5 Key Points to Protect Your Credit Card Payments

It’s not just about defense - being proactive about your account’s security can reduce the potential for problems before they happen. Safeguarding your credit cards often comes down to common sense. These credit card safety tips offer simple ways you can work to help keep your accounts secure. Here five key points to protect your credit card payments.

1.      Keep your account number private

Don’t let anyone see your card when you are out in public. Be selective when giving your account number over the phone; only offer it when you initiated the call and you’re talking to a bank or merchant you trust. Be careful of messages you receive over email, text, phone or social media, asking you to give personal information or click an unsecure link.

2.      Be careful with your receipts

If there is extra space on your receipt, draw a line through it so no one can write in any additional numbers. It is also a good idea to check your receipts against your account to spot potentially fraudulent transactions fast. Finally, don’t just throw out any duplicates or old receipts. Shared the ones you don’t need and securely file the rest.

3.      Secure your devices and networks

If you allow your browser to store your credit card number, you could be vulnerable. To prevent this, consider turning off the Auto fill function in each browser that you use. By this you can secure your devices and networks from fraudulent transactions.

4.      Check your account often

Reviewing your recent account activity is fundamental to credit card safety and it’s easy to do. You can do it using the mobile payment app, online or over the phone. Most card issuers also let you set up email or text alerts to inform you and your issuer about unusual activity. If you have been a victim of fraud or identity theft in the past, consider signing up with a credit-monitoring service.

5.      Report lost cards and suspected fraud right away

If you lose your credit card or suspect fraudulent activity, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. They can block your card and account number so no one else can use them and provide with a new card and account number.