JP7695976B2 - Method and device for refunding usage fees - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method and device for refunding usage fees, and in particular to a method and device for refunding usage fees for communication services.

Services that offer points at a variable rebate rate depending on the payment amount of a credit card or the like have been known for some time (for example, see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the credit card user's credit card usage history during the period covered by the rebate rate is used to obtain the user's reaction information to the rebate rate, and the rebate rate is set from the reaction information.

JP 2021-163046 A

In recent years, telecommunications carriers that provide communication services such as voice calls and data communications have been providing not only communication services, but also financial services such as credit cards, as exemplified in Patent Document 1, and electronic payment services such as QR code (registered trademark) payments.

In Patent Document 1, the system only provided rebates for credit card usage, and users could only use the points etc. provided when using a credit card, so the uses were limited. In recent years, the number of users who use not only communication services but also financial services and electronic payment services as a set has been increasing, but the system did not provide appropriate rebates for users who use communication services, financial services, and electronic payment services as a set.

The present invention provides a method and device for providing appropriate refunds to users who use not only communication services but also financial services and electronic payment services as a set.

The fee refund method of the present invention includes storing information of a user who subscribes to a communication service provided by a telecommunications carrier, storing information of a user who subscribes to a financial service provided by the telecommunications carrier or a carrier having a specified relationship with the telecommunications carrier, storing information of a user who subscribes to an electronic payment service provided by the telecommunications carrier or a carrier having a specified relationship with the telecommunications carrier, determining whether or not a user who subscribes to the communication service has subscribed to the financial service, and, on condition that it is determined that the user has subscribed to the financial service, refunding electronic money or points that can be used in the electronic payment service as a refund for the fee for the communication service.

The fee refund device of the present invention also includes a storage unit that stores information about a user who subscribes to a communication service provided by a telecommunications carrier, information indicating whether the user subscribes to a financial service provided by the telecommunications carrier or a carrier having a specified relationship with the telecommunications carrier, and information indicating whether the user subscribes to an electronic payment service provided by the telecommunications carrier or a carrier having a specified relationship with the telecommunications carrier, and a control unit that determines whether a user who subscribes to a communication service subscribes to a financial service and, on condition that it is determined that the user subscribes to a financial service, decides to refund electronic money or points that can be used in an electronic payment service as a refund for the fee for the communication service.

The present invention makes it possible to provide rebates that are appropriate for users who use not only communication services but also financial services and electronic payment services as a set.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a usage fee return system 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a control unit 200 of the communication service server 10. [0023] FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing communication service subscriber user information 300. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing credit card user information 400. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing bank account opening user information 500. FIG. 6 shows electronic payment user information 600. A diagram showing securities account opening user information 700. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of refunding the usage fee for a communication service. 9 is a flowchart of the cashback calculation (S809) in FIG. 8. 9 is a flowchart of the cashback execution (S810) of FIG. 8. 3A to 3C are diagrams showing various screens displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal 60.

Below, examples of the present invention are explained using the drawings, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described here, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

<Usage fee refund system 1>
The overall configuration of a fee refund system 1 that refunds fees for communication services such as voice call services and data communication services provided by a communication carrier to users of the communication services will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The fee refund system 1 includes a communication service server 10, a credit card server 20, a bank account server 30, an electronic settlement server 40, and a securities server 50.

The communication service server 10 is a server of a telecommunications carrier that provides communication services. The communication service server 10 stores information on users who subscribe to the communication services provided by the telecommunications carrier. The communication service server 10 is an example of the usage fee refund device of the present invention.

The credit card server 20 is a server of a telecommunications carrier or a business that has a specified relationship with the telecommunications carrier, and is a business (card business) that provides financial services such as credit cards and debit cards. The credit card server 20 stores information on users who subscribe to credit card and debit card services.

The bank account server 30 is a server of a telecommunications carrier or a business that has a specified relationship with the telecommunications carrier and provides financial services such as banking (bank). The bank account server 30 stores information about users who open accounts at the bank.

The electronic payment server 40 is a server of a telecommunications carrier or a business that has a specified relationship with the telecommunications carrier and provides electronic payment services (electronic payment business operator). Electronic payment services include electronic payment services that use short-range wireless communication (NFC or Felica) of a communication terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, or electronic payment services that use code information (e.g., barcode, QR code (registered trademark)) displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal or code information read by the communication terminal 60. The electronic payment server 40 stores information on users who subscribe to the electronic payment service.

