One embodiment provides a system that facilitates secure transfer of funds. During operation, the system generates, by a server, an authentication identifier for a payee of a bank account, wherein the authentication identifier indicates the bank account and a corresponding payment account of the payee. The system receives, from a payer, a message which indicates a first command to transfer a payment amount to the payee, wherein the first command includes the authentication identifier. In response to successfully verifying the authentication identifier, the system extracts information associated with the payment account and the bank account from the authentication identifier. The system transfers the payment amount to the bank account of the payee based on the extracted information.