As more Singaporeans turn to online shopping for its convenience, and also the more affordable prices, it has become more important for them to get the best out of their online purchases.
With the preferred payment method for online purchases being credit card, it is important to ensure your payment is secure and also every buck spent is stretched!
One way is of course, to look out for sales and discounts – but when there is none – it pays to have the right credit card to see you through the non-sale season.
According to a study conducted by Visa, a global payments technology company, Singaporeans are South-east Asia's top online shoppers, with 26% of Singaporeans shopping online at least once a week, and 50% would do all their shopping online if possible.
With such a big market in Singapore, it is important for them to know how to get the best out of their money when they are spending online.
According to another survey by Nielsen released in November 2014, 39% of Singaporeans prefer to pay with credit card, 14% debit card and 2% prepaid card.
Credit card is one of the most secure and convenient payment methods online and consumers in Singapore use more than three cards.
Since shoppers are already spending online with the cards, it is even more important now to use the right plastic and be rewarded for every online spending.
Choose a card that offers the highest cash back or lets you accrue the most reward points for online payments. One such card is the Standard Chartered SingPost Platinum Visa Credit Card.
This card offers 7% CashBack for online purchases and 6% on supermarket purchases, as well as, 0.25% on other retail spending.
That's almost like getting a 7% discount for all your online shopping!
Be shop savvy. Just like how you are drawn to the huge SALE sign when you are at the mall, turn on the same radar when you are shopping online.
Always be on the lookout for great deals and only buy from merchants that offer you the best value for your money. One way of doing that is to sign up for newsletters with your favourite online shops, so you'll be the first to know if there is a sale going on.
However, you can't possibly buy everything when there is a sale only. This is when the right credit card that treats you like a VIP when it comes to online shopping comes in handy.
With the right credit card, there will always be discounts and promotions with selected merchants, all year long. Shopping with an online shopping credit card like SingPost Platinum Visa Credit Card opens up doors to various discounts like S$20 off for every S$80 spent for new customers in Omigo, and an additional 15% for the subsequent purchases.
For example, if you are planning to buy a pair of headphones at Omigo with your SingPost Platinum Visa Credit Card, here's how much you can save!
With the cashback and upfront rebate, you have saved about S$41.63 overall – that's a 12.7% discount!
What you save on petrol and parking from driving to the mall, you will most probably make it up in delivery or shipping cost when you shop online. Therefore, always take the shipping cost into consideration before you make your online purchase.
There are many e-commerce sites that offer free shipping, some with minimum order, others without. Omigo, is one of the sites that offer free shipping for all your order (T&C apply).
Customers of Reebonz also get to enjoy free shipping for all orders, which arrive wrapped in their signature Reebonz black box with gold ribbon. The company also absorbs all customs duties and taxes that might be incurred during overseas deliveries.
By knowing where to shop and omitting the shipping cost, you can save a lot more on your online spending!
Avoiding online credit card fraud is the best way to save your money. Therefore, it is imperative to check that the website you are buying from is legitimate and secure! Or, you can check out our list of reputable online shopping champions.
Another way of protecting yourself from errant online merchants that charge you more than others is by using a credit card like SingPost Platinum Visa Credit Card. You can claim for a refund of 50% of the price difference if you find a lower price of the same item within 30 days of purchase.
With this online price guarantee protection whenever you purchase something online, you will be sure that you can get the best online deal most of the time.
To be safe, make sure that the web address of the page starts with https:// before you enter payment or any personal details. Check also that a small padlock appears at the bottom of your screen. It's also a good idea to print out a copy of your order for your reference rather than rely on having it sent to your email.
When it comes to online shopping, security is a priority, but saving money is equally important. Using the right credit card can make a lot of difference in how much you can save in the long run.
If you are an online shopaholic, it's time you save some of the spending with the Standard Chartered SingPost Platinum Visa Credit Card and receive up to S$120 worth of vPost and Omigo vouchers when you apply for your card today.