A payment system includes transaction handler that processes transactions, each characterized by a consumer and a merchant engaging in a sales transaction involving a prepaid program having prepaid cards, such as a gift card, that an issuer provides to consumers. A method for establishing a prepaid program includes the issuer remotely accessing a computer system at the transaction handler. The computer system presenting the issuer with a program information form on which the issuer enters requested data. As each data item is entered, the computer system checks for errors, which are identified to and corrected by the issuer in real time. The issuer submits the data as a request to create a prepaid program, which the transaction handler reviews and responds by approving or rejecting creation of the prepaid program. The transaction handler electronically communicates approval or rejection of the prepaid program to the issuer.