Online shopping has grown to become a dominant force in the retail industry, reshaping how people purchase goods. With just a few clicks, you can browse endless product selections, compare prices, and have items delivered straight to your door—which means no more long lines and physical trips to stores. Online shopping is unmatched in its convenience, and this naturally appeals to busy consumers looking to save both time and energy. For many, it’s become the go-to option for everything from everyday essentials to luxury items.
However, the convenience of online shopping does come at a certain cost, as the digital age has also opened doors for scammers and other criminal actors. Consumers need to be more vigilant than ever in the face of phishing attacks and counterfeit products, among other threats. At the same time, shoppers may also find that the ease of adding items to a virtual cart can lead to impulsive purchases and result in overspending or buyer’s remorse. In such an environment, it’s best to carefully consider purchases and seek out the best deals before finalizing any transaction.
Maya offers tools and insights that empower consumers to navigate the online shopping landscape more wisely. We’ll help you to not only secure your transactions but also to make your money work the hardest it possibly can for you. Here are a few practical tips you can try to make online shopping safer, more manageable, and ultimately more rewarding:
Shop with a Credit Card
Using a credit card for online purchases offers benefits that stand to enhance both security and savings for shoppers. Many credit cards provide features such as fraud liability coverage, which prevent you from being held accountable for unauthorized charges. Some cards also offer extended warranties or purchase protections that can be particularly useful for higher-value items. On top of that, using a credit card helps consolidate your transactions into a single billing cycle, so it’s easier to track and manage expenses. These perks, combined with rewards programs, make it wise to choose the best credit card for online shopping available.
The Maya Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, a product by Maya, is rapidly gaining recognition as the best credit card for online shopping in the Philippines. It allows you to earn rewards on a broader range of purchases than the average cashback card, so you’re not limited to just a small handful of merchants to earn rewards from. The card offers tiered cashback benefits—up to 5% at Landers, 2% on dining, and 1% on other qualified transactions. The flexibility to earn rewards from a variety of spending categories makes this card ideal for frequent online shoppers looking to maximize their savings. The card also integrates seamlessly with the Maya app, thereby providing real-time transaction monitoring capabilities and dynamic security features to safeguard every purchase.
Compare Prices before Buying
Prices for the same product can vary dramatically between online stores, and rushing through a purchase without comparing prices means missing out on potential savings. Take the time to browse different platforms or use price comparison tools to verify that you’re getting the best deal available. This strategy both saves money and preserves your peace of mind, as you come out of your retail therapy sessions knowing you’ve made an informed decision. It’s an especially smart approach to apply for higher-ticket items like electronics and appliances.
Time Big Purchases around Sales
Strategically timed purchases can boost your savings by a surprisingly large margin. Seasonal sales events such as Black Friday, 11.11, and Christmas sales often come with deep discounts across multiple categories. Some online retailers may also run flash sales, loyalty programs, or exclusive discounts during holidays. Plan ahead by bookmarking desired items or setting alerts and you can capitalize on these limited-time offers without making rushed decisions.
Stay Focused on Things You Need
The excitement of online shopping can quickly lead to overbuying, especially with limited-time offers and endless product recommendations at every turn. Without clear boundaries, it’s easy to be drawn into buying things that aren’t essential. To avoid falling into this trap, try creating a shopping list beforehand or setting a budget for your spending. These seemingly simple practices help you stay on track and prevent impulsive purchases, as you ensure that every item in your cart adds value to your life rather than clutter. Shopping intentionally can also free up resources for larger, more meaningful purchases in the future.
Check for Free Shipping or Bundle Offers
Shipping costs can inflate your total bill, especially when buying smaller items. Many online stores offer free shipping for purchases that exceed a certain amount, making it worth combining items to hit the minimum threshold. Bundle deals, such as “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” promotions, can also enhance savings if they align with your planned purchases. Before you proceed to checkout, check whether the store offers discounts or waived shipping fees, as this can be an easy way to reduce your expenses.
Beware of Phishing Scams
Online shopping requires caution, as phishing scams continue to evolve and become more sophisticated. Fraudsters often pose as legitimate companies by sending fake emails or messages that trick users into sharing sensitive information or clicking harmful links. Instead of clicking on email links, navigate directly to the store’s official website to confirm any promotions or account updates. Avoid providing personal details to unfamiliar sites, and always verify URLs for subtle inconsistencies that indicate fraudulent pages.
Vet the Websites You Shop On
Not every website that offers great deals can be trusted, and shopping from unreliable sources can lead to headaches ranging from lost shipments to compromised data. Before making a purchase, research the platform’s credibility. Look for well-documented customer reviews and check for signs of legitimacy, such as HTTPS encryption and contact information. A quick browse through social media channels can also give insight into the store’s reputation and responsiveness to customers. Even spending just a few minutes vetting a website will do a lot to help you avoid issues later.
A thoughtful approach to online shopping guarantees that you get the most value out of every transaction while safeguarding your financial well-being. We at Maya think you deserve nothing more than the best cashback credit card for online shopping to make your experiences more rewarding. Don’t hesitate to take the next step and apply for the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card through the Maya app today!
*Transactions that don’t qualify include: cash in, cash advance, quasi cash purchases, casinos and gambling, fuel, supermarket, pharmaceuticals, utilities, telco, and government.
