Smart card use
Get our best tips on how to use a credit card.
Online shopping with a credit card
Most online shopping is done with a debit card, not a credit card. If you look at the benefits of using your credit card, it’s easy to see it should be the other way around. But remember – pay by the due date to avoid paying interest.
Secure shopping
When you use your credit card, you defer the payment. You also get a bill where you can check whether what you owe matches the product supplied. This gives you extra protection when shopping online.
If the online shop you’re buying from is subject to a data breach, you don’t have to worry about your own money being at risk. The credit card is not connected to your current account – you make your payment afterwards.
Both in the event of fraud, and if you want to complain about a purchase, you have more rights when using a credit card.
Avoid subscription interruptions
Online shopping is just for products, but also for services. You can use a credit card for apps, streaming and other services that require your card details. This way you avoid interruptions to your services if you don’t have enough money in your account .
Use your credit card when travelling
If you use your credit card in the right way, you can enjoy many benefits before and during the trip.
Earn EuroBonus points
For example, did you know that you can upgrade your Mastercard to give you SAS EuroBonus points on everything you buy? With a Mastercard Upgrade your credit card become a points collector for your next trip in addition to offering many attractive benefits.
Travel insurance included
You should always have travel insurance in place. It applies from the moment you leave home and for every type of trip, from holidays to everyday food shopping. It's still nice to know that when you pay more than half of the trip’s travel costs with your credit card, you get travel insurance included with the purchase.
Take two cards with you but use the debit card as your back-up
It’s always worth having a back-up card in case you’re unlucky enough to lose one while travelling. This will save you the stress of having to get money while you’re away. Use your credit card as your payment card, and save your debit card for when you really need it. – But always remember to pay in the local currency.
Using a credit card as your everyday card when travelling is sensible because you:
- Can check whether all the transactions are correct when you get home.
- Get solid security solutions which make it safe to use your card both in store and online, without your own account being debited.
- Get better appeal options if you’re a victim of fraud.
- Avoid tying up large amounts in your bank account when paying deposits.
- Don’t pay any interest costs if you pay back the money before the due date.