Online shopping: how to pay safely

Key points

• To stay safe, always talk to your parents first
• Always pay using the payment systems integrated into e-commerce websites and apps
• Choose secure payment methods, such as payment cards and digital payment solutions
• Always check that the website address starts with https:// and displays a padlock symbol
• Enable payment notifications in your banking app
• Keep all proofs of purchase
• If something goes wrong, report the fraud immediately to the platform, your bank and the authorities
• If you are the victim of fraud, call Card Stop immediately on 078 170 170

Discover the most common payment solutions

With BNP Paribas Fortis, here are the secure options available for online shopping and their key features.

The debit card included in your Welcome Pack :

• Debit card with a spending limit that can be customised by your parents
• Your parents can enable or disable online payments, contactless payments and payments abroad
• Works on all websites
• Security: both you and your parents can view transactions in Easy Banking App

The Bancontact payment app:

• Pay online or in-store without a physical card
• You are redirected to your bank’s secure environment (via the mobile app or a card reader) or to the Bancontact app
• Validation: each payment must be confirmed using a PIN code, fingerprint or facial recognition through Easy Banking App
• Payments are confirmed in real time
• Requires your parents’ approval and a compatible smartphone

Wero, integrated into Easy Banking App:

• An ultra-fast way to send money to a friend using their phone number, email address or a QR code
• Integrated directly into Easy Banking App
• Validation is completed in one click using a PIN code, fingerprint or facial recognition
• Instant transfers: the recipient receives the money immediately

Bank transfer:

• If you want to buy something on a marketplace (an online platform with multiple sellers), you can choose the bank transfer option, if it’s available
• Bank transfers are considered highly secure because they do not involve an intermediary
• Transfers can be instant or take up to three days depending on the recipient’s bank
• Your order is then confirmed

Third-party payment apps:

There are third-party payment applications available through app stores. These solutions are not managed by BNP Paribas Fortis and require your parents’ approval as well as a compatible smartphone. 

Each app has its own security rules (PIN code, fingerprint validation, etc.). For more information, consult the specific terms and conditions of each service and always ask your parents for permission before using them.

Choosing a payment method

When making an online purchase, you will be asked to select a payment method from the list of options offered by the retailer (payment card, bank transfer, etc.). To guarantee the security of your transaction, you will then go through a secure validation process. Your payment will always be protected by strong authentication, combining at least two of the following:

• A confidential code (password, SMS code or code generated via Easy Banking App)
• A physical device (smartphone with the banking app, card and card reader)
• Biometric data (fingerprint or facial recognition, if available)

A practical example:

You want to buy a €20 game on a trusted online platform?

1. Select “Credit/Debit Card”
2. Enter your card details (card number, expiry date and CVV/CVC code)
3. Confirm the payment using a card reader or Easy Banking App
4. Your game is purchased and the amount is debited from the account

After your purchase, track and check the following:

Confirmation e-mail:

Keep it safe (or take a screenshot). It is your proof of purchase.

Parcel tracking:

Use the link provided by the delivery company. E-commerce websites remain accessible at all times, allowing customers to track deliveries whenever they wish.

Verification :

• You and your parents can view transactions in Easy Banking app. Check the amount and date.
• If something is wrong, such as a duplicate charge or an incorrect amount, you can dispute the payment within 13 months if you are in the European Economic Area. If you are the victim of fraud while shopping online, it is recommended that you report it to your bank immediately.

Would you like to know what to do if you become a victim of online fraud? Read our dedicated information article.

How can you tell whether an e-commerce website is 100% secure?

Before making an online purchase, check these seven points:

1. https:// + green padlock:

• The URL starts with https:// rather than http://
• Click on the padlock to view the security certificate (for example, “DigiCert”)

2. Legal information:

• Check for a 'Legal Information' or 'Terms and Conditions' page at the bottom of the website, as well as a physical address in Belgium or the European Union and a VAT number.
• Be careful when buying from outside the European Union, as customs duties or VAT may be added to the displayed price, and delivery times can be several weeks. Always check this information before confirming your order.
• A trustworthy website should display the company name, physical address, telephone number, and company registration number.

3. Secure payments:

• Official logos of recognised digital payment methods 

4. Verified reviews:

• Check reviews on Trustpilot or Google Reviews.
• Thanks to search engines, it's now easy to read reviews and find out about other consumers' experiences before making an online purchase.

5. Clear returns policy:

• A withdrawal period of at least 14 days is mandatory within the European Union.
• Return costs must be clearly stated.

6. Professional contact details:

• An email address such as service@company.be (rather than Gmail or Hotmail)
• A visible professional telephone number and email address

7. Data protection (GDPR) :

• A link to a privacy and security policy
• No requests for unnecessary information (for example, your identity card number)

Would you like to find out more about the most common online scams? Read our dedicated article.

With BNP Paribas Fortis, paying online is simple and secure. Follow these steps to enjoy stress-free online shopping, whether you use your payment card, Wero or a solution approved by your parents.