The best online payment methods prioritize security and convenience, with digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal) and credit cards being top choices. Digital wallets offer high security via encryption and tokenization, while credit cards provide strong fraud protection and zero-liability policies.
Cards are the most commonly used payment method, and it's important that you support all relevant card brands to optimize conversion and costs.
iDEAL is an online payment method that allows consumers to pay via their own bank. Not only web shops but also other companies offer iDEAL.
PayPal and Zelle have similar security protocols and encryption. They both have strict controls and offer two-factor authentication for payments. Zelle has the additional advantage of being embedded into many banking apps.
The "15/3 credit card rule" is a social media trend suggesting you make two payments on your credit card monthly: one around 15 days before the statement closes and another about 3 days before the due date, aiming to lower your reported balance and improve credit utilization, though experts say focusing on your credit reporting date (when the issuer sends your balance to bureaus) and keeping utilization low is key, not the exact days. While paying more frequently helps keep balances low, the specific 15/3 timing isn't magical; the benefit comes from reducing utilization reported to bureaus, not the exact day you pay.
If a fraudster knows your routing number they can easily tell which financial institution your funds are at, putting you at risk of phishing attempts. If a criminal has both your routing number and account number they can potentially steal money from your account through fraudulent ACH transfers and payments.
Credit cards. Credit cards are the next most popular online payment method, with the average American having four credit cards. Credit cards offer features like encryption and fraud protection to help keep your personal information secure.
Debit card payments offer less protection, but you might be able to make a claim for a refund under a voluntary scheme called 'chargeback'. If you use payment services such as PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay, check their 'terms & conditions' to see what cover they provide. Never pay by direct bank transfer.
Pay by Credit Card When Possible
Paying by credit card best protects you and your money in case of a scam, or if something else goes wrong. Make sure the websites where you enter payment information use encryption to protect your information during your transaction. Look for https at the beginning of the URL.
PayKun is noted for having a competitive per-transaction charge (TDR) of flat 1.75% in its standard plan. Paytm All-In-One Payment Gateway is a low-cost option, offering a 0 Setup fee and no annual maintenance charges. For small merchants, Paytm offers 0.00% MDR on UPI and Rupay Debit cards.
Generally, it is safe to share your account number and sort code for legitimate purposes, such as receiving payments or setting up direct debits with trusted companies. However, while these details alone cannot be used to directly withdraw money, they can be exploited in fraud attempts.
The 2/3/4 rule is a guideline, primarily used by Bank of America, that limits how many new credit cards you can get: no more than 2 in 30 days, 3 in 12 months, and 4 in 24 months, helping to prevent over-application and manage hard inquiries on your credit report. While not universal, it's a useful benchmark for responsible card application, though other banks have different rules (like Chase's 5/24 rule).
Popular PayPal alternatives for personal and business use include Stripe, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Skrill, Payoneer, Square, and Wise, each offering strengths like ease of use for friends (Venmo), robust e-commerce integration (Stripe, Shopify Payments), global features (Payoneer, Wise, Skrill), or mobile convenience (Apple Pay, Google Pay). For businesses, options like Tipalti, Revolut, and Braintree cater to specific needs like mass payouts or platform payments.
While CashApp is generally safe to use, resolving issues like fraud or account breaches might take longer, as you'll be relying on CashApp's customer service rather than your bank's. Using Zelle through the bank's mobile app provides a significant advantage in terms of security and support.
Pay securely - or not at all
Never share your bank details over social media. If someone asks you to send money via bank transfer, it's likely a scam. Always use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection. If that's not an option, walk away.
The bottom line
From a legal perspective, credit cards generally provide more protection against fraudulent activity. But, there are ways to mimic some of these protections with a debit or prepaid card. Deciding which is best for you will help protect your money whether you're spending online or swiping in store.
When deciding between using a credit card or a debit card, security should top your list of priorities. While both options are convenient and widely accepted, credit cards often deliver superior fraud protection and greater financial benefits.
To protect themselves online, ElSayed offered five tips for shoppers:
The 15/3 rule for credit card payments involves making two payments per billing cycle to help manage your credit utilization and ensure timely payments. You make one payment 15 days before the due date and a second payment 3 days before.