How is information stored on credit cards?

Question

Are there ways to protect the info from criminals?

Answer 1

The information is on the magnetic strip on the back of the card.  You can do your part to protect the information like not allowing the card out of your sight, shredding statements and being careful of where you used your card on line.  However, since the crooks are breaking into the data banks of stores and financial institutions and since so many institutions are actually losing tapes with our personal information, in the end, we are all fair game.

Answer 2

The same as debit cards and similar plastic/electronic cards we use everyday. The magnetic strip holds all your accounts information.

The difference is that the information obviously the numbers that are written across the front of the card too.....that's often enough for them to do their deed.

Just be diligent about how you use your card. Use it sparingly and don't let it out of your sight. Keep an eye on your purchase transactions and dispute anything that is not yours right away.

Tear up any receipt you don't need.