How to Buy Things Online Without a Credit Card
Online shopping is typically associated with credit card usage. However, consumers should know that it’s possible to make purchases online without a credit card. You should know how to buy things online without a credit card if you enjoy online shopping.
Knowing How to Buy Things Online Without a Credit Card
Consumers may want to shop online without a credit card for numerous reasons. Security is one of the biggest concerns. Consumers might be worried about providing credit card information to online retailers. Even reputable and widely known online retailers sometimes experience security breaches. Some consumers have more confidence in the security of their online purchases when they’re not using credit cards.
Consumers also sometimes want to avoid credit card use because of convenience. Avoiding credit card use when buying items online comes in handy when you’ve lost your credit card. Not having to use your credit card is also great when you simply don’t have your credit card with you at the moment.
Some consumers also find that it’s easier to track their spending when they use alternative payment methods. Choosing the right payment method can make it easier to stick to your budget. You can use resources offered by Goalry to track your online spending and meet your financial goals.
There are plenty of options for convenient and secure ways to make purchases online without credit cards. Here are a few of the best options.
Using a Debit Card
Using a debit card is the simplest alternative to credit card usage when you shop online. If you have a bank account, your bank should provide you with a debit card.
You should be able to use a debit card just like you would use a credit card when shopping online. Funds will come directly out of your bank account to pay for your online purchases. You typically won’t need to meet any credit requirements to open a bank account and get a debit card. This makes using a debit card a great option for consumers with low credit scores.
Using a debit card for online purchases can be really cost-effective. Some debit cards offer cashback on online purchases just like some credit cards do. With cashback, you’ll get a certain percentage of the purchase amount back after you buy an item.
Shopping With Payment Apps
If you don’t have a credit card or bank account, you can shop online with payment apps. Many online retailers accept payment through payment apps such as Paypal or Venmo. Payment apps may be ideal options for consumers who are concerned with payment security. Your financial information may be better protected when you make purchases with these apps rather than with credit cards.
You can deposit cash and hold funds in the account you set up on these apps. You can also connect your bank account, debit card, or credit card to your payment app accounts. You’ll then specify the use of one of these apps as your payment method when you check out online.
Setting Up a Mobile Wallet
Mobile wallets are another popular alternative payment method that’s available to consumers who shop online. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are similar to payment apps.
You can connect your bank cards and credit cards to these apps. This makes mobile apps a great payment option if you have a credit or debit account but don’t have your card with you at the moment. Nowadays, mobile wallets are commonly accepted as payment forms both online and at physical store locations.
Making Purchases With Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards make it easy to make online purchases if you don’t have a bank account or credit card. Prepaid cards are available for purchase at grocery stores and many other types of retail location. They can be purchased for specified amounts. Prepaid cards are another great option for consumers who are concerned about keeping their financial information safe.
Once you purchase a prepaid card, they work much like credit cards do. You’ll simply need to enter the prepaid card number, expiration date, and card verification value when you check out online.
Paying With Crypto
If you trade cryptocurrency, you should know that online retailers sometimes take cryptocurrency as payment. This is particularly true when it comes to the most popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
You’ll need a crypto wallet to make online purchases using cryptocurrencies. You may be surprised at all the companies that accept online payments in cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency transactions are known for being secure.
Making Installment Payments
If you want to finance an online purchase but don’t have a credit card, you could consider buy now, pay later. Affirm, Klarna, and Afterpay are some of the most popular buy now, pay later service providers.
When you use these services, you don’t have to pay right away for your online purchase. You’ll be put on a payment plan after you apply to finance your purchase with one of these companies.
Buy now, pay later is an option that some online retailers provide at checkout. It’s important for consumers to realize that they’ll undergo a credit check when they try to make a purchase this way. Consumers also must realize that failing to make a payment on time can negatively impact their credit score.
In Conclusion
Now that you know how to buy things online without a credit card, you can enjoy more convenience and security. Online shopping offers so many possibilities. You’re not limited to credit cards when you pay for purchases online. Purchasing items online can save you money and allow you to buy the items you need from the comfort of your home. Take your online shopping to the next level with these great payment methods!
Katherine Davis is a freelance writer specializing in the subjects of finance, banking, and investment. Based in New York City, Katherine’s experiences combating the Big Apple’s outrageous real estate costs and living expenses have provided her with some great budgeting insights on stretching a dollar. A graduate of Penn State University, Katherine advises millennials to be disciplined when it comes to their finances and to start investing as soon as possible.