1. A transponder-reader payment system comprising: a. a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader operable to provide a radio frequency (RF) interrogation signal for powering a transponder system, receiving a transponder system RF signal, and communicating a transponder system account data related to said transponder system RF signal to a merchant system, said RFID reader including, i. a first interrogator for providing a first RF interrogation signal; ii. a RFID authentication circuit in communication with said interrogator; iii. a RFID database, in communication with said RFID authentication circuit; iv. a universal serial bus (USB) interface; and v. a RFID protocol/sequence controller in communication with at least one of said first interrogator, said RFID authentication circuit, said RFID database, and said USB interface, said RFID protocol/sequence controller configured to facilitate control of the order of operation of said interrogator, said RFID authentication circuit, said RFID database, and said USB interface.