Written by Barry Choi
Published Oct 29, 2026 | 8 minute read
Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren't just shopping days anymore—they're shopping seasons. What began as two whirlwind sales events has stretched into weeks of door-busting discounts and record-low prices across nearly every retailer.
With so many deals flying around, the difference between saving a little and saving big often comes down to preparation. If you want to score the best bargains, you'll need to plan, track prices and shop with a strategy.
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Here are 10 tips to navigate Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping.
The best Black Friday and Cyber Monday savings often go to shoppers who prepare ahead of time. Since virtually every retailer participates in Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you can start getting ready weeks ahead of the sale days.
Do this before the sales begin:
Many Black Friday deals launch early online, so you can often lock in savings without ever leaving your couch. A little prep can go a long way toward saving big and shopping smart.
READ MORE: AI-Powered Shopping: Find the Right Fit in Less Time
While the lines have blurred, each shopping event still has a distinct focus. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, and:
Cyber Monday follows three days later, and:
With the rise of pre-Black Friday and Cyber Week extensions, these deals can often span two weeks, and sometimes even longer.
To set the days apart, some retailers may offer exclusives either in-store or online. If you enjoy the buzz of in-person shopping, Black Friday may be your moment. If you'd rather skip the crowds, consider sticking to Cyber Monday online deals.
Hot-ticket items disappear quickly during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, thanks to high demand and limited inventory. Shopping early gives you the best chance of grabbing what you want before it's gone, helping you avoid potential shipping delays.
Many retailers launch deals days in advance and carry more stock online. If you've already created a shopping list, it shouldn't be too hard to secure what you want. Keep in mind that many retailers will also restock online, so there may still be a chance to get a deal even if you missed out at the start.
Look for cards that reward your spending categories—like extra points or cash back on purchases—or those that offer flexible financing if you're making larger buys.
Some Synchrony Marketplace retail partners may also offer promotional financing or deals. Choosing the right card for your shopping strategy can help your purchases work harder for you.
Use websites, like the Synchrony Marketplace, explore deals that may stack with Black Friday discounts. When making your Black Friday lists, be sure to search your favorite retailers for more deals.
Mobile apps can also be game changers for Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping. They make it easy to compare prices, find deals and even navigate store visits. The MySynchrony Mobile App is a simple way to tap into Synchrony Marketplace and shop curated deals and financing offers.
Use your smart shopping list (mentioned in step 1 above) to stay on track with your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping. Before grabbing a “too good to pass up" deal, pause and ask yourself if you would buy it if it weren’t on sale.
If you want some financial flexibility for impulse purchases, set aside a separate budget dedicated to those “I just really want this” items.
Before the sales start, rank your shopping list by importance and set spending limits for each category. This can help you focus on what matters most and avoid blowing your budget on lower-priority items. Have backup picks ready, too. That way, if your top choice sells out, you'll still walk away with something worthwhile.
Flexibility is key. Sometimes better discounts pop up closer to the sale dates or from brands you hadn't considered. Switching to a similar product at a lower price can make room in your budget for other must-haves. If a key item isn't on sale, consider whether it's better to buy it now or wait. Track your list during the sales, cross-off purchases, and adjust your budget as needed.
Shop smart and watch for fake sites and shady ads that scammers use during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Here’s how to avoid holiday shopping scams:
If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
READ MORE: 5 Expert Tips for Shopping Online Safely
Black Friday and Cyber Monday flood retailers with millions of online orders, which can slow down fulfillment and stretch delivery timelines. While most purchases will arrive on time, delays can happen during the holiday rush.
If you need something quickly—like a gift for an upcoming event—shopping in-store may be the safer bet because you walk out with your purchases. For online orders, place them early to get ahead of the shipping crunch and always check estimated delivery dates before hitting “buy." You can also see if in-store pickup is available, which gives you the convenience of ordering online with the certainty of grabbing your items the same day.
A hidden perk of Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping is the extended return window. Since many purchases are holiday gifts, retailers often allow returns into January, giving you extra time to decide if you want to keep an item.
That said, every store sets its own rules. Read the fine print to find out precisely how long you have and what conditions apply. Some retailers require original packaging or receipts for a return, so keep everything together just in case. And if you're buying electronics or big-ticket items, check warranty coverage—it can save you from headaches down the road.
Hitting “buy now" isn't the finish line. Smart shopping means tracking your purchases, watching for price adjustments and staying alert to extra savings opportunities that pop up during the season. A little organization after checkout can protect your budget, simplify returns and keep holiday stress to a minimum.
On your spreadsheet, record confirmation numbers and expected delivery dates for all your online purchases. As items arrive, check them off so you can quickly spot any missing packages. If a delivery runs past its estimated date, contact customer service with the order details ready.
Also, review your credit card statements to ensure the correct prices were charged and that you weren't double charged. If you don't recognize a transaction, follow up immediately to confirm it isn't a fraudulent purchase.
Even though Black Friday and Cyber Monday usually offer the best deals, there's a chance that a better offer will appear as you get closer to the holidays. With extended return policies, you may be able to swap for a better price, ask for a price adjustment, or upgrade to a different item without losing out.
It's also a good idea to follow your favorite retailers and brands on social media, as they might drop exclusive deals there. Subscribing to newsletters is another way to stay ahead so you don't miss limited time offers.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be the best times of the year to score big savings, but without a plan and a budget, it's easy to overspend or get lost in the chaos. By researching ahead, tracking prices and staying disciplined, you can make the most of the deals—without the stress.
As you prepare to shop this holiday season, consider how you pay. With a Synchrony-issued credit card, you may be able to take advantage of special offers and financing at participating retailers. Browse the Synchrony Marketplace to explore a range of retailers in one place and discover opportunities to save. Smart planning plus the right tools can help you finish the season with both the gifts you wanted and money still in your pocket.
READ MORE: 14 Grinch-Free Ways to Save Money This Holiday Season
Synchrony helps you get the most out of everyday life. Explore our financing and savings products, plus deals and offers from the brands you love. Learn more.
Barry Choi is an award-winning personal finance and travel expert. He regularly appears on various shows in Canada and the U.S., where he talks about all things money and travel. His website, Money We Have, attracts thousands of visitors daily looking for the latest stories on travel and money.
*Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Promotional financing offers available at the time of purchase may vary by location. See store for details.