Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods to unlock an account associated with a user for a limited period of time to enable the user conduct a transaction using funds from that account. In one embodiment of the invention, the user may select options relating to the transaction using a payment menu provided at a mobile communications device associated with the user. A notification message is received at the mobile communications device informing the user that the account is unlocked for a certain period of time and for a certain amount. After the transaction is complete, the user is notified and the account is locked again.