Credit cards with fraud protection

Credit card fraud is on the rise in the United States. Luckily, many security features are widely found in major credit cards, and card providers are constantly developing unique and effective fraud-prevention tools.

Credit cards that offer zero liability protection

Zero liability protection is one of the most important fraud-protection tools you’ll find. As long as you’re diligent about reporting fraudulent purchases, you won’t have to pay for them. All major banks offer this feature, though this isn’t necessarily the case with smaller issuers. Given the importance of this security feature, you might weight this into your considerations when choosing a card.

Here’s a brief list of major banks that offer zero liability protection:

Compare credit cards with fraud protection

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Name	Product	Filter values	Rewards	Purchase APR	Annual fee
Chase Freedom Unlimited®			5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 5% on Lyft, 3% on dining and drugstores and 1.5% on all other purchases	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 14.99% to 23.74% variable)	$0	See offer View details	This solid 1.5% cashback card gets even better with the addition of up to 5% back in categories like travel, drug stores and dining.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Freedom Flex℠			5% cash back on up to $1,500 combined in quarterly categories you activate, 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 14.99% to 23.74% variable)	$0	See offer View details	Get up to 5% cashback in rotating and newly added everyday categories. The refreshed Freedom Flex card has lots of earning potential.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express® Gold Card			4x at restaurants including delivery and Uber Eats; 4x at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 annually (then 1x points), 3x points on directly-booked flights and 1x points on other eligible purchases	See Pay Over Time APR	$250	Apply now View details	Rose Gold is Back Earn up to 4x points on select purchases, a bevy of travel perks, and a welcome offer worth up to $600 based on our valuation with this upper-mid tier travel card. Terms apply, see rates & fees	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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What are credit cards with fraud protection?

These are cards that offer tools to guard against unauthorized purchases on your account. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you can be responsible for no more than $50 if your credit card is stolen and used without your consent. And if your credit card number is stolen and used, you aren’t liable at all.

In truth, you often won’t be liable for any fraud activity thanks to the security features and policies adopted by most major credit card issuers.

Common fraud-protection features include:

• Zero liability.
  You won’t be on the hook to pay for fraudulent purchases in eligible instances.
• Account alerts.
  You can sign up for email, text or phone alerts for your credit card if unusual payments and password changes are detected.
• 24/7 fraud monitoring.
  Your provider will monitor your account for suspicious transactions, and may freeze them.
• Account security options.
  These might include two-factor authentication and biometrics, which help you verify your identity. Your provider may also offer features that let you quickly change your account details if they’re compromised.
• Card replacement.
  Quick card replacement encourages consumers to report stolen cards immediately. Some providers will expedite card replacement if you ask.
• Chip technology.
  It’s more difficult for fraudsters to copy information from a chip embedded inside a card than from a magnetic strip.

	Zero liability	Fraud alerts	24/7 fraud monitoring	EMV Chip
American Express
Bank of America
Barclaycard
Chase
Citi
Capital One
Discover
US Bank
Wells Fargo

	Card freeze/lock	Temporary card numbers	ID theft protection
American Express
Bank of America
Barclaycard
Chase
Citi
Capital One
Discover			Optional 15.00/month
US Bank
Wells Fargo			Optional $6.67/month

How to get credit cards with fraud protection

All major credit card providers offer robust fraud protection. That’s because they have a big incentive: Each time they miss an unauthorized transaction, they may have to pay for it out of their own pockets.

Any reputable provider will be happy to tell you how it protects you from fraud. Typically, you’ll find this information in a dedicated content hub on the provider’s website.

At the very bottom of the American Express website, for example, you’ll find a link that takes you to the provider’s Security Center.

How can I use credit card fraud protection?

If you suspect your card has been used fraudulently, call your bank immediately to report the unauthorized transaction. You’ll find the customer-support number on the back of your card.

If your card is lost or stolen, check your bank’s website for the general support phone number. A representative will help you deactivate your card and get a replacement. Ask if your bank offers expedited shipping on replacements.

What happens after I dispute a charge?

Your card provider will open an investigation into the charge. If the charge was fraudulent, your provider will send you a new card and account number.

In the meantime, you may receive a credit on your account for the amount of the charge.

Do debit cards feature fraud protection?

Unlike credit cards, debit and ATM cards don’t necessarily offer the same level of fraud security and protections. Your liability for misuse is as follows according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Bottom line

Strong fraud protection is paramount to keeping your finances safe. Carefully examine how a potential card provider will guard your information, and verify that it offers a zero-liability benefit.

If you’re curious about how this topic, check out our guide on credit card security.

Frequently asked questions

• Who gets to use credit cards with fraud protection?

  Many credit cards offer very strong fraud protection, as providers have a keen interest in deterring unauthorized transactions.

  Ultimately, the “best” fraud-protection credit card comes down to your needs. Look for a provider that offers the right suite of card-protection features, as well as extra benefits like instant account freezes or temporary account numbers.

• What are a few ways I can use my credit card securely?

  Examine your monthly card statement each month, be very selective about who you give your credit card information to and regularly check your credit reports. Learn more about credit card security.

• Is it safe to enter credit card information online?

  Using a credit card online can be very safe. Use your card only on trusted websites that offer encryption.

• How does fraud happen?

  Most often, fraud occurs through data breaches, when credit card information might be compromised. Consumers also mistakenly send card information to thieves, or their physical cards may be stolen.

Pictures: Getty Images