A method and a server computer are provided for authenticating a cardholder account. The server computer implements the method, which includes obtaining a first identifier and a cryptogram from a first entity, identifying an issuer associated with the cardholder account, forwarding the first account identifier and the cryptogram to a second entity for validation, receiving a second identifier from the second entity, and sending the second identifier to the first entity. The first identifier can be associated with the cardholder account. The second identifier can be generated by the second entity and associated with a validated form of the first identifier.