Embodiments of the present invention provide users with apparatus and methods for managing user data and for making and accepting payments. A system for enabling secure payment transactions comprises user hardware, recipient hardware, and a data system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The data system comprises a database and a database manager. The database includes storage means adapted to store user data. The database manager is adapted for controlling and managing access to the data in the database. The database manager is adapted for communication with the user hardware, recipient hardware, and the payment processing space, including financial institutions and other suppliers of data.