How to Purchase With a MasterCard

MasterCard is one of the most widely used credit cards.

When you possess a MasterCard credit card, you have a powerful means of making purchases, either online, over the telephone, by mail or in person. Wise consumers handle credit carefully and strive to avoid overextending themselves, but having credit at your disposal can simplify your life immeasurably. Make purchases with a MasterCard whenever you desire the convenience and ease a credit card provides.

Instructions

1. You can use your MasterCard at many stores since it is one of the most widely accepted credit cards. After the cashier totals your purchase, simply swipe your MasterCard through the reader and look carefully at the total to ensure it is correct. Sign the digital reader or a paper receipt, whichever process the store utilizes. Save your receipt for checking charges when you receive your credit card bill.

2. Make purchases online when you see a website that includes the MasterCard logo. Place items in the site's shopping cart for purchase and then proceed to checkout. Make sure the website is secure by checking the URL. If you see "https://," you are on a secure page. You may see some kind of a site seal on the page that indicates it is a secured web page.

   Enter your personal information (name and address) in the appropriate fields. Check your purchase items to make sure they are correct. Select the MasterCard payment option and enter your MasterCard credit card number into the appropriate field. Enter the name that appears on the card, the expiration date and the card verification value (CVV) code into the blank fields. The CVV code is a three-digit number on your MasterCard that protects consumers from credit card fraud. Click the "Place My Order" button to finalize your order.

3. Place orders for items or services over the telephone when you are confident you are dealing with a reputable merchant or service provider. Never give out your MasterCard credit card number over the phone unless you initiate the telephone call. Order the items or services desired over the telephone, and then give the service person your MasterCard number, expiration date and CVV code to finalize the order.

4. Order items by mail in catalogs or order forms and pay with your MasterCard. Fill in the order form with the item numbers and item names. Enter your name and mailing address in the appropriate spaces on the order form. Enter your MasterCard number, the expiration date and the CVV code in the proper blanks on the order form. Seal the form in an envelope and mail it to the address provided in the catalog.

Tips & Warnings

• When you make purchases with a MasterCard, you can enjoy shopping benefits such as extended warranties, a satisfaction guarantee that says you will be happy with the item or can return it within 60 days, price protection and purchase insurance against damage or theft.

References

• MasterCard: Guide to Benefits
• NoloTech: CVV Codes