A method, in different embodiments, is provided to construct on-line, off-line, or hybrid internet payment systems that allow a vendor to sell physical or digital products or services to a user. The embodiments reduce transaction costs, facilitate implementation, help prevent fraud and solve privacy, trust, accountability and liability issues, in ways that may be specially suited to on-line micropayment systems. In one embodiment a vendor makes available some payment information to a user (100) and provides a ways to secure the payment information (500). A payment transaction is initiated (102) and payment is performed with the participation of a broker. The vendor may grant access to content to the user (109).