How do I protect my credit card when shopping online?

Protecting your credit card online is straightforward once you know the key rules. First, only shop on websites you know and trust — look for the padlock icon in your browser's address bar and an address that starts with "https://". Never enter your card number on a site that lacks these. Use a credit card rather than a debit card for online shopping — credit cards have stronger fraud protection under Canadian consumer law, and a dispute is much easier to resolve. Never save your card details on websites you use rarely. Use a unique, strong password for any shopping account. Consider using Apple Pay or Google Pay when available — these services never share your actual card number with the seller. Review your credit card statement every week, not just monthly. Many banks allow you to set up instant notifications for every transaction — this is one of the best ways to catch fraud early. If you see a charge you do not recognise, call the number on the back of your card immediately. Never enter your card number on a site you reached by clicking a link in an email — type the address yourself instead.