Using Your Credit Card Number for Online Transactions

A Credit Article Contributed by Kris Griebe

Can My Credit Card Number Be Used Online?

Yes, you can use your credit card number, as well as other personal information, to make purchases online. Many people shop online for various items, as it gives them a wider variety, and a lower price as well (usually). Credit cards are about the only way to shop online, unless you use a service such as Paypal or Firepay that draws the funds directly from your bank account. Credit cards are also one of the safest ways to shop online.

Another bonus to using your credit card number for online shopping is the speed of delivery. You will not have to wait for a money order or check to go through the mail, instead your transaction will be conducted immediately, meaning your goods will be shipped faster, and you will receive them sooner.

Can Someone Steal My Credit Card Number If I Use It Online?

It is possible for someone to steal your credit card number online, though it is highly unlikely. Every day the technology safeguarding you against this threat is improved, providing you with state of the art protection from identity theft. Any transaction made online with your credit card will be encrypted and secured using the most complex software available. This means that it is incredibly difficult (and almost impossible) for a thief to steal your credit card information.

On top of this protection, many credit cards now offer online buyer protection programs. This means that if you make a purchase online, and someone steals your credit card, you can notify your credit card company and they will take all the appropriate steps to fix the problem (and to catch the offender as well! ). This will result in them issuing you a new credit card, refunding your account for any purchases made illegally, and notifying the authorities, so the thief can be tracked and apprehended as soon as possible, thus preventing this from happening to someone else!

What Information Other Than My Credit Card Number Do I Need to Shop Online?

Aside from your credit card number you will need a few other minor pieces of information. The information needed varies for each online retailer, but a standard set will cover all bases. Have your billing address (the address your credit card bill is sent to) handy, as that is required almost everywhere. It is also useful to have the actual credit card nearby.

You can make purchases by just writing your number down, but many sites will require the "CV2" number, which is the last three digits on the back of your card. So, if you are writing your number down to use, make sure you have those three digits as well.

You should also have your name (I hope you haven't forgotten) and social security number available. Many retailers will require this information for verification purposes. Lastly, you will need the year and month your card expires in.

With this information close at hand you should be ready to make your online purchase safely, and quickly as well!