(19)

(11)

EP 1 218 861 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 03.07.2002 Bulletin 2002/27 (21) Application number: 00968720.3 (22) Date of filing: 05.10.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G07F 7/10 (86) International application number: PCT/US0027/458 (87) International publication number: WO 0127/887 (19.04.2001 Gazette 2001/16)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 08.10.1999 US 158608 P 05.11.1999 US 163886 P (71) Applicant: MASTERCARD INTERNATIONAL, INC. Purchase, NY 10577-2509 (US)	(72) Inventors: HARRIS, Michael, D., S. Paoli, PA 19301 (US) WANKMUELLER, John New Hyde Park, NY 11040 (US) (74) Representative: Beresford, Keith Denis Lewis et al BERESFORD & Co.2-5 Warwick Court,High Holborn London WC1R 5DH London WC1R 5DH (GB)