A computer implemented system for processing payments for goods or services, the system comprising: a payment processor configured to receive a payment request for goods or services from a merchant; wherein the payment request includes a mobile phone number or mobile phone account of a user; the payment processor is configured to send a payment authorization request text message to the mobile phone of the user requesting authorization for payment of the payment request; the payment processor is configured to receive a payment authorization text message from the mobile phone of the user authorizing or not authorizing the payment of the payment request; if the payment authorization text message from the mobile phone of the user authorizes the payment of the payment request, the payment processor is configured to pay the merchant for the goods or services and charge the mobile phone account of the user for the payment; and if the payment authorization text message from the mobile phone of the user does not authorize the payment of the payment request or if the payment authorization text message is not received within a predetermined period of time, the payment processor is configured to decline to pay the merchant for the goods or services, wherein the payment processor is implemented by the preparation of an application-specific integrated circuit or by interconnecting an appropriate network of conventional component circuits, characterized in that upon receiving the payment authorization text message from the mobile phone of the user authorizing the payment, the payment processor is configured to enable the mobile phone of the user to receive a receipt for the payment of the requested goods or services from the merchant, including shipping information, promotional messages, and/or coupons. a payment processor configured to receive a payment request for goods or services from a merchant; wherein the payment request includes a mobile phone number or mobile phone account of a user; the payment processor is configured to send a payment authorization request text message to the mobile phone of the user requesting authorization for payment of the payment request; the payment processor is configured to receive a payment authorization text message from the mobile phone of the user authorizing or not authorizing the payment of the payment request; if the payment authorization text message from the mobile phone of the user authorizes the payment of the payment request, the payment processor is configured to pay the merchant for the goods or services and charge the mobile phone account of the user for the payment; and if the payment authorization text message from the mobile phone of the user does not authorize the payment of the payment request or if the payment authorization text message is not received within a predetermined period of time, the payment processor is configured to decline to pay the merchant for the goods or services, wherein the payment processor is implemented by the preparation of an application-specific integrated circuit or by interconnecting an appropriate network of conventional component circuits, characterized in that upon receiving the payment authorization text message from the mobile phone of the user authorizing the payment, the payment processor is configured to enable the mobile phone of the user to receive a receipt for the payment of the requested goods or services from the merchant, including shipping information, promotional messages, and/or coupons.