I prefer using Paypal over CCards. Its quite easy. I don't even have to type my address etc (for shipping). One/two click and its done and its safe...so far.

Actually using Paypal can be safer than sending your CC credit number around the Internet, you send it only to Paypal and it should store it safely enough - something smaller seller may not implement properly. The risk of sending your CC data is it could be intercepted while in transit (if the connection does not use HTTPS properly, or the site is spoofed), or it could be stored in an unsafe way (and it could be harvested later - it happened).

I would advise you to setup an email account you use for Paypal only and nothing else (if your mail provider allows for "plus addressing", you can use that as well with your actual account). This way you could spot easily any phishing attack and keep your Paypal messages private, but always check any email is actually from Paypal, and don't clik any link that looks like Paypal unless checking what the real link is. It's always better to go to the Paypal site typing its address directly.

For both your Paypal account and email account choose sound passwords (the longer, the better, no less than 12 characters and complex enough and not easy go guess).

Here in the UK, their is a usage limit of £1900.00 If you need to spend over that in a twelve month period you will have to submit your bank details. Thereby becoming a verified member.

 

I only discovered this when Paypal sent me an email last month. Informing me that I only had £235 left available to me. Suggesting that I should "verify" myself. Needless to say I declined. My account will be reset to £1900.00 on 13th Jan 2013.

 

Forwarned is forarmed as they say...I don't know if this restriction applies outside of the UK.

How to lift the usage limits is country-specific. For example in Italy you just need to add a credit card and follow the Verifiy Code Programme. Probably differences stem from how the debit/credit card is connected to a bank account, and some rules can be very country-specific. Thereby you have to check the rules for the country where you Paypal account is created.

I have filed complaints with Paypal when not receiving items paid for. I was reimbursed each time for full amount. I would advise never to give out a credit card number on the internet. Someone will then be able to access your bank account very very easily. With paypal you only give your credit card number once (to paypal). Nobody else sees the number. It is much safer.

We have been using PayPal from almost the beginning of PayPal, and have never had a problem or issue that I can remember. I have no problem in fully recommending PayPal to any who have a need to make purchases.

Luis

 

While PayPal may be the flavour of the month here with various recommendations, be aware that there are negatives as well as positives about it.

 

If you are after a refund for whatever amount having used PayPal, that refund will take more than 7-10 days to show up in your account. In July this year they caused me a great deal of issues when paying for London2012 Olympic Games tickets.

Paypal is far from perfect (and it's always a business on its own) - but it is better than sending everywhere your credit card number, especially to small shops that may not handle it securely. You could also check if your bank or credit card issuer offers you service to buy online safely (there's a huge market for stolen credit card numbers on the Internet...)

 

For example my bank offers a service that let you ask for a credit card number valid only once for a given maximum amount (set when you request the cc number) - it's safer than Paypal and the seller does not have to pay the Paypal fees - although some may prefer Paypal because it checks the payer.

 

There are also reachargeable cards... just, when you use your cc number directly, do it only with known seller with a good reputation. It is true when credit card data are stolen customer are protected enough, but your card is blocked and it can take time to see the money back. Be careful.