Although making credit card payments is highly convenient today, one thing many customers still worry about is how to keep their information secure. Regardless of where and when you made the purchase, there can be a small risk of your info falling into unauthorized hands. In this article, we share with you some easy ways of keeping your credit card info as safe as possible!
Never Save Your Details in Browser
After you have made an online purchase on any website, have you been prompted to “save” your credit card info on your browser? If so, always click no. Typing your card number again can be a mild inconvenience, however, it’s much better than the alternative! In addition, try to avoid making online purchases over public WiFi networks, where anyone can access the information you enter. Always complete these transactions at home or over your mobile data network.
Use an E-Wallet
You may be wondering why you should use an e-wallet or payment system such as Google Pay, ApplePay, or Android Pay. Because these systems make use of encryption and tokenization, your actual credit card details won’t be released to the merchant. Instead, what they will see is a random combination of numbers that will pose no harm to you if it were to get out. If you decide to use an e-wallet, always make sure that your phone is well-protected with good passwords and passcodes.
Once you have saved your card to an e-wallet, you can use it to make direct payments at brick-and-mortar stores. All you need to do is hold your phone up to the POS system and payment will be taken via the fully integrated gateways!
Check Transactions Regularly
Are you someone who waits till the end of each billing period to receive your balance and simply pay it off without a second glance? Instead of doing that, you may want to take the time to go through each and every transaction on your bill. Confirm that you have indeed made it and if anything looks unfamiliar or suspicious, follow up on it immediately. That way, you can spot fraudulent transactions timely and have time to report them before you end up paying too much.
Keep Your Information Private and Up-to-Date
Remember: It is highly unlikely for your bank, card issuer, or any merchant to ask for details such as your account number over the phone. Only give this info to parties you can trust, and opt for paperless statements where possible. This will reduce the chances of your personal info going through the postal system, and you will also not have a need to shred stacks of papers when it comes time to dispose of them.
You will also want to keep your contact information up-to-date with your bank and card issuer. As soon as your phone number, email, or address changes, let them know. This will ensure that they can reach you quickly in the event of any suspicious or fraudulent activity!