3 Online Tools That Can Slash Your Holiday Shopping Bills

Now that October is almost over, you may be thinking about getting your holiday shopping done. By starting your holiday shopping early, you'll have more time to compare sales to find the best deals. As you shop, don't forget to use online tools that can maximize your savings. Below, I'll outline some tools that can help you keep more money in your bank account as you shop.

1. Coupon code apps and websites

Who doesn't love a discount? You can take advantage of special sales and clearance opportunities when shopping online. But you could save more money using coupons and promo codes. Many of your favorite retailers have active coupon codes you can use to get additional discounts during the checkout process.

Review our list of the best coupon apps and browser extensions to learn more so you can maximize your savings.

2. Price comparison websites and browser extensions

Another way you can save money as you check off your holiday shopping list is by using online price comparison tools. One such tool is Google Shopping. You can search by product and compare prices from various retailers. In addition to showing you prices, Google provides estimated taxes and shipping details to help you compare the total cost.

Another tool to consider using is Capital One Shopping. Tools like this can ensure you don't spend more than necessary.

3. Cash back apps

Cash back apps are another valuable tool for online shoppers. When shopping with a participating retailer, you can earn cash back rewards. You won't get an immediate discount on your shopping bill, but once you accumulate enough rewards, you can cash out your earnings to a bank account, or a payments app like PayPal.

Some popular cash back apps, like Rakuten, offer higher reward rates during the busy holiday season, so don't miss out on extra rewards.

How to save on shipping costs

As you shop online, don't forget to review shipping costs. This additional expense impacts your personal finances. Many online retailers offer free shipping if you meet order minimums. Depending on the retailer, this spending threshold is often between $35 to $50. Consider buying multiple items from one retailer to qualify for free shipping.

Another way to save on shipping costs is to shop with retailers that offer in-store pickup. If a store is near your home, this is an easy way to avoid shipping fees. Alternatively, some retailers have paid membership programs that offer free shipping perks, like Amazon Prime. In addition to free shipping benefits, there are many little-known perks to Prime memberships.

Don't miss out on credit card rewards

Many online shoppers use credit cards to pay for their purchases. Before you check out, consider what payment method could offer you the most rewards. By using rewards credit cards, you can earn points, miles, or cash back when you spend money with your cards. If you prefer cash rewards, check out our list of the best cash back credit cards.

When using credit cards, only charge what you can afford. It's best to pay your entire credit card balance off each month. If you carry a balance on your card, you'll pay credit card interest fees, which can be expensive. You don't want to risk racking up credit card debt. But the good news is you can avoid overspending beyond your means by setting and following a shopping budget.