A system and method for authorizing certain aspects of network based
transactions between a customer and a merchant is disclosed. The system
utilizes an account code for identifying rights to use an account
identified by an account number, and a database for storing the account
number, account code, and a Signature Phrase. The Signature Phrase is
stored when rights to use the account have been positively identified. The
customer can complete an e-commerce transaction using the customer's
account by providing a Signature Phrase without the Signature Phrase or
account code actually residing in the database or being provided to the
merchant. The account code, account number, and Signature Phrase may be
received through one or more external interfaces with the customer. In
some embodiments, the database stores the account number, account code,
and the Signature Phrase in a hashed format.
