3 tips for keeping your credit card safe

A credit card is a pretty great financial tool. It gives you the flexibility to buy now, pay later and, as you use it responsibly, it can help you build a healthy credit history. Let’s not forget the rewards a credit card can earn you, especially when it’s a PC® Mastercard® (opens in a new window). It’s the ultimate PC Optimum™ points-accelerator with no annual fee, no caps on points earning, and you can earn up to 10% back in points¹ by combining the points earned on your PC® Mastercard® purchases with points earned from the PC Optimum™ program by taking advantage of bonus events and personalized offers. Beyond these perks, carrying a credit card requires a certain amount of care and vigilance, to help keep your information and your funds secure against crafty fraudsters, whose tactics are always changing. Keep these tips in mind to help keep your credit card safe.

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1. Practice credit card safety.

THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW

• Get familiar with your card’s security features—did you know that the 3-digit security code on the back of your card (also known as a CVC) is a safeguard against fraud for transactions where your card isn’t present or when you can’t enter your PIN?

• Get to know the PC® Mastercard® safety features (opens in a new window), including best-in-class fraud detection and support.

• Always set up 2-factor authentication. As part of our pcfinanical.ca secure website and mobile app, you will be asked to validate your identity beyond just your username and password, through another communication channel. This helps protect your account by verifying that it is actually you attempting to log in or conduct a transaction.

• Make sure to create a password that’s complex enough that it’s not easy to guess.

THINGS TO ALWAYS DO

• Lock your credit card if you suspect it’s lost or stolen immediately.

• Keep your info secure by always using trusted devices and secure networks and websites for shopping and bill paying.

• Never give out your credit card information by text or via email.

2. Use the PC Financial® app.

The tools in the PC Financial® app are another line of defence in helping to keep your PC® Mastercard® safe. In the app you can:

• Lock your card if it’s lost, stolen, or if you suspect fraud—it’s easy to do (opens in a new window).

• Sign up for e-statements to help prevent your information from getting into the wrong hands and so you can securely view your statements on the go.

• Add your PC Financial® card to your mobile wallet for safe, cardless payment.

If you suspect you’ve been a victim of credit card fraud, change your online password and lock your card in the PC Financial® app as soon as possible.

3. Stay ahead of fraud.

Once you know the signs of fraud attempts such as phishing, you can better protect yourself. Some common phishing tactics include a message from an unknown or unofficial sender, urgent or threatening language, suspicious links or attachments, requests for personal information, and too-good-to-be-true prizes. Know that the PC Financial® team will never ask customers to respond via email to any requests for private or personal information, including passwords, PINs, or sign-in information.

With these tips, you can learn to be proactive about the safety of your credit card and use the tools you have at your disposal to keep it secure. Share this article with your family and friends who could use it!