How to safely apply for a credit card online

Online applications can make it quick and easy to apply for a new credit card. It’s possible to submit an application and get a response within minutes. But scammers and fraudsters are always looking for new ways to access your personal information online. So it’s natural to have some concerns about submitting an online application.

Fortunately, your bank likely has security measures in place to help keep applications secure. And there are a few simple things you can do to help keep your personal information safe too.

What you’ll learn:

• It’s usually safe to apply for a credit card online, especially if you’re on the credit card issuer’s official website and using a secure connection.

• Credit card issuers often have stringent security measures designed to help protect applicants’ personal information.

• You can help keep your financial details secure by only using your personal phone or computer to access your data, avoiding public Wi-Fi networks, establishing a secure connection and steering clear of lookalike, or spoof, websites.

Generally speaking, it’s safe to apply for a credit card online. Credit card issuers often use security features on their websites and mobile apps to protect your personal information. The specific measures used can vary by issuer but may include:

• Encryption: Trustworthy sites will use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption, indicated by a padlock icon and “https” at the beginning of the URL. This encryption is what keeps your personal information safe when you enter it on a website.

• Multifactor authentication: A website may use more than one form of authentication to verify your identity. For instance, in addition to using a password, you may need to enter a security code sent to you via text message.

• Firewalls: Credit card issuers use firewalls to help protect against unauthorized access and cyberattacks.

• Antivirus programs: These programs help block malicious programs, known as malware, and other harmful software and viruses from transferring to your device.

• Cookies: Cookies can help authenticate your device whenever you visit a site and keep you from having to reenter personal information.

• Automatic sign-out: If your session remains inactive for a certain amount of time, the site or app may automatically sign you out for your protection.

On top of the protections afforded by a bank’s website or mobile app, there are also steps you can take on your end for additional security and peace of mind.

Here are a few safety tips if you’re applying for a credit card online:

One way to help protect your data when filling out a credit card application is to use your personal computer or phone. 

If you use someone else’s device, even if it’s a friend’s or a family member’s, you won’t know how good their security measures are. Even if they think their device is secure, it could have spyware installed on it that records what’s being entered. And if you use a public computer, you don’t know who accessed the computer before you. 

If you can’t use your own computer or mobile device, consider applying for a credit card in person or by mail or phone instead.

You can boost your safety by making the recommended updates on your devices’ operating systems and apps. New updates may include security patches that help keep you protected from the latest threats. These can be important even when you’re not applying for a credit card. 

Some devices have an option to automatically download and install updates. These can help you detect and stop potential malware that can infect your devices and steal your information.

When you submit your credit card application, you’ll be sending your personal information over the internet. So it’s important to use a secure connection. If you’re using public Wi-Fi, someone else might be able to see your personal information. Even a public Wi-Fi network that requires a password, like at an airport or a coffee shop, could be vulnerable. 

A virtual private network (VPN) creates a secure connection between your computer and the internet. If you’re not at home, a service that provides VPNs can help keep your information private. And if you’re at home, the Federal Trade Commission has some tips on how to secure your network to help keep your internet activity protected from others.

Credit card issuers use strong encryption to keep your information safe. But you could run into trouble if you unknowingly apply on a spoof site. 

Here’s how that could work: A scammer could create a website that looks like a bank website and use it to collect your personal information. 

Some banks, like Capital One, have programs designed to detect spoofs when possible. And there are precautions you can take to make sure you’re on the correct website. That way, you can be more confident your application is going to the right place.

When you apply for a credit card online with Capital One, you’ll provide personal information including your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, physical address (not a P.O. box) and estimated gross annual income. 

To protect this information from unauthorized access and use, Capital One has an information security program that includes administrative, technical and physical measures. You can read more about Capital One’s commitment to security and how Capital One helps keep your identity safe. 

You can email abuse@capitalone.com if:

• You suspect a website or mobile app is pretending to be from Capital One.

• You receive an email that claims to be from Capital One but you’re not sure or think it’s suspicious.

• You have reason to believe that your interaction with Capital One is no longer secure.

When applying for a credit card online, it’s a good idea to wait until you’re on your own device and using a secure network before submitting any personal information. And you should make sure you’re using the real credit card issuer’s website.

When you’re ready to get started, you can begin by comparing available cards. With Capital One’s card comparison tool, you can see your options and consider the card that’s right for you.

New to credit or looking for your next credit card?

• Check for pre-approval offers with no risk to your credit score.

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day with Quicksilver.

• Explore Capital One’s credit cards for building credit with responsible use.