A computerized system and method for managing stored-value card data over a communications
network between a plurality of terminals and a central processor is provided. Each
of the terminals is accessible to respective users and is located in a respective
location generally remote relative to the central processor. The stored-value card
data is configured to securely process in real time stored-value cards transacted
by respective users to enable charging prepaid stored-value services to a recipient
of the transacted stored-value card. The method allows for providing a database
coupled to the central processor. The method further allows for storing in the
database a plurality of records comprising stored-value card data for each stored-value
card. An associating step allows for associating in each stored record respective
identifiers to uniquely match a respective stored-value card and a respective terminal.
The associating step is enabled by assigning a "setup" card to the location and
capturing the terminal information when a transaction utilizing that card is made.
A transmitting step allows for transmitting a request of stored-value card activation
to the central processor from a respective requesting terminal, the central processor
configured to accept said activation request based on whether the associated identifiers
for the stored-value card to be activated match identifiers actually transmitted
by the requesting terminal for that stored-value card and terminal.