The securities server 50 is a server of a telecommunications carrier or a business that has a specified relationship with the telecommunications carrier, that is, a business (securities company) that handles securities (stock certificates, investment trusts, etc.). The securities server 50 stores information about users who open accounts with the securities company.

The above-mentioned servers 10 to 50 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network such as a dedicated line. In addition, the communication service server 10 and the electronic payment server 40 are connected to communication terminals 60 of users who subscribe to the communication service and users who subscribe to the electronic payment service via a network such as the Internet so that they can communicate with each other.

(Communication service server 10)
The hardware configuration of the control unit 200 of the communication service server 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The control unit 200 has a processor 201, a main memory unit 202, an auxiliary memory unit 203, a communication interface 204 (hereinafter, the interface will be abbreviated as I/F), an input/output I/F 205, and a bus 206 that communicatively connects the above-mentioned modules. The processor 201 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of each unit of the communication service server 10. The processor 201 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or the like. The processor 201 deploys the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203 in an executable manner in a working area of the main storage unit 202. The main storage unit 202 stores the programs executed by the processor 201, the data processed by the processor, and the like. The main storage unit 202 is a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The auxiliary storage unit 203 stores various programs such as an OS (Operating System) and various data. The auxiliary storage unit 203 of this embodiment stores a user information management DB 210 that stores information on users who subscribe to the communication service. The auxiliary storage unit 203 is, for example, a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. The communication I/F 204 is a device for connecting the communication service server 10 to a network such as a LAN, and is, for example, a network interface controller (NIC). The input/output I/F 205 is, for example, a device controller that inputs and outputs data to and from input/output devices such as a mouse, keyboard, and display connected to the communication service server 10.

The communication service server 10 functions as a web server and displays various information (e.g., subscription plan name, monthly fee, data usage (or remaining data)) about the communication service subscribed to by a user on the web browser of the user's communication terminal (e.g., smartphone, tablet) who subscribes to the communication service.

The hardware configurations of the credit card server 20, bank account server 30, electronic payment server 40, and securities server 50 are substantially the same as those of the communication service server 10 described above, so their explanations will be omitted.

(Communication service subscriber information 300)
With reference to FIG. 3, the information of users subscribing to the communication service (communication service subscribing user information 300) stored in the user information management DB 210 of the communication service server 10 will be described in detail.

The communication service user information 300 includes a user ID 301, user information 302, a telephone number 303, a subscription plan 304, a subscription date 305, a card subscription status 306, a bank account opening status 307, a Pay subscription status 308, and a payment method 309.

User ID 301 is an identification number that uniquely identifies a user who subscribes to the communication service.

User information 302 is information about the user subscribing to the communication service, and includes, for example, name, age, gender, address, etc.

Telephone number 303 is the telephone number for subscribing to the subscription plan described below.

Subscription plan 304 is a subscription plan to which telephone number 303 subscribes. Telecommunications carriers offer various fee plans with different data usage amounts, etc., but the plans eligible for the cashback in this embodiment are limited to a specified plan (e.g., "Plan XX"). For example, this specified plan is a plan with unlimited data capacity, and the monthly fee is a fixed amount. The monthly fee for the specified plan may be a variable amount that varies depending on data usage and call time. In addition, the specified plan may be a plan with a usage limit on data capacity, and the plans eligible for this cashback are not limited to that plan.

The subscription date 305 is information indicating the date on which the subscription plan was signed up for.

Card subscription status 306 is information indicating whether or not a specified credit card issued by a telecommunications carrier or a card carrier that has a specified relationship with the telecommunications carrier has been issued. This information is provided by the credit card server 20.

Bank account opening status 307 is information indicating whether or not a bank account has been opened with a telecommunications carrier or with a bank that has a specified relationship with the telecommunications carrier. This information is provided by bank account server 30.

The pay subscription status 308 is information indicating whether or not the user is subscribed to an electronic payment service provided by a telecommunications carrier or an electronic payment carrier that has a specified relationship with the telecommunications carrier. This information is provided by the electronic payment server 40.

Payment method 309 is information indicating the method for paying the monthly fee (usage fee) required for the subscription plan to which the user has subscribed. For example, the user can pay the usage fee by a payment method such as a credit card or direct debit.

(Credit card user information 400)
With reference to FIG. 4, the information of users who apply for a credit card or the like (credit card user information 400) stored by credit card server 20 will be described in detail.

The credit card user information 400 includes a user ID 401, user information 402, card type 403, issue date 404, account number 405, credit limit 406, rebate rate 407, owned points 408, and transaction history 409.

