Is paying over the phone with a credit card safe?

Usually, yes — if you are the one who called the business on a number you trust, and the business has a secure payment system. Many UK shops and service firms take phone payments every day. 

It’s not safe if someone calls you out of the blue and pushes you to pay or share codes. Hang up and call back on a number from the company’s own website. 

Here’s how to stay safe, what protection your card gives you, and the warning signs to look out for. 

What’s protected when I pay this way? 

Paying over the phone with a credit card still comes with the same protections you’d expect if you paid in person or online: 

Section 75 protection (credit cards): If the item or service costs over £100 and up to £30,000, paying by credit card can give you legal protection if things go wrong. This applies to phone orders too. 

Chargeback (credit and debit cards): If Section 75 doesn’t apply (for example, the cost is under £100), and your transaction isn’t completed as it should be, your bank may still try to get your money back from the seller via chargeback. 

What details should I share (and never share)? 

It’s not always easy to know what’s safe to share over the phone. Scammers try to catch people out, so here’s a simple guide to what you can share — and what you should never give away. 

You can share: 

Never share: 

How to pay safely over the phone (simple steps) 

1. You make the call. Find the number on the company’s official website, receipt, or letterhead.
2. Check who you’re speaking to. Ask for the person’s name and job title. If anything feels off, hang up and call back.
3. Ask for a secure payment process. Many firms use keypad entry (so staff can’t hear your digits) or a payment link sent by text/email.
4. Keep your surroundings private. Don’t read out card details on loudspeaker or in public.
5. Get a receipt. Ask for a confirmation email or text and keep it.
6. Check your statement. Look for the right business name and amount. Report anything you don’t recognise straight away. 

Why didn’t I get a security code on my phone? 

Phone payments don’t usually trigger a security code or app prompt. That’s normal. These are called ‘MOTO (Mail Order/Telephone Order) payments’. The business should still use other checks to help stop fraud. 

Red flags that mean “hang up now” 

• They called you and say there’s a “problem” you must fix right now.
• They ask for your PIN, full password, or one‑time code.
• They tell you to transfer money to a “safe account”.
• They want you to download software or let them control your device.
• If any of these happen, hang up, wait a few minutes (to clear the line), then call your bank using the number on your card. 

What if something goes wrong? 

• Contact the business first to try and sort it out.
• Tell your card provider as soon as possible. Ask about chargeback or Section 75 (for credit card spends over £100 and up to £30,000).
• Report scams to Action Fraud (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) or Police Scotland if you’re in Scotland. 

Extra tips for peace of mind 

• Use a credit card for bigger buys, as it may give you extra protection.
• Keep records: date, time, who you spoke to, and what you ordered.
• If you’re unsure, ask for a secure payment link instead of reading out your details.
• Check your statements regularly so you can spot anything unusual early. 

Paying over the phone with your credit card can be safe when you’re in control of the call. Follow these steps, and you’ll have peace of mind with every payment.