How to Share PINs and Card Details Safely (Without Storing Them)

Why email and PDFs are the worst place for banking info

Emails and static invoices live forever in threads and backups. If one mailbox gets compromised, your card data can resurface months later.

Safer way to send sensitive payment info

• One-time, expiring link for the details; set a short window (24–72h). Basics: The Safe Way to Share Passwords in 2025 (No Email).
• Split channels: link via email/chat; access code by phone/SMS after verifying identity. Link hygiene: Verify Links Like a Pro.
• Zero-knowledge: prefer tools where providers can’t read the content. Primer: Zero-Knowledge Sharing.

Extra protections

• Partial disclosure when possible (last 4 digits only; full details by phone after verification).
• Per-transaction references (unique note/link per payment) to prevent reuse.
• Alerts from your bank for new payees or unusual transactions.

If something feels off

• Freeze card in your banking app and contact the bank.
• Run a quick response: revoke/rotate/notify. Guide: The Simple Incident Playbook for Leaked Passwords.

Team policy snippet

• No card data in email signatures or long-lived PDFs.
• Use one-time links + separate access code with voice verification.
• Delete/expire after use; rotate details if exposed.

Related reading

Stop Phishing at the Source: Verify Links Like a Pro

One-Time Links vs. Encrypted Email

The Beginner’s Guide to Zero-Knowledge Sharing

The Simple Incident Playbook for Leaked Passwords

Bottom line

Payment data should be precise—and temporary. One-time delivery + split channels + verification keeps it out of inboxes and out of fraudsters’ hands.

Secure One-Time Messages - Send confidential messages that self-destruct after being read once. Your privacy is our priority. →.