Credit Card Safety Tips: 7 Ways for Safe Credit Card Use (2024)

You may have plenty of choices when it comes to choosing the right bank card. One of them includes the Credit Card. But if you aren’t careful, your Credit Card can be susceptible to misuse of you are not careful. Follow our Credit Card safety tips and prevent unauthorized transactions on your card.

#1 Keep your card with you always

While this Credit Card safety tip seems to be a no-brainer, several people tend to disregard this simple thumb rule. Don’t let the card out your sight, especially when it has to be swiped at the point of sale. Make sure the store or restaurant or petrol pump swipes your card in your presence.

#2 Change your PIN regularly

A PIN adds a layer of safety to your transactions. Make sure your PIN is not too easy to guess by someone who knows you.

Keep changing your PIN at least every 6 months to ensure your Credit Card is less susceptible to misuse.

#3 Do not share your PIN with anyone

Never share your Credit Card PIN or OTP with anyone—even if it is a person claiming to be a bank representative.

You should also avoid writing down your card PIN and keeping it with your card in your wallet or purse. Avoid also storing your PIN details on your mobile phone as misuse or theft of your phone will put your Credit Card at risk.

#4 Check alerts and your monthly Credit Card statement carefully

Check all SMS alerts you receive from your bank about Credit Card transactions. Make sure you authorised those payments. Besides alerts, you should also check yourbank statementthoroughly. This will ensure you don’t miss any suspicious transactions that may have skipped your attention earlier.

#5 Avoid using your card on suspicious websites or apps

One of the most important Credit Card safety tips is to read reviews of a website or app before making a purchase.

If you are shopping online, ensure that the website link contains https:// instead of http://. The former indicates a secure server.

#6 Don’t click on suspicious links

Emails or messages containing links that claim to be from your Credit Card issuing bank can be scams or phishing attacks. Banks will never ask for your PIN or other details over phone, email or texts.

Check the sender’s email address, logo and footer carefully and report to your bank if you think it is suspicious.

#7 Update your bank immediately in case your card is stolen or lost

If you misplace your Credit Card or notice a transaction that you haven’t done, inform your bank immediately.

You can contact your bank via an ATM, at a branch, over phone or online banking. The bank will block your card and prevent fraudulent transactions. For more details, you can clickhere.

HDFC Bank offers zero liability on its credit cards after you have reported its loss. In addition, the HDFC Bank credit cards come with an EMV Chip for enhanced security.