Authenticated electronic coupon issuing and redemption

The present invention relates to consumer shopping in general, and more particularly to an electronic advertisement and coupon issuance and redemption system. An online coupon issuing and redemption system and method receives requests for coupons from consumers, presents advertisements and issues coupons to consumers electronically. The system presents advertisements before issuing the coupons, such that an issuer may be assured its targeted consumer are receiving its advertisements. The coupons are issued on a smart card, thereby eliminating a need for paper coupons. The coupons are digitally signed in order to prevent fraud. In order to prevent further fraudulent tampering of coupons, the redemption station includes a tamper-protected coprocessor for performing operations on the coupons. The system further includes capability for the redemption station to link to an issuing station for electronic reimbursements.