User ID 401 is an identification number for uniquely identifying the user to whom the credit card is issued. This user ID 401 may be the same number as user ID 301 described above, or may be a number linked to user ID 301.

User information 402 is information about the user to whom the credit card is issued, and includes, for example, name, age, gender, address, etc.

Card type 403 is information indicating the type (grade) of the credit card being subscribed to.

Issue date 404 is information indicating the date the credit card was issued.

Account number 405 is information indicating the bank account number from which the payment amount settled by credit card will be debited. Account number 405 includes a bank code for identifying the bank, a fulcrum code for identifying the fulcrum, and the account number.

Limit amount 406 is information indicating the monthly payment limit set for each credit card.

The redemption rate 407 is information indicating the redemption rate of points awarded according to the payment amount by credit card.

The owned points 408 is information indicating the remaining number of points awarded based on the amount of a credit card payment or points awarded through a campaign, etc.

Transaction history 409 is information showing the history of payments made using a credit card.

(Bank account opening user information 500)
With reference to FIG. 5, details of the information of users who open bank accounts (bank account opening user information 500) stored by bank account server 30 will be described.

Bank account opening user information 500 includes a user ID 501, user information 502, account type 503, account opening date 504, balance 505, and transaction history 506.

The user ID 501 is an identification number for uniquely identifying a user who opens a bank account. This user ID 501 may be the same number as the user ID 301 described above, or may be a number linked to the user ID 301.

User information 502 is information about the user who opens a bank account, and includes, for example, name, age, gender, address, etc.

Account type 503 is information indicating the type of bank account to be opened (regular, current).

Account opening date 504 is information indicating the date the bank account was opened.

Balance 505 is information showing the balance of an opened bank account.

Transaction history 506 is information showing the history of deposits and withdrawals in a bank account.

(Electronic Payment User Information 600)
With reference to FIG. 6, details of the information of users subscribing to the electronic payment service (electronic payment user information 600) stored in the electronic payment server 40 will be described.

The electronic payment user information 600 includes a user ID 601, user information 602, joining date 603, balance 604, owned points 605, registered card 606, and transaction history 607.

The user ID 601 is an identification number for uniquely identifying a user who subscribes to the electronic payment service. This user ID 601 may be the same number as the user ID 301 described above, or may be a number linked to the user ID 301.

User information 602 is information about the user subscribing to the electronic payment service, and includes, for example, name, age, gender, address, etc.

The subscription date 603 is information indicating the date on which the user subscribed to the electronic payment service.

The balance 604 is the electronic money that the user has charged to the electronic payment service and is the balance that can be used with the electronic payment service.

The owned points 605 are points that can be used in electronic payment services. The owned points 605 may be the type of points that are awarded in response to credit card payments, or may be a different type of points from the above-mentioned points. If the owned points 605 are the type of points that are awarded in response to credit card payments, the electronic payment server 40 obtains information on the owned points 408 of the credit card linked to the user ID 601 from the credit card server 20, and sets these as the owned points 605.

Registered card 606 is information about a credit card registered with the electronic payment service. With the electronic payment service, payment can be made from a charged balance or a registered credit card. When payment is made from a credit card, the credit card information registered in registered card 606 is used for the payment.

Transaction history 607 is information showing the history of payments made using electronic payment services and the history of charges made to electronic payment services.

(Securities account opening user information 700)
With reference to FIG. 7, details of the information of users who open accounts at securities companies (securities account opening user information 700) stored in the securities server 50 will be described.

The securities account opening user information 700 includes a user ID 701, user information 702, account type 703, account opening date 704, held products 705, balance 706, and transaction history 707.

User ID 701 is an identification number for uniquely identifying a user who opens a securities account. This user ID 701 may be the same number as the user ID 301 described above, or may be a number linked to the user ID 301.

User information 702 is information about the user who opens a securities account, and includes, for example, name, age, gender, address, etc.

Account type 703 is information indicating the type of securities account to be opened (NISA, special, general, etc.).

Account opening date 704 is information indicating the date the securities account was opened.

Held products 705 are information about securities held by the user.

Balance 706 is information showing the balance of an opened securities account.

Transaction history 707 is information showing the history of deposits and withdrawals in a securities account and the history of buying and selling securities.

<Method of refunding usage fee in the usage fee refund system 1>
Referring to FIG. 8, the refund (cash back) for the usage fee of the communication service in the usage fee refund system 1 will be described.

