What are the most secure online payment systems?

Over the past decade, the number of Internet purchases has exploded. Online commerce has become one of the major players in the economy. When shopping on the Internet, you can (and should) ask yourself the question of security, because unfortunately there are many scams out there, whether it's bank data theft, hacks, or fraud.

How to protect your banking data and avoid unpleasant surprises? Which sites can you trust? What are the most secure online payment methods? We try in this article to give you as much advice and information as possible so that you can protect yourself and avoid disappointment.

Choose secure sites to shop online

First, a little reminder. Never respond to email solicitations for online payments that you don't know the origin of. Some are so redundant that they have become famous, like those emails where someone asks you to help them financially for a hypothetical future reward. Forget!

Sometimes the solicitations are more devious. For example, you receive a request from your insurance fund or taxes, with a fine to pay for delay. In general, official sites will always ask you to connect to their platform, never to give your bank details by email. You can also check the sender's email address. Often, you will see an extended address, while the official addresses are short, precise and end with the name of the site (namefirstname@impôts.gouv.fr can for example inspire confidence, unlike aaabbbb765890@lesimpôtsenfrance.it).

In addition, secure payment websites show a small padlock in your browser's address bar, on the left before the site name. A padlock alone is a sign that the site is probably safe and verified, while the presence of a padlock crossed out or accompanied by a yellow triangle tells you to take your precautions. If so, don't take any chances and change locations.

The most secure online payment methods

Blue e-card:

This option is stealing the limelight from the big names in the online payments industry because it is a very secure option and depends on your bank. So you trust your usual banking service provider.

This is software that provides you with a unique credit card number for each payment, preventing data theft. When you want to make an online payment, you choose the "payment by e-credit card" option on the merchant site. Your bank's software then opens in parallel and provides you with a card number, an expiry date, and a cryptogram for a single transaction. You will of course have to register for this service with your bank beforehand.

If you are a frantic shopper, remember that this will have to be repeated every time. Also be aware that most banks charge for this service, with the exception of some online banks.

3D Secure blue card:

This option, offered by Visa and MasterCard, consists of sending an SMS to confirm your purchase with a unique code, available for about five minutes. This double-check limits the risk of fraud. Offered for free, it is a great alternative for online payments.

PayPal and other payment sites:

Whether it's PayPal, the most famous, or other payment platforms (Payoneer, Google Pay, Wise, Stripe), the principle is the same. You register on the platform and enter your bank details. The site then takes care of securing the payments, asking you for your password each time. The merchant site, therefore, does not have direct access to your data. The most sceptical will note that you still have to enter your bank details with PayPal, and that like any important site, it can, unfortunately, be the victim of phishing (identity fraud). However, this free solution is popular with many, but unfortunately, it is not available on all e-commerce sites.

Paylib:

In the same niche as PayPal, Paylib offers a payment service without bank details. This time, this service is offered directly by the banks. You will therefore have to register. The service allows you, when paying over the Internet, to pay for your purchase using only your username and connection code.

Less known than PayPal, but just as secure, Paylib can convince those who are sceptical to go through online platforms, since Paylib is directly linked to your bank.

More information on https://www.meritline.com/best-payment-method-on-the-internet/