Shop safely online

If you want to use your Visa card on a website that isn’t offering Verified by Visa yet, we recommend following a few simple safeguards.

  • Shop with retailers you know or research them first to ensure they are reputable and reliable
  • Keep a record of your online transactions, including the retailer's website address. Many online stores send customers emails summarising the purchase details – make sure you save or print these
  • Before buying, read the delivery and return policies that should be on the retailer’s website. Can unsatisfactory items be sent back? If the items are faulty, can you get a refund or a credit note?
  • The retailer’s website should also have information about delivery arrangements and costs, currencies they accept and taxes that apply
  • Look for a telephone number or email address and note them down in case you have any queries
  • Make sure that your card details will be encrypted securely before being sent across the internet – look for an unbroken key or lock at the bottom of your browser window or check the website address, which should begin https:// rather than http://
  • Use the latest version of your browser's software and check your computer's operating system software is up to date.