Some credit card users still worry about using their cards online for fear of identity theft and credit card fraud. But did you know the Web can actually protect you from credit card fraud as well? It can!

You would be hard-pressed to find a bank that doesn’t offer online credit card statements these days. And while the thought of viewing your financial information online might make you a bit uneasy, remember that bank sites are secured and encrypted to keep your information safe (and probably safer than if you disposed of an old statement without shredding it). On top of the encryption, online credit card statements put your transaction records in your hands much more conveniently. Here’s how that can keep you safe from credit card fraud:

Focus on Frequency

Yes, it’s great that paper-free statements are better for the environment and leave you with less paper clutter. The real benefit of online credit card statements, though, is the fact that you can often login and check your account activity much more frequently than if you had to wait on a statement in the post.

That’s where the protection comes in. You’ll spot any odd-looking charges or unauthorised activity quickly rather than allowing weeks to potentially go by between when those charges are made and when you notice them and can report them to the bank. In other words, you can minimise your losses if you catch fraudulent activity early by having the credit card company cancel the card to stop further charges.

Easier Reporting

When you’re reviewing your credit card statement online, you’ll probably also have fast and easy access to customer support, just by clicking a link. Your bank’s website will help you quickly find out who to contact if anything on your statement looks amiss.

If your credit card company offers online statements as an option, sign up. Some may even require it and charge a small processing fee if you still want paper statements. Review your credit card transactions online thoroughly, and regularly–even if you haven’t used your card in a while. If you notice any unauthorised transactions or if anything even looks suspicious, contact your bank immediately and ask them to review the account history with you.

By staying on top of your credit card statements, you can catch potential fraudulent behaviour early and stop it in its tracks.