Customer activated multi-value (CAM) card

A method of using a computer system for a real-time customer activation of a multi-feature card having a primary feature and at least one secondary feature, the primary feature functioning as a stored value card feature and the at least one secondary feature functioning as a credit card feature, wherein the system automatically processes a customer's activation of the card, said system including a data entry processing center, a workstation, a graphical user interface, and a data storing means;

• comprising the steps of:
• a) offering to the customer a first activation of the multi-feature card as a primary transaction card having the primary feature;
• b) receiving the customer's request into said system to activate the primary feature of the primary transaction card;
• c) employing at least one safety feature during the first activation request to determine whether the customer is the person whose name is printed on the primary transaction card;
• and
• d) offering the customer an option of activating the primary transaction card by:
• 1) confirming the customer's desire to activate the primary feature;
• 2) activating the primary feature, if the consumer confirms the first activation;
• 3) terminating the first activation request;
• 4) allowing the consumer to use the multi-feature card as a primary transaction card having only the primary feature;
• e) offering to the customer a subsequent activation of the multi-feature card that determines the customer's election to add the at least one secondary feature onto the primary transaction card;
• and
• f) determining the customer's request to activate any additional use features.