Emailing is one of the most established digital communication channels, boasting about 4.48 billion active users who are projected to send around 361.6 billion emails daily in 2024. Its speed, convenience, and cost-effectiveness make it ideal for sharing credit card details—but is it safe to send credit card info by email? This article aims to answer this question and discuss other related issues, such as:

• What are the risks of sharing your credit card info via email?
• Is there a safe way to send credit card info by email? 
• Is it safer to share debit card info than credit card info by email?

Is It Safe To Email Credit Card Info in an Email?

No, it is generally not safe to send your credit card info by email. While most email service providers invest in complex data breach detection and prevention systems, emailing is still one of the riskier communication channels. 

What Are the Risks of Sharing Your Credit Card Info via Email?

Below are a few reasons why sending email credit card information is not safe:

• Compromised passwords—When you send credit card details by email, the data stays on both your and your recipient's account. If hackers gain access to either of these accounts through compromised passwords, they can steal your card info.
• Extended storage—Apart from messages marked as spam and attachments that autodelete after 30 days, email messages can stay in recipients' mailboxes indefinitely. This extended storage increases the window of opportunity for hackers to access any credit card information shared via email.‍
• Lack of control—Most email service providers offer users a brief window to "undo send" their messages. However, once the message has been delivered, you have no control over how the recipient uses its content.‍
• Lack of automatic encryption—While most email clients encrypt data in transit, the messages are typically stored in plain text. This makes it easier for third parties, including potential hackers, to read your messages.‍
• Man-in-the-Middle Attacks—When emailing credit card info using unsecured networks like public Wi-Fi, hackers can position themselves between your and the recipient's email server and eavesdrop on your communication.

Is There a Safe Way To Send Credit Card Information by Email?

No security measure guarantees 100% safety when sending credit card info by email. However, with the following tactics, you can reduce the risks of hackers gaining access to your email content.

Put the Credit Card Info in Separate Documents

Do not send all your credit card credentials in one email body. Doing so makes it easy for hackers who might intercept your messages to get all they need to initiate an unauthorized purchase. 

When you create separate documents for different credit card details—such as one file containing your name and the 16 digits and another with the expiration date and CVV number—cybercriminals have to go through multiple documents to get all the information they need.

Encrypt Your Email Files

Add an extra layer of security by password-protecting the files containing your credit card info. You can do this in Microsoft Word by following the steps below:

1. Open the File menu.
2. Select the Info tab.
3. Click the Protect Document option.
4. Click the Encrypt with Password option.
5. Enter a unique and complex password.
6. Click OK to confirm the encryption.
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Keep in mind that you shouldn't share the file's password in the same email message. Instead, email it separately or share it via WhatsApp, text, or call.

Some email clients also allow senders to encrypt email messages directly. For example, when sharing credit card info via Gmail, you can use the provider's confidential mode to configure your message. Once you've composed your email and attached the file:

1. Navigate to the bottom right and click the padlock icon to activate the confidential mode.
2. Set your preferred expiration date (after which the email will auto-delete), and select SMS passcode.
3. Click Save to return to the email body.
4. Click Send and enter the recipient's phone number in the popup to send them a Google-generated access passcode.
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You should also remind the recipient to delete the message from their mailbox as soon as the transaction is over to reduce the chances of hackers accessing it.

Email Credit Card Info From Secure Wi-Fi Networks

You should never send sensitive credit card details over unsecured networks that hackers can compromise. Instead, send them from your private, password-protected network. Alternatively, you can use a VPN service to encrypt your data, mask your IP address, and make your online communications untraceable.

Is It Safer To Share Debit Card Info Than Credit Card Info?

Credit cardholders generally enjoy better fraud liability protection than debit cardholders. For example, the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) limits the liability of credit card users to $50 as long as they report unauthorized charges within 60 days. While the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA) also limits the liability of debit cardholders to $50, it only applies to debit card frauds reported within 48 hours. 

However, you can enhance your online security by connecting your payment card or bank account with virtual cards. These cards mask sensitive account details during online payments, making it difficult for hackers to steal your card info. If you choose a comprehensive virtual card provider like Privacy, you'll also get advanced spending controls that can help protect you from unexpected charges.

Privacy Virtual Cards—Enhanced Safety and Control

Privacy Cards replace your card data with randomly generated numbers, shielding your bank details from cybercriminals. You can use these virtual cards at most e-commerce platforms that accept Visa® and Mastercard® payments.

Privacy is PCI-compliant and accredited by the Better Business Bureau®. It uses advanced security measures to safeguard user data at rest and in transit:

Securely Using and Sharing Cards With Privacy

Privacy allows users to create Single-Use, Merchant-Locked Cards, and Shared Cards. Learn more about them below:

When using Privacy Cards, you can set spending limits to limit unexpected purchases. You can also pause and close the virtual card without affecting your linked debit card or bank account. Once you've paused or closed it, all subsequent transactions will be declined. This feature can help you avoid unauthorized transactions or block unwanted charges during or after canceling a subscription service. The same security features apply for Shared Cards, and enable you to remain in control of spending on your account at all times.

Experience Convenience With Privacy Cards

Besides investing in data security and spending controls, Privacy also has several features that streamline user transactions, such as:

• Privacy Android or iOS mobile app—Allows users to create and manage their virtual cards on the go and set real-time notifications on card activity 
• Privacy Browser Extension that auto-fills card details at checkout—Saves you the effort of entering card details for every transaction. Available for Chrome, Safari, Safari iOS, Firefox, and Edge

How To Sign Up For Privacy Virtual Cards

Privacy has a simple, four-step sign-up process:

1. Go to the Sign-up page
2. Enter the identity verification details
3. Add a funding source (bank account or debit card)
4. Request your Privacy Virtual Cards
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You can select either of the following three plans:

To sign up for this card, you must be a U.S. resident, be over 18, and have a checking account at a U.S. bank or credit union.

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