Online Credit Card Management: Is It Safe?

In today’s world, you can manage almost every aspect of your credit cards online. While it is convenient to shop and pay bills over the Internet, you may be concerned about the security risks involved. The good news is that you can reduce your risks by taking preventative action. Follow these tips to make sure your online credit card management is safe.

Applying Online

Many websites allow you to apply online for a credit card. If you’re concerned about sending personal information into cyberspace, chances are you need not worry. In most cases, online applications are just as safe, if not safer, than sending forms through the regular mail system. When you drop an application in the mailbox, your personal information is exposed to numerous potential scammers. The process may take four to six weeks to complete, thereby creating more possibilities for others to see your data. If you send an application through an online connection, however, it will arrive in less than a second to the secured source. When applying online, first check that the site is secure and legitimate; then fill out the application.

Shopping Online

Before purchasing an item online, take a few measures to check for security. First, make sure that the company is legitimate. If you are in doubt, you can check with the Better Business Bureau. Next, look for security features on the site. If the payment page has the letter “s” after its “http” code (https:), it is protected with SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer. This applies encryption between your computer system and the company’s Internet server. When your data is transmitted over the Internet, it is encrypted, or scrambled, when it is sent. It is then unscrambled when it reaches its destination. Another safety feature to look for is a small padlock on the screen. Finally, make sure you feel comfortable providing your information. If something on the site concerns you, check into it before paying with your credit card.

Online Statements and Billing

Almost all credit card companies allow you to sign up for online access to your credit card account. When you do, make sure that the site has secure features. Be careful not to use a login name or password that contains obvious personal information, such as your name or date of birth. Check your card activity and online statements regularly for signs of transactions that you did not authorize.

Phishing

By far, phishing is one of the most dangerous fraudulent activities online. In phishing, scammers send e-mails that appear to be from legitimate companies. They often ask you to respond with personal information to confirm an account or win a prize. Be sure to check your e-mail carefully. A credit card company will never ask you to send personal information, such as your social security number, to them via e-mail. If you receive a questionable e-mail, do not respond to it or open any attachments it contains. Rather, report it to the credit card company or a credit bureau for inspection.

Like other security issues, online credit card management can be safe if proper measures are taken. Check sites for security features, look into online companies before making purchases, and avoid responding to questionable e-mails. By following these steps, you can enjoy the ease of online credit card management without the headache of credit card fraud.

About the Author: Click here to Apply For A Credit Card . Ed Vegliante runs www.Credit-Card-Surplus.com, a directory helping consumers to compare and apply for credit cards.

How To Choose The Right Air Miles Credit Card

Frequent fliers can certainly use the benefits that you can get from having an air miles credit card. Of course, the credit card itself makes it easier to book your travel arrangements, but other features on the card even make it more interesting. Here are some tips about how you can choose the right air miles credit card for your needs.

Look At Free Miles Last

Probably a number of you thought that you should look at the number of miles being offered as the main thing - actually it is not. You need to look at other features of the card before you let the number of air miles sway you into getting the card. This is advertising at its best - you were grabbed by the large number of air miles and almost forgot about the small print - possibly the part that they did not want you to see.

Consider The Type of Card

There are two types of issuers of air miles credit cards. The airlines offer them, and so do a number of banks. The airlines cards will focus on the services of that particular airline. Its discounts apply to it and the air miles can only be used on their airline. This could be great for you if that airline can easily be used from your location and from most of the places you travel to. On the other hand, a bank issued air miles credit card can be used on most airlines that takes your card and the air miles are also applicable to just about any airline.

Rate For Air Miles Earned

This feature will vary quite a bit on your air miles card. Some cards will only give you one air mile for every twenty dollars charged to the card. Other cards will give you one air mile for every dollar. If you use this credit card a lot - one obviously makes more sense than the other. You will also want to see how you can use your air miles. Find out if you must apply them only to airline tickets or can they also be used as points toward the purchase of things from the credit card stores? Also find out how many miles you need to accumulate in order to get your first free trip, and see how long before you air miles expire.

Balance Transfers And Other Goodies

This feature is really necessary, especially if you have a balance on other credit cards. With it, you can put your balances on the new card and pay 0% APR interest for the life of the introductory offer. Some cards may even allow you to enjoy the 0% APR for balance transfers for the life of the transfer. Make sure, though, that there is not a balance transfer fee attached to the air miles credit card for doing this.

Other Options You Want to Look For

Ask yourself what is the rate of interest on the card. Remember that the introductory offer (if it has one) only lasts for a while - as much as 15 months, and some as few as three months. Some air miles credit cards will also give you discounts towards hotels, car rentals, cruises, restaurants, and more.

Now, you can look at the air miles offered. Then, after you have looked at all of the above, compare it with five or six other cards, and see which one will best suit your needs, and give you the most.

About the Author: Joe Kenny writes for CardGuide.co.uk, offering UK credit cards, visit them today tocompare credit cards. Visit today: http://www.cardguide.co.uk/