For the American Express Savvy Shopping Mistakes giveaway you guys were asked to list your personal shopping mistakes. While we were sifting through all of them we found that many of you, myself included are making the same mistakes. Oh and the winner of the giveaway was scottsgal.

Not signing up for and using a store rewards/points program.

I believe in signing up for any and all free points programs like the American Express Membership Rewards. If a store has a points program, I sign up, then use my credit card and wrap up points from the store and from the credit card. Costco is a really great store that gives you twice the rewards using American Express.

Buying something you don’t need just because it’s a good deal.

Buying clothes when you can’t check their size or return them when they don’t fit.

I’m guilty of this one, but have worked on it quite a bit. My advice is, if you can get it for free then don’t pass it up. But if it’s not free and you don’t NEED it and you’re not giving it to charity keep walking! Don’t buy it.

Not returning something you really should return.

Oh I’ve been guilty of this one too. Sometimes returning something seems like a pain in the rear. You have to get out of the house and back to the store and returning things on-line is a hassle too. It’s best just to think about every purchase before you make it, but sometimes it happens and you determine it wasn’t right for you. Make sure you return it and pay attention to the store’s return policy. If you wait too long you might not even be able to return it.

Bought something that was a good deal, but the product ended up being poor quality.

Impulse buying and not searching for the best deal or using coupons.

Not reading the checking the product details, reading reviews, and reading the fine print and store policies.

Do your research before buying a products. I know that I’ve been guilty of buying something just because it’s a good deal. I may not have needed it or it may have turned out to be a dud. Well, just a little research, reading reviews, looking at product demos, or by going into a store and actually playing with the product would save you the trouble. Do your homework before buying.

American Express Return Protection can be used when a Cardmember no longer wants an item they purchased but the merchant’s return policy has expired and they will no longer take the item back. Return Protection refunds the full purchase price of an item up to $300, excluding shipping and handling of eligible items bought with the Card for up to 90 days from the date of purchase. The maximum annual refund is $1,000 annually per Card account.

Buying from third party sellers, auctions and shady websites.

You need to make sure that people you buy from are verified sellers, or trusted retailers. Also, it’s important to understand how your credit card will protect you when you purchase something on-line from an untrusted vendor. American Express Purchase Protection can protect eligible purchases made with the Card against accidental damage and theft for up to 90 days from the date of purchase. This service can be used when something a Cardmember buys is broken or stolen. With Purchase Protection, American Express will repair, replace, or reimburse up to the amount charged to the Card, not to exceed the original purchase price. Coverage is up to $1,000 per Occurrence, up to $50,000 per Cardmember Account per Calendar Year.

Buying a car or other big purchases that can’t be returned.

Again, you need to do your research before buying a larger item.

And the final mistake…..Having your credit card info stolen (online or at a store) or even accidentally leaving your card at a store.

American Express does protect you against stolen credit cards and identity theft.

ID Theft Assistance:

Identity Theft Assistance provides 24/7 service for Cardmembers who suspect they may be a victim of identity theft. This service helps Cardmembers detect identity theft and navigate the process of recovering their good name.  (Provided at no cost on all Cards)

Fraud Protection Guarantee:

All Cardmembers will not be held responsible for any fraudulent charges when they use their American Express Card.  

I’m receiving products from the American Express Membership Rewards program as compensation for this program.