Card security – the best tips for using bank cards

It's convenient to use a bank card to make a payment or withdraw cash, but every time you do, sensitive data is transmitted that shouldn't find its way into the wrong hands. The steps you can take to improve your security, and what you need to do to block your bank card.

Take card security seriously

It's virtually impossible to imagine our day-to-day lives without bank cards. Whether you want to withdraw cash, pay in a restaurant or make a purchase – it's easy with a Debit Mastercard or credit card, online or anywhere in the world. The downside is that you might fall victim to a scam or fraudulent use of your card. These tips can help you protect yourself and stay safe while using your cards.

 

 

 

The most important tips for making cards more secure

  • Sign your cards immediately upon receipt.
  • Keep your PIN codes secret, and never write them down.
  • Treat your cards as you would cash.
  • Never give out your card number, the expiration date, or the three-digit security code on the back of the card.
  • Always review your statements and immediately report any irregularities or unfamiliar charges to your bank.
  • If your card is lost or stolen, block it immediately.
  • Use geoblocking so that your card can't be used in countries you don't plan to visit in the near future. You can adjust those restrictions at any time as your travel plans change.
  • Be aware of your environment and make sure that you're not being watched.
  • When withdrawing cash, avoid being distracted by other people, and don't accept help from strangers.
  • Cover the keypad with your hand when you type in your PIN code.
  • Be sure to keep all of your receipts and review your charges.
  • Do not enter your card information unless you are able to establish a secure connection with SSL encryption, as indicated by the padlock symbol and an address that begins with "https://" in the address bar of your browser.
  • If there is any question as to whether the connection is secure, you should abort the transaction.
  • Never enter your card information when using a public computer or on public WiFi.

Skimming refers to the manipulation of ATMs or payment terminals to allow a fraudster to read the bank card's magnetic strip and the PIN entered by the user. This information is then typically sold to a third party or copied onto a blank card, which is generally used to make purchases or withdraw cash in a foreign country.

How to protect yourself:

  • Before using an ATM, check for anything unusual that might indicate tampering. Look at the card slot and keypad, for example.
  • If possible, use an ATM inside a bank. These ATMs are usually accessible even outside of business hours.
  • If anything seems suspicious, you should refrain from withdrawing money and inform the relevant bank and the police.

Phishing attacks are often made through a fraudulent email or SMS. Their goal is to get the victim to open an attachment or click on a link that leads to a fake website. Fraudsters use these methods to install malware or steal personal information, such as login data, credit card information, or social security numbers, in order to gain access to bank accounts and other accounts.

How to protect yourself:

  • Do not respond to such emails, and do not open any attachment from an unknown sender.
  • Credit Suisse never requests your account or credit card information via email or SMS.
  • If you receive a suspicious email that references Credit Suisse, please report it immediately to security@credit-suisse.com.

Need to block your bank card?

With CSX, you can block your card directly in the app. Block your card for free in seconds by toggling the slider – and blocked cards can unblocked in the same way. Do you need assistance from a CSX employee? Our helpline is open around the clock.

 

How to block cards in the CSX app:

  • Open the CSX app and log in
  • Tap "Cards" on the bottom menu
  • Tap the slider next to "Block card" to block the card
 

Use the same slider to unblock the card. Please note that you may have to wait a few seconds to use your card after unblocking.

 

24-hour helpline:  +41 (0)800 800 488

21/08/2023

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