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Credit cards are one of the most popular ways to make online payments. However, there are threats of MageCart attacks that make it risky to use them online. So, let’s look at some other safer options for making online payments instead of using your credit card.
1. SHOP PAY
Shop Pay is a Shopify payment system that comes with any website that uses the e-com platform. It protects your card when you buy from Shopify-backed merchant sites. To ensure safety, always check for the Shop Pay logo during checkout.
The payment system encrypts all your card information, and you don’t have to worry about your data being stolen. It also has some unique features like split payments that allows you to split payments into interest-free instalments. Shop Pay is now being used by over 3,000 stores and some of them include NPR Shop, Allbirds, Ring, Beyond Yoga, Anker, Minecraft, Polaroid etc.
2. PAYPAL, VENMO & ZELLE
PayPal is the most popular payment system with robust security – both for buyers and sellers. They act as a middleman between you and the seller. You can link your bank account credit/debit card and also transfer money in a matter of just a few clicks. All your card information are also encrypted and kept private.
The best part about PayPal is that you are a priority as a buyer. So, when you buy via PayPal payment, it goes via its servers and then to the merchant. Even if you run into a fraudster store, you can file a dispute via PayPal, and you will get back your money.
In terms of security, the PayPal website and app are safely encrypted. There is no need to re-enter your card every time you shop.
For those who are a bit sceptical, you need not even link your bank account or credit card to PayPal. There is an option to add funds to your PayPal account in cash from authorised stores like 7-Eleven, Casey’s, Dollar General, Kum & Go, Speedway, Walmart, Office Depot, GameStop and others. Also, many websites accept this way of banking. Gambling platforms are not the exclusion. Just imagine the level of security online casinos require, and PayPal can fulfill it completely. Visit our partners from ExyCasinos to dig up interesting facts about casino security.
Other payment gateways like Venmo and Zelle are great optionsif PayPal is not accepted by the merchant. They both work like PayPal. So, it’s up to you to add or link your bank accounts and cards. You can also send money to your friends and families.
If you have a bank account with Chase, US Bank, Capital One and Wells Fargo, Zelle is auto inbuilt within your bank’s app. You will be able to access this feature in the bank’s app main menu just next to the Bill Pay feature.
3. PREPAID CARDS
Not all stores accept PayPal or online payment gateways. So, you can look for options in prepaid credit or debit cards. You can get many prepaid cards from Visa or Mastercard to hop from your local stores like gas stations and grocery stores.
If you are a private person who loves privacy, these prepaid cards come in handy. For example, you can hide your identity and keep your bank account details out of reach from the merchant. As the cards are preloaded, you can decide how much money you want in the card and refill them via the Visa app — which is easy — or deposit money via your bank.
4. PURCHASE FROM AMAZON WITH CASH
Amazon still deploys the traditional ways of commerce. Besides accepting credit cards, debit cards, Amazon gift cards and online payments, the company uses Amazon Cash which works just like PayPal’s cash option. For this, you can visit the Amazon partner store and load your Amazon account. Your Amazon cash balance will be counted as part of your gift card balance when you reload the cash.
In this type of transaction, you need not share your bank or card details even with Amazon. You can load money using a bar code into your Amazon account. Follow these steps:
>Go to Amazon’s partner stores
>Open Amazon app
>In the search bar, type Amazon Cash
>Scroll down & tap Get your barcode.
>Show the bar code to the store assistant. He will scan and add values from $5 to $500 to your Amazon account.
Another way of payment is via your mobile number. Ensure that your number is linked with your Amazon account. Just give cash to the cashier, and he will deposit the cash value to your Amazon account — so no bank is involved.
5. MOBILE PAYMENTS WHILE SHOPPING FROM PHONE
Many smartphones and tech manufacturers now have their own online payment systems. They are quite convenient and safe. Some of the popular ones are Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. To use them, you can just scan your credit/debit card or even link your bank.
Most stores will show these payment system logos and their bar codes in their stores if they accept such payments. They can be used for shopping – both online and in the local stores. As they are extremely convenient, they are now used by most people with a smartphone.
