JP7741262B2 - Usage fee refund method and usage fee refund device - Google Patents

Description

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

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

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-163046

In recent years, telecommunications carriers that provide communication services such as voice calls and data communications have been offering 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.

Patent Document 1 only provided rewards for credit card usage, so the rewards could only be used to redeem points earned when using a credit card, and the uses for the rewards were limited. In recent years, the number of users who use not only telecommunications services but also financial services and electronic payment services as a set has been increasing, but the rewards were not appropriate for users who use telecommunications services, financial services, and electronic payment services as a set.

The present invention provides a fee refund method and fee refund device that can provide appropriate refunds to users who use not only communication services but also financial service account openings and electronic payment services as a set.

The method for refunding a usage fee of the present invention is a method for refunding a usage fee executed by a processor of a communication service server that manages users who subscribe to a communication service provided by a communication carrier, the method comprising:
storing information of users who subscribe to a communication service provided by a communication carrier;
receiving account opening status information indicating the opening status of an account for a financial service provided by the telecommunications carrier or a business having a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier;
determining whether a user subscribing to the communication service has also opened the account based on the account opening status information;
providing a refund to the user for the fee for the communication service on the condition that it is determined that the user has also opened the account;
Includes:

The fee return device of the present invention also includes a storage unit that stores information about users who subscribe to a communication service provided by a telecommunications carrier, account opening status information indicating the account opening status of a financial service provided by the telecommunications carrier or a business that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier, and information indicating whether the user subscribes to an electronic payment service provided by the telecommunications carrier or a business that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier;
a control unit that determines whether or not a user subscribing to the communication service has also opened the account based on the account opening status information, and decides to provide a refund for the usage fee of the communication service to the user on the condition that it is determined that the user has also opened the account; and
Equipped with.

This invention makes it possible to provide rewards that are suitable for users who use not only communication services but also financial service account opening and electronic payment services as a set.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a usage fee return system 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a control unit 200 of the communication service server 10. 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 is a diagram showing electronic payment user information 600. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing securities account opening user information 700. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining 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.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention using the drawings, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment 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 telecommunications carrier to users of the communication services will be described with reference to Figure 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 about 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 operated by a telecommunications carrier or a business that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier and that provides financial services such as credit cards and debit cards (card business). The credit card server 20 stores information about 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 predetermined 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 operated by a telecommunications carrier or a business that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier and provides electronic payment services (electronic payment business operators). Electronic payment services include electronic payment services that use near-field wireless communication (NFC or FeliCa) on communication terminals such as smartphones and tablets, or electronic payment services that use code information (e.g., barcodes, QR codes (registered trademark)) displayed on the display of a communication terminal or code information read by the communication terminal 60. The electronic payment server 40 stores information about 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 predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier and that handles securities (stock certificates, investment trusts, etc.) (a securities company). 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. Furthermore, the communication service server 10 and the electronic payment server 40 are connected to the communication terminals 60 of users subscribing to the communication service and users subscribing to the electronic payment service via a network such as the Internet so that they can communicate with each other.

(Communication service server 10)
2, the hardware configuration of the control unit 200 of the communication service server 10 will be described. The control unit 200 has a processor 201, a main memory unit 202, an auxiliary memory unit 203, a communication interface 204 (hereinafter, 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 programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203 in an executable manner in a work area of the main storage unit 202. The main storage unit 202 stores programs executed by the processor 201, data processed by the processor, etc. The main storage unit 202 is a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. 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 communication services. 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 about the communication service to which a user subscribes (e.g., subscription plan name, monthly fee, data usage (or remaining data)) on the web browser of the user's communication device (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 explanation 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 subscriber information 300 includes a user ID 301, user information 302, telephone number 303, subscription plan 304, subscription date 305, card subscription status 306, bank account opening status 307, Pay subscription status 308, and payment method 309.

User ID 301 is an identification number used to uniquely identify a user subscribing to a 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 to subscribe to the subscription plan described below.

Subscription plan 304 is the subscription plan to which telephone number 303 subscribes. Telecommunications carriers offer a variety of pricing 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 also be a variable amount that varies depending on data usage and call time. Furthermore, the specified plan may also be a plan with a data usage limit, and the plans eligible for this cashback are not limited to that plan.

