How to safely use a credit card to pay for online purchases

Odds are you’re using a credit card when shopping online — unless you’ve figured out how to teleport cash (if so, tell us!). Credit cards provide a convenient, secure payment option and the process for making online purchases is typically the same across most websites.

This guide outlines the payment process step-by-step, security features and other factors that come up when you want to use a credit card for online purchases.

Why is a credit card safe for online shopping?

Credit card companies have a range of security measures to protect your account from fraud when you shop online.

• Fraud-monitoring services

Many credit card companies provide 24-hour fraud-monitoring services that’ll contact you if there’s suspicious account activity.

If a fraud-monitoring service can’t verify a transaction that’s been made on your account, it will be able to temporarily block your account and investigate further to ensure your credit card is protected against unauthorized transactions.

• One-time passwords

You may have already been pre-enrolled in Verified by Visa, Mastercard SecureCode and American Express Safekey. You need to enter a one-time SMS or email code each time you use your credit card to shop online.

Note that an online merchant must have registered with the program for the service to work.

• Zero liability guarantees

American Express, Mastercard and Visa provide zero liability guarantees to cover you for fraudulent credit card use in-store, over the phone and online. Note that these liability guarantees do not cover cash advance fraud.

If you’re the victim of credit card fraud, contact your credit card provider immediately to dispute the transaction.

Other online payment factors to consider

Consider these factors when shopping online to make your payment experience even safer.

• Saved card details. Internet browsers such as Chrome, Firefox or Safari may prompt you to save your details. While this can be convenient, it means your card information will be stored by a third-party service which could be compromised if that account is ever hacked.
• Incognito mode. Use the browser’s incognito mode if you’re using a public computer to make a purchase. This will ensure the computer doesn’t save any of your personal information or Internet history during your session.

• Declined payments. For whatever reason, if your payment is declined or a payment error message appears, the transaction will not be processed. Your items may remain in your “shopping cart” so you can complete the purchase in the future.

• Currency conversion fees. Most credit cards apply a fee of 2% to 4% of the transaction when you make a purchase from an overseas merchant. If you regularly shop with international retailers online, you may want to consider a card with $0 foreign transaction fees to save money on this cost.

What do I do if my card is compromised?

If you have reason to believe your card is compromised, you’ll want to take a few important steps to protect your account:

• Lock your credit card if possible. Many cards allow you to lock the use of your credit card from your account page or bank app.
• Call your provider. This is your next step, or your first if you can’t lock your card yourself. They can lock your account and help you along to the next steps.
• Review your transaction history. You’ll want to note each transaction that appears suspicious or that you know you didn’t make.
• Change your online passwords. If your card information was compromised online, you’ll want to update your login information to secure your accounts.

Thankfully, credit card providers offer a zero liability policy, so you won’t be on the hook for unauthorized charges as long as you report them properly. Check out our credit card security guide for more information on how providers protect consumers.

Compare three cards with security features

Compare credit cards with security protections to find the best option for you.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card	Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express	Chase Freedom Flex℠
★★★★★ Finder rating 4.2 / 5	★★★★★ Finder rating 4.6 / 5	★★★★★ Finder rating 4.7 / 5
Go to site on Capital One's secure site	Go to site on Creditcards.com's secure site Terms apply, see rates & fees	Go to site on Creditcards.com's secure site Terms apply, see rates & fees
Minimum credit score 670	Minimum credit score 670	Minimum credit score 670
Annual fee $0	Annual fee $0	Annual fee $0
Purchase APR 0% intro	Purchase APR 0% intro	Purchase APR 0% intro
Balance transfer APR 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 19.24% - 29.24% variable) 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months	Balance transfer APR 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 18.49% to 29.49% variable) Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.	Balance transfer APR 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 19.24% to 27.99% variable) $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days
Rewards Up to 1.5% cash back	Rewards Up to 3% cash back	Rewards Up to 5% cash back
Welcome offer $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening	Welcome offer Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months.	Welcome offer $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months

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Bottom line

Making payments with a credit card has become an incredibly common and safe method of making purchases. However, these guidelines can provide you with an extra layer of safety in protecting your information.
Learn more about
credit card security to keep your finances safe.

Frequently asked questions

• Can you use a debit card as a credit card for online purchases?

  Yes. However, credit cards offer a more secure way to make online purchases.

• What are your options for disputing charges on a card?

  You can call your bank to start the dispute process. Make sure to gather all of the information you need about the disputed charge before calling.