A secure electronic payment system and method for conducting a secure transaction using authentication is provided. A merchant's computer transmits an authorization request to an access control server. The access control obtains authentication to confirm the identity of the purchaser, via e.g., an electronic form or interactive voice response system. The access control server then transmits a response to the merchant's computer. If the purchaser is authorized to access the account, payment is processed by the merchant and the transaction is completed. |