How to Send Credit Card Information Securely by Email

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There might be all kinds of reasons you want to send your credit card information through email, ranging from buying something to making reservations. It's quick, easy, and convenient. However, email isn't the most secure way to send your credit card information. If you can avoid it, it’s best to use a different method like fax, a phone call, or a secure website to share your information. [1] However, if you have no choice and need to send your credit card information with an email, then some precautions can make the exchange safer.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Creating Secure Files

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  1. Never paste your credit card information into the actual email body. Instead, attach the information with a secured file. Create a separate text file in a program like Microsoft Word, and type in your credit card information there. Then save that file to your computer. [2]
    • This works with MS Word, or whichever text editor you use on your computer.
  2. Your information isn't safe if you send it without any encryption. Luckily, password-protecting a file is very easy. The process is a bit different depending on what program you use.
    • The best thing to do is create a secure zip file , the most secure type of file. First, download free software that uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), the strongest encryption type. A popular free program is 7-Zip. Then right-click on the file and select the software to create a secure zip file. Set a strong password for the file to protect your information. [3]
    • For Microsoft Word, open the file and click File, then Info. Click Protect Document and then select Encrypt with Password. Type in your password and press OK to protect your document.
    • You can also protect PDFs. Open the PDF and click Tools. Select Protect, then Encrypt, then click on Encrypt with Password. Type in your password and click OK to secure the file. You may also need to select an encryption type that’s compatible with the recipient’s version of Adobe. If you don’t know what version they have, make sure you ask first so they can view the document.
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  3. The person you’re sending the file to will also need the password to see your information. Tell them in a non-written way like with a phone call. This way, they can open the file when they receive it. [4]
    • Don't email them the password. If you email it, then the information isn’t secure and someone else could get access to your information.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Encrypting and Sending the Email

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  1. Even if you’re sending encrypted files, encrypting the email provides an extra layer of protection for your information. Get a free email encryption software like VeraCrypt or AxCrypt by visiting the software site and downloading the program. [5] Then click on the downloaded file and run it to install it onto your computer. Enable it while you’re sending your credit card email to protect its contents.
    • The exact installation process depends on what program you use. The program should walk you through the installation and provide instructions. [6]
    • You’ll have to set a password for your protected email, so be sure you let the recipient know in a secure way.
    • Some email servers like Outlook have built-in encryption that you could use. However, these are less secure than downloading an encryption software, and the recipient needs to use the same program to read your message. [7]
    • Some email encryption software can also protect the files attached to the email. In this case, you might not have to encrypt the files yourself.
  2. Attaching a secure file is the same as attaching any other file to an email. Click Attach File, or the particular button that your email server uses, and select the file with your credit card information. [8]
    • Remember that attaching a protected file is much safer than typing your card number directly into the email body, even if the email is protected.
  3. Never send sensitive emails like this from a public Wi-Fi network. Hackers could monitor unsecured networks and steal your information. Work from your home Wi-Fi network and make sure the network is password-protected. This helps keep hackers out and prevents them from reading your sensitive emails. [9]
    • If your network isn't password-protected, call your service provider to set this up. You should also change the name of the network when you get it to confuse hackers.
    • You could also plug your computer into your internet wall jack with an ethernet cable for more security. A physical connection is much harder to hack.
  4. It’s always possible that a hacker will gain access to your email account. If they do, then your whole email history is at risk, including your credit card information. Delete the email as soon as it sends so it doesn’t show up in your history. [10]
    • If you need a record of the email, write down the date and time that you sent it.
    • It’s generally a good practice to delete any emails that have sensitive information, not just your credit card.
  5. The recipient’s email account could also be hacked, and your email will be in their history. Instruct the recipient to delete the email with your information as soon as they’ve gotten your credit card information. [11]
    • In some businesses and organizations, deleting any emails with financial information is standard practice.
    • Unfortunately, you can’t always guarantee that the other person will be careful with your information. This is another reason why sending your credit card over email isn’t the best idea.
    • Emails may also be stored on several servers while in transit, so even if you and the recipient delete the email, it might not be gone entirely. [12] This is why encryption is important.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I make sure I'm sending my email to the right person?
    Steven Kibbel
    Certified Financial Planner
    Steven Kibbel is a Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Kibbel Financial Planning based in Franklin, Tennessee. With over a decade of experience, Steven is passionate about empowering people to take charge of their financial future by offering comprehensive financial planning services, including cash flow planning, investment planning, and retirement planning. He is also a Chartered Financial Consultant, a Real Estate Affiliate Broker, and the author of several children’s books focused on teaching financial literacy. Steven has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
    Steven Kibbel
    Certified Financial Planner
    Expert Answer
    So, most scammers disguise themselves by using a name that looks like one issued by the authority or someone you know. However, their actual email address might tell you otherwise, like a couple of random characters, misspellings, and even their name. An example is "Venmo," which might be seen as "VEMNO." Or if you have a family member e-mailing you, it's also a great idea to call them personally to know if they're asking the same thing. Also, listen to their tone in the email. If it threatens or demands that you take action instantly, that's a warning sign and is most likely a scam.
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      Tips

      • Monitor your credit card account for suspicious charges after emailing it. No matter how careful you are, there’s always a chance that a hacker will get your credit card information if you sent it through email. [13]
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      Warnings

      • Even with all of this protection, your credit card information is still not 100% safe if you send it via email. If you can avoid it, don’t send your information through email.
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      • If you do think your credit card number was stolen, then don't waste any time. Report the fraudulent charges to your bank right away.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/sending-credit-card-information
      2. ↑ https://www.pcworld.com/article/193892/secure_info_internet.html
      3. ↑ https://www.pcworld.com/article/2954590/how-to-encrypt-and-password-protect-zip-files-the-right-way.html
      4. ↑ https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/sending-credit-card-information
      5. ↑ https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/sending-credit-card-information
      6. ↑ https://www.hkcfp.org.hk/Upload/Documents/EXIT/VeraCryptUserguide.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.pcworld.com/article/193892/secure_info_internet.html
      8. ↑ https://www.pcworld.com/article/193892/secure_info_internet.html
      9. ↑ https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0013-securing-your-wireless-network
      1. ↑ https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/2014/05/14/safely-send-credit-card-information-via-e-mail/2140166/
      2. ↑ https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/sending-credit-card-information
      3. ↑ https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/sending-credit-card-information
      4. ↑ https://www.pcworld.com/article/223787/mailed_credit_card.html

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