• Credit cards remain the most popular payment vehicle for online shoppers.
• Debit cards - which allow you to pay electronically with funds from your checking account - are increasing in use for online purchases.
• Stored-value cards allow you to transfer cash value to a card. Many retailers sell stored-value cards in place of gift certificates.
• "E-wallets" are online payment systems that either use some form of stored value or automatically access an account you have “linked” to your credit or debit card.

Make Sure You Are "Paying" It Safe

• Use a secure browser - Look for the "lock" icon on the browser's status bar, and the phrase "https" in the URL address for a website, to be sure your purchase information is secure during transmission.
• Check the site's privacy policy, before you provide any personal financial information to a website.
• Read and understand the refund and shipping policies of a website you visit, before you make your purchase.
• Keep your personal information private. Don't disclose your address, telephone number, Social Security number, financial account number, or e-mail address unless you know who is collecting the information, why they're collecting it, and how they'll use it.
• Give payment information only to businesses you know and trust. Never give your password to anyone online, even your Internet service provider. Do not download files or click on hyperlinks sent to you by strangers.
• Keep records of your online transactions and check your e-mail for contacts by merchants with whom you're doing business.
• Review your monthly credit card and bank statements promptly and thoroughly for any errors or unauthorized purchases.
• Report suspected errors or problems immediately to assure you are protected and any errors or problems are resolved as quickly as possible.
• Notify your credit or debit card issuer immediately if your card(s) or checkbook are lost or stolen, or if you suspect someone is using your accounts without your permission.