Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for using a first financial instrument to facilitate access to a second financial instrument. A method of authentication for facilitating activation of the first financial instrument is identified. The method of authentication is validated in connection with the first financial instrument. The first financial instrument is used to authenticate a user in connection with gaining access to a second financial instrument. In the example of a smart card and PIN authentication method, a smart card and PIN may be used to authorize access to a brokerage account. Thus, the first financial instrument may be used to authenticate the user in connection with gaining access to the second financial instrument.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates access to a restricted service related to secure transactions via a network. The present invention allows a user to select a minimum security level of authentication for its own login to a restricted service. The user's selected minimum security level of authentication may be registered in an authentication method system, so that the user must use the selected minimum security level for authentication in order to gain access to the restricted service. Alternatively, the user may specify that the selected minimum security level for authentication may be over-turned by the user, or optionally re-set to a new authentication method depending on the needs of the user. As such, the present invention allows the user the flexibility to select its own authentication method for accessing a restricted service.