(S801: Storing communication service subscriber information 300)
The communication service server 10 stores information of users who subscribe to a communication service provided by a telecommunications carrier (communications service subscriber user information 300). For example, a person who wishes to subscribe to the communication service applies for subscription to the communication service at a counter operated by the telecommunications carrier or online. The communication service server 10 stores various information of the communication service subscriber user information 300 according to the application for subscription to the communication service. In addition, the communication service server 10 updates various information of the communication service subscriber user information 300 according to an information update request. For example, when a new credit card is applied for, the communication service server 10 receives an update request from the credit card server 20 and updates the card application status 306 linked to the user ID 301 of the user who newly applied for the credit card. In addition, when a new bank account is opened, the communication service server 10 receives an update request from the bank account server 30 and updates the bank account opening status 307 linked to the user ID 301 of the user who newly opened the bank account. In addition, when a new user signs up for the electronic payment service, the communication service server 10 receives an update request from the electronic payment server 40 and updates the pay subscription status 308 linked to the user ID 301 of the user who has newly signed up for the electronic payment service.

(S802: Storing credit card user information 400)
The credit card server 20 stores information (credit card user information 400) of users who are issued credit cards provided by telecommunications carriers or carriers that have a specified relationship with telecommunications carriers. For example, a person who wishes to issue a credit card applies for a credit card on the credit card carrier's website, at a storefront, or by mail. The credit card server 20 stores various information in the credit card user information 400 in accordance with the application for a credit card. The credit card server 20 also updates various information in the credit card user information 400 in accordance with a request to update the information.

(S803: Storing bank account opening user information 500)
The bank account server 30 stores information (bank account opening user information 500) of users who open bank accounts with telecommunications carriers or businesses (banks) that have a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carriers. For example, a person who wishes to open a bank account applies to open a bank account on the bank's website, at a bank branch, or by mail. The bank account server 30 stores various information in the bank account opening user information 500 in accordance with the application to open an account. In addition, the bank account server 30 updates various information in the bank account opening user information 500 in accordance with a request to update the information.

(S804: Storing electronic payment user information 600)
The electronic payment server 40 stores information (electronic payment user information 600) of users who subscribe to an electronic payment service provided by a telecommunications carrier or a business (electronic payment business operator) that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier. For example, a person who wishes to subscribe to an electronic payment service downloads an app related to the electronic payment service (hereinafter referred to as the electronic payment app) to a communication terminal such as the user's smartphone, and applies for subscription to the electronic payment service on the electronic payment app. The electronic payment server 40 stores various information in the electronic payment user information 600 in accordance with the application for subscription to the electronic payment service. Furthermore, the electronic payment server 40 updates various information in the electronic payment user information 600 in accordance with a request to update the information.

(S805: Providing card membership information)
When a new credit card is applied for, the credit card server 20 transmits an update request to the communication service server 10. The update request includes a user ID 401 as card application information. The communication service server 10 updates the card application status 306 of the user ID 301 that matches the user ID 401 in accordance with the received update request.

(S806: Providing account opening information)
When a new bank account is opened, the bank account server 30 sends an update request to the communication service server 10. The update request includes the user ID 501 as account opening information. The communication service server 10 updates the bank account opening status 307 of the user ID 301 that matches the user ID 501 in accordance with the received update request.

(S807: Providing electronic payment service subscription information)
When a new user joins the electronic payment service, the electronic payment server 40 sends an update request to the communication service server 10. The update request includes information identifying the user ID 601 and the user's account registered in the electronic payment application as electronic payment service subscription information. The communication service server 10 updates the pay subscription status 308 of the user ID 301 that matches the user ID 601 in accordance with the received update request.

(S808: Payment method setting)
A subscriber to a communication service can set a payment method for the fee for the communication service. For example, a subscriber to a communication service can set a credit card or a bank account as a payment method for the fee (monthly fee) for the communication service online or at a counter. When a credit card provided by a telecommunications carrier or a carrier having a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier is set as the payment method, the communication service server 10 provides information related to the credit card set in the credit card server 20. Also, when a bank account of a telecommunications carrier or a carrier (bank) having a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier is set as the payment method, the communication service server 10 provides information related to the bank account set in the bank account server 30.

(S809: Cashback calculation)
The communication service server 10 calculates the amount of cashback for the usage fee of the communication service. Details of S809 will be described later. This cashback calculation (S809) may be performed, for example, at the end of each month or at other times.

(S810: Cashback execution)
The communication service server 10 executes the cash back of the amount calculated in S809. The communication service server 10 notifies the amount calculated in S809 to the electronic settlement server 40. Details of S810 will be described later.