Subscription date 305 is information indicating the date on which the subscription plan was subscribed to.

Card membership 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 a bank account has been opened with a telecommunications carrier or a bank that has a specified relationship with the telecommunications carrier. This information is provided by the bank account server 30.

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 provider that has a predetermined 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. Users can pay the usage fee using payment methods such as credit card or direct debit.

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

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, held points 408, and transaction history 409.

User ID 401 is an identification number that uniquely identifies 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 used.

Issuance 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 paid 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.

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

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

Acquired points 408 is information indicating the remaining number of points awarded based on the payment amount by credit card or points awarded through campaigns, 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 the 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.

User ID 501 is an identification number used to uniquely identify a user who opens a bank account. This user ID 501 may be the same number as user ID 301, etc., described above, or may be a number linked to user ID 301, etc.

User information 502 is information about the user opening 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 (savings, current).

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

Balance 505 is information indicating 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.

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.

User ID 601 is an identification number used to uniquely identify a user subscribing to the electronic payment service. This user ID 601 may be the same number as the user ID 301, etc., described above, or may be a number linked to the user ID 301, etc.

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

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

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 that electronic payment service.

The owned points 605 are points that can be used for electronic payment services. These owned points 605 may be the type of points awarded in response to credit card payments, or may be a different type of point. If the owned points 605 are the type of points 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 uses 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, payments can be made using a charged balance or a registered credit card. When making a payment using 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 used to uniquely identify a user who opens a securities account. This user ID 701 may be the same number as user ID 301, etc., described above, or may be a number linked to user ID 301, etc.

User information 702 is information about the user opening 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 is information about securities held by the user.

Balance 706 is information indicating the balance of the opened securities account.

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

<Usage fee refund method in 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 user information 300)
The communication service server 10 stores information about users subscribing to communication services 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 pieces of information in the communication service subscriber user information 300 in accordance with the application for subscription to the communication service. The communication service server 10 also updates various pieces of information in the communication service subscriber user information 300 in accordance with 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 subscription status 306 linked to the user ID 301 of the user who newly applied for the credit card. When a new bank account is opened, the communication service server 10 also 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 joins 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 joined the electronic payment service.

(S802: Storing credit card user information 400)
The credit card server 20 stores information about users who are issued credit cards provided by telecommunications carriers or carriers that have a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carriers (credit card user information 400). For example, a person who wishes to apply for a credit card applies for a credit card on the credit card carrier's website, at a store, or by mail. The credit card server 20 stores various pieces of 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 pieces of 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 for opening a bank account on the bank's website, at a bank branch, or by mail. The bank account server 30 stores various pieces of information in the bank account opening user information 500 in accordance with the account opening application. The bank account server 30 also updates various pieces of 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 pieces of 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 pieces of 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 sends an update request to the communication service server 10. The update request includes the user ID 401 as card application information. In accordance with the received update request, the communication service server 10 updates the card application status 306 of the user ID 301 that matches the user ID 401.

(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. In accordance with the received update request, the communication service server 10 updates the bank account opening status 307 of the user ID 301 that matches the user ID 501.

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

(S808: Payment method setting)
A subscriber to a communication service can set a payment method for the communication service fee. For example, a subscriber to a communication service can set a credit card or a bank account as a payment method for the communication service fee (monthly fee) online or at a counter. When a credit card provided by a telecommunications carrier or a business 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. When a bank account provided by a telecommunications carrier or a business (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 communication service usage fee. 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 cashback 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: Cash back)
The electronic payment server 40 performs a process of adding the amount of 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 the communication terminal 60 that the cashback has been executed to the account registered in the electronic payment app. The electronic payment app can display the amount of 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 a payment made with a credit card. This point back calculation (S812) may be performed, for example, for each payment, or at other times. The credit card server 20 then adds the number of points back to the currently held points to update the held points 408. For example, the credit card server 20 calculates the number of points based on the credit card payment amount using a rebate rate set according to the type of credit card (see card type 403 and rebate rate 407 in FIG. 4). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the credit card server 20 may award points calculated by multiplying the payment amount of the communication service fee by a predetermined rebate rate to a user who is a subscriber to a predetermined communication service plan and has set the credit card as the payment method.

