A remote variable authentication processing system is disclosed. A sending entity (102) initiates a remote payment using an alias over an initiation channel. The alias may be associated with one or more nicknames that identify portable consumer devices and metadata. The metadata describes which channels are available for authentication. The sending entity selects a nickname and an associated authentication channel. The sending entity authenticates with an issuer (108) over the selected authentication channel. P041456D1/10639220
