Method and system for processing internet payments using the electronic funds transfer network

A computer implemented system is provided for processing payments. A server including a computer memory storing a first database including a directory is provided. The directory includes authenticated registrant information comprising authenticated information for a payee, the directory identifying via a publicly available account identifier at least one linked account of said payee. The system also includes a payor computer having access to the directory and a first bank computer linked via a computer network to the server, the first bank computer configured to access payor account information from a payor account at the first bank. The first bank computer is also configured to receive payment information from the payor computer identifying the payee and to transmit a payment from the payor account at the first bank to the linked payee account located at a second bank without using an intermediary to transfer said payment.