Shopping online safely with credit cards

One of the great advantages of the internet is online shopping. You can purchase almost anything online - clothes, furniture, groceries, you name it and you can find it for sale online.

The main method of payment when shopping online is credit cards. If you do intend to use your credit cards to pay for items, then it is important to know how to protect your credit card details. As there are daily reports of credit card fraud, knowing how to protect yourself online is vital. If you take precautionary measures to protect your details and utilise the security services offered by your credit card issuer and bank, you can avoid being a victim of credit card fraud.

Making Secure Online Purchases Use a Trustworthy Vendor

If the vendor looks unprofessional, don't make a purchase from their online store.

Remember to check these details:

• Does the vendor have registered business details and is the ABN clearly visible?
• Are the contact details clearly visible?
• Is there a street address available, not just a GPO Box?

Ensure you are using a Secure Server

The industry standard technology for online shopping is Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology.

Websites that use SSL have website addresses starting with HTTPS: instead of HTTP: If you are using the latest version of your browser and the store has the latest online website security, known as Extended Validation SSL Certificate, all or part of your address bar may turn green.

There should be an unbroken padlock or key symbol at the bottom right hand corner of your browser window frame. The padlock means any private information you send over the Internet will be encrypted or scrambled. This symbol is not a guarantee of safety, so be sure to check that the seller is who they say they are, their certificate is current and is registered to the right address.

Be sensible

Commonsense is important to use when shopping online. You should always use firewalls, anti-virus software, spy-ware detectors and have hard to guess passwords. Never give out credit card details via emails. Always keep a record of your credit card transactions and check your online credit card statements regularly to confirm them.

Credit card protection online Verified by Visa

Verified by Visa adds a password to your Visa credit card for you to enter while shopping online. After activating your password through your bank, your credit card is automatically recognised as being protected with Verified by Visa at all participating online stores. A message will come up to confirm that you are buying from a legitimate merchant and after you enter your password, your transaction continues as normal.

MasterCard SecureCode

MasterCard SecureCode protects your online credit card information by requesting a code. When you are shopping with a participating online merchant, a pop up box will appear requesting your SecureCode. After entering the code, your bank confirms you are the authorised cardholder and you continue with your purchase as normal.

Know what you're purchasing when buying online

Before putting your purchase through, remember to be certain about what you are buying as some banks may not protect you if you have contributed to the fraudulent transaction.

• Purchase items that have precise descriptions and clear pictures.
• Check the total amount before you buy - this includes delivery, insurance, and currency.
• Check to see if there are any warranties.
• Check delivery details.
• Check the returns policy - some online stores won't accept returns if you change your mind.
• Check that the business will protect your privacy.

If you are purchasing items from overseas, remember to check final costs after currency conversion. Double check to see if the import is legal or if any customs charges apply. Be aware that Australian consumer protection laws may not apply.

Online credit card protection from banks

Banks will normally protect your credit cards against unauthorised charges providing that you have not caused or contributed to the loss.

ANZ Credit Cards

ANZ uses the ANZ Falcon security system. This system tracks your credit card transactions and if there is anything suspicious, ANZ will contact you immediately. The ANZ Falcon system is used in conjunction with Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode.

Apply for ANZ credit cards here.

Aussie Credit Cards

Aussie credit cards are protected by Secure Sentinel. This fraud protection service is used in addition to MasterCard SecureCode.

Apply for Aussie credit cards here.

Citibank Credit Cards

Citibank uses Fraudshield to protect their credit card customers. If Citibank detects any suspicious transactions, you will be immediately contacted. Fraudshield is used in conjunction with Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode.

Apply for Citibank credit cards here.

Commonwealth Bank Credit Cards

The Commonwealth Bank uses Secure Sentinel, Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode to protect their cardholders.

Apply for Commonwealth Bank credit cards here.

NAB Credit Cards

The National Australia Bank uses Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode.

Apply for NAB credit cards here.

St George Bank Credit Cards

St George regularly contacts customers to ensure that credit card transactions are correct. This is done in addition to using the Falcon Fraud system. St George also has Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode.

Apply for St George credit cards here.

Other forms of credit card protection Microchip technology and PINs

Many credit cards now use microchips to protect cardholders against fraud. The embedded security microchip makes it very difficult to copy the credit card details due to encrypted information. A microchip credit card generates a unique ID every transaction, making counterfeit production more difficult.

Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) can be used instead of signing your credit card transaction slips.

Click with confidence

Buying online can be easy and stress free if you take the necessary precautions and use commonsense. By using the protection systems offered by your bank and by taking your own safety measures, you can shop online safely.

Visit our credit card comparison page to view our range of credit cards.