Guide to Shopping on Cyber Monday

The Monday after Thanksgiving is the year’s biggest day for online shopping.

Known as Cyber Monday, this shopping holiday offers a chance to save big without braving large crowds or heavy traffic on Black Friday.

Understanding Cyber Monday deals

While Black Friday is associated with brick-and-mortar stores, Cyber Monday sales happen online. What started as a 24-hour event in the U.S. is now a global phenomenon, with many retailers offering digital deals for the entire week. You may find deep price cuts on home décor, pet supplies, electronics, toys, apparel, beauty products, sporting goods, small appliances and even streaming bundles.

Preparing for Cyber Monday shopping

Preparing ahead can help you have a more organized shopping experience.

Set a budget

With a detailed Cyber Monday budget, you can manage your spending effectively. Consider dividing your shopping list into needs and wants, and then again into groups like gifts and household essentials. Planning your shopping like this could make it easier to set specific spending limits for each category and keep your budget on track.

Leaving room for shipping costs and taxes may help you stay within your spending limit. You might also consider opting for brands that offer free in-store pickup.

Take advantage of technology

Simple tools like browser extensions and email can streamline your Cyber Monday shopping experience.

Monitor price trends: Some apps let you automatically track prices. Setting up alerts can let you know when deals on products you want become available.

Consider a browser extension:  If you have an eligible Citi^® credit card, consider getting the Citi Shop^SM browser extension. The Citi Shop browser extension searches for offers at over 5,000 online merchants.  Plus, Citi Shop searches for coupons.

Know where your receipts will go:  It can be hard to keep track of all your purchases, and you may find yourself wondering what’s shipped, what’s arrived or what you still need to order. Consider creating a dedicated email account specifically for online shopping. This way, all your shipping details and receipts will go to one convenient location. 

Smart shopping strategies for Cyber Monday

These Cyber Monday tips may help you save more.

Start shopping early

Some retailers only offer deals on a limited number of in-demand items. Items can sell out, and some deals may happen earlier in the day. Starting early can help you feel less pressured, which may reduce the likelihood of making impulse purchases.

Do your research

Getting ready ahead of time by deciding what you want to buy and reading reviews may help you make more informed decisions. For instance, a detailed review could help you decide whether a piece of clothing might fit or if a new electronic will be compatible with your existing ones.

Checking each retailer’s return and refund policy before clicking “buy now” can help, too. If you know what to expect from the process, you may feel more at ease if you need to exchange or return something.

This article is for general educational purposes. It is not intended to provide financial advice. It also is not intended to completely describe any Citi product or service. You should refer to the terms and conditions financial institutions provide for various products.