Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method, in which each step is computer-implemented, including receiving, via a point of sale terminal, a mobile device telephone number of a mobile device associated with a user, and a personal identification number selected by the user. The mobile device telephone number is checked against a database to determine if the mobile device telephone number is already present. A payment account is created if the mobile device telephone number is not already associated with a payment account. The mobile device telephone number serves as an account number. An account confirmation message is transmitted to the mobile device via direct use of the account number. A transfer of funds to affect payment is administered via a stored fund account. The stored fund account is associated with the account number, and is a ledger of actual funds where the actual funds are located in a second account.

Abstract: This disclosure includes methods and systems for limiting the transfer of funds from an account after a lock feature for the account has been engaged in response to an account lock request. The account lock request can be sent via an SMS message. The lock request can limit the transfer of funds from the account, and generally limit usage of the account for financial transactions. The account can be a funding source for a payment account.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a payment system for a commercial transaction. The payment system includes an account server that a consumer accesses using the consumer's mobile telephone number. The account server updates the consumer's account and the merchant's account according to the transaction. The account server sends a confirmation directly to the consumer's mobile telephone.