3 How To Use A Credit Card Online (With 13 Steps)

doylc.com - How To Use A Credit Card Online - Shopping and paying bills online with a credit card is fast and convenient. However, it can also make you vulnerable to cyber theft and other troubles. If you take the necessary precautions and fix any problems that arise immediately, you can minimize the risk of serious consequences.

Take precautions to protect your card information

1. Look for signs that the site is secure. Technology makes it easy for you to shop online with your credit card. However, without proper security protocols, sensitive information like your credit card number can be stolen by cyber crooks. Most websites that accept payments have additional layers of security to prevent these thieves from getting your information. It's easy to identify these sites: just look for a "https" at the beginning of the web address instead of a plain "https".

The "s" at the end of "https" indicates a "secure" site.

The absence of a "https" doesn't necessarily mean a website isn't legitimate, but it does show that the website builders have taken extra precautions to protect your information.

You may also see certification seals such as Verisign, TRUSTe, Norton Secured, or McAfee Secure. prove a website is legitimate - they're really just images that anyone can copy and paste into a website.

2. Don't use your credit card on a public computer if you can avoid it. Computers used in places like libraries and internet cafes can provide easy access for those on the go or at home without a computer. However, since they are public, it is easier for thieves to steal data such as credit card numbers from the computer. Even if you're diligent in logging in and out of your accounts, your data can still be at risk. It is best to use your own computer to pay and shop online.

3. Avoid transactions while connected to a public network. Even if you use your own computer, tablet or other device and are connected to an open, public WiFi network (e.g. in a coffee shop), your data is not 100% secure. Of course, most people are not crooks. But if you share a network, you could also "share" your sensitive information with a would-be thief. Try saving your online purchases and bill payments when you're on a secure, password-protected, private network.

4. Decline offers to save your card information. When you create an account to pay a bill or shop online, you may be asked if you want to save your credit card information to make future transactions easier and faster. This is certainly handy, but storing your information online increases the risk of it being stolen if the site ever has a security breach. If possible, just say "no" to these offers. The slight convenience of having to re-enter your credit card number every time will make your security worth it.

5. Ask your bank or card issuer about protection services. Credit card companies and banks are increasingly offering their customers ways to shop more securely online. To use your credit card online as safely as possible, consider using these options, some of which may incur additional fees. If you're not sure what's available for your card, ask the issuer things like:

Alerts for suspicious charges.

Unique credit card numbers. A new card number is randomly generated for you every time you make a purchase, preventing thieves from stealing the number and using it again. These are sometimes referred to as "virtual account numbers".

Masked credit cards. These go one step further and provide the ability to protect other sensitive data, for example by using a fake name and alternate address.

6. Shop with PayPal or similar services. Many merchants allow you to pay for goods and services online without entering your credit card information on their website. Instead, you create a third-party account through another service, and then you can use that account to make payments on a variety of websites.

PayPal is probably the most popular of these services, but there are others such as PayPal. B. Visa Checkout.

7. Be wary of phishing attempts. When using a credit card online, be on the lookout for malicious emails or phishing scams designed by criminals to appear to come from your bank or credit card issuer. In reality, however, they are attempts to steal your information. If you're ever in doubt about the authenticity of an email that appears to be from your card issuer, call them to verify. In general, however, you should know that card issuers will never email you asking you to do certain things, such as:

Reply to an email with your credit card number

Enter your credit card number in a form embedded in the email

Click a link to go to your account (always go directly to the account website by entering the web address).

Dealing with card problems

1. Check your bank statements and credit report regularly. Make sure your credit report doesn't contain any errors (e.g., accounts you closed), inconsistencies (e.g., accounts you never opened), or other suspicious activity. Also, check your card statements or online account regularly to make sure there aren't any charges you haven't made. This not only keeps your credit report clear, but also reveals if you have been the victim of fraud (e.g. a stolen card number).

2. Report any fraud. If you come across a confirmed or suspected case where your credit card information has been stolen, don't worry. Call your bank or credit card issuer immediately and let them know what's going on. They will walk you through the next steps to report and deal with the scam, which usually involves deleting fraudulent charges, changing your credit card number, and monitoring your credit report for future problems.

In almost all cases, you will only be liable, if at all, for up to $50 in fraudulent charges. Banks and credit card issuers offer protection from liability, and most customers are not responsible for fraudulent charges at all.

Don't be embarrassed if you're a victim of credit card fraud. Cyber ​​criminals are smart, and online security is an ever-evolving field.

3. Take steps to monitor and protect your finances. If your bank or credit card company does not yet offer credit monitoring after a fraud case, you should definitely do it yourself. Notify the three major credit bureaus - Transunion, Experian, and Equifax - that there is a problem with your account. You can also visit the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Recovery website for more information on how to deal with persistent issues.

Using your card to shop

1. Use the right type of card. Usually, when paying bills or shopping online, you have the option to use different types of cards: credit card, debit card, prepaid cash card or gift card, etc. However, it is up to you to use the card that brings the most benefits. that credit cards usually offer better protection against liability for fraudulent charges. Whenever possible, use a credit card for online purchases to ensure you are covered.

Make sure you use your credit card responsibly.

2. Enter your card details online. When conducting an online credit card transaction, be prepared to enter the required information, including the credit card number, expiration date, and security code, as well as your name, billing address, and email address. Some merchants and services may require you to create a personal account, while others may allow you to complete the transaction as a "guest".

"One-Click" shopping is another convenient method of online shopping that some websites offer, allowing you to buy something with the click of a single button once you place it on a website see dealer. Remember that each of these "clicks" charges your credit card!

3. Know exactly what you are paying for. Sometimes the convenience of buying online can overwhelm us. It's a good idea to check the items in your "shopping cart" before completing your purchase, for example to make sure you haven't accidentally added items you don't want. Most merchants do this for you, giving you the opportunity to "review" your transaction before completing the transaction and charging your credit card.

Expect honest merchants to email you a purchase confirmation or to display a confirmation on the website after the transaction is complete. Treat this as a receipt and keep a copy for your records.