CreditCards.com's guide to online holiday shopping 2009

We're shopping earlier, budgeting more, going online for bargains

By Matt Schulz

For the 2009 holiday season, we're shopping early, we're shopping with a budget and we're shopping online, according to studies.

One in five Americans have already started their holiday shopping, according to a survey from performance marketing firm Performics. 

The 2009 Online Buyer Economic Trends Study says one in five consumers began their winter holiday shopping in mid-September. While they may not be spending wildly -- the recession is prompting people to keep their credit cards in their wallets -- 29 percent of those surveyed said they plan to start their shopping earlier than they did last year.

In addition, research into this year's holiday shopping patterns from Information Research Inc. predicts that 2009 will be the season of the online budgeter. Only one in five shoppers will not have a budget. In addition, an 18 percent increase in online shopping from 2008 is expected, when only 41 percent of consumers shopped online, according to the firm. 

That will put more people into cyberstores than ever, putting them at risk for actions by the ever-present cybergrinches. Here are ways to avoid them.   

Take the fear out of online shopping

When it comes to shopping online, be cautious rather than fearful. We've got some hints to help you shop with as much peace of mind as possible. 

Online shopping's not just for credit cards anymore

New solutions are being created to further safeguard credit card information. Here are some of the most widely used, and safe, online shopping alternatives.

Where you shop, what you buy can hurt your credit

As credit card companies continue to tighten their lending standards on card users, some are using purchasing data -- gleaned from millions of card transactions processed daily -- to weed out who may or may not be good credit risks.

4 tips for protecting personal information online

As Internet criminals grow smarter and sneakier, it's increasingly difficult to keep your credit card and personal information safe. Here are four fundamental tips.

Credit card dangers lurk on smaller Web sites

The deals you can find on smaller Web sites can sometimes be greater than those of the giant online retailers. The problem is -- so can the danger.

See related: Video: Holiday shopping tips, Shopping and credit cards

Published: October 14, 2009

	Three most recent Shopping stories: As Americans tighten belts, they adjust attitudes toward credit – If buying on credit today were a card game, it would be Texas Hold 'Em. Consumers keep their credit cards close to their vests, leaving merchants to wonder if the newfound frugality is a fad or a bluff ... Shopping and credit cards – For some, a mall and a credit card are a financially toxic mix. It need not be so. These tips will help you become a savvier shopper -- and maybe even save some money ... 'Free trial' offers can bring unwanted credit card charges – Ever fall for the "order now and receive a free trial offer" on the latest energy booster or anti-aging cream? You're not alone. Here's how to avoid getting scammed ...

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