SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING A CUSTOMER LOYALTY PROGRAM

摘要

A system and method for operating a customer loyalty program comprising a computer system (10) accessible on-line by various institutions participating in the customer loyalty program. The computer system (10) includes a data-processing facility (12) for processing inter alia, information relating to participating customers and their loyalty accounts, and information relating to participating institutions. The computer system (10) further comprises a storage facility (14) for storing a database of participating customers' information, as well as other relevant information. The system (10) also includes a facility (18) for managing the transfer of relevant information from participating customers and institutions, and for managing the maintenance of the database information stored in the storage facility (14), including the application of discounted rates of interest to selected financial instruments. The system and method of the invention typically envisages two types of participating institutions, a financial institution shown as lender (30) and a retail institution shown as merchant (40).