OFFER DETERMINATION AND SETTLEMENT FOR INTEGRATED MERCHANT OFFER PROGRAM AND CUSTOMER SHOPPING

摘要

Embodiments of the invention include a merchant offer program application, which is downloaded onto a customer computer, and that works in connection with the customer's accounts at an institution. The merchant offer program application monitors the websites that the customer views, as well as the content the customer is viewing on those websites, such as the products offered for sale through the website or other information on the website. The merchant offer program provides additional information to the customer, such as special offers that are available for the product being viewed, the identity of other merchants that offer the product or a competing product, advertisements or offers regarding other ancillary products typically sold along with the product being considered, etc. The information sent to the customer can be based not only on the website product being viewed, but on the customer's past purchase behavior, account balances, interests, etc.