(S811: Cashback)
The electronic payment server 40 performs a process of adding the amount of the cashback notified in S810 to the balance 604 of the account registered in the electronic payment app. The electronic payment server 40 may also notify that the cashback has been executed to the account registered in the electronic payment app of the communication terminal 60. The electronic payment app can display the amount of the cashback and the account balance to which the cashback amount has been added.

(S812: Point back calculation)
The credit card server 20 calculates the number of points back for the payment by credit card. This point back calculation (S812) may be performed, for example, for each payment, or may be performed at other times. Then, the credit card server 20 adds the number of points back to the current points held, and updates the held points 408. For example, the credit card server 20 calculates the number of points based on a return rate set according to the type of credit card for the payment amount by credit card (see card type 403 and return rate 407 in FIG. 4). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the credit card server 20 may give points calculated by multiplying the payment amount of the communication service fee by a predetermined return rate to a user who is a subscriber to a predetermined plan of the communication service and who sets the credit card as the payment method.

(S813: Point back calculation)
The communication service server 10 calculates the number of points back for payment of the usage fee for the communication service by credit card. In this embodiment, the communication service server 10 calculates the number of points according to the payment amount of the usage fee for the communication service (for example, points of usage fee x 10%). The calculated number of points back is notified to the credit card server 20. This 10% is an example, and other return rates may be used, or the return rate may vary for a limited period of time. In addition, this point back calculation (S813) may be calculated by the credit card server 20 based on the usage fee for the communication service.

(S814: Providing owned points)
The credit card server 20 provides the updated owned points 408 to the electronic payment server 40. The electronic payment server 40 may display the owned points 408 in the electronic payment application of the communication terminal 60.

(Details of Cash Back Calculation (S809))
The cashback calculation (S809) in Fig. 8 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 9. Each process in the flowchart in Fig. 9 is executed, for example, by the processor 201 of the communication service server 10 reading and executing a cashback calculation program. This flowchart is executed for each user ID who subscribes to a plan that is eligible for this cashback.

The communication service server 10 determines whether it is time to calculate the cashback (S901). The time to calculate the cashback is, for example, the end of the month, but may be any other timing.

When the communication service server 10 determines that it is time to calculate the cashback (S901: Yes), it determines whether the user has issued a specified credit card (subscribed to a financial service) (S902). Specifically, the communication service server 10 refers to the communication service subscriber user information 300 and determines whether the user has issued a specified credit card from the card subscription status 306 of the user ID 301 of the user. A specified credit card is, for example, a credit card issued by a telecommunications carrier or a carrier that has a specified relationship with the telecommunications carrier, and is a credit card that is eligible for this cashback.

When the communication service server 10 determines that the user has issued a specified credit card (S902: Yes), it sets the variable CB1 = 300 (S903), and when it determines that the user has not issued a specified credit card (S902: No), it sets the variable CB1 = 0 (S904). The variable CB1 indicates the cashback for signing up for the specified credit card, and its value indicates the cashback amount. Note that this cashback amount is not limited to 300, and may be a specified amount for the communication service usage fee (or a specified number in the case of point back) or a variable amount.

Next, the communication service server 10 determines whether the user has opened a specified bank account (subscribed to a financial service) (S905). Specifically, the communication service server 10 refers to the communication service subscriber user information 300 and determines whether the user has opened a specified bank account from the bank account opening status 307 of the user ID 301 of the user. A specified bank account is, for example, a bank account opened by a telecommunications carrier or a business (bank) that has a specified relationship with the telecommunications carrier, and is a bank account that is eligible for this cashback.

When the communication service server 10 determines that the user has opened a specified bank account (S905: Yes), it sets the variable CB2 = 300 (S906), and when it determines that the user has not opened a specified bank account (S905: No), it sets the variable CB2 = 0 (S907). The variable CB2 indicates the cashback for opening a specified bank account, and its value indicates the cashback amount. Note that this cashback amount is not limited to 300, and may be a specified amount for the communication service usage fee (or a specified number in the case of point back) or a variable amount.

Next, the communication service server 10 determines whether the user has set a specific payment method (set a financial service) as the payment method for the usage fee (S908). Specifically, the communication service server 10 refers to the communication service subscriber user information 300 and determines whether the user has set a specific credit card or a specific bank account as the payment method from the payment method 309 of the user's user ID 301.

When the communication service server 10 determines that the user has set a specified payment method (S908: Yes), it sets the variable CB3 to 200 (S909), and when it determines that the user has not set a specified payment method (S908: No), it sets the variable CB3 to 0 (S910). The variable CB3 indicates the cashback for setting a specified payment method, and its value indicates the cashback amount. Note that this cashback amount is not limited to 200, and may be a specified amount for the communication service usage fee (or a specified number in the case of point cashback) or a variable amount.