(S813: Point back calculation)
The communication service server 10 calculates the number of points to be returned for payment of the communication service usage fee with a credit card. In this embodiment, the communication service server 10 calculates the number of points according to the payment amount of the communication service usage fee (for example, points equal to 10% of the usage fee). The calculated number of points to be returned 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. Furthermore, this point return calculation (S813) may be performed by the credit card server 20 based on the communication service usage fee.

(S814: Providing 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 by, for example, the processor 201 of the communication service server 10 reading and executing a cashback calculation program. This flowchart is executed for each user ID subscribing to a plan eligible for this cashback.

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

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 references the communication service subscriber user information 300 and determines whether the user has issued a specified credit card based on the card subscription status 306 of the user's user ID 301. A specified credit card is, for example, a credit card issued by a telecommunications carrier or a business that has a specified relationship with a telecommunications carrier, and is a credit card that is eligible for this cashback.

If the communication service server 10 determines that the user has issued a specified credit card (S902: Yes), it sets variable CB1 = 300 (S903). If it determines that the user has not issued a specified credit card (S902: No), it sets variable CB1 = 0 (S904). 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 financial services) (S905). Specifically, the communication service server 10 references 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.

If the communication service server 10 determines that the user has opened a specified bank account (S905: Yes), it sets variable CB2 = 300 (S906). If it determines that the user has not opened a specified bank account (S905: No), it sets variable CB2 = 0 (S907). 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 specified payment method (set a financial service) as the payment method for the usage fee (S908). Specifically, the communication service server 10 references the communication service subscriber user information 300 and determines, from the payment method 309 of the user's user ID 301, whether the user has set a specified credit card or a specified bank account as the payment method.

If the communication service server 10 determines that the user has set a specified payment method (S908: Yes), it sets variable CB3 = 200 (S909). If it determines that the user has not set a specified payment method (S908: No), it sets variable CB3 = 0 (S910). 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 back) or a variable amount.

The communication service server 10 then calculates CB, which is the sum of C1, C2, and C3 (S911). The communication service server 10 decides to provide the calculated cashback amount as a refund for the communication service usage fee. CB indicates the total cashback for the communication service usage fee provided by the communication carrier. Note that the cashback amount is set appropriately within the range not exceeding the legally permitted upper limit, such as the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations.

(Details of Cash Back 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 by, for example, 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 determines whether it is time to issue a cashback (S1001). The cashback is issued after the above-mentioned cashback calculation, for example, during the month, but may be issued at other times. For example, (1) the communication service usage fee (monthly fee) for the current month is determined at the end of the month, and an account receivable/obligable arises for the payment of the usage fee. Then, (2) it is determined whether the above-mentioned cashback conditions have been met on the condition determination date (for example, the middle of the following month). If (3) the communication service usage fee (monthly fee) is paid (debited from account), (4) the cashback is issued in response to the fulfillment of the cashback conditions. Note that cashback may also be issued even if the usage fee (monthly fee) in (3) has not been paid. Cashback issued without payment of the usage fee (monthly fee) need not be returned, or may be returned if no payment is made after a certain period of time has passed.

When the communication service server 10 determines that it is time to issue a cashback (S1001: Yes), it determines whether the user has completed registration for a specified electronic payment service (S1002). Specifically, the communication service server 10 references the communication service subscriber user information 300 and determines whether the user has completed registration for a specified electronic payment service based on 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 business that has a specified relationship with a 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 subscription registration for the specified 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.

If the communication service server 10 determines that the user has not completed registration for the specified electronic payment service (S1002: No), it terminates this flow. Note that the communication service server 10 may notify the electronic payment server 40 of the cashback amount once registration for the electronic payment service is completed.

(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 electronic payment services. The electronic payment usage screen 1110 is displayed by an electronic payment app 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 store's barcode reader when making an electronic payment, a balance 1113 of electronic money 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 rebates on communication service usage fees.

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

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

The above-mentioned items 1121 to 1123 may be buttons linked to web pages 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 return that is 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.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a user who subscribes to a specified communication service plan can receive a rebate simply by subscribing to a financial service (by issuing a credit card or opening a bank account). In other words, in this embodiment, a user can receive a rebate even if they subscribe to a financial service and do not set the financial service as the payment method for the communication service fee. Therefore, even if a user subscribes to a financial service but is unable to set the financial service as the payment method for the communication service for some reason, a rebate appropriate for the user can be granted. Furthermore, if the financial service is set as the payment method for the communication service, the user can receive an even greater rebate.

