Top Credit Cards for Fraud Protection
As data breaches mount up, you may want to choose a card whose issuer provides you with tools to counter fraud and will back you up if your information is stolen.
Javelin Strategy & Research recently ranked 20 leading credit card issuers based on the security measures they offer in three areas: prevention, detection and resolution. Among the prevention features were mobile and online authentication (the use of your voice or fingerprints to verify your identity) and controls that allow you to cap a transaction amount.
In the detection category, issuers were scored on features that allow customers to spot fraud—including alerts for unusually large purchases or password resets—as well as how those notifications are sent. And among the resolution criteria, Javelin favored issuers who help customers restore their accounts, including charge reversal and next-day card replacement.
USAA took the number-one spot for detection, tied with PNC for first place in the resolution category and came in second for prevention. Bank of America had a first-place finish for prevention; it was also among the top three in the other two categories. American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citibank, SunTrust and Wells Fargo all appeared among the top five in some categories.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
One handy tool lets you switch off your card if it is lost or if your card number has been compromised. USAA offers the capability to both its credit and debit card users. Discover credit card customers have access to the feature, as do Capital One credit card holders who use the bank’s wallet app. Financial institutions that issue Visa cards can add the capability through Visa’s Consumer Transaction Controls service.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Lisa has been the editor of Kiplinger Personal Finance since June 2023. Previously, she spent more than a decade reporting and writing for the magazine on a variety of topics, including credit, banking and retirement. She has shared her expertise as a guest on the Today Show, CNN, Fox, NPR, Cheddar and many other media outlets around the nation. Lisa graduated from Ball State University and received the school’s “Graduate of the Last Decade” award in 2014. A military spouse, she has moved around the U.S. and currently lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and two sons.
-
Stock Market Today: Dow Logs Longest Losing Streak Since April
The November Producer Price Index showed that inflation remains a tough beast to tame.
By Karee Venema Published
-
Why Uber Stock Is Volatile After GM's Cruise Announcement
Uber stock is swinging this week following news that General Motors is restructuring its Cruise unit. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024 and 2025
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated
-
Bank of America Fined $12M for Reporting False Mortgage Data
Bank of America fined over routinely filing false mortgage lending data to the government, the CFPB says.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
By Miriam Cross Published
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
By Vaishali Varu Last updated
-
How to Figure Out How Much Life Insurance You Need
insurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life insurance needs.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
-
Amazon Big Deal Days Is Coming! We’ve Got All the Details
Amazon Prime To kick off the holiday season with a bang, Amazon Big Deal Days runs Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
By Kaitlin Pitsker Published
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage Rate
Becoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
By Daniel Bortz Last updated