Security | Credit Card Topics

What is a Personal Identification Number? How PINs Add Security to Select Card Transactions

By: Eric Bank, 11/20/2024

In the cult TV classic “Secret Agent,” our hero lives in a world where “they’ve given you a number and taken away your name.” Now, aside from our friends and loved ones, are we all just a bunch of numbers that identify, classify, and safeguard us? Driver’s license number, Social Security number, passport number, health care number, credit card numbers, bank and brokerage account numbers... you catch my drift. But we mustn’t forget yet another set — our... read more »

Survey: 85% of Online Shoppers Check Their Card Statements More Frequently Amid Rising Fraud Concerns

By: Jon McDonald, 10/21/2024

At the click of a button, online shoppers can browse, purchase, and have items shipped straight to their door. It’s no surprise that online shopping is the preferred shopping method for many consumers due to its convenience, but with more consumers shopping online, there is an increased opportunity for scams and credit card fraud. Consumers will be ramping up their purchasing as the busy holiday shopping season approaches and more brands offer sales and deals to entice... read more »

What is an EMV Chip? A Guide to the Credit and Debit Card Security Feature

By: Zina Kumok, 9/23/2024

When I got my first card with a little embedded metallic rectangle, I thought it looked cool. But it wasn’t for show; my card got a major upgrade in the security department. An EMV chip, that little rectangle or square, is a computer chip embedded in credit cards and debit cards. The chip sends a secure, one-time code when you put it in a card reader that the retailer uses to process the transaction. An EMV chip is a small computer chip embedded into your credit card... read more »

How to Get a Virtual Credit Card Number (2024)

By: Brittney Mayer, 7/16/2024

While the implementation of chipped EMV credit cards has eliminated a large portion of card-present (CP) fraud, the amount of card-not-present (CNP) — read: online — credit card fraud has steadily risen over the last few years. In an effort to combat CNP fraud, card issuers and third-party companies have developed what are called virtual credit cards. Designed for use when shopping online, virtual credit cards are randomly generated, single-use credit card numbers that can limit... read more »

8 Best EMV Chip Credit Cards with Security (Jan. 2025)

By: Ray FitzGerald, 1/2/2025

I’m a history buff and hopelessly nostalgic. I’ve traveled cross-country to attend silent film festivals. My television automatically tunes to Turner Classic Movies at startup. I’ve been known to listen to a few vinyl records after a long day at work. Go ahead and judge me. That doesn’t mean I don’t like technology. My latest project is creating the smartest Smart Home on my block. New innovations have their place in our everyday lives, but a little refresher in the older... read more »

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