How to Protect Your Credit Card The Top Tips to Know

In 2019, nearly 1.7 million cases of credit card fraud were reported to the Federal Trade Commission. With almost $667 million lost, it’s the worst year on record so far. These easy tips will show you how to protect your credit card and keep your credit card info safe.

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Protect Yourself Online

Protecting your credit card can go beyond traditional banking methods. One can also consider switching to neobanking platforms like zolve.com that offer higher protection to your assets, especially credit cards for immigrants and international students in the U.S.

This is the number one step to start protecting your credit card information. With the growing popularity of shopping online and in apps, you need to shop safely. It can be tempting to settle in to convenience, but here are things you should avoid:

Use public wi-fi or public computers to shop or pay bills
Allow apps and browsers to save credit card information
Shop on websites with URLs that don’t begin with “https” (the S means “secured)

Thieves are growing more tech-savvy all the time. Your credit card information can be intercepted by convincing phishing emails and websites. When in doubt, exit out.

Keep an Eye on Your Account

Staying on peak of your account activity can save you a lot of trouble. Review your statements often and report any suspicious activity immediately. Ask your credit card company if they gives a credit-monitoring service that will let you know if they suspect fraudulent activity.

A credit-monitoring service will notify you by text, email, or phone if they believe a suspicious charge has been made. This early warning lets you lock the account to prevent further damage.

Protect Your Physical Card

What is the best way to keep credit card info safe in the real world? Some thieves have high-tech ways of stealing the old-fashioned way. You should be vigilant about your card’s online and physical security.

Protect PINs and Passwords

It can be stressful trying to remember multiple complex passwords. However, it doesn’t compare to the stress of having your account compromised or stolen. Don’t use a PIN or password that is easy to guess or contains personal information.

Shred Old Cards and Receipts

You can cut these up yourself or invest in an inexpensive shredder. Fraudsters look for information that could be financially related. Shred anything with account numbers, PINs, or passwords on them.

Do Not Share Photos of Your Credit Card

No, we didn’t make this up. Yes, people actually do this. Don’t be one of them.

Protect From Skimmers and RFID Readers

Credit card skimmers are devices often found at gas pumps that read and save your card info. They can be difficult to spot but if something looks amiss, you should report it to the attendant. Meanwhile, an RFID/NFC reader can swipe your contactless card’s info from a distance.

Many credit cards with the contactless symbol (looks similar to wi-fi) can be read remotely. Fortunately, an RFID wallet shield is a simple, affordable way to block these attacks.