Before You Enter Your Card: A Quick 5-Step Check

That moment when you're about to enter your credit card information online—it should trigger a quick mental checklist. These five steps take less than a minute but can save you from surprise charges, unwanted subscriptions, and financial headaches.

Step 1: Verify It's a One-Time or Recurring Charge

The biggest gotcha in online purchases: you think you're buying something once, but you're actually signing up for a subscription.

• Look for words like "monthly," "recurring," "subscription," "membership"
• Check if there's a checkbox for recurring billing (sometimes pre-checked)
• Read near the "Submit" button for subscription language

Pro tip: If you're unsure, search the page (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) for "recurring," "subscription," or "renew."

Step 2: Check the Free Trial Terms

"Free trials" that require a credit card often convert automatically to paid subscriptions. Before entering your card:

• When does the trial end? Mark it in your calendar
• What's the cost after the trial? Sometimes it's hidden
• How do you cancel? Can you cancel online, or do you have to call?
• Will you be charged immediately if you forget? Usually yes

Calendar hack: Set a reminder for 2 days before the trial ends. This gives you time to evaluate and cancel if needed.

Step 3: Look for the Total Price (Including Everything)

The number you saw in the ad might not be the number you pay:

• Taxes: Often added at checkout
• Shipping: Sometimes surprisingly expensive
• Processing fees: Some services add these
• "Convenience" fees: A sneaky extra charge
• Required add-ons: Insurance, protection plans

Always look at the final total before clicking "Pay." If it's significantly more than you expected, pause and understand why.

Step 4: Screenshot the Order Details

Before you click that final button, take a screenshot of:

• The exact product/service you're purchasing
• The price breakdown
• Any promises made (delivery date, features, guarantees)
• The confirmation page after purchase

Why? If something goes wrong, you have proof of what was advertised. This is especially important for deals that seem too good to be true.

Step 5: Verify the Website Security

Quick security check before entering payment info:

• URL starts with https:// (the 's' means secure)
• Padlock icon in the browser address bar
• Website matches the company (not a lookalike domain)
• No security warnings from your browser

Extra caution: If you clicked a link from an email, double-check you're on the real website, not a phishing page. Type the company's URL directly if you're unsure.

Bonus: Use These Payment Protections

Reduce your risk when buying online:

• Credit card over debit: Credit cards have better fraud protection
• Virtual card numbers: Some banks offer disposable card numbers
• PayPal or similar: Adds a layer between your card and the merchant
• Privacy.com: Create burner card numbers for subscriptions

Quick Reference Checklist

Copy this checklist and use it every time:

• Is this a one-time payment or subscription?
• If trial: When does it end? How do I cancel? Calendar reminder set?
• Is the total price what I expected?
• Screenshot taken?
• Website is secure (https, correct domain)?

Taking 60 seconds to run through this checklist can prevent hours of dealing with unwanted charges, difficult cancellations, and disputed transactions. Make it a habit—your future self will thank you.