Abstract: A system and method for handling purchasing transactions over a computer network using pre-paid cards as the medium of exchange between a purchaser and a merchant. Selection of salable items on a merchant's display site by the purchaser is followed by activation of a purchasing option which triggers a third party processor to substitute an alternative display substantially duplicating the merchant's sales presentation such that the merchant's display features remain in the view of the purchaser while the transaction is being authorized. Notification of the transaction is dependent upon the outcome to preserve valuable system resources.