Then, the communication service server 10 calculates CB by adding up the above C1, C2, and C3 (S911). The communication service server 10 decides to give the calculated cashback amount as a refund for the usage fee for the communication service. CB indicates the total cashback for the usage fee for the communication service provided by the communication carrier. Note that the above cashback amount is set appropriately within a range that does not exceed the upper limit legally permitted by the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations, etc.

(Details of Cashback Execution (S810))
Fig. 10 explains the details of the cashback execution (S810) in Fig. 8. Each process in the flowchart in Fig. 10 is executed, for example, by the processor 201 of the communication service server 10 reading and executing a cashback execution program. This flowchart is executed for each user ID that subscribes to a plan that is eligible for this cashback.

The communication service server 10 judges whether it is time to execute the cashback (S1001). The time to execute the cashback is the timing after the calculation of the cashback described above, for example, during the month, but may be other timing. For example, (1) after the usage fee (monthly fee) for the communication service for the current month is determined at the end of the month and an account receivable and an account payable for the payment of the usage fee are generated, (2) it is judged whether the above-mentioned cashback conditions are met on the condition judgment date (for example, the middle of the next month), and (3) when the usage fee (monthly fee) for the communication service is paid (by debit from the account), (4) the cashback is executed in response to the fulfillment of the cashback conditions. Note that the cashback may be executed even if the usage fee (monthly fee) of (3) is not paid. The cashback executed without the payment of the usage fee (monthly fee) may not be returned, or may be returned if there is no payment after a certain period of time has passed.

When the communication service server 10 determines that it is time to execute the cashback (S1001: Yes), it determines whether the user has completed registration for a specified electronic payment service (S1002). Specifically, the communication service server 10 refers to the communication service subscriber user information 300 and determines whether the user has completed registration for a specified electronic payment service from the pay subscription status 308 of the user's user ID 301. A specified electronic payment service is, for example, an electronic payment service provided by a telecommunications carrier or a carrier that has a specified relationship with the telecommunications carrier, and is an electronic payment service that is eligible for this cashback.

When the communication service server 10 determines that the user has completed registration for a specific electronic payment service (S1002: Yes), it notifies the electronic payment server 40 of the cashback amount (S1003). The cashback amount is the value of CB calculated in S911 of FIG. 9.

When the communication service server 10 determines that the user has not completed registration for the specified electronic payment service (S1002: No), it ends this flow. Note that the communication service server 10 may notify the electronic payment server 40 of the cashback amount at the time when the user has completed registration for the electronic payment service.

(Display screen of communication terminal 60)
Various screens displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal 60 will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 11 (a) shows a screen (electronic payment usage screen 1110) for using an electronic payment service. The electronic payment usage screen 1110 is displayed by an electronic payment application installed on the communication terminal 60. The electronic payment usage screen 1110 displays a one-dimensional code 1111 and a two-dimensional code 1112 that are read by a barcode reader in the store when making an electronic payment, an electronic money balance 1113 that can be used for electronic payment, points 1114 that can be used for electronic payment, and a bonus status check button 1115. The bonus status check button 1115 is a button for displaying a screen (Figures 11 (b) and (c)) for checking the status of the rebate for the usage fee of the communication service.

Figures 11 (b) and (c) show a screen (cashback status confirmation screen 1120) for checking the status of cashback for communication service usage fees. Cashback status confirmation screen 1120 displays the status of cashback for subscribers of a specified communication service plan. Subscribers of a specified plan can receive a subscription benefit for a specified credit card, a bonus for opening a specified bank account, and a bonus for setting up a specified payment method. Cashback status confirmation screen 1120 displays item 1121 showing the achievement status of the subscription benefit for a specified credit card, item 1122 showing the achievement status of the bonus for opening a specified bank account, and item 1123 showing the achievement status of the bonus for setting up a specified payment method.

When the joining privilege, opening privilege, or setting privilege has been achieved, the items related to the achieved privileges are displayed separately from the items related to the unachieved privileges, as shown in FIG. 11(c). In the example of FIG. 11(c), items 1121 and 1122 related to the achieved privileges are grayed out and the message "Achieved" is displayed.

The above-mentioned items 1121 to 1123 may be buttons linked to a web page for applying to achieve each benefit. For example, item 1121 may be a button linked to a web page for applying for a specific credit card, item 1122 may be a button linked to a web page for opening a specific bank account, and item 1123 may be a web page for setting up payment for communication service fees.

