Apologies for being off-topic for the forum, but I trust online purchases from reputable vendors (of which I would include Intercontinental Hotels and the major online travel companies) more than I do most in-person transactions.

I really prefer to have my credit card number go directly into a computer. Computers are far less likely to be motivated to use my number for nefarious purposes than are underpaid clerks at most of the hotels, restaurants, bookstores, whatnot that I visit.

Knocking on proverbial electronic wood here, but I've been making purchases online for over nine years and have yet to have an adverse incident with my credit card. I signed up for Ambassador status online (which is where you'll find the best bonus offers...) and used my credit card and had no problem...