How to Use a Credit Card Online

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Shopping online almost always requires a credit or debit card. While it can be a bit unnerving to place the card information in the form provided for payment, online credit card shopping can be in many ways safer than using the card at a local retail store.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Credit card
Computer
Internet access

Step1

Make sure the website that you wish to purchase from offers a secure server for the credit card transaction. Most browsers have a symbol in the right corner that will alert you if the website is not secure. Also, in the URL bar at the top, the web address will normally change from "http" to "https."

Step2

Enter all information requested on the form. This will include card number, expiration date and security code. It will also ask for a billing address and a shipping address and the cardholder's name.

Step3

Print out your purchase confirmation. Most websites will also send an email confirmation. Keep all documentation and compare it to the charges on your next credit card billing statement. If anything is different, call your credit card provider immediately and dispute the charges.

Step4

Look to see if the website vendor takes PayPal, Google Checkout or is possibly a Yahoo store. Payments made through these online payment options will allow you to make the purchase without the vendor ever actually seeing your credit card information.

Step5

Use common sense when shopping online. If the website is offering a deal that appears too good to be true, it probably is. Also, if the website is poorly designed or otherwise looks shady, look for your item at another vendor.

Tips & Warnings

Your credit card company may issue a pin number for online transactions. Keep this pin number in a safe place away from the card itself.
If you have access to your credit card billing information online, be sure to check it often for unauthorized transactions.
If you use your bank debit card in place of a credit card, check your bank statements as diligently as your credit card statements for unauthorized charges.