(Effects of this embodiment)
In this embodiment, it is possible to provide a refund suitable for a user who uses not only communication services but also financial services (credit cards, bank accounts) and electronic payment services as a set.

In addition, in this embodiment, a user who subscribes to a specified plan for a communication service can receive a rebate simply by subscribing to a financial service (issuing a credit card or opening a bank account). In other words, in this embodiment, a user can receive a rebate even if he or she subscribes to a financial service and does not set the financial service as the payment method for the usage fee of the communication service. Therefore, even if a user subscribes to a financial service but cannot set the financial service as the payment method for the communication service for some reason, a rebate appropriate for the user can be given. Furthermore, if the financial service is set as the payment method for the communication service, further rebates can be received.

In addition, in this embodiment, rebates that are conditional on subscription to financial services are given in the form of electronic money, and rebates for payments made using financial services (credit cards) are given in the form of points. This allows users to enjoy two types of rebates (cash back and point back) with different scopes of use.

In addition, in this embodiment, a specified amount of rebate can be received on condition that the user subscribes to the financial service, and rebates for payment of the usage fee for the communication service using the financial service (credit card) can be received in the form of pay-as-you-go points.

(Modification)
Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the embodiments are merely illustrative of the specific examples of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

For example, in the above embodiment, electronic money is returned as a rebate for the communication service usage fee on the condition of joining the financial service (issuing a credit card, opening a bank account), but points may also be returned. Also, in the above embodiment, a predetermined amount (fixed amount) of electronic money is returned (cash back), but electronic money or points in an amount multiplied by a predetermined rebate rate may also be returned.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the signing-up and setting benefits for a credit card are described, but the credit card may also be a debit card.

In addition, the business operator having a specific relationship with the telecommunications carrier in the above-mentioned embodiment may be an operator that has a business partnership with the telecommunications carrier, or an operator that has a capital relationship with the telecommunications carrier.

The credit card server 20 in the above embodiment may also award points when a specified credit card is used to charge the balance of the electronic payment service. The bank account server 30 in the above embodiment may also raise the ordinary deposit interest rate and/or the fixed term deposit interest rate on the condition that a specified communication service plan is subscribed to, or may raise the ordinary deposit interest rate and/or the fixed term deposit interest rate on the condition that a specified credit card is subscribed to.

The credit card server 20 in the above embodiment may also award points calculated by multiplying the purchase amount (savings amount) by a predetermined redemption rate when a user subscribes to a specified communication service plan, issues a specified credit card, and purchases securities (e.g., savings in an investment trust) using the specified credit card as payment.

1: Usage fee return system, 10: Communication service server, 20: Credit card server, 30: Bank account server, 40: Electronic settlement server, 50: Securities server, 60: Communication terminal, 200: Control unit, 201: Processor, 202: Main memory unit, 203: Auxiliary memory unit, 204: Communication I/F, 205: Input/output I/F, 206: Bus, 210: User information management DB, 300: Communication service subscription user information, 400: Credit card subscription user information, 500: Bank account opening user information, 600: Electronic settlement user information, 700: Securities account opening user information, 1110: Electronic settlement usage screen, 1120: Return status confirmation screen

Claims (15)

