How to Shop Online Without a Credit Card

Yes, we understand, it may surprise you. But as ambitious as it sounds, there are definitely ways for you to make the most of an online purchase without resorting to the services of a credit card. Or is it more aptly called a disservice for some.

For consumers - which means virtually all of us - credit cards are like a two-edged Damocle’s sword. Sure, you may be jumping for joy when you get your plastic as it can be a glorious means to get the goods you need; on the down side, that boon can also turn into a sinkhole, siphoning your hard-earned cash and burying you in debt in the process. Then, you’d come to realize how did you ever got hooked into one.

So if you’re bent into buying some goods online, giving your i-tablet an elegant iPad keyboard case perhaps, without employing your plastic, read on.

Before we move forward, a caveat: Your ATM and your credit card are not that different after all since both carry a 16-digit number. Technically, your ATM is a debit card. So you can use it to purchase if cash is available. That is both an advantage and a disadvantage. If a con man gets your ATM number and pwd details, you’d be out of cash before sun down. Not so with a credit card, since you could still refute suspicious charges in your monthly bill.

Option 1: Secondary Account

Go to your bank and ask them to set up a secondary account for you specifically for online purchases. Make sure to keep only a small account in that particular account for better handling. Also, inform your banker to cut overdraft protection. This ensures money does not flow from your main account to your newly-set up one.

Option 2: Paypal

Though this global service is offered in many establishments, Paypal can give you a debit card that can be used for online purchases. To activate, you need to sign up for a Paypal account which needs but a legit email address. Yeah, it’s that simple. Most financial institutions can transact via Paypal and money can be forwarded to your account.

Option #3: Gift Cards

Yes, no kidding. You can even buy them the old-fashioned way using cash from many brick-and-mortar stores.

For instance, you could drop by at a local Safeway and pick up gift cards for major e-retailers (e.g., Barnes & Nobles, Amazon, Hulu Plus, Ebay). Mostly within the $20 to $500 denomination, you could use them to buy online. With a distinct advantage: you’re free from the dangers of splurging.