10 Tips to Make Your Online Payments More Secure

Paying online has become part of everyday life – whether for shopping, subscriptions or banking. At the same time, the risk of fraud and data misuse is growing. The good news: with a few simple steps, you can significantly increase your security.

In this article, you’ll find 10 practical tips to make your online payments safer.

1. Use strong and unique passwords

A strong password is your first line of defence.
Use a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters, and avoid obvious choices like “123456” or “password”. Ideally, use a different password for each service and manage them with a reputable password manager.

2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection on top of your password.
Even if someone knows your password, they still need a second factor such as a code sent to your mobile phone or generated by an app. Activate 2FA wherever it is available, especially for banking, payment services and important accounts.

3. Keep your system and security software up to date

Updates are not just optional extras – they often close critical security gaps.
Make sure your operating system, browser, apps and security software are always up to date. A reliable security solution helps to detect malware and phishing attempts before they cause damage.

4. Be careful when using public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi in cafés, hotels or airports is convenient, but often poorly secured.
Avoid carrying out online banking or entering sensitive payment details over public networks. If you need to use such a network, connect via a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your data.

5. Use trusted payment services

Rely on well-known and reputable payment services that offer additional security features.
These providers usually store your payment details in encrypted form and allow you to pay without sharing your card details directly with every online shop. This reduces the risk of your data being intercepted.

6. Check for HTTPS and the padlock symbol

Before you enter any card or account details, look at the address bar in your browser.
The web address should begin with “https://” and show a padlock symbol – this indicates an encrypted connection. If this is not the case, you should not enter any personal or payment information.

7. Review your account activity regularly

Take a few minutes each week to check your bank statements and card transactions.
This helps you spot suspicious or unfamiliar payments quickly. If you notice anything unusual, contact your bank or payment provider immediately and, if necessary, have your card blocked.

8. Recognise and avoid phishing emails

Phishing emails often imitate banks, payment providers or delivery services and look very convincing.
Be cautious with messages that urge you to “verify” or “confirm” your details and ask for passwords or payment data. Do not click on suspicious links or open unknown attachments; instead, access the service directly via its official website.

9. Use contactless payments sensibly

Contactless payments using cards, smartphones or smartwatches are quick and convenient.
Ensure your device is locked when not in use and only enable contactless functions on devices you keep under your control. Where possible, set sensible limits for contactless payments.

10. Stay informed and alert

Cybercriminals are constantly developing new methods.
It is worth keeping up to date with common fraud schemes and security tips. The more familiar you are with typical patterns, the easier it is to recognise and avoid risky situations.

Call to Action: Make Your Next Online Purchase Safer

Choose at least two of the tips above and put them into practice today – for example, by updating your passwords and activating two-factor authentication for your most important accounts.

With just a few small changes, you can significantly increase the security of your online payments and better protect both your money and your personal information.

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