In addition, in this embodiment, rebates that are conditional on joining the financial service are given in the form of electronic money, and rebates for payments made using the financial service (credit card) 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 predetermined amount of rebates can be received on condition that the user subscribes to the financial service, and rebates for payment of communication service fees 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 specific examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, electronic money was returned as a rebate for the communication service fee on the condition that the user subscribes to the financial service (issuance of a credit card, opening a bank account), but points may also be returned. Also, in the above-described embodiment, a predetermined amount (fixed amount) of electronic money was returned (cash back), but electronic money or points may also be returned in an amount multiplied by a predetermined rebate rate.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, we have described the signing-up and setting benefits of a credit card, but the credit card may also be a debit card.

Furthermore, the business having a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier in the above-mentioned embodiment may be a business that has a business partnership with the telecommunications carrier, or may be a business that has a capital relationship with the telecommunications carrier.

Furthermore, the credit card server 20 in the above-described embodiment may award points when a specified credit card is used to top up the balance of an electronic payment service. Furthermore, the bank account server 30 in the above-described embodiment may increase the interest rate on ordinary deposits and/or fixed-term deposits on the condition that a specified communication service plan is subscribed to, or may increase the interest rate on ordinary deposits and/or fixed-term deposits on the condition that a specified credit card is subscribed to.

Furthermore, the credit card server 20 in the above-described embodiment may award points calculated by multiplying the purchase amount (savings amount) by a predetermined return rate when a user subscribes to a predetermined communication service plan, is issued a predetermined credit card, and purchases securities (e.g., investment trust savings) using the predetermined credit card as payment.

1: Usage Fee Rebate System, 10: Communication Service Server, 20: Credit Card Server, 30: Bank Account Server, 40: Electronic Payment Server, 50: Securities Server, 60: Communication Terminal, 200: Control Unit, 201: Processor, 202: Main Memory Unit, 203: Auxiliary Memory Unit, 204: Communication Interface, 205: Input/Output Interface, 206: Bus, 210: User Information Management Database, 300: Communication Service Subscriber Information, 400: Credit Card Subscriber Information, 500: Bank Account Opener Information, 600: Electronic Payment User Information, 700: Securities Account Opener Information, 1110: Electronic Payment Usage Screen, 1120: Rebate Status Confirmation Screen

Claims (14)

