Is it safe to use my credit card online?

25 November2010

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The internet has completely changed the way many of us do our shopping. It means we no longer have to leave the comfort of our homes to buy the things we like, let alone go to a bank to withdraw the cash.

But this in itself provides us with another problem: credit card fraud. The internet has made it easier for criminals to get hold of other people`s credit card details - and if they get hold of yours, you could find yourself hundreds or even thousands of pounds down.

Thankfully, credit cards have automatic protection against fraud that should ensure you get your money back if the worst happens. However, the British Banking Code states that you must have been taking "reasonable care" with your details in order to get your money back - so it pays to take your own steps to keep your money safe.

What does `reasonable care` mean exactly?

In short, you shouldn`t use your credit card if there is any reasonable expectation that you might be putting your details at risk.

If you`re planning on using a credit card online, always make sure you have adequate and up-to-date internet security software (anti-virus and a firewall) installed. This can prevent a lot of attempts to get your details, although nothing can be 100% secure.

Also make sure you don`t use your credit card anywhere that looks like it may be unsafe. Unfortunately, there are quite a few fake retailers operating online - so it`s best to stick to names that you recognise.

It`s a cliché, but it`s worth remembering: if in doubt, it`s best to go elsewhere.

What other protection do credit cards provide? As well as fraud protection, credit cards also provide protection against failed or incomplete transactions, both online and offline. For example, if you`ve ordered a TV that never arrives, or a flight that is cancelled, and no acceptable alternative is provided, you could claim the money back from your credit card provider.

What to do if you think you`re a victim of credit card fraud

If you have any reason to believe anything has gone wrong, contact your credit card provider immediately. They have teams of people in place to deal with this kind of thing, and they`ll do what they can to help you solve the problem as soon as possible.

Compare great credit card deals with our free price comparison table today.

Review our latest credit card best-buys

Product	Transfer rate & period	New Purchases rate & period	Representative APR
Tesco Bank Clubcard Credit Card for purchases	0% 9 mths 2.9% Fee	0% 16 mths	16.9% (variable)
	Representative example: With this credit card the representative APR is 16.9% (variable) based on an interest rate of 16.9% (variable), transfer fees of 2.9% and a credit limit of £1200.
M&S Credit Card	0% 12 mths 2.9% Fee	0% 15 mths	16.9% (variable)
	Representative example: With this credit card the representative APR is 16.9% (variable) based on an interest rate of 16.9% (variable), transfer fees of 2.9% and a credit limit of £1200.
Halifax Online All In One	0% 15 mths 3% Fee	0% 15 mths	17.9% (variable)
	Representative example: With this credit card the representative APR is 17.9% (variable) based on an interest rate of 17.95% (variable), transfer fees of 3% and a credit limit of £1200.
Royal Bank of Scotland YourPoints World MasterCard	0% 9 mths 1.5% Fee	0% 15 mths	17.9% (variable)
	Representative example: With this credit card the representative APR is 17.9% (variable) based on an interest rate of 17.95% (variable), transfer fees of 1.5% and a credit limit of £1200.
NatWest YourPoints World MasterCard	0% 9 mths 1.5% Fee	0% 15 mths	17.9% (variable)
	Representative example: With this credit card the representative APR is 17.9% (variable) based on an interest rate of 17.95% (variable), transfer fees of 1.5% and a credit limit of £1200.
Barclaycard Platinum with Purchase	0% 14 mths 2.9% Fee	0% 14 mths	18.9% (variable)
	Representative example: With this credit card the representative APR is 18.9% (variable) based on an interest rate of 18.9% (variable), transfer fees of 2.9% and a credit limit of £1200.
Bank of Scotland Platinum Purchase Card	0% 13 mths 3% Fee	0% 13 mths	17.9% (variable)
	Representative example: With this credit card the representative APR is 17.9% (variable) based on an interest rate of 17.95% (variable), transfer fees of 3% and a credit limit of £1200.
Lloyds TSB Platinum Purchase Card	0% 13 mths 3% Fee	0% 13 mths	17.9% (variable)
	Representative example: With this credit card the representative APR is 17.9% (variable) based on an interest rate of 17.95% (variable), transfer fees of 3% and a credit limit of £1200.
American Express Platinum Cashback Purchase Credit Card	- - -	0% 13 mths	18.7% (variable)
	Representative example: With this credit card the representative APR is 18.7% (variable) based on an interest rate of 14% (variable), annual fees of £25 and a credit limit of £1200.
We provide a representative range of products on competitive terms and do not act exclusively for any credit provider. Credit limits may vary depending on your circumstances.

Tags: credit cards, credit card fraud, fraud, protection