One of the biggest changes to emerge from the New Normal is the increased need for quick, hygienic, and secure ways to do our daily tasks.

Such measures are even more important during one of the most anticipated shopping seasons of the year when you have a long list to get through. Opting to go cashless or contactless with Mastercard® is one such tip for a quick, convenient and secure way to pay so you get in and out of the store, and onto your next task, sooner. Read on for more.

Here are 7 handy tips to ensure a fuss-free online and in-store shopping experience:

Make a shopping list. It is best to make a list of what to buy to avoid impulse purchases. This will help shoppers stick to what they need.
Be critical of promotions on social media. Not all links are genuine. Some are ‘click baits’ phishing for personal information or selling items that are not as advertised. Make sure you double check your cart and know what you are paying for.
Be aware of where you shop online. Shop at trusted or familiar online sites, and always look for the lock icon in the browser to know that the site is secure. If available, also look at customer reviews.
Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi while shopping online. Hackers can easily access public Wi-Fi connections and steal personal information. So do avoid shopping online while connected to public Wi-Fi such as in airports, hotels, or other public hotspots.
Read about the store’s return policy. Each online shopping site will have a different policy. If shoppers are uncertain about details, at least make sure that returns are possible. Take note of who will be responsible for the return shipping costs as well.
Go cashless and stretch your peso. There are many ways to pay safely and securely these days, instead of relying on cash-on-delivery. One of the ways is to pay using a trusted card which prevents fraudulent transactions and also provides you with exclusive perks and great deals. Mastercard, for example, has curated a list of offers that cardholders may check out at the Mastercard Priceless Specials page.
Go contactless. If you’re going out to shop, make sure to still pay in the most secure and hygienic way possible. Choose to Tap and Go™ with Mastercard wherever you see the universal contactless symbol. Simply hold your card to the payment terminal for an easier and fuss-free checkout experience. The best part is your card never has to leave your hands, making it safer for you and the cashier!