How can I protect my cards and account information?

Asked by: Lenore Walker PhD  |  Last update: September 23, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (58 votes)

8 Ways to Protect Your Credit Card Online
  1. (1) Limit Your Risk With One Account. ...
  2. (2) Get Virtual Account Numbers. ...
  3. (3) Create Unique Passwords. ...
  4. (4) Remember "S Is for Secure" ...
  5. (5) Use Known, Trusted Sites. ...
  6. (6) Only Shop on Secure Network. ...
  7. (7) Use Security Software. ...
  8. (8) Update to Stay Safe.

How do I protect my debit card info?

8 Debit Card Security Tips To Keep You Safe
  1. Sign your debit card. ...
  2. Keep your PIN to yourself. ...
  3. Keep Your Debit Card Safe and Secure. ...
  4. Use bank-owned ATMs only. ...
  5. Limit online shopping to trusted merchants. ...
  6. Watch out for phishing scams. ...
  7. Monitor your checking account statements. ...
  8. Use a digital wallet.

How can I keep my card details safe online?

Designate just one credit card for all your online purchases. This way, you keep yourself from exposing multiple accounts to hackers and can easily check for suspicious charges. Some banks even offer special cards for online usage.

How can I stop someone from using my debit card?

If you have access to your account online then you can lock your card from in there. You can also contact your bank's fraud department to freeze the card and resend another one. Either option would be available at any hours of the day.

Can someone access my bank account with my debit card?

This kind of fraud can happen to anyone, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. While most debit card fraud happens online, you can still fall victim when swiping your card. Either way, the goal for fraudsters is to get ahold of your debit card information and wipe out your bank account.

Mobile Banking Safety: How to Protect Your Finances Online | NerdWallet

29 related questions found

How do I lock my bank account?

How Do You Freeze a Bank Account? You can freeze your bank account to prevent any debit transactions from clearing by logging into your online banking platform or mobile banking app (assuming your bank offers the option). Or you can contact customer service and request an account freeze.

What bank is the most secure from hackers?

Chase. One of the biggest banks, Chase, is also one of the most secure banks to keep your money safe.

Can you block someone from charging your debit card?

Can I block a company from charging my card? Yes, you can block a company from charging your credit card. You do this by contacting your bank and either revoking authorization for the payment or requesting a stop payment order.

How did hackers get my debit card info?

Accidentally downloading malware or spyware can enable hackers to access information stored on your computer, including credit card information and other details. For example, a malware attack might use a keylogger that records your keystrokes or browser history and then sends that information to a hacker.

Can the bank find out who used my debit card online?

While you can't personally track someone who used your debit card online, banks have systems to trace such activities. If you report the fraud, they can investigate the source and potentially work with law enforcement to find the perpetrator.

Can someone use my debit card without my PIN?

Fraudsters can still use your debit card even if they don't have the card itself. They don't even need your PIN—just your card number. If you've used your debit card for an off-line transaction (a transaction without your PIN), your receipt will show your full debit card number.

How can I protect my card from being scanned?

Preventing Credit Card Scanning
  1. Buy a card sleeve or RFID wallet that blocks RFID transmissions.
  2. Stack your cards together to mitigate some of the scanner's ability to read information.
  3. Leave your cards at home and only use cash in public places.

How do I keep my personal information secure online?

How to protect your privacy
  1. Use secure websites to handle personal information. ...
  2. Use up-to-date security software. ...
  3. Download apps from reputable sources. ...
  4. Use strong passwords.
  5. Read privacy policies and privacy notices. ...
  6. Know what it means to have information on the cloud. ...
  7. Help if you've been harassed, bullied or defamed.

What is the app that protects your debit card?

SecurLOCK™ is a free, simple, and secure app that lets you manage your debit card from your smartphone. To download the free app, search for SecurLOCK Equip in the iTunes app store or Google Play.

How did someone use my credit card without having it?

Cybercriminals can steal your credit card information in a variety of ways, including credit card skimming and shimming, shoulder surfing, RFID readers and phishing attacks.

Is there a way to lock your debit card?

How to Lock Your Debit Card
  1. Log in to your bank's app or website and select the checking account or debit card you want to lock.
  2. Look for a section called Account Settings or Account Services.
  3. Click on the option to lock your debit card.

How to remove money from debit card online?

Here's how.
  1. Download and install your bank's official mobile banking app.
  2. Log in to your account or register if you haven't already.
  3. Navigate to the "Fund Transfer" or "Money Transfer" section.
  4. Select the option to transfer funds from your debit card to your bank account.

Will my payment still be taken if I change my debit card number?

I've received a new card, do I need to change my regular card payments? Regular card payments will only be affected if your card number has been changed. Any retailer who has registered your old card number, for regular or future payments, will need to be advised of your new card details.

Can I get my money back if my bank account is hacked?

If you report any fraudulent transactions as soon as you identify them, your bank will most likely work with you and give you a refund.

How do I stop someone from using my debit card?

10 ways to keep your debit card safe from fraud
  1. Protect your card details and PIN. ...
  2. Keep a close eye on your account. ...
  3. Set debit card alerts and controls. ...
  4. Use secure ATMs. ...
  5. Be cautious with online transactions. ...
  6. Keep your physical card safe. ...
  7. Report lost or stolen cards immediately. ...
  8. Make sure your bank has your contact information.

What kind of bills should not go on autopay from your bank?

Utilities and Other Variable Expenses

Unless you're on a budget plan through your utility company — which lets you pay a set amount every month — your water, gas and electric bills will fluctuate monthly. Therefore, it's generally safer not to set utility bills on autopilot.

Will cancelling a debit card stop subscriptions?

If you have recurring payments attached to your debit card, you'll need to cancel these so your subscriptions or memberships stay current. Call the retailer or service provider's customer service line to make sure your payments cease and/or give them a new payment method.

What accounts are most likely to be hacked?

Here are a few of the most targeted kinds of websites:
  • E-commerce websites. Often hackers can find vulnerabilities within an e-commerce website, especially ones using common coding or shopping cart software. ...
  • Small businesses. ...
  • News outlets. ...
  • Healthcare. ...
  • Government. ...
  • Financial services. ...
  • Non-profit. ...
  • Online retailers.

What is the safest bank to use?

Top 10 safest banks in the U.S.
  • American Express National Bank (Member FDIC)
  • Capital One.
  • Chase.
  • Wells Fargo.
  • Western Alliance Bank.
  • U.S. Bank.
  • PNC Bank.
  • SoFi®