Finances (US)

Online Payment Methods: ways to pay

Check out how the online payment methods work and learn about the best 5 different ways to pay to enjoy convenience while feeling safe.

Online ways to pay: different secure methods

Find safe ways to make online payments. Source: Canva.
Find safe ways to make online payments. Source: Canva.

There are different online payment methods you can take advantage of, but the truth is that most people don’t feel comfortable using some online ways to pay.

Generally, the main reason is that some think online payment methods are not always safe to use.

However, you can make sure to only pay through secure online methods. And also, there are some tips you can follow to maximize your security features and, consequently, minimize risks.

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How to pay online and feel safe?

Making transactions online is easy and fast, and you can save time, effort, and money. But not everyone feels comfortable paying online or using online payment methods. 

Even though digital features are way more advanced compared to years ago, people can still fall into fraudulent situations.

So, it is very important to learn about how to maximize the use of security features in order to avoid fraud. Also, it is crucial to learn how to proceed if fraud occurs.

Firstly, if using digital banking, make sure you activate all security features available and recommended by banks. The same needs to be done for digital wallets. 

Secondly, if you use credit cards, choose those that offer anti-fraud detection and zero fraud liability. 

Basically, all financial institutions provide you with safety and coverage. However, you can always activate extra security features to feel even safer.

Lastly, if fraud occurs, contact immediately your bank or credit card issuer in order to minimize damage. 

Thus, it is essential to keep tracking your finances on a daily basis.

5 secure online payment methods

Use these methods to make online payments. Source: Canva.
Use these methods to make online payments. Source: Canva.

The main five online payment methods are secure and let you save time, money, and effort. 

But it is important to make sure you are using the right financial products and services through reliable financial institutions because they follow strict rules and comply with high-security standards. 

Now, take a look at the main secure online ways to pay:

1. ACH Transfers

The first online payment method is the Automated Clearing House, a way that allows money to be moved between banks.

ACH transfers are a secure network that is pretty much known around the world.

So, it is really hard for someone to fraud or steal your information since the details are encrypted during the process.

In fact, ACH transfers have the lowest rate in terms of fraud in the U.S. ACH payments are fully processed within a few business days and are divided into two processes: 

  • Direct deposits: deposit of funds electronically like paychecks. 
  • Direct debits: electronically bill payment.

Lastly, direct debit can be done even more conveniently through autopay. Usually, this process guarantees you won’t pay interest on bill-payment delays, and some institutions give you discounts when you set up this feature.

On the other hand, it is crucial to make sure you have money in your account so the autopay can proceed successfully.  

2. Wire Transfers

You can use credit cards, digital wallets, and many other resources to make online payments. Source: Canva.
You can use credit cards, digital wallets, and many other resources to make online payments. Source: Canva.

Wire transfers work like ACH transfers. However, they diverge since wire transfers allow you to transact money nationally or internationally, and the process can be done within one business day.

But it is essential to mention that these transactions come with fees, depending on the amount, provider, and destination of the money.

Like ACH transfers, the wire payment method is very secure. On the other hand, since it is associated with fees, most retailers don’t offer it as a payment option.

Therefore, this type of online transaction is not really common when it comes to shopping or bills payment.    

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3. Digital Wallets

Now, if you don’t want to use physical cash or even cards, a digital wallet offers a secure way for you to pay bills or purchases.

Although it doesn’t provide you with a wide range of services like a bank account, a digital wallet works like one. And you can use it on your mobile device or computer.

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In summary, digital wallets feature encryption security and require authentication, whether a PIN or biometric option.

So, these wallets are safe, and in case your mobile device gets lost or stolen, it will be pretty hard to access your wallet information.

In essence, a digital wallet can be an extra, offering versatility, flexibility, convenience, and protection.  

4. Credit Cards

Credit cards are the most common online and secure payment methods. Usually, they offer protection like anti-fraud detection features and zero fraud liability.

Paying for things with a credit card is easy and fast, as well. As with other types of online payments, you must always keep tracking your transaction on a daily basis.

And in case of a fraudulent situation, contact immediately the card issuer.

5. Virtual Cards

You can also ask for a virtual card from your bank if you have a credit card.

A virtual card number makes online transactions like shopping even safer.

Generally, a person who holds a credit card should request a virtual card number in order to make online purchases, for example.

By doing it, you can maximize your security and minimize the risks of fraud and information stealing.  

Recommendation: How to Choose a Credit Card?

As can be seen, the best five online payment methods listed above are secure and offer convenience so you can save time and effort on transactions.

Also, as shown, you must consider choosing good financial products and services to avoid fraudulent situations.

But it is not that easy to choose a financial product since the market has a wide range of offerings.

So, learn how to choose a credit card to make your life easier while enjoying peace of mind knowing you are safe as well as your information and financial details.

How to Choose a Credit Card

How to Choose a Credit Card?

Do you know how to choose a credit card? We have prepared an easy step-by-step so that you can pick the best credit card for you according to your profile.

About the author  /  Aline Augusto

My name is Aline Mesquita; I'm a writer here on the blog, where I write about finance in general and other subjects. I have been working with content creation for ten years. Also, I'm post-graduated in Project Management, with expertise in SEO practices. Currently, I am studying finance, market trends, and cryptocurrencies.

Reviewed by  /  Aline Barbosa

Senior Editor

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