Ten rules for secure credit and prepaid card payments

Credit cards and prepaid cards are a very common means of payment. There were over 8.5 million credit cards in use in Switzerland in 2024, an increase of one-third within 10 years. “Plastic money” is being increasingly used for mobile payments because many payment apps are linked to credit cards. Only around one-fifth of the population lives in a household that manages entirely without a card.

One reason for the popularity of cards is their versatility. Like prepaid cards, credit cards also allow you to pay quickly – whether in-store, contactless or online. One in three credit card transactions are made abroad. However, people use (payment) cards frequently because they trust that this payment method is very secure.

To make cashless payments as secure as possible, card issuers use innovative security features. These include early-warning systems that detect suspicious transactions in real time. What’s more, in the case of online purchases, increased protection is provided by the internationally recognized security standard 3-D Secure.

But the security of the payment process also depends on you. For example, there are optional security settings, such as those offered by 3-D Secure. Once you have activated this procedure for your credit card or prepaid card, an additional password and biometric identification will be required to complete the online payment process in order to prevent misuse of card data. At UBS, the Access App guarantees additional security through biometric authentication (touch ID or facial recognition) or authentication via SMS code.

Tip: set your personal credit card limit so you can keep track of your spending and actively protect yourself against potential losses. In the case of prepaid cards, the limit simply corresponds to the available balance.

Follow these practical tips to pay securely by credit card or prepaid card:

1. Choose a secure PIN code

Don’t use numbers that can be guessed easily, such as your date of birth, car license plate or phone number. To be on the safe side, you can change your PIN code at any time. You can do this at any bank or post office ATM in Switzerland: insert your card into the machine, select “Change PIN” and follow the on-screen instructions. Very unimaginative PIN combinations like “1234” are automatically rejected.
Be sure to memorize your PIN code – don’t write it on the card or keep it with your card. And it’s very important to remember that your PIN code is personal and shouldn’t be shared with anyone else.

2. Watch out for fake websites

Websites of major online retailers or delivery services are becoming easier to copy. It can be really easy to mistake them for the genuine site as they are almost identical and just a few letters in the address are different. Usually, you end up on fake shops through ads in online searches promoting offers on other websites or social media. This is how criminals attempt to obtain sensitive card or payment information.

3. Be on your guard against phishing emails and scam websites

Don’t respond to emails or calls asking you to disclose personal credit card information. Always remember: UBS and the credit card organizations will never contact you in this way to ask you to provide or update confidential personal information.

When browsing the web, also make sure you don’t enter your card details on unsecured web pages or scam sites. The experts from UBS have summarized the most important security tips for you again.

4. Be wary of deals that are too good to be true

Criminals like to lure people with massive discounts or high profits that are supposedly available for a short time only. They want to pressurize you so that you don’t stop to consider whether the offer is legitimate. In reality, however, these offers don’t exist and serve only to get hold of your information. So be particularly skeptical if the offer seems too good to be true. If you’re prompted to process the payment on a nonofficial payment platform, you should cancel the purchase immediately. You should also always check the reviews of online stores or providers you don’t know.

5. Be aware of your surroundings when making a payment

You need to make sure that no one can see your PIN when you enter it. Don’t let yourself be distracted at an ATM or when paying in a store, and make sure no one is looking over your shoulder. If in doubt, cancel the transaction.

If you discover suspicious devices at an ATM, tell the bank (or, if necessary, the police). These could be skimming devices, hidden cameras or keyboard overlays that fraudsters use to steal card data. Skimming involves making a copy of your card. As the copy doesn’t have the security chip of the original, it can’t be used in Switzerland to withdraw money, but in some countries, withdrawals could still be possible.

6. Keep your payment card in a safe place

Keep your card in a safe place that you check regularly. When traveling, you should always carry your credit card and prepaid card on you and never leave them in your luggage.

Credit cards can also be used to withdraw cash. However, as this incurs a fee, it’s advisable to use a debit card instead. If you use your UBS Debit Card at a UBS ATM, you will not be charged any fees.

Instead of carrying large amounts of cash around, it might make more sense for you to pay for your purchases using a prepaid card or credit card. This is because credit card agreements often include additional benefits, such as discounts on car rentals or insurance coverage. What’s more, when you pay with your credit card or prepaid card from UBS, you also collect KeyClub points. These can be used in the same way as cash at KeyClub partners. Whether you choose vouchers or products, you can redeem your points in the eStore. One point is worth CHF 1.

The rules for using your credit card or prepaid card securely are not difficult. However, they are essential in preventing fraud. Once they become second nature to you when making purchases and traveling, you’ll be able to take advantage of all the benefits that this secure payment method offers you, including a wide range of uses and transaction monitoring, as well as card blocking and card replacement in case of loss. If you’re unsure whether your payment card has been stolen or mislaid, you can make use of the temporary deactivation (freeze) function. Both deactivation and reactivation are free of charge.