Then I’m especially surprised you’d take that risk. You are both at risk of having your actual funds wiped out and having to fight to get them back AND at the mercy of your bank.
BTW, how do you build your credit score without using credit cards?
I’ve had my card number stolen in the past. All $800 was refunded to me the next day without so much as the stroke of a pen on some affidavits. My bank was very helpful and made the transaction painless.
Just for your reference, a MAJORITY of credit card fraud occurs at points of sale, not online. Thanks to SSL, you can shop online with a feeling of security provided the vendor is legit and keeps their security in check. Most card numbers are swiped at gas stations, unbranded ATMs, restaurants, and retail establishments (e.g. Target). My wife and I only buy what we can afford in cash. We never swipe our cards in restaurants or at retail stores. Most of our major shopping purchases are done online with Amazon.
As far as credit score, it’s a garbage measure. My credit score is well over 800, as I have a mortgage on which I stay current, and I assumed my wife’s old debts which we’ve paid down. Over time, however, I realize it will go down, and that’s okay. Banks still offer manual underwriting for customers if requested.
As Dave says, “There’s no need to bow to the FICO God.” It’s a meaningless number.