Shop Online Wisely with Visa Cards

Shopping in the virtual world is different than shopping in the real world, but you still must protect your "wallet" just like you do when you carry it. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself—and to get the best bargains.

• Shop at merchant locations you already trust. You know the products, quality, and return policy.
• Look for special incentives. Online merchants are eager for your business, so many offer benefits such as free shipping, no sales tax, free gifts or discounts.
• Read the shipping and return information so you know what to expect and when.
• Read the privacy policy to see how your personal information will be used.
• Look for online security signs, such as a paddle lock and key in the bottom corner, a site address that begins https://, or the words Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). These are signs that only you and the merchant can view payment information.
• Choose passwords that are difficult to guess. Don’t use your birth date or SSN.
• Pay with your UW Credit Union Visa card. Chargeback rights protect you from paying when you don’t receive merchandise or when it isn’t what was described. You also receive discounts from merchants that have partnered with Visa. For a merchant listing, go to visa.com.
• Sign up for Verified by Visa online purchase security, which authenticates transactions with participating merchants. All UW Credit Union Visa credit and debit cards are eligible. Register at visa.com.