A system, apparatus and method for utilizing one-time, or temporary, "credit" card information for executing purchase transactions with a smart card or similar electronic data card device. The card is activated in an activation process with the issuer prior to receiving and utilizing temporary card information (numbers). Retrieval and submission of temporary card information is performed in an automatic process executed by application programming, such as within a web browser. By way of example, a user surfing the web commences a purchase transaction wherein their smart card communicates with the issuer of the smart card to retrieve one-time or temporary use card data which is submitted through the network for processing within the transaction. In one embodiment the programming is executed within a web browser which marks card data fields within transaction forms and automatically fills these fields with temporary card information received from the issuer.