Top 10 Ways to Save Money Online Shopping

Top 10 Ways to Save Money Online Shopping

‘Tis the season of endless holiday deals, packed virtual shopping carts, and the stress of finding perfect gifts without breaking the bank. As holiday music fills the air and retail emails flood your inbox, you might wonder how to save money online shopping while successfully tackling your gift list. With this year’s holiday spending expected to reach record highs, smart shopping strategies have never been more important.

Online shopping has revolutionized how we buy everything from daily essentials to luxury items. In 2023 alone, Americans spent a staggering $1.1 trillion on online purchases, and that number continues to grow [1].

While shopping online offers unmatched convenience, it also makes it dangerously easy to overspend. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between spreading holiday cheer and saving money. In fact, shopping online during the holiday season can actually save you more than traditional retail—if you know the insider tricks and techniques. Ready to become a savvy holiday shopper? Let’s unwrap the most powerful ways to keep more cash in your pocket while still checking off everyone on your nice list.

3 price comparison tools

1. Master the art of price comparison

Gone are the days of driving from store to store to find the best deal. Modern technology has made it possible to compare prices across dozens of retailers in seconds, but many shoppers don’t take full advantage of these tools. Google Shopping is an excellent starting point, allowing you to scan prices across major retailers quickly [2]. However, don’t stop there. Browser extensions like Honey can automatically track prices and alert you when better deals become available [3].

For Amazon shoppers, CamelCamelCamel has become an indispensable tool [4]. This website tracks price histories, showing whether that “amazing deal" is a reasonable price or just clever marketing. Remember to factor in shipping costs when comparing prices, as these can quickly eliminate any savings you might find on the purchase price.

When you buy matters

2. Time your purchases strategically

Knowing when to buy can save you just as much as knowing where to buy. Major retailers typically follow predictable sales patterns throughout the year. Holiday weekends, particularly President’s Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, often feature higher discounts on big-ticket items like furniture, appliances, and automobiles. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday remain prime shopping days, savvy shoppers know that many retailers now offer competitive deals throughout November.

For seasonal items like clothing and outdoor furniture, patience pays off. End-of-season sales can offer savings of 50% or more, making it worth waiting to buy winter coats in February or patio furniture in September. Many online retailers also mark down prices on Thursdays to prepare for weekend shoppers, making Thursday evening an ideal time to check prices on items you’ve been eyeing.

Earn money when you spend

3. Harness the power of cashback apps

Cashback apps have transformed the online shopping landscape, offering automatic rebates on your purchases. Rakuten leads the pack, offering up to 15% cash back at thousands of retailers [5]. The platform directs your shopping traffic through their links, earning them a commission that they share with you. While the cash-back percentages might seem small, they can add up to hundreds of dollars annually for regular shoppers.

Ibotta has expanded beyond its grocery store roots to offer cash back on online purchases [6]. You can often stack rewards by combining multiple cash-back platforms to maximize your savings. However, remember to activate offers before shopping, as retroactive cash-back claims are rarely honored.

Earn coupons and cashback with Honey

4. Make browser extensions work for you

Browser extensions serve as shopping assistants, automatically finding and applying savings you might miss. Capital One Shopping, for instance, compares prices across retailers and factors in shipping costs and available coupons to show you the best deal [7]. Honey has become famous for its automatic coupon testing, which involves trying dozens of promotional codes to find the ones that actually work.

However, use these tools strategically. Clear your browser cache periodically to ensure you’re seeing accurate prices, as some retailers use dynamic pricing based on your browsing history. Also, don’t let the presence of coupon codes tempt you into unnecessary purchases—a 40% off coupon for something you don’t need or want isn’t saving you money.

Access subscriber-only sales

5. Turn email marketing to your advantage

While retail emails can flood your inbox with temptations, they can also be a valuable source of savings when appropriately managed. Create a separate email account for retail subscriptions to keep your primary inbox clear while capturing valuable offers. Many retailers offer substantial first-time customer discounts through their newsletters, sometimes as high as 25% off your first purchase.

