a points payment process by using a selection of the reward points from the user reward account in order to pay for at least part of a purchase transaction between the user, the search engine computer, and a merchant computer from which a product selected for purchase by the user will be provided to the user;
decreasing the user reward account by the selection of reward points; and
conveying to the search engine computer consideration proportionate to the selection of reward points decreased in the user reward account so as to enable the search engine computer to make payment therefrom to the merchant computer for the product selected for purchase by the user.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein the reward points comprise reward points issued by a credit card issuer based on prior purchases with a credit card.
3 . A reward server computer programmed to facilitate an online purchase transaction using a points payment process over a networked computer system by:
sending to a search engine computer an indication of a number of reward points held by the reward server computer in a user reward account on behalf of a user;
receiving from the search engine computer a request to execute a points payment process by using a selection of the reward points from the user reward account in order to pay for at least part of a purchase transaction between the user, the search engine computer, and a merchant computer from which a product selected for purchase by the user will be provided to the user;
decreasing the user reward account by the selection of reward points; and
conveying to the search engine computer consideration proportionate to the selection of reward points decreased in the user reward account so as to enable the search engine computer to make payment therefrom to the merchant computer for the product selected for purchase by the user.
4 . The reward server computer of claim 3 wherein the reward points comprise reward points issued by a credit card issuer based on prior purchases with a credit card.