Method and system for transmitting credentials

摘要

Method and apparatus for transmitting and activating credentials to a transaction processing system 102, the credentials being arranged in sets and a set including a unique identifier and verification data elements. Credentials are activated and, after activation, are available for use in at least one subsequent transaction. In the transaction, in response to receiving authorization from a user terminal 101, the unique identifier and verification data elements from a set are transmitted to the transaction processing system on behalf of the user. The credentials are activated using an activation mode selected from at least a first activation mode and a second activation mode by an intermediary system 103. In the first activation mode, additional user input for the verification data elements associated with the unique identifier is received from the user. In the second activation mode, the user is authenticated, and responsive to the user successfully authenticating, verification data elements are received via a data communications network 100 are received from a trusted data processing system 106 remote from the user. The unique identifier may be one, or a combination, of user device identity, username or account number. The verification data elements may include passwords or complex alphanumeric strings.