A method for refunding a usage fee executed by a processor of a communication service server that manages users who subscribe to a rate plan that determines a monthly usage fee for a communication service provided by a communication carrier, the method comprising:
a step of storing user identification information of a user who subscribes to a communication service provided by a communication carrier in association with a rate plan subscribed to by the user;
receiving account opening status information indicating the opening status of an account for a financial service provided by the telecommunications carrier or a business having a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier;
a step of determining whether or not it is time for the user to calculate a refund for the monthly usage fee of the communication service, when the rate plan subscribed to by the user indicating the user identification information is a predetermined plan that is eligible for a refund for the monthly usage fee of the communication service;
When it is determined that it is time to calculate the rebate, a step of determining whether or not the user who subscribes to the predetermined plan has opened the account based on the account opening status information;
calculating a refund for a monthly fee for the communication service on the condition that the user has opened the account;
providing a refund to the user for the monthly fee for the communication service;
A method of refunding usage fees, including: In claim 1,
setting up the account of the financial service as a payment method for the monthly fee for the communication service;
determining whether the user has set up the account of the financial service as a payment method for the monthly fee for the communication service;
a step of further returning electronic money or points that can be used in an electronic payment service as a refund for the monthly fee for the communication service, on the condition that it is determined that the account for the financial service has been set up as a payment method for the monthly fee for the communication service;
A method for refunding usage fees, further including: In claim 2,
The electronic payment service is a payment service that uses short-range wireless communication of a communication terminal, or a payment service that uses code information displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal or code information read by the communication terminal, and includes a payment service that is capable of indicating the status of achievement of the rebate conditions on the display unit of the communication terminal. In claim 2,
The method further includes a step of determining whether or not registration for the electronic payment service has been completed at the time of redemption of the electronic money or points,
The step of providing a refund for the monthly usage fee for the communication service includes providing electronic money or points that can be used with the electronic payment service as a refund for the monthly usage fee for the communication service, on condition that it is determined that the user has opened the account and that the user's subscription registration for the electronic payment service has been completed at the time of the refund, and not providing electronic money or points that can be used with the electronic payment service as a refund for the monthly usage fee for the communication service if the user's subscription registration for the electronic payment service has not been completed . In claim 1,
The method further includes a step of returning points that can be used in an electronic payment service as a return for payment of the monthly usage fee for the communication service using a credit card that is debited from the account of the financial service,
The step of providing a refund to the user for the monthly usage fee of the communication service includes refunding electronic money that can be used in the electronic payment service. In claim 1,
The fee refund method further includes a step of refunding points that can be used in an electronic payment service according to the amount of payment for the monthly fee for the communication service, as a refund for payment of the monthly fee for the communication service using a credit card that is debited from the account of the financial service. In claim 1,
A fee refund method in which the step of providing a user with a refund for the monthly usage fee for the communication service includes refunding electronic money or points that can be used in an electronic payment service as a refund for the monthly usage fee for the communication service, on the condition that it is determined that the user has opened an account with the financial service before paying the monthly usage fee for the communication service. a storage unit that stores information on users who subscribe to a rate plan that determines monthly usage fees for communication services provided by a telecommunications carrier, account opening status information that indicates the account opening status of a financial service provided by the user by the telecommunications carrier or a business that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier, and information that indicates whether the user has subscribed to an electronic payment service provided by the telecommunications carrier or a business that has a predetermined relationship with the telecommunications carrier;
a control unit that determines whether to give a refund to the user for the monthly usage fee of the communication service;
Equipped with
the storage unit stores the user identification information of the user in association with a rate plan to which the user subscribes;
The control unit
a step of determining whether or not it is time for the user to calculate a refund for the monthly usage fee of the communication service, when the fee plan subscribed to by the user indicating the user identification information is a predetermined plan that is eligible for a refund for the monthly usage fee of the communication service;
When it is determined that it is time to calculate the rebate, determining whether or not the user who subscribes to the predetermined plan has opened the account based on the account opening status information;
A step of calculating a refund for a monthly usage fee for the communication service on the condition that it is determined that the user has opened the account;
providing a refund to the user for the monthly fee for the communication service;
To carry out
Usage fee rebate device. In claim 8,
the storage unit stores a payment method for a monthly fee for the communication service;
The control unit determines whether the user has set up the account of the financial service as a payment method for the monthly usage fee of the communication service, and, on the condition that it determines that the user has set up the account of the financial service as a payment method for the monthly usage fee of the communication service, further returns electronic money or points that can be used in the electronic payment service as a refund for the monthly usage fee of the communication service. In claim 8,
The electronic payment service is a payment service that uses short-range wireless communication of a communication terminal, or a payment service that uses code information displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal or code information read by the communication terminal, and includes a payment service that can show the status of achievement of the rebate conditions on the display unit of the communication terminal, a usage fee rebate device. In claim 9,
The control unit
determining whether or not registration for the electronic payment service has been completed at the time of redemption of the electronic money or points;
A usage fee refund device that refunds electronic money or points that can be used in the electronic payment service as a refund for the monthly usage fee for the communication service, on the condition that it determines that the user has opened an account with the financial service and that the user 's subscription registration for the electronic payment service has been completed at the time of the refund, and does not refund electronic money or points that can be used in the electronic payment service as a refund for the monthly usage fee for the communication service if the user's subscription registration for the electronic payment service has not been completed . In claim 8,
The control unit
Reward points that can be used in the electronic payment service as a rebate for payment of the monthly usage fee for the communication service using a credit card that is debited from the account of the financial service;
A usage fee refund device that refunds electronic money that can be used in the electronic payment service as a refund for the monthly usage fee for the communication service. In claim 8,
The control unit
A predetermined amount of electronic money or a predetermined number of points is returned as a refund for the monthly fee for the communication service,
A usage fee refund device returns points in accordance with the amount of payment of the monthly usage fee for the communication service as a refund for payment of the monthly usage fee for the communication service using a credit card that is debited from the account of the financial service. In claim 8,
The control unit is a fee refund device that refunds electronic money or points that can be used in the electronic payment service as a refund for the monthly fee for the communication service, on the condition that it is determined that the user has opened an account with the financial service before paying the monthly fee for the communication service.