Security is the top concern for many first-time online shoppers. Fortunately, online payments in Sri Lanka have become significantly more secure over the last few years thanks to improved banking technology and local regulations.

Top Recommended Payment Methods

Here is how we rank common payment options for security:

• Cash on Delivery (COD): The safest for beginners as you only pay when you see the item
• Credit Cards: Highly secure due to 2FA and the ability to dispute transactions
• Digital Wallets (e.g., Genie, FriMi): Excellent for small transactions and keeping your main bank account isolated
• Debit Cards: Convenient, but ensure you have an SMS alert system set up

Red Flags to Watch For

If a site asks for these, be extremely cautious:

• Your Card PIN: A legitimate shopping site will NEVER ask for your ATM PIN
• Payment through a non-secure link: Always check for the padlock icon in the URL bar
• Requests for "Processing Fees" through WhatsApp/Telegram