Is Wish Safe for Credit Cards? Investigative Report 2023

Wish is an e-commerce platform often been scrutinized regarding the security of its payment methods, especially when it comes to credit card details. So, “Is Wish safe for credit cards?” Perhaps, you’re better off using PayPal or maybe you should just use another website. Well, this unbias article will help you make an informed decision.

According to most Wish users online on Quora, Reddit, etc., credit cards, as well as debit cards and other electronic wallets, are generally safe and it’s often up to the cardholder. Moreover, your credit card comes with enhanced security features that make it as secure as traditional bank accounts.

While your bank is obligated to ensure the safety of accounts, the onus is partially on you to safeguard your credit card details on sites such as Wish.com.

Understand that while banks have security measures in place, individual responsibility is also important. Think about car manufacturers – they design vehicles with safety features – yet drivers must wear seat belts and drive cautiously.

Read on to know if Wish is worth it or whether you should explore other e-commerce alternatives.

What is Wish.com?

• Business – E-commerce
• Founded – July 4, 2010
• Headquarters – San Francisco, U.S.
• Founder(s) – Piotr Szulczewski and Sheng Zhang
• Revenue – $2.1 billion (exact date not specified)
• Employees – 1100
• Parent Company – ContextLogic Inc.
• Subsidiaries – Wish Outlet, Wish Express, Wish Local for Partner Stores

Founded in 2010 by Piotr Szulczewski and Danny Zhang, it is operated by ContextLogic Inc. in San Francisco. The platform personalizes the shopping experience for each customer visually, rather than just relying on a search bar format. Sellers can list their products on Wish and sell directly to consumers. Payments are handled by payment service providers, and Wish does not stock products or manage returns.

In 2017, Wish was the most downloaded e-commerce application in the U.S. By 2018, it became the most downloaded e-commerce application worldwide, doubling its revenue to $1.9 billion. As of 2019, it was the third-largest e-commerce marketplace in the U.S. by sales. In August 2019, ContextLogic received a Series H funding round, taking its valuation to $11.2 billion. However, as of August 2, 2023, the value of WISH stock has plummeted more than 99% from its IPO price in December 2020, representing a loss in market value of about $14 billion.

As of September 8, 2022, Joe Yan was appointed as the Interim CEO of Wish. He previously served at Stripe as a managing director and Country Head for Greater China. On February 23, 2023, Joe Yan’s interim title was removed, and he was officially appointed as the permanent Chief Executive Officer.

Looking at their background and numbers, it is proper to consider Wish safe for credit cards. But let’s not make a hasty decision yet.

Is Wish Safe for Credit Cards?

So, here is where we give an answer to this question based on facts. Just before that, Wish is a safe website for credit cards, as long as you are shopping on wish.com. You will understand why in a moment.

There are mixed reviews about Wish.com, with some users having positive experiences and others facing challenges.

Generally, however, Wish is a genuine online seller and app, even with its shockingly low prices and unique products.

Wish is as secure as most online shopping sites. Like other sites, there’s a chance of hacking. But don’t worry, Wish won’t take your details.

When you check out products on Wish, you’ll have to sign up. This means giving your name and email. They also note your computer’s IP, where you are, the browser you use, your social media details, and the products you look at, as stated in their privacy policy. This is pretty standard for online stores.

Should You Buy that Wish Item?

Sure, those $0.50 earbuds might arrive at your doorstep, but there’s no guarantee they will work. But then again, they’re just $0.50, aren’t they?

While it’s safe to shop on Wish with your credit card, you want to be cautious. If a designer bag is priced at just $20, it’s wise to doubt its authenticity.

Remember, some products on Wish might not meet your expectations. Electronics could be of low quality, or clothes might not fit as expected. On the brighter side, items like art supplies, notebooks, and trinkets often surprise buyers with their decent quality. Remember the age-old principle “You get what you pay for.”

Wish isn’t available everywhere. As of March 1, 2022, they have stopped selling in several countries, including India, Thailand, Qatar, and the Philippines. You can check out the full list on Wish’s announcement blog.

Why is Everything on Wish so Cheap?

Wish lets manufacturers sell directly to you. So, there is no extra cost like in regular stores.

Sellers on Wish can set any “original” price they like. For instance, a smartwatch might show a price drop from $499 to just $38.

