Safer online shopping

Protect your information and money when shopping online

A few checks before and after a purchase can help reduce the risk of fraud.

Choose a suitable payment method

If your bank offers a virtual card, check how it works and which controls are available. Where supported, set a spending limit and an expiry period suited to the purchase. A virtual card may still be linked to your existing card or account; the details depend on the provider.

Check the seller before buying

Look for independent customer experiences, clear contact details and a physical address. Be particularly careful with offers priced far below what you would reasonably expect.

Monitor your transactions

Check your balance and statements regularly. Enable card transaction notifications where available so that you can notice unfamiliar payments promptly.

Keep security details private

Enter card details only when making a payment and avoid saving them unless needed. Do not disclose your PIN, banking password or one-time security codes to someone who contacts you. Enter a verification code only in a legitimate banking or payment process that you initiated.