Online shopping is very convenient, but also addictive and often misleading. While you can’t just give it up, especially today when it’s risky to go shopping in person, you can make your shopping experience less traumatizing for your bank account. Be a smart online shopper with these tips up your sleeve:

Safety first

Online security threats can pop up every time you’re online, so make sure to keep your shopping safe. Before you input any credit card and address information, ensure that the website is secure. Start by checking the address—it should start with https and not just http. Next, invest in a secure router or get a VPN, but make sure to avoid public Wi-Fi networks. Update all antivirus software on your laptop or phone (buy one if you don’t have it yet). If you want to avoid those annoying and intrusive marketing trackers that spy on your shopping preferences, browse in incognito. When it comes to sharing your personal info, only do it when necessary.

Read reviews

Most legit shopping websites have comment sections and a feedback sector for sellers and buyers. When buying something at the auction or from an online flea market, make sure to only do business with sellers with high ratings and numbers of transactions. The higher the number, the more legit the seller is. Search around and locate websites like Activated You coupon that may have useful offers.

Employ browser extensions

In most cases, prices vary from retailer to retailer, so you might want to compare prices and keep your options open. And you don’t even have to waste time doing this by hand! With browser extensions on Google Chrome, you will get to compare prices and get notifications when an item receives a discount from a retailer. This feature will allow you to save money and time while still ending up with the quality products you need.

Use cashback perks

In many cases, you can earn cashback by online shopping, so why not take advantage of that feature? There are browser extensions that provide you with cashback benefits when you shop. Also, with specific credit cards, you can double your cashback perks and get money from your card and the company that offers cashback benefits. In some countries and on some websites, online shoppers can also get practical financing plans like Humm buy now pay later for Australia which allows you to time your payments, spread out your expenses and make shopping easier for your bank account. This credit alternative makes online shopping flexible and cost-effective.

Choose your bidding battles carefully

It’s easy to get carried away and spend more money than you’ve planned when engaging in online bidding wars. If you plan to bid, make sure to come up with a maximum amount you’re willing to spend, write it down on a piece of paper, keep close to you and don’t exceed it no matter what. If the starting price is already high, it’s better to skip that particular auction, since you might be tempted to go overboard. Also, don’t get too wrapped up in the price and bidding to forget shipping costs. If you buy expensive, bulky or heavy items, your shipping costs can be high—they are also sometimes an insurance for sellers since they need to make up for a low sale price.

Read their return policy

If you can’t decide between two cute items’ color, if you’re unsure about the size or if you just can’t eyeball the fit from a photo, you might decide to buy thinking you’ll return the items if you don’t like them. However, what if that particular shop has a strict return policy and only accepts returns under certain conditions? Many such return restrictions are hidden in the fine print, so make sure to read all return, exchange and shipping policies before you open up your digital wallet. If a website doesn’t have return policies listed, don’t be lazy or shy to email them and ask.

Time your purchases

Of course, where you’re buying from is very important, but what about WHEN you’re buying? Make sure to be strategic by timing your purchases well. When it comes to buying big appliances, save these purchases for special days like Black Friday or Cyber Monday when you can get sale prices and various financing perks. For example, a stove purchased on Cyber Monday might have a 40% discount, two-year interest-free financing and a longer warranty. When you combine that with perks from your cashback card, cashback from the company and rebate from retailers, you will save a lot of money. Also, you can save shopping for the end of a season. If you need new winter clothing and winter equipment, visit websites in March and get winter stuff at a big discount. You might need to wait a few months before you can use your purchase, but time flies and winter will come sooner than you think.

With some practice and these aforementioned tips in mind, you will become a savvy online shopper every retailer and auction website fears!