Can you buy things online with a credit card?

Answer 1

That depends on many factors.

The merchant needs to make the process as secure as possible and different vendors take security to different levels.

IN GENERAL: larger merchants are safer, except for the huge security breaches we hear about from time to time where a database of millions of credit card numbers is stolen.

Check the security and identity of the web site. Inspect and verify the site's encryption (no encryption? RUN!).

Some credit card companies offer a virtual account number service. This creates a unique number that will only work with 1 merchant. If you use such a service you are very safe. I believe MBNA, Citicard, PayPal and Discover all have some flavor of virtual card numbers.

There are so many sad stories about hacked or scanned credit cards on the web if you Google it. I prefer using alternative payment methods if possible. For example, I use paysafecard, which is a prepaid card, for online games including Facebook games.

Answer 2

Yes.

When evaluating online shopping sites (ecommerce) and deciding that one's credit card is going to be the payment type of choice, one should look for the following website elements prior to providing the all-important credit card information:

* Don't use an unsecured/open wireless connection to purchase ANYTHING over the internet

* Try to only transact on websites that begin with "HTTPS" which is a secure protocol for communicating with the servers

* Don't use a site whose SSL Certificate is not valid or creates problems in your browser

* Look for at least one of the following logos/seals in and around an organization's shopping site (and click on the logo to be sure that the website is the site that it claims to be):

- VeriSign Secured

- McAfee Secure

- TRUSTe

- BBB

- Comodo (various types)

- Trustguard (trust aggregator)

Answer 3

No, it is not safe to get an online credit card. All websites that deal with personal data use encrypted web security to prevent malicious attacks and theft but some hackers could deal with these security.

Answer 4

It can be but you can do what I do; I have 2 cards and use only one when shopping online and transfer money from the first one to the second one so there is never more money on it then what the merchandise will cost. That way they can never get all of it if they try.

Answer 5

Online shopping is very safe using debit and/or credit cards. Most have very high security during the checkout process and everything is password protected and encoded.

Answer 6

Yes. It is one of the most common reasons people have a credit card.

Answer 7

It is perfectly safe to by goods online using your credit card or debit card. Just make sure you check your statements regularly to ensure you are not being defrauded.

Answer 8

You should go to your local bank to get one instead because they explain what the details and fine prints are, rather than get the bill and find that you are hit with hidden fees.