When it comes to applying for a new credit card, your options are generally online applications or offline applications (sending one through the post or applying over the phone).

The obvious benefit of online applications is their speed (they could even be faster than applying over the phone, because you don’t have to wait on hold until a representative is available and the time isn’t dependent on how quickly the phone rep is able to enter your information). But did you know that online applications are more than fast — they might even be safer?

Some consumers still worry about giving their personal information online, but in fact online applications can be more secure than printed ones (or phone applications at that). Here’s why:

Standard Web Security Features

While Web security might have been more questionable years ago, security features are quite robust and common today (especially for large organisations like the banks offering credit cards). Online applications are generally encrypted which means that the data you include is scrambled from the time it leaves your computer to the time it gets to the bank. This protects data from being intercepted.

You can tell if an application page is secure in two ways. First, look for a padlock icon in your Web browser window (often at the bottom of the browser). You can also look at the URL (Web address) in the address bar. The common “http://” in the beginning will be “https://” instead.

Fewer People “Touching” Your Data

Online credit card applications offer slightly more security in that you keep your data out of the hands of individual company representatives. Think of it like using your credit card at a restaurant. You put yourself at more risk of credit card fraud by handing your card over to an employee than you do at restaurants where you can swipe the card yourself or be right there watching as the order is processed. This is similar.

If you send in paperwork or call to apply over the phone, you’re giving an individual employee your information because they have to enter it into their system for you. When you apply online, there’s a better chance that system is automated with more of a hands-off approach (lessening the worry that someone could write down your information for unauthorised use later).

Don’t assume that the Internet is in someway less secure than working personally with a bank representative. While there are going to be risks involved no matter how you apply (there always are when you’re talking about fraud and handing over your personal details), applying for credit cards online just might prove to be the safer option.

As always, don’t forget to compare credit card offers carefully before applying for any of them. Make sure you’re working with a reputable bank rather than a company you’ve never heard of. That simple act alone can protect you no matter how you choose to apply for your new credit card.