Do You Need a Credit Card to Shop Online?

There are several ways to pay for items you purchase online. However, it all depends on who the company is and what you are buying. Let's review the many methods you can use to pay for purchases.

1. Credit Card. This is the most widely used form of payment when shopping online. Most websites take Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card, and others. To determine what cards websites accept, read their FAQ page to be sure.

2. Debit Card. While this is the second most commonly used card offline, you have to check the websites online to determine if they accept the debit card.

3. PayPal. Some websites, in particular eBay and other auction sites, afford you the opportunity to pay with PayPal. However, in order to sign up with PayPal you need to give them a credit card and savings or checking account. The credit card is for payments and the savings and checking accounts are for items you sell for which the proceeds are transferred to either account.

4. E-Check. Fewer sites utilize this form of payment; however, it is available. This is primarily for those who wish to pay with their checking account. You will be required to give the last four digits of your check, as well as the last four digits of your social security number.

5. Money Order. Again, fewer sites offer this as a form of payment, but you can purchase items on eBay and look for those items that do not have a "P" next to the item name. The "P" stands for PayPal and the seller will only accept that form of payment. There are sellers, however, who only accept money orders or bank checks. They are few and far between but they do exist.

6. Check-Free is primarily used by Macy's department store. It is a service that allows you to receive a monthly bill via email and have the payment taken out of your checking account. You can also use it if you have a Macy's Visa card.

Of course, the best way to shop online is to use one credit card only. In this way you can keep track of purchases, check them against your credit card bill, and hopefully pay off the balance as soon as the bill arrives.

In addition, always check your credit report on an annual basis, and sign up for the fraud protection services the credit card company provides.