How to get Cash-Back, Rebates & Discounts on Holiday Shopping

Finding great deals and sales is not the only way to save money on your Holiday Shopping. With a little "know how and where", you can score bigger this Holiday Season by doing some cash back, rebate and discount shopping.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Cash-Back Credit and Debit Card Programs.
   
   The easiest way to earn cash back on purchases is by using credit and debit cards that reward you automatically when you use your cards. Check your credit and debit card programs to see which ones offer such programs.
   
   The one I use the most is my PayPal ATM/Debit Card. This is the PayPal Preferred Rewards 1% Cash Back Program. Eligible Purchases: The PayPal Preferred Rewards program provides 1% cash back for all Debit Card purchases that do not require a PIN. Most transactions do not involve a PIN, such as restaurant bills or paying online.
   
   Many merchants that do ask for a PIN (e.g. at gas stations or grocery stores) offer you the option of choosing 'Credit' or 'ATM/Debit' when making a transaction. To qualify for the 1% cash back, you must choose 'Credit'.
2. Free Shipping Offers.
   
   Now, if you're like me and love to shop online, another easy and big way to save money is to get free shipping. A few of my favorite online stores include:
   
   JCPenney.com
   Free Shipping on orders $49 or more.
   
   LLBean.com
   Free Shipping - no minimum order.
   
   ToysRUs.com
   Free Shipping on orders $49 or more.
   
   eToys.com
   Free Shipping on most items.
   
   Amazon.com
   Free Shipping on orders $25 or more.
   
   Macy's.com
   Free Shipping on orders $99 or more.
   
   Overstock.com
   Almost free - entire orders ship for only $2.95.
3. Online Rebates Online Rebates and Coupon Codes.
   
   Shop web sites that offer online shopping rebates and coupon codes.
   
   Here's a couple to get you started:
   
   eBates.com
   eBates.com is my favorite. This site/company has been around forever and is quite reputable. Sign up for a free membership account. Log in and then shop using their store links. You earn cash back and rebates instantly. Plus, for a limited time, you'll get a FREE $10 Sign Up Bonus.
   
   MrRebates.com
   Once you are signed up, simply shop at one of over 1000 cash-back stores such as 1800Flowers, Buy.com, Dell, Overstock, Smartbargains and more. Combine online coupons plus a cash-back rebate and you save big money with Mr. Rebates!
4. In-store and Manufacturer Mail-In Rebates.
   
   RebatePlace.com
   This site lists tons of in-store and manufacturer rebates. What's better is that you can download and print the rebate forms right from their website. Go to the bottom of the home page and use the "Search for Rebates" feature for manufacturer rebates.
   
   PriceGrabber.com
   Has a section listing manufacturer and product rebates, instructions and forms.
   
   OfficeDepot.com
   Always has tons of manufacturer rebates.
   
   OfficeMax.com
   Always has lots of manufacturer, store and product rebates available.

Tips & Warnings

• Try using a combination of free shipping, rebates and cash-back programs to score big on your Holiday Shopping!
• Don't forget to save your receipts and/or UPC codes for rebates!