Systems and methods for authenticating a user to access a public terminal are described. Disclosed embodiments may include reading, using the physical credential reader, a user identifier from the physical credential device. Disclosed embodiments may also include transmitting the public terminal identifier and the user identifier to a secure server. Further, disclosed embodiments may include receiving, after completing the transmission, a unique code from the secure server. Disclose embodiments may additionally include displaying the unique code on the display device. Disclosed embodiments may include receiving, after displaying the unique code, an authentication message from the secure server. Disclosed embodiments may further include, responsive to receiving the authentication message, authorizing the user to use a terminal command at the public terminal.