Expert: Linsey Shupe - 3/27/2009

Question
Hi -)

I was wondering if you could help me.My question is,as  a first time credit/debitcard owner,i need help in filling out an online credit card form. Ie.the form that you're given to fill out when you go to buy something online.


I've never brought online before and only recently applied for my debit visa card so that i could shop online and buy some things i wouldnt otherwise be able to get.

On the forms it asks for a number of details and the way the form is set out seems to be a bit different from site to sight. I took the time to record a screen shot in jpg format of a typical form that i want to fill out and i would apreciate it if you could tell me exacrtly how to fill it out using my card

http://i42.tinypic.com/smdc08.png

i know what to enter in a few of the feilds myself..the card expiry date,name address etc but for example where it says '' CVV2 Number '' And at the top of the form it says '' Credit card hash: Do i need to input the 16 digit number on the front of my card there? or there is another set of numbers at the bottom - my sort code and account number i think - do i input my account number?

its my very first time buying online and i dont want to mess it up,not when im using personal information like this..

would really apreciate the help if you could explain it all to me so i can start to shop online and get it right...-) Also obviously i havent brought anything yet or been to very many sites to buy,so,if you know that there is or may will be any changes or potential differences on another form i might need to fill out from maybe a different company etc then just explaining what i would do in the other case would be great...One more thing! Will i get some kind of digital receipt after i've finished my transaction as proof that i've actually used the site and brought something? Otherwise i was just wondering what would happen if for some reason my order didnt get delivered and i needed to chase up the problem to find out whats happened.

Any tips that would help me get it right and stay safe whilst buying online would be greatly apreciated.

Thanks.

Answer
Dear Laura,

Thank you for writing, and I hope I can help. This form looks pretty standard. Enter you actual 16 digit credit card number in the credit card field. The expiration date field should be filled with the month and then the year. Rarely if ever do they ask for the day it expires.
The CRV # is the secret code is required by some site as a way to very to you have the actual card in your physical possession. For Visa, Master Card, and Discover this will be a 3 digit code found on the back of the card (unrelated to the number on the front) while American Express cards print a 4 digit code on the front of the card.

Most sites provide some type of order confirmation upon completion of the order. Another site to check out is www.paypal.com
This site is a 3rd party site that acts as a middle man or buffer between you and merchants. They feels this add some protection to your information since the merchant never has actual access to your payment information. They also convert currancy for you should you make international purchases.

No site is impenetrable and credit card companies often find themselves comprimised. Like anything else in life you take a risk with your information any time you share it with anyone, anywhere.
Look for reputable websites with policies consistant with a legitimate and fair company. Read return, and refund policies.

Best of luck to you!

-Linsey