Many people worry if credit cards are actually safe to use, especially as reports of credit card fraud reach new highs.

The good news: Credit cards are still more secure than most other payment methods. Most cards have added measures to protect your personal data and ensure safe transactions.

Let’s explore four key reasons why credit cards are the safest way to pay and how to protect your card information while shopping. 

There were 441,822 reports of credit card fraud in 2022 — it’s the most common type of identity theft. Credit card fraud includes acts like skimming and card-not-present fraud.

Most card companies have built-in security measures to protect your personal information and finances from unauthorized transactions. This includes:

Credit cards today often come with extra security features that help reduce fraud:

Credit cards also have several protections that cover products and services you buy with your card. This includes: 

Benefits like purchase protection will often vary by credit card issuer, so reviewing the fine print is important before signing up for a card. 

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, making them extremely easy to use. This can help you track your expenses and get insight into your financial habits.  

You can easily access a detailed record of your transactions, including the date, merchant name, and amount spent via your online credit card account. Credit cards also often categorize your transactions based on the type of purchase, such as groceries, dining, travel, or entertainment. 

By reviewing these categories, you can identify areas where you might be overspending or where you can cut back. It also makes it easier to spot inaccurate or unauthorized transactions.

Although your card is already pretty secure, you can still take steps to protect yourself. Generally, you should stay alert and watch for unknown transactions, as they can be a sign of fraud. 

“Criminals will typically run a very small charge to see if you notice before running the card on a larger item,” says Erik Baskin, certified financial planner and founder of Baskin Financial Planning. Being alert can help you catch and report these tests before they become a real problem.

Here are some additional steps you can take to keep your card safe:

A credit card can be one of the safest and most secure ways to pay for purchases. Features like EMV chips and zero-liability protection reduce the chances you’ll be financially responsible for fraudulent charges.

However, being proactive and protecting yourself against fraud is still important. Regularly check statements and use strong passwords to protect your accounts. If you suspect any fraudulent activity, report it as soon as possible. This can help reduce the chances of financial consequences.

Opinions expressed are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.