Using paypal you have some purchase protection. I use it all the time on e-bay and Fabric.com. You can have the funds come directly from your checking account or credit card. I like to use my checking account I tend to spend more wisely than on a cc. Some don't feel safe using the internet purchases but I don't feel safe using my cc or checks at the mall with a min wage clerk that just started yesterday. The best think to do is what you feel comfortable doing.