How to safely apply for a credit card online

If you’re looking for a new credit card, applying online can be quick and easy. It’s natural to wonder about your personal information online. But reading about credit card issuers’ advanced security and learning a few online safety tips could be reassuring. 

What you’ll learn:

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

• You can help keep your financial details secure by using your personal device to apply and avoiding public and unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

• Issuers like Capital One use advanced information security programs to help keep personal information safe.

Generally, applying for a credit card online is safe because of the security features card issuers use to protect personal information, such as names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers (SSNs), addresses and income.

You don’t have to understand complex data security strategies like asymmetric key management and cryptographic keys to know that issuers take data security seriously. Here are a few more basic things that help secure online credit card applications:

• Encryption: Trustworthy sites use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption, indicated by a padlock icon and “https” at the beginning of the site’s URL. 

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

• Automatic sign-out: If your online session remains inactive for a certain amount of time, automatic sign-out helps ensure that the session can’t be used by someone else who could access your data.

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.

Beyond the safeguards card issuers use to protect personal information, there are simple things you can do, too. Here are four tips based on advice from cybersecurity experts that you can use when you apply for a credit card online.

Public computers can offer convenient, sometimes vital, internet access. But that access and unknowns—who else might use the computer and what software is installed—present risks, according to the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA). 

That’s why the nonprofit recommends avoiding public computers when your personal information is involved. If you have to use a public computer, the NCA says you can still help protect yourself. When you’re finished browsing, it says to:

• Sign out of any accounts you used.
• Clear browsing data in browser settings.
• Close all browser tabs.

Even if you use your own device, it’s still important to pay attention to the Wi-Fi network you’re using to connect to the internet. That includes whether you’re using the internet at home or in public. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says connecting through public Wi-Fi is “usually safe.” But other authorities, including the NCA and the FBI, still say to avoid using it for sensitive activities. Using a virtual private network or personal hotspot could offer a more secure connection.

Software and updates can feel like a hassle. They take up space on your device. You have to restart things. But the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) says they’re critical: “Despite the temptation to delay them, it is vital you install software updates regularly for enhanced functionality and security.”

CISA recommends enabling automatic updates and finding replacements if developers stop providing regular security updates.

The reason the FTC says public Wi-Fi is OK is because of encryption technology on websites themselves. The section above has a glimpse into everything Capital One is doing. But none of that is helpful if you’re using an impostor site. It may sound obvious, as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes, but the agency says not to sign in to accounts through links from emails, websites or apps that you don’t recognize. 

You can learn more about website encryption from CISA. But the agency offers two ways to confirm a website is secure by looking for an SSL certificate. First, check that the URL begins with “https” rather than “http.”  Somewhere in the browser, often to the left of the URL, look for a closed padlock, the word “secured” or another similar indicator.

When applying for a credit card online, it’s a good idea to use your own device on a secure network and make sure you’re using the card issuer’s official website.

If you’re searching for a credit card, Capital One can help: 

• See if you’ll be approved with 100% certainty before accepting a Capital One card offer.

• Explore cards for people with fair credit if you’re looking to build your credit with responsible use.

• Earn unlimited cash back on every purchase, every day, with a cash back rewards card. 

• Use CreditWise from Capital One to check your credit report and credit score for free. You don’t have to be a Capital One customer, and using CreditWise won’t impact your credit scores.