System and method for providing and redeeming electronic paperless coupons

A method of applying an electronic coupon to a transaction, comprising:

• determining whether at least one electronic coupon is available to apply to a transaction for at least one good or service;
• and
• when at least one coupon is available to apply to the transaction, applying the at least one coupon to the transaction;
• wherein the electronic coupon relates to a programming signal communicated to a consumer.

An article of manufacture comprising:

• a computer usable medium having computer readable program code, the computer readable program code including instructions for processing an electronic coupon related to a programming signal by:
• receiving a communication from a portable coupon device;
• determining, based upon the communication, whether an electronic coupon related to a programming signal is available;
• comparing each transactional item entered into a merchant transaction processing system with each available electronic coupon, wherein one result of the comparison indicates that an electronic coupon relates to a transaction and designates the electronic coupon as a redeemable electronic coupon;
• applying each redeemable electronic coupon to the transaction;
• whereupon applying a redeemable electronic coupon an amount owed for the transaction is reduced by an amount specified by the redeemable electronic coupon.

An article of manufacture comprising:

• a computer usable medium having computer readable program code, the computer readable program code including instructions for processing an electronic coupon related to a programming signal, by:
• determining, with respect to a transaction, whether an electronic coupon related to a programming signal is available;
• comparing each transactional item entered into a merchant transaction processing system with each available electronic coupon, wherein one result of the comparison indicates that an electronic coupon relates to a transaction and designates the electronic coupon as a redeemable electronic coupon;
• applying each redeemable electronic coupon to the transaction;
• whereupon applying a redeemable electronic coupon an amount owed for the transaction is reduced by an amount specified by the redeemable electronic coupon.

A computer readable data transmission medium containing a computer readable data structure utilized by a computer to provide an electronic coupon to a consumer for use in a transaction for a good or service, the computer readable data structure comprising:

• a specification of at least one good or service;
• and
• a specification of a discount to be applied to each specified good or service;
• wherein the computer readable instructions relate to a programming signal.

A method for engaging in a commercial transaction in which a cost of at least one good or service in the transaction is reduced by an electronic coupon, comprising

• receiving an electronic coupon related to a programming signal from a consumer;
• determining whether the electronic coupon should be applied to at least one good or service in the transaction;
• and
• when the electronic coupon should be applied, deducting a value associated with the electronic coupon from the transaction.