Centralized clearinghouse for entitlement information

The present invention is directed to a system and method which provides a centralized clearinghouse of entitlement information that can preferably be accessed and used by any authorized entitlement provider, whether providing service over the Internet or through a tangible facility. A preferred embodiment preferably includes a database for storing entitlement and access information provided by the entitlement party or enterprise. The system preferably also comprises a centralized, network-accessible facility that allows any type of entitlement service provider or supplier to access for verifying entitlements for customers. The clearinghouse interface is preferably secured to prevent unauthorized access or tampering by any unauthorized entitlement service provider or supplier. Also, a data structure is preferably used to search the database for the entitlement and access information based on data provided by accessing service providers or suppliers.