...checked after 3 times?
It doesn't seem fair that you work hard to have a good score and because you may need to get a loan or apply for credit the value of the number decreases . .. Oh My :-(

As long as you are on a secure credit card company site, yes it's safe.

Anytime your credit is pulled be someone that you have applied to your score drops between 3-5 points.

The only exception to this is when you apply for a home or vehicle, then all applications within a 14-day period are lumped together and only count as one. They all show but your credit only takes one hit. This doe's not apply to credit cards.

as long as you know you are on a legitimate credit card company website, yes it is safe. at least i can say i've personally applied for cc's online and never had a problem. cant answer your second question. ive always wondered that myself.