Shopping online and making online payments is easy and convenient – and with these tips, it’s also safe:
Only buy from trustworthy companies.
Read the terms and conditions.
Never give out your card details.
Inform your card issuer of any suspicious transactions within 30 days.
Be suspicious if you are asked to reveal your personal card information.
Keep your web browser and operating system up-to-date.
In-store shopping and cash withdrawals
Card payments are completely secure thanks to state-of-the-art technologies. In Switzerland, cardholders can also make contactless payments of up to CHF 80 free of charge. The following seven points will help you protect your cards and shop safely.
1.
Keep your PIN secret
and protect it
Make sure you know your PIN by heart.
Avoid obvious number combinations such as your date of birth.
Keep your PIN to yourself.
Your card issuer will never ask you to reveal your PIN.
Never enter your PIN in door entry systems, as these are prone to tampering.
2.
Conceal your PIN code
when entering it
Always conceal your PIN when you enter it and do not allow anyone to watch you do so.
3.
No distractions
Do not allow yourself to be distracted when withdrawing money, making a payment or buying tickets. Ask people who come too close to you to keep their distance. Do not get involved in a conversation and do not accept help from anyone, known or unknown, if, for example, your card is stuck in the machine.
4.
Take gut feelings
seriously
Give in to your intuition at the card machine: if a machine seems suspicious or you feel uncomfortable at the machine because, for example, there are dubious people around, or someone approaches you or gets too close, stop the payment or withdrawal process and find another machine.
5.
Do not let the card out of your hand
Keep an eye on your card, and don’t let shop assistants go into another room with your card or trust a supposed helper at the ATM. The card can be exchanged in a flash without you noticing.
6.
Have your card
blocked
Have your card blocked immediately if you suspect misuse. The same applies if your card is stolen, lost or swiped at the machine.
7.
Check and
report anomalies
Always check the amount to be paid before confirming your PIN or signing the bill. Check receipts and account statements and report any discrepancies to your card issuer immediately.
Settings for your payment card
Set purchase limits and turn off card features that you do not use regularly. The options for managing card functions of the new debit cards in the self-service portal vary from bank to bank. Contact your bank if you need help with this.
Buy goods online
Withdraw cash
Shop in-store
Make contactless payments
Temporarily disable your card
Magnetic strips (generally not required in Europe)
Geographical settings
Also check the geographical settings of your cards and restrict their use in certain regions. If you have any questions, your card issuer will be happy to help.
Tip
Stick a note on your passport reminding you to check the geographical settings of your card before you travel.
