How to Pay Online Using a Credit Card

Before Making Your Purchase

Fill your shopping cart by clicking on “Add to Cart” or “Add to Bag” for each item you wish to buy. When you’re done, click the “Checkout” button (usually located at the top right of the screen). You may need to click on the shopping cart first and then select the option to complete your purchase. Review your shopping cart to ensure you’ve added the correct quantities, sizes, and colors for the items you want to buy. Then you can begin the checkout process.

5 Steps to Online Payment Using a Credit Card

Once you’re on the checkout page, you’ll need to enter several pieces of information to complete the transaction.

1. Enter your shipping address: The shipping address allows the seller to calculate your shipping cost and update your total purchase. Make sure to enter the address where you want the order shipped, even if it’s different from the billing address you receive your credit card statement at. You will usually also receive options and prices for different shipping types.
2. Select “Credit Card” as your payment method: There may be an option to choose the type of credit card you’re using, such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or a store credit card. If your credit card processor isn’t listed, the seller doesn’t accept that type of credit card. You’ll need to use another type of credit card. You’ll encounter this more frequently with American Express and Discover cards than with Visa or MasterCard.
3. Enter your credit card information: Check your credit card to verify that you’ve entered your name correctly. Then, enter your credit card details: card number, expiration date, and security code. For Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards, the three-digit security code will be printed on the back of the card after the card number. The four-digit security code for American Express cards will be printed on the front right of the card, above the card number. If you are using a store credit card that is not affiliated with a major credit card company, you will not be required to enter a security code.
4. Enter your billing address for the credit card: This is the address where you receive your credit card statements. Note that this address may differ from the shipping address, for instance, if your statements go to a PO Box but you wish to ship your order to your home or to someone as a gift. Your billing address must be entered correctly to complete your credit card payment. Check your credit card statement if you are unsure of the exact address.
5. Verify your information: Once you have entered everything and clicked the button to continue, you will usually be taken to a verification screen where you can review everything you have entered. Once you’ve confirmed that everything is correct, click the button to complete your order.

Note: It’s a good idea to track your online credit card purchases. Keep a record of each purchase with the amount spent and don’t forget to note the due date for your credit card bill payment. Make payments before the due date to avoid late fees and interest charges.

How to Resolve Payment Issues

If your credit card is declined, check that you have entered every piece of information correctly: your name, billing address, and credit card details. Even one incorrect number can cause an error in processing.

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You may need to use a different credit card if the card continues to be declined even after validating all the information.

Should you save your credit card information?

Many online merchants allow you to create a profile with a username and password and store your credit, shipping, and billing information. This enables you to make “one-click” purchases in the future using the credit card details you’ve saved. You can save time on future purchases as you won’t have to re-enter your payment information (unless it changes).

On the downside, it makes it easy for you to make purchases without thinking or for someone else with your login details to make purchases without needing your credit card information. If you save your credit card information online, it could be vulnerable to hacking or data breaches. However, many secure online payment systems will also require you to enter the security code for the card, which is not stored, to protect against fraud.

Other payment options

Instead of entering your credit card information directly, you can use services like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Venmo to process payments. Before you can use these services for payment, you will need to create an account and register your credit or debit card. Then, when you’re ready to make a purchase, select one of these other payment options. You will enter your username and password for that specific service, and the transaction will be processed by the third party using the payment information you have on file. Note that not all online stores accept these alternative payment options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is paying online with a credit card safe?
Paying online with a credit card is generally considered safe and can be more secure than using a debit card online due to the added security features. If someone steals your credit card information, you will only be liable for $50 of any fraudulent charges – as long as you report to your bank within two business days.

Can I use a credit card for recurring online payments?
Yes, you can use your credit card to set up automatic payments online to pay bills or for subscription services or anywhere else that requires automatic or scheduled payments.

What is a virtual credit card number for online payments?
Many credit card companies today offer cardholders a virtual payment card, which is a temporary credit/debit card number created online or via an app that you use instead of your permanent credit card number. This number can be used once to make online purchases from your account. If the card number is stolen or compromised, it cannot be used again.

Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-pay-online-with-a-credit-card-961017