A processor of a communication service server including a user management information database for managing users who subscribe to communication services provided by a communication carrier executes the above-mentioned method.
storing information of a user who subscribes to a predetermined plan that provides a refund to the user for a usage fee of the communication service among a plurality of types of rate plans offered by a communication service provided by a communication carrier in the user management information database;
receiving information on users subscribing to a financial service provided by the communication carrier or a carrier having a predetermined relationship with the communication carrier from a financial service server that manages users subscribing to the financial service, and storing the information;
receiving information on a user who subscribes to an electronic payment service provided by the communication carrier or a carrier having a predetermined relationship with the communication carrier from an electronic payment service server that manages users who subscribe to the electronic payment service, and storing the information;
A step of referring to user information stored in the user management information database and determining whether or not a user who subscribes to the predetermined plan also subscribes to the financial service;
and, on condition that it is determined that a user who subscribes to the specified plan is also subscribed to the financial service, refunding the amount calculated as a refund for the usage fee of the communication service by charging the balance of an electronic money account that can be charged by the user through the electronic payment service. The processor of the communication service server executes
setting the financial service as a payment method for the communication service usage fee; and referencing user information stored in the user management information database to determine whether the financial service is set as a payment method for the communication service usage fee of the user.
The fee refund method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of further refunding the amount calculated as the refund for the fee for the communication service by charging the balance of an electronic money account that can be charged to the user by the electronic payment service, on the condition that it is determined that the financial service is set as the payment method for the fee for the communication service. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the subscription to the financial service includes issuing a credit card or opening a bank account. The method for refunding a usage fee according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic payment service includes a payment service using short-range wireless communication of a communication terminal, or a payment service using code information displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal or code information read by the communication terminal. The method for refunding fees as described in claim 1, further comprising a step executed by a processor of the communication service server of determining whether or not registration for the electronic payment service is complete when the refund is made by charging the balance of the electronic money account, and the step of further refunding the amount calculated as the refund for the fee for the communication service by charging the balance of an electronic money account that the user can charge with the electronic payment service includes a step of refunding the amount calculated as the refund for the fee for the communication service by charging the balance of an electronic money account that the user can charge with the electronic payment service, provided that it is determined that the user is subscribed to the financial service and that it is determined that the user is registered for the electronic payment service at the time of making the refund. The method further includes a step of returning points that can be used in the electronic payment service as a return for payment of a usage fee for the communication service using the financial service, the step being executed by a processor of the communication service server;
The fee refund method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of refunding the amount calculated as the refund for the fee for the communication service by charging the balance of the electronic money account that can be charged by the user with the electronic payment service is a step of refunding electronic money that can be used with the electronic payment service. The step of refunding the amount calculated as the refund for the usage fee of the communication service by charging the balance of the electronic money account that can be charged by the user through the electronic payment service includes a step of refunding a predetermined amount of electronic money,
The fee refund method according to claim 6, characterized in that the step of refunding points that can be used in the electronic payment service as a refund for payment of the fee for the communication service using the financial service is a step of refunding a number of points according to the payment amount of the fee for the communication service. The fee refund method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of refunding the amount calculated as a refund for the fee for the communication service by charging the balance of an electronic money account that can be charged by the user with the electronic payment service includes a step of refunding the amount calculated as a refund for the fee for the communication service by charging the balance of an electronic money account that can be charged by the user with the electronic payment service, on condition that it is determined that the user is subscribed to the financial service before payment of the fee for the communication service is made. a storage unit that stores information on a user who subscribes to a predetermined plan among multiple types of rate plans offered by a communication service provided by a communication carrier, the predetermined plan being a refund to the user for the usage fee of the communication service, information indicating whether the user subscribes to a financial service provided by the communication carrier or a business having a predetermined relationship with the communication carrier, and information indicating whether the user subscribes to an electronic payment service provided by the communication carrier or a business having a predetermined relationship with the communication carrier;
a control unit that refers to user information stored in the memory unit, determines whether a user who subscribes to the specified plan is also subscribed to the financial service, and, on the condition that it is determined that the user is also subscribed to the financial service, decides to refund the amount calculated as a refund for the communication service usage fee by charging the balance of an electronic money account that the user can charge with the electronic payment service. the storage unit stores a payment method for a fee for the communication service;
The control unit refers to information on a payment method for the communication service usage fee stored in the memory unit, and determines whether the financial service is set as the payment method for the communication service usage fee of the user, and, if it is determined that the financial service is set as the payment method for the communication service usage fee, further refunds the amount calculated as a refund for the communication service usage fee by charging the balance of an electronic money account that the user can charge with the electronic payment service. 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the subscription to the financial service includes issuing a credit card or opening a bank account. The fee refund device according to claim 9, characterized in that the electronic payment service includes a payment service using short-range wireless communication of a communication terminal, or a payment service using code information displayed on a display unit of the communication terminal or code information read by the communication terminal. The control unit is
determining whether or not registration for the electronic payment service has been completed when the rebate is to be given by charging the balance of the electronic money account;
The fee refund device of claim 9, characterized in that, on condition that it is determined that the user is subscribed to the financial service and that the user's subscription registration to the electronic payment service is completed at the time of the refund, the amount calculated as the refund for the communication service usage fee is refunded by charging the balance of an electronic money account that can be charged by the user with the electronic payment service. The control unit is
providing points that can be used in the electronic payment service as a rebate for payment of a usage fee for the communication service using the financial service;
The fee refund device according to claim 9, characterized in that the amount calculated as the refund for the fee for the communication service is refunded by charging electronic money to a balance of an electronic money account that can be charged by the user using the electronic payment service. The control unit is
refunding a predetermined amount of electronic money calculated as a refund for the usage fee of the communication service by charging the balance of a rechargeable electronic money account of the user;
15. The fee refund device according to claim 14, wherein the fee refund device refunds a number of points according to an amount of payment for the fee for the communication service using the financial service.

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