Internet thieves are a real concern when you are shopping online. Before you disclose your credit card number to any online merchant, check whether the website is secure. If you shop mostly over the Internet, choose sites that display a secure padlock icon. Such websites encrypt your credit card number , making it safe to shop online.
Verified by Visa gives an additional degree of protection when you shop online. You have a password that is known to you only. If you enroll in the Verified by Visa service, you can shop at all online merchants that participate in this program. You will be asked to provide your unique password at an authentication page before checkout. Verified by Visa can be activated at a participating merchant or at Visa International.
MasterCard offers a similar service by providing clients with a unique secret code. This code gives an additional protection against online fraud. Only you and your bank will know this code. When you are shopping online, look for stores that participate in the Verified by Visa program. You will be requested to provide the secure code as to confirm that you are the cardholder.
The Discover Card service differs from what MasterCard and Visa offer. When you make purchases, your credit card number will be encrypted so that you don’t have to reveal your card details.
It is a good idea to take additional safety measures. When you shop over the Internet, look at the privacy policy of the merchant. Check what type of information they store and how it is used. Find out whether they share this information with partnering organizations and if they have a policy that is explicitly against selling information.
Look for an email and phone number of the company’s customer service. Take note of their working hours and if they work on holidays and weekends. Disputes should be resolved as quickly as possible. Check if they are required to respond to customers’ requests within a specified time frame.
Avoid shopping at websites with an http connection. Websites that start with https://, encrypt the information that is being exchanged.
If you use more two or more credit card, choose one for making online purchases. This will simplify the tracking of transactions. While debit cards can be used for shopping online, credit cards come with additional protection. Look at your credit card limit too. If you are worried that someone can take advantage of your card details, choose a credit card with a low limit.
Confused about credit card information? Learn more at this credit card blog.