Watch for exclusive subscriber-only sales and early access to deals, particularly during major shopping seasons. However, be selective about which mailing lists you join. If you make too many impulse purchases from a particular retailer’s emails, don’t hesitate to unsubscribe.

Choose your credit card wisely

6. Maximize credit card rewards

Credit cards can significantly increase savings when used strategically for online shopping. Many cards offer bonus rewards for online purchases, and some provide additional benefits like price protection and extended warranty coverage. Look for cards that align with your shopping habits. If you frequently shop at Amazon, for instance, consider a card that offers bonus rewards for Amazon purchases.

The key to maximizing credit card rewards is stacking them with other savings opportunities. Use your rewards credit card through a cashback portal while applying coupon codes to triple your savings. Remember to pay your balance in full each month, as interest charges will quickly eliminate any rewards you earn.

The 24-hour discount hack

7. Use strategic cart abandonment

One lesser-known shopping trick involves strategically abandoning your online shopping cart. Many retailers use sophisticated marketing automation to trigger special offers when they notice a potential sale slipping away. By adding items to your cart while logged into your account and then leaving the site, you might receive a follow-up email with a discount code to complete your purchase.

This technique works best when you’re not in a hurry to make a purchase and are willing to wait 24-48 hours to see if a better offer materializes. Some retailers might even increase their discount offers if you wait longer. However, don’t rely on this strategy for items you need immediately or items that might sell out quickly.

Carefully evaluate loyalty programs

8. Join store loyalty programs selectively

Store loyalty programs can offer substantial savings, but they require careful evaluation. Free programs at stores where you frequently shop are usually worth joining, mainly if they offer free shipping benefits or member-only discounts. However, paid membership programs like Amazon Prime require a careful cost-benefit analysis—calculate how much you’ll save compared to the membership fee.

The best loyalty programs offer a combination of immediate discounts and long-term rewards. Look for programs that don’t require spending more to reach reward thresholds and offer easy-to-redeem benefits. Keep track of your rewards and use them before they expire, as many programs have points that disappear after a certain period.

Keep a record of your rewards

9. Leverage shopping portals

Shopping portals offered by credit card companies, airlines, and other organizations can provide additional rewards on purchases you’re already making. These portals often feature increased rewards during holidays and special promotions, sometimes offering as much as 10 points per dollar spent. The key is comparing portal rewards rates before purchasing, as they vary significantly.

When using shopping portals, keep detailed records of your expected rewards and follow up if they don’t post to your account. Most portals have specific tracking requirements, so follow their guidelines to ensure you receive credit for your purchases.

Protect your personal information

10. Practice safe shopping habits

While saving money is important, protecting your financial information should be your top priority. Use virtual credit card numbers when available—these temporary numbers link to your real credit card but protect your actual account details from potential security breaches. Shop only on secure websites (look for “https" in the URL) and avoid saving your credit card information on retail websites unless necessary.

Regular monitoring of your credit card statements helps you spot unauthorized charges quickly. Use strong, unique passwords for your shopping accounts, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them securely. These safety measures protect your money and identity while you pursue the best deals online.

Ready to start saving money on your online shopping?

The first step is ensuring you have fast, reliable internet service that won’t disappoint you when hunting for deals. Slow connections mean missing out on limited-time offers, and unreliable service might cut you off right as you’re about to score a great discount.

Enter your zip code here to compare internet providers and plans in your area. You’ll see side-by-side comparisons of speeds, prices, and special offers from top providers, helping you ensure you have the perfect connection for your online shopping needs.

If you have any trouble finding your way around the internet, you can get oriented with our beginner’s guide to using the internet.

Sources

[1] Digitalcommerce360.com. “US ecommerce sales reached $1.119 trillion in 2023"

[2] Support.google.com. “How Google Shopping works"

[3] Joinhoney.com. “Honey Home"

[4] Camelcamelcamel.com. “Save money on Amazon"

[5] Rakuten.com. “Shop like always. Save like never before."

[6] Home.ibotta.com. “Cash back every time you shop."

[7] Capitaloneshopping.com. “You’ll never have to wait for a sale again."