Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting against the unauthorized use of a credit card called CardSafe™ allows the credit card holder to finally approve any credit card transaction. When a credit card is used at a remote merchant's terminal, the credit card company is notified of the transaction amount and the credit card account number. The named card holder is concurrently notified of the transaction by a wireless device, such as a telephone call, pager notification, or the like. Upon notification, the card holder can approve or disapprove of the credit card transaction. Unless approved or denied by the credit card holder, the transaction remains uncompleted. The approval or disapproval by the credit card holder can be accomplished in real time or on a pre-selected basis. An unauthorized person would not be able to complete a transaction The credit card owner can also deactivate the CardSafe™ system.