Credit card care

Customers who do the most to make sure that their account is secure are less likely to experience problems, so if you do use a card, remember these guidelines for your own safety.

• Sign your credit card as soon as you receive it and do not write your secure PIN number on the card, or keep the PIN number in your wallet. Memorise the number or disguise it as a phone number in your address book.
• Organise your credit card slips and don't leave them lying around. It's a good idea to file all your slips, your statements and your receipts. It doesn't have to be too painstaking, keep a couple of labelled shoeboxes handy and at the end of each day empty the paper from your wallet into the boxes.
• Keep a list of all your credit cards along with the name and number of the bank that issued the card. Remember to update the list when necessary. If you need to cancel a card or question a statement, you'll be able to access the necessary numbers quickly.
• Open any credit card bill as soon as it arrives, check it thoroughly against your receipts, and reconcile the account. If a charge appears that is suspicious or unknown to you, challenge it immediately by phoning your card provider and then follow up the call with a written enquiry. When you speak to someone at the bank, ask for their name and make a note. If you need to follow up on your call at a later stage it will help to speak to the same people.
• If you move, notify your credit card issuers in advance of your change of address and keep a copy of that notification. If a bank error should occur then you have proof that you did notify them in time.
• If you notice anything suspicious concerning your card, notify your issuer immediately. Most credit card companies will have a toll-free number and a 24 hour service that can help you immediately.