Online shopping has become a convenient and viable option for most Indians, as you can shop in comfort, without having to lug heavy bags around or go from shop to shop, comparing prices. You can find the best deals and even make payments online, using credit cards, debit cards or net banking.
To get started, all you need is internet access and a banking card. Shopping online will open a whole new world to you.
Advantages of Using Cards for Online Shopping
Online shopping is convenient and also cost efficient. Moreover, users are able to compare larger number of options from the comfort of their homes or offices, saving time and energy. Users can enjoy even greater benefits if they opt to pay for their online purchases using cards. Some of these benefits are discussed below:
- Earn reward points – Most card issuers offer users a rewards program on purchases made using their cards. The rewards can later be exchanged for other offers, such as flight tickets, movie tickets, free shopping vouchers etc.
- Cash back – Several institutions provide users cash back offers on money spent on their cards. This can help you further save on your total spending.
- Special offers and discounts – Card issuers often have tie-ups with online vendors to provide special offers for their cardholders. They can also enjoy additional discounts over and above the regular price reductions available for online shoppers.
- Equated monthly installment (EMI) options –Users can now purchasetheir dream products (high-end electronics, latest smart phones, etc.) without having to worry about the immediate financial charges some issuers give cardholders the option to pay for these purchases on EMI, which makes the products more affordable.
Payment options
While there are several options to pay for your online purchase, most people choose to pay using their cards. In addition to the obvious convenience of making card payments, there are several benefits of using this option.
- Payment guarantee – With an ATM card, the payment is instantly credited to the vendors. The same is true for payments made through credit cards. With the latter, you have the additional benefit of not making the immediate payment out of your pocket. The card issuer gives you credit for the purchase that only has to be repaid with the next billing cycle. This gives you greater flexibility.
- Safe and convenient – Card payments are completely safe and conducted over secure gateways. They need user authorization, which provides protection and prevents misuse. You do not have to pay cash with this option.
- Offers – Most reputed banks, like Kotak Bank, Deutsche Bank, and HSBC, offer excellent and exclusive offers and discounts for online shoppers who pay through their cards. Several merchants and institutions even providecashback offers on purchases made using cards.
The growth in online ecommerce is not surprising considering the consumer benefits in terms of saved money and time. In addition to the immediate benefits, there are also gains to be made from the use of banking cards for such purchases. The combination of benefits is unbeatable and most consumers today do not need to think twice before shopping online.
Author Bio:
Tejas Kunder is an independent blogger and writing has been his passion for a long time. A journalism grad, he loves exploring the world of sports, health, lifestyle and travel. When he’s not writing, he’s out on his bike discovering new places, apart from that he loves listening to music and catching up on the latest flick
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