Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing anonymous settlement of transactions using secure credentials and a settlement service. Enrolled entity information is received. Linked accounts are designated. Encryption and secure credentials are provided by the settlement service. Linked accounts are debited to create an iteratively updated record to authenticate data. Data for a transaction is exchanged between a payee and the entity using a secure credential to remain anonymous. A private key is used by the entity to perform one or more of signing an amount requested and sending a certificate to the payee, as a commitment to pay by the settlement service. Entity records are updated with most recent certificate values, re-signed and sent to the settlement service. A payment request containing the amount and signed certificate are sent. The payment request is authenticated and linked accounts are debited and credited, then transaction results are stored.