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Online shopping 101: How to make it worthwhile

Woman browsing for online shopping tips and details on how to use a credit card to shop online and make secure online purchases
Times have changed when it comes to shopping. True, you could still spend hours browsing every store at the mall before it closes, but now you can do the same any time of the day or night by browsing on your phone! Here are some online shopping tips to make sure you’re shopping safely.
 

How to maximize your shopping experience

How to shop safely online

Pros and cons of shopping online

While we know how easy it is to just browse, click, and pay, there are also some downsides to online shopping. Let's take a look at the good and the bad:

Pros

  • Shopping is easier and faster online. You can save time and money as you can do away with transportation, parking, long lines and navigating a busy mall.
  • Wider selection. With online shopping, you can access a wider variety of brands and products that you might not be able to find at your local mall. You can even buy items abroad at the comfort of your home.
  • Benefit from customer reviews and ratings. This makes it easier for you to compare items or decide if the item is worth the money.

Cons

  • Hacking, phishing and scams. These are common, and you should always be vigilant whenever you shop online and share your information. It's always important to ensure safe and secure online shopping practices.
  • Shipping issues. With the volume of items delivered daily, damaged goods and late deliveries also happen too. Make sure to let your seller know about these problems.
  • More returns and refunds. Because you can't really see or touch what you bought until it arrives, it’s possible to get the wrong size, style or item in the mail, causing returns and refunds. Checking reviews or asking the seller about an item is a good way to avoid this.

How to maximize your shopping experience

Online shopping is fun, but it becomes so much better when you know when to shop and what to look out for to have a great shopping experience.

Shop during double-digit dates. A lot of online shopping sites have monthly sales on double-digit dates. So consider holding off on purchases until the next time the date matches the month, like 3 March or 10 October. You can save a lot as sellers often give bigger discounts on dates like these.

Look for sale vouchers and cash back offers before you buy. Save even more on your purchases when you collect sale vouchers and use cash back offers for additional discounts on items or even free delivery.

Watch out for special offers on your credit card. Some shops offer special discounts for using certain credit cards, like HSBC. Find out about the latest special offers from our partners.

Get cashback for your online shopping purchases. You can use a cashback credit card for online shopping as it offers instant rebates that let you save more on your purchases. With an HSBC Live+ Credit Card, you can enjoy as much as 5% rebate when you indulge in retail therapy. Learn more about the HSBC Live+ Credit Card cashback.

Get rewards and points when you use your credit card for online shopping. You can also use credit cards with rewards and points when used for online shopping to gain more out of your purchases. Credit cards like the HSBC Red Platinum Mastercard offer redeemable bonus points on all online shopping spends.

How to shop safely online

Shopping online might be fun, convenient and easy, but there may be fraudsters out there trying to get your money or your account information. Online shopping security is important – here are a few tips to keep you safe from these cybercriminals.

Change your passwords often. Update your passwords regularly (every 60 to 90 days) and make them as unique as possible. Also, don't use the username or password from your online banking for any other site.

Read reviews and check ratings. One way to avoid scams is to read reviews carefully. They can help you research about the shop or seller and can give you an indication of how legitimate they are.

Keep your details private. Never share your log on credentials, credit card details or your One-Time-Passwords with anyone.

Not yet an HSBC cardholder?

Explore our range of HSBC Philippines credit cards and apply for a credit card online.

Eligibility for an HSBC credit card:

• An existing locally-issued primary credit card owned for at least 12 months

• A minimum annual income of PHP400,000 for HSBC Red Platinum Mastercard

• A minimum annual income of PHP400,000 for HSBC Live+ Credit Card

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