You might wonder how they sell so cheap. Many items use low-cost materials, and a lot come from China.

Instead of having a shop, sellers send items straight to you. Some products are even kept in Wish’s warehouses and sent out when you buy them.

Shipping can be slow. You might wait months for a Wish item, while something from Amazon could come in a week, but at a higher price.

Also, producing stuff in China can be cheap due to their labor rules. If you check out Wish product unboxing videos on YouTube, you’ll get a sense of the quality.

How Do I Remove My Credit Card Details from Wish?

You can change your payment or even remove your credit card details on Wish. Follow these steps:

Mobile App

1. Open the app and click on Settings.
2. Choose Manage Payments.
3. To remove a card, click Delete on the card you want to remove. Then, click Delete Payment.
4. To add a card, click Add New Payment.
5. Put in your credit card details.
6. Fill out the billing address and click Use this Address.
7. Finally, click Add New Payment Method.

Web Browser

1. Go to the Wish website and open your cart.
2. Before checking out, click Edit under Billing.
3. Type in your credit card details.
4. Fill out the billing address.
5. If your billing and delivery address are the same, tick the box that says “Same as shipping address.”
6. Click Next to finish your order.

How to Buy from Wish Without Credit Card

Wish offers different payment methods. So, if you do not feel OK with using your credit card, you can use any of the payment methods below:

1. Apple Pay
2. Klarna
3. Google Pay
4. iDeal
5. Ebanx (Credit Card, Boleto, Oxxo)
6. Debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo
7. Afterpay
8. PayPal
9. Pix

The payment methods available might vary based on your country or the device you’re using on Wish.

If a payment method isn’t shown at checkout, it’s probably not available in your region.

Also, Wish does not accept cash on delivery, payment on delivery, or bank transfers.

Tips to Buy on Wish

While Wish is safe for credit cards, you should consider these safe practices to ensure that you shop safely on Wish app or website.

1. Have a Different Shopping Account

If you frequently shop online, consider having two bank accounts, as some people do. Label one as “Primary Checking” and the other as “Online Checking”. You can use the latter for all your online purchases.

Your earnings go into the Primary account. When you want to make an online purchase, transfer the exact amount to the Online Checking. This way, if any online vendor is dubious or compromised, they won’t have access to significant funds.

2. Use PayPal to Shop on Wish

Simply link your credit card to your PayPal account. PayPal has been around for a long time and is considered secure in processing payments. If you are short on funds, you may even be eligible to get cash advance from Paypal Credit.

3. Understand that Shipping Takes Time

If you’re used to quick Amazon Prime deliveries, Wish will surprise you. Items from Wish come from China, so they might take a while to reach you.

Sometimes, it’s a week, but for some, it can be months. Some folks even joke that by the time their order arrives, they’ve forgotten what they bought.

4. Always Check Your Order Status

There are times when orders don’t arrive at all. Some people think their order got lost, while others believe it might show up later. It’s hard to tell. But, it’s good to keep an eye on your order status. Wish might not be perfect, but they’re usually upfront. If there’s an issue, you can raise a dispute.

4. Check Out the Reviews

While it’s common to overlook some reviews, you want to pay attention to them on Wish. Those reviews can reveal the real story about that affordable drone you’re eyeing.

If an item has many negative reviews, think twice before buying. Some products are even “Verified by Wish Shoppers,” meaning they’ve gotten good feedback. And don’t forget, many share their Wish experiences and unboxings on platforms like YouTube, covering everything from tech to fashion.

5. Be Cautious with Descriptions

Sometimes, product descriptions and pictures on Wish can be misleading. They might make the item seem better than it is. Rely more on what customers say in their reviews.

When shopping for clothes on Wish, always check the size chart. Sizes like small, medium, or large might be different than what you’re used to. Remember, many Wish items are in Asian sizes.

Conclusion—is Wish Safe for Credit Cards?

Indeed, Wish is safe for credit cards. Wish has often been the center of discussions about the safety of its payment methods, particularly concerning credit card transactions. While many users have shared their experiences indicating a generally safe environment for credit cards, the ultimate responsibility lies with you, the cardholder.

Ultimately, Wish is generally safe but be vigilant. If you are unsure about using your credit card, consider an alternative payment method such as PayPal. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility between Wish.com and the user.

Read also: How to Transfer Money from PayPal to Credit Card Instantly

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