Playing security card to boost Net use ;AmEx, Citibank offer safer digital products; many hurdles.

Crain's New York Business, November, 1999 by luhby, tami

As the holiday shopping frenzy kicks in, several financial institutions want to grab a larger piece of Internet shopping and its lucrative transaction processing fees. Their strategy: make consumers feel more secure about buying on the Internet. American Express Co. recently launched its Blue card, which has several unique security features, such as a digital wallet.

Citibank is stressing the safety of its new ClickCredit card, a virtual card that can be used only for Web purchases. Avoiding on-line shopping "When we asked customers why they don't shop on-line, security was a factor mentioned," says Antony Jenkins, director of Internet initiatives for Citibank's card division. But is it the most important factor? Despite some safety